I don't want to worsen relations with our coworkers. The Mother healing buff while strong doesn't particularly appeal to me, although I'm alot more concerned about the familial implications (and thus impact on Ji-Min's mental health).
And an announcement: the autowin function will temporarily be published together with the update and may remain there pending evaluation. I want to take a moment to appreciate the thinking put forth by the plan-makers; when life happens or interest wanes, their absence is heavily felt. Hence, this appears to be a good time to test whether a change promotes any positive effects. And naturally, non-autowin plans are always accepted.
"I'll be fine, mother." You take Blaine's hand as she helps you to your feet and thank her. "And I appreciate your concern. But I'll be okay after a quick checkup."
Your mother sighs. "Ji-Min, I know you're strong, but I don't know if I can trust W Corp. like you. I'm worried that they'll take a glance at your clearly-exhausted form and say you're fit to resume working."
You let go of Blaine's hand and pump a fist. "W Corp. won't let me die so easily."
"Even if you say that..."
"I'm an asset, after all. My death would be an absolute waste." A meaningless death, that is. If the Director gets too fed up with you, your last moments might be on the operating table for an experiment, and you'd have no legal right to complain.
"You're valuable. But you're irreplaceable to me." She glances at Blaine for a second. "Are you sure the pressure to overwork isn't excessive? This is just my opinion as an outside observer, but when someone collapses yet continues to work, that should send up a red flag."
A few from the crowd nod and murmur ("My friend dropped dead at work, but the company denied all responsibility." "Always thought Wings were strict, but W Corp.'s a little...").
You blush like a flag. "W-Well... it's..." Blaine nudges your shoulder, and you take a deep breath. Your tension eases. "If you work hard, it's natural to look like you're struggling. Doesn't mean that I should give up, right?"
"No, but..."
"When I was training, I pushed myself as hard as I could. Remember the time when I fell asleep into my soup?"
Blaine giggles. "Did you really?"
Even your mother cracks a grin.
"Please trust my judgment. I know you're worried, and I'll keep your warning in mind, but I need to work hard for W Corp."
"Maybe you're right..."
"Ha!" says Naveed. Clover grimaces at her, but it misses Naveed's attention. "Work hard? Ji-Min, the Director thinks you hardly work at all."
You glare at her.
Clover gulps. "Naveed, I think that's a little..."
"Naveed." Blaine tilts her head to the surrounding crowd. "Make a scene, and even the Director won't save you. Leave."
Naveed shrugs and leaves while Clover sighs and follows. They're gone, but not the frown on your mother's face.
"Mother, you can ignore her; I'm sorry that you had to see that."
"There's always bad apples. But it doesn't sound like W Corp. appreciates the work you do. How can I leave you in the hands of such an uncaring Wing with a clear conscience? What kind of mother would I be if I didn't express some concern? Back when you were training, you might've been exhausted, but at least your tutors were supportive. I don't sense that here."
You can write off your mother's concern and call her overprotective. You can say W Corp. being cold doesn't bother you.
But you remember Blaine's earlier nudge.
"I have coworkers who trust and support me. Even if you don't believe in W Corp., you can believe in my coworkers."
Blaine puffs her chest and puts a hand on your shoulder. "Ji-Min is safe with us at her side. And if we weren't under J-Locks, I'd go into more detail about how great she is."
Your mother studies Blaine, then nods with a smile. "I understand. Thank you." You exchange a quick hug with your mother before Blaine accompanies you to Medical.
Medical's evaluation, to nobody's surprise, is that you're fit to work ("No problems with your appearance and you can still mop passengers."). However, they do add restrictions ("But that's all you'll do - mop passengers. No fighting. Also, remain in the facility for observation.")
Naveed's opinion, to nobody's surprise, is that you're being spoiled ("Figures, it's always Ji-Min undeservedly getting out of work."). However, Clover does her best to redirect the conversation ("Talking about Ji-Min always gets you upset. Why don't you, uh, tell me more about the nice restaurant you ate at yesterday?").
On Medical's orders, you spend the day off confined to a facility bed. You wonder for a moment if they have something other than K Corp.'s Sleepills, but the doctor asks how many you want. You ask for a whole five and a glass of water, which also earns you a curious look. The medicine puts you to sleep.
You wake up groggy in the evening to a bright light. Blaine hums and stretches along with a closed-caption commercial on a floating light panel featuring one of K Corp.'s fitness influencers ("Don't cry today, punch the stress away!"). Blaine finishes with a punch to the air as the commercial fades.
"Captain?"
She jumps like a Rat caught by the Zwei. "Ji-Min! I'm sorry, did I wake you up? And please, just Blaine when it's not business."
"I woke up on my own, but, uh, what was that?"
"I saw Aurél's commercial, and just... had to, y'know? Stretching's good for you, and she just released a new workout program."
"Don't get enough exercise with the passengers?"
"That's stressercise."
"If work's stressful, what're you still doing here?"
"I wanted to drop by and see how you're doing after delivering my report to the Director. Everyone's still alive and Naveed's still a pest."
"You said that?"
"He didn't have a problem with it."
"Wow. Uh, between the Director and I, we're not keeping you late or anything, are we? I didn't realize you had a family to take care of."
Blaine pauses before she shakes her head. "It's easier to just hang out here and say W Corp. kept me late. I know you're resting, but... you don't mind, do you?"
"I don't, but..." You think about the times when family life was good because relations were good and when family life was bad because relations were bad.
"You, Bahij, Kerry... despite losing Sumi and the others, and the horrible things that our job entails, my life's better here. Not enough that I want to give up everything like you to serve W Corp. forever, but I'm sort of happier here."
"Life-and-death battles sure foster a sense of camaraderie. But isn't there something you enjoy back home? Like... what's the last thing you did together with your family?"
Blaine says nothing.
"Uh..."
"My life at home's just too messy to fix. I'm sure you understand." When you don't respond, she takes a seat. "Didn't you become an asset because you had nothing left in your old life to fall back on?"
If you had a better relationship with your parents before working at W Corp., would you have decided to give up everything to become an asset?
Blaine sighs. "Forget it. When I saw you argue with your mother, I thought I put two and two together to realize we're on the same train."
"Well... uh, had you asked me when I started the job, I would've agreed."
She forces a smile. "I'm super-glad that things are looking up for you."
Is Blaine that far apart from you? No way. "Things didn't fall into place on their own. It still took several weeks, and we struggled, but my mother and I are on good terms again. I don't know your situation, and I won't doubt that it's difficult, but if you take things step-by-step, maybe you'll also see improvement?"
"I'll think about it." Neither of you say anything for a few moments. "I hope you feel better. Good night."
The next morning, Medical performs the final checkup and releases you ("Take it easy this week and let the others handle the passengers."). As you get out, you see a ginger with four heart-shaped pigtails tied with blue ribbon sitting in the lounge as she scrolls through video shorts on her wPhone.
Did Clover come early to visit? Will talking with Naveed's friend lead to an awkward spot? You hope not. "Good morning, Clover. You're here early."
"Morning, Ji-Min." Clover pockets her wPhone, and you both head for the conference room. "Feeling better?"
You spin your arms, then twirl. "Medical says to take it easy, though." You leave out a jibe about what would Naveed say. "Did you come to check up on me?"
"Yup! I, uh, wanted to get here before Naveed starts hovering around me."
"Thanks. Uh..." You debate asking about her choice of words before deciding this might be your only opportunity to talk with Clover and not worry about Naveed. "'Hovering' is an interesting word."
"Oh, err, maybe hovering wasn't the right word. Maybe sticking together? To be honest, I used to think you just stuck together with your seniors without caring about anyone else. But saving Bahij, not using your injury to get out of work... I was wrong about you. I'm sorry."
"Hey, no problem. But, uh, seeing you build bridges like this... what do you plan to do about Naveed?"
Clover taps her pocket a few times before responding. "I'm not sure. Not mention our meeting, at least. She has my back, I think, and I have hers. I definitely won't throw her support away. Definitely not!"
Unsure about how Clover will respond to probes about her relation to Naveed, you guide the conversation to lighter topics and exchange information about your coworkers. "Wow, really?"
"Look for yourself." Clover shows you some thumbnails for somewhat popular videos of Naveed buying a purse, eating at a fancy restaurant that you remember visiting with your parents, and bragging about joining W Corp.
Your mind generates a few lines to poke fun at Naveed that may or may not offend Clover. "I don't know what to say."
Clover stares at the W Corp. brag video with a dispassionate expression.
"Clover?"
"Huh? Oh." Clover puts the wPhone away. "I normally don't enjoy videos of rich people bragging, sorry about that. They could do so much more with their money!"
You think about the time when you were rich before joining W Corp. "I bet you've got several ideas about how the rich could make the world a better place."
"I... well. It probably wouldn't amount to much."
"Even if that's true, it wouldn't hurt to dream right?"
For a microsecond, Clover sneers before covering it with a too-cheery smile. "Right." She looks around, but there's only you two. "Although... if I were to have a smaller dream, it's that Naveed would ease up and we could all openly work together. I bet that's an impossible dream too, though."
"I can't make anyone else feel a specific way about you and Naveed, but I'm always ready to lend a hand if you need me."
"Yup! I'm really glad you're part of the crew."
Kerry arrives to the conference room and smiles when he sees you two talking. "Good morning, Ji-Min, Clover."
"Morning."
"Hi!"
"Feeling better, Ji-Min?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"When you're available," says Kerry, "I'd still like to take a moment to speak with you."
Clover bumps you with her elbow. "We should do the same again."
Later that week, the hardest Schedule II train is due to arrive. You think about your doctor's orders to let the other agents handle the passenger battle, but the passengers are borderline Schedule I.
You check to make sure Naveed isn't around. "Hey, Bahij?"
Bahij looks up from an article with many photos depicting the beaches of District 21 and smiles. "Hey, Ji-Min. What's up?"
"You know how the doctor doesn't want me fighting passengers, right?"
"Yeah, we've got you covered, Naveed and her grumbling aside."
"Can I bother you to put in extra effort? I know it's Schedule II, but..."
"Lady, I watched the Schedule II greenie murder my seniors. I take'em all seriously."
"I know, it's just... you've read the PAR? We're up against one of the Fingers - the Ring. Last time we fought a Finger, the Index killed a new agent who joined with me." You take a moment to reflect on Helena.
"Index? Man, I'm afraid to ask how that got rough. Understood. And just for you, not only will I fight enough for you, I'll also fight enough for three."
You grin. "Thanks, Bahij, I knew I could count on you."
As his cheeks redden, he returns to the beach photos. "We can all count on you, so the least I can do is to make sure that you can count on me."
The Ring's train soon arrives.
Teresa finishes his diagnostics and smirks at Blaine. "Do you enjoy the arts, janitor? The Ring never fails to entertain."
"I've seen a lot of trains. What, is their mural highly detailed this time?"
"Go ahead and read the playbill I wrote."
Blaine scrolls through the midair light panel. "Well, aren't you a work of art. Open it up."
Naked passengers, bruised and bloodied, stand in various poses like models. Some stand alone, some are positioned in awkward, offensive poses, and some of them have their limbs rearranged. Although none move from their poses, some glance at you and the rest pay no attention.
"Take'em down," says Blaine. She chops a passenger with her hatchet.
"Out of style?" Katherine stabs another with her rapier. The passenger, rearranged like the self-eating Ouroboros, makes no response. "That's unfortunate. They're more interesting to look at than our usual fare."
Bahij stabs three with his trident in the time it takes for Naveed to drill into one and Clover to poke her spear into another. The crew clears a couple more cars filled with models while you watch, then enters another car.
"I love Tybalt more than thou, Romeo!" A passenger knocks "Romeo" to the floor and impales him, which adds yet another stab wound.
"Cut!" Another passenger, one with a white suit that exposes part of his bare chest, waves his hand. On a certain finger is a one-band ring. "Spoken like you still love Romeo! Want to be a model for the next century? Look, you're embarrassing us in front of our audience."
The passengers turn to the crew.
Blaine attaches the hatchet to her belt, then raises her hands. "We've come to see your play."
"That so." The theatre director grabs the sword from "Juliet" and then cuts and kicks her to the floor. "Why watch the play when you can immerse yourself firsthand?"
"Because you and your talentless hacks can't keep up."
Katherine elbows her way to the front. "The critic has spoken! How about I treat you to a real performance?" She picks another sword off the floor and engages in a duel.
Blaine reequips her hatchet and brandishes it. "Suppress the rest!"
One passenger runs away, probably to raise the alarm, while the rest gather in front of the duelists and spread their arms. However, the talentless hacks stand no chance against a Wing. When the crew clears the defense, Katherine impales her opponent.
"B-Beautiful..."
Katherine beheads her opponent.
"Good work," says Blaine. "Next car. And be careful this time; the Ring's Maestro was rehearsing for something resembling The Last Stand."
Her prediction proves accurate. Passenger after passenger during car after car rush the crew. Each time, Bahij leads the countercharge. He endures the passengers' booing and flesh chunks that they throw at him.
The crew encounters another white suit, this one with three bands on his ring finger and artistic burns over the right side of his face. He speaks to the last group of passengers and raises a sword. "It's come to this. For the centuries we persevered with our art, we must prevail, or die gloriously!"
Bahij rushes for the Maestro while everyone else engages the passengers. The Maestro sidesteps Bahij's trident and cuts into his arm. He groans.
"Help him!" Naveed shouts at you.
Sleepills have the side effect of impairing concentration. An impaired combatant only gets in the way. However, you still know a way to help. "You can do it, Bahij!"
Bahij grips his trident tight. Blue electricity crackles at the tips. With a grunt, he stabs in the Maestro's direction. The Maestro sidesteps again, but stray bolts zap him, and he falls to the floor. As the Maestro twitches, Bahij finishes him off.
During your day off, you, Rusty, and Eytan wait for the Director in the conference room as usual.
"That's a curiosity," says Rusty. "It's not like the Director to be late."
"Might be big," says Eytan. "Have you heard the rumors? Some of the Directors are heatedly arguing with the Branch Manager. Think it has anything to do with the discussions of reducing our reg work?"
"Our fortunes might be changing soon." Rusty turns to you. "Who knows? We might join you as new agents in your cleanup crew before long."
Under the table, you fidget your hands and swing your legs. "Uh... you mean, like, a purge?"
"Treasure your youth," says Eytan. "Because you quickly get bogged down by politics when you're older."
The Director enters with Kwame, Imamu, and many others you don't recognize behind him. He begins when everyone takes their seats and growls under his breath. "Apologies. In consideration of the upcoming mission, I opted to force this meeting with the currently available assets. As of now, I am suspending non-critical routine missions for this week."
The assets slow their breathing.
"The upcoming mission is part of the Branch Manager's operation to confirm the identity of the Misery Terrorists ASAP. As you are all aware, we learned that either L Corp. or the Thumb controls the Terrorists due to their joint ownership of a proxy syndicate closely connected to Terrorist Fergus. Plus, we inflicted a significant setback with the destruction of a Terrorist warehouse. It's easy to imagine that the masterminds wish to dissuade us from further efforts.
"Hence, the Branch Manager opted to make chaos at the fulfillment centers of our commerce subsidiary, WARP Deliveries, to lure the Terrorists to cause further havoc. When the Terrorists arrive, likely their best and most-trusted, we are to ambush and kill as many as possible to identify their members or even cripple them entirely."
"That's crazy," says Kwame. "HQ approved this?"
"The Branch Manager sold it as delivering emergency information about Wing politics. To that end, he is sacrificing many of our branch's resources and staking his career on this gamble... and so long as we do our part, he can't complain about the result." The Director turns to you. "All of you will participate without exception. Do not do anything unnecessary, and follow my instructions. Dismissed."
As everyone else gets up, your wPhone beeps. It's a message from the Director requesting you to convince part of the crew to assist... by making one a sacrifice or recruiting others as additional manpower.
Week 9 (Mother) - You stayed. No change.
Week 9 (Day Off) - You rested for 5AP and restored 85HP to the maximum 90HP.
Week 9 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<5, all agents take -30HP
Katherine: (7) 1W
Naveed: (4) 1W
Blaine: (5) 1W
Bahij: (x) 3W per Ji-Min, Favors -1
Kerry: (1) 0W
Clover: (5) 1W
...7W. Victory! Clock out for Week 9.
Blaine chatted with you. Increased Rapport +2 with Blaine.
Clover chatted with you. Increased Rapport +2 with Clover.
You chatted with Clover. Increased Rapport +1 with Clover.
You didn't chat with Naveed. Decreased Rapport -1 with Naveed.
The Crew's stat changes
Ji-Min: 5HP ~ 90HP
Katherine: (40HP, Rapport +2, Favors +0, 25M, Strike +1) ~ (70HP, Rapport +2, Favors +0, 29M, Strike +1)
Naveed: (40HP, Rapport -2, Favors -1, 7M) ~ (70HP, Rapport -3, Favors -1, 7M)
Blaine: (70HP, Rapport +9, Favors +1, 13M) ~ (40HP, Rapport +11, Favors +1, 15M)
Bahij: (70HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 10M) ~ (40HP, Rapport +3, Favors +2, 10M)
Kerry: (100HP, Rapport +7, Favors -1, 4M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +7, Favors -1, 7M)
Clover: (40HP, Rapport -2, Favors -1, 6M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 6M)
Director's rapport change: -8 (no change)
INSTRUCTIONS. Submit a plan. See bottom of post for preplans.
-[] Day Off. Distribute AP up to one of the following.
--[] Sacrifice. Cleanup agents are a dime a dozen. Replaces one agent from the crew with a new one. Adds 5AP to next week's Terrorist Battle. Increase Rapport +4 with Director. Does not cost AP. Select who:
--[] Assets. Volunteer to assist Rusty and Eytan with their missions to conserve their stamina. Adds 2AP to next week's Terrorist Battle. Costs 3AP.
Warning: A Terrorist Battle will occur at the end of next week: If AP<(d6+3), Game Over / Assistants roll for major effort.
-[] Workweek. Contribute W with the crew to suppress disorderly passengers.
--[] Make requests:
--[] Contribute W to the quota. If 3W is not selected, decrease Rapport -1 with Naveed, Kerry, and Clover.
---[] 3W. Increase Favor +1 with all agents. The crew will not contribute W this week.
---[] Contribute how many W:
Note #1: Rabbit Protocol is unavailable for the current and next week.
Note #2: Next week, you must request (worth Favor -2) at least one agent to become a temporary assistant for the Terrorist Battle if Sacrifice was not chosen. Each additional assistant increases Rapport +2 with Director.
Passenger Advisory Report:
Week 10 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<3, all agents take -20HP
No action is currently asked of the following, but is published as a notice:
Passenger Advisory Report's roll (Week 11): (6)
Week 11 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<2, all agents take -15HP
-[] Relationships. Spend time with another agent. Increase Rapport +1. If Naveed is not selected, decrease Rapport -1 with Naveed. If Naveed is selected, decrease Rapport -1 with Katherine and Blaine.
[X] Plan: Sacrifice Naveed
-[x] Day Off
--[x] Sacrifice Naveed
-[x] Workweek
--[x] Contribute W to the quota.
---[x] 3W
-[x] Relationships.
--[x] Kerry
I really don't like the looks of this one.
Warning: A Terrorist Battle will occur at the end of next week: If AP<(d6+3), Game Over / Assistants roll for major effort.
It's a shame that we gotta do this, especially right after spending time shoring up relations with Clover, but I don't think we can really afford not to. We need 9AP to avoid the possibility of a Game Over. Not sacrificing Naveed means that we have to pay 3AP/30HP this week, and also gain only 2AP instead of 5AP towards the quota. That leaves us with a whopping 7AP for us and the other assets to contribute, instead of the somewhat manageable 4AP if we sacrifice Naveed.
We could maybe recruit more of the cleanup crew to make up the difference, but that means burning through more of our rather low stock of Favors.
Also, how exactly does Meltdown work again? Because we have 3 agents at or above 10M, and I'd like to know how many of them are going to Meltdown next week.
Also, how exactly does Meltdown work again? Because we have 3 agents at or above 10M, and I'd like to know how many of them are going to Meltdown next week.
When someone hits a multiple of 10M this week, next week they need to roll a meltdown check and don't get to restore HP. Pertinent to the plan selected, Katherine will need to roll 4+ next week to not die, and Kerry will need to roll 2+ next week to not die.
Adhoc vote count started by ChroniclerW on Aug 1, 2023 at 6:56 PM, finished with 7 posts and 4 votes.
[X] Plan: Sacrifice Naveed
-[x] Day Off
--[x] Sacrifice Naveed
-[x] Workweek
--[x] Contribute W to the quota.
---[x] 3W
-[x] Relationships.
--[x] Kerry
"No," says Naveed. As she rests on one of the lounge's recliners, Naveed turns her head away when you approach. "This is our break. Not even you can peel me off this chair."
"What? I'm taking time out of my asset work just to see you."
"Uh, Ji-Min?" asks Clover. "I don't think this is a good time to... do whatever it is you're planning to do."
It's never the time with Naveed. "Can't be helped. The Director needs volunteers for asset work."
"Nuh-uh. That work doesn't belong on my back."
"Clover, you might want to put some distance between yourself and us or leave. This might be messier than the passengers."
"Yike."
Naveed groans as she watches Clover strike a conversation with Blaine. "You go too. Because asset work is a you-thing, not a me-thing."
"You sure? This might be your big chance to score a favor with the Director. You want a million things more than you deserve, but you might actually get something if you help."
"Mm... no?"
"What if I cover your share of passengers this week?"
"Month."
"Done."
"That badly, huh." Naveed heaves a sigh and gets up as Blaine and Clover turn to you. "More proof that you guys just can't function without me."
"Ji-Min? You realize that even I can't save you if Naveed complains during cleanup, right?"
"Naveed, is a month really...?"
"She wants it. I say, why not let her?"
"I'll be fine, but thanks for your concern."
"Your U-Box," says Blaine.
Naveed follows you into the conference room. "What's really going on? I was half-joking when I wanted a month - no takebacks - but you've got to be really desperate to say yes." She takes a seat that faces the door.
"Let's wait for a few others to arrive." You sit facing her.
"If I can't make the train, you're taking the blame." As you both wait, a constant sound of metal interlocking fills the room as Naveed transforms an arm back and forth between regular arm mode and drill mode.
"Could you please slow down on the switching?"
Naveed whirls her drill instead, and you sigh.
Rusty and Eytan arrive after several minutes. Eytan glares at Naveed's arms before he confirms that the door is locked, then they stand next to Naveed while you stand in front of the door.
With both arms in drill mode, she stands and points them at your fellow assets. "Personal space, idiots."
"Sac another one," Eytan says to you. "I can't describe how badly I want to kill her."
"She gets that a lot."
"Made him upset," says Rusty. "How many pieces will the poor girl be in when we transport her to Engineering?"
"Ji-Min, you suck," says Naveed. "I annoy the crew a tiny bit, and you want to execute me? Seriously?"
You draw your knives as her drills whirl at full speed. "The Shi's been called for less. And technically, we're taking you alive."
Rusty fires his grappling hooks, which Naveed smacks aside with her drills. Eytan approaches in that moment, but Naveed waves her other drill; he grits his teeth and takes a step back.
"Oh? Three-on-one, and you're all still scared of me? Maybe I should sign up as an asset myself if it's this easy. You take my spot, Ji-Min."
"Rusty? Eytan? Isn't stopping Naveed from escaping more important than our health?"
Rusty retracts and reloads the grappling hooks without comment.
Eytan grunts. "Easy for you to say."
Naveed jabs at Eytan, then darts at Rusty. Rusty fires one grappling hook at Naveed's face and another at her legs, but Naveed swats away the former and jumps on the latter. She pierces Rusty, and metal shavings fly everywhere from her light hit before she rounds the table and runs at you.
You take one large step outside her lunge and slash her arm. Naveed staggers, and Eytan bashes off her damaged arm. It crashes into the floor as she shrieks and waves her other drill.
Rusty tackles Naveed's back, and she slams into the floor with the box's full weight on top of her.
"No! Stop! You can't do this to me!"
Eytan heaves his mace and smashes her drill again and again as Naveed screams and cries. Once he shatters Naveed's remaining drill, Eytan heaves his mace into her arm more and more. Blue electricity crackles as he literally disarms her.
"I'm sorry! Ji-Min, I'm sorry! I won't say anything!"
He lifts his mace over Naveed's head.
You drop your knives and grab his arm. "We're supposed to restrain her!"
"She deserves death for those filthy arms!" He struggles with you until Rusty's grappling hook binds his legs and yanks him to the floor. "And you deserve it even more!"
"Now, now."
"What's up with him?"
"Nothing much," says Rusty. "Don't forget your deal, Eytan. Your tantrums are only tolerated when it serves W Corp."
"Tch!"
You take out a gag, then kneel in front of Naveed as she shakes her head.
"Ji-Min, please, please, please..."
The room falls into silence as you gag Naveed.
The next morning, Clover grabs your shoulder before you reach the conference room, all orderly as if the Naveed fight never happened, for he Director's routine meeting with the crew. "Hey, Ji-Min? What's up with you and Naveed? She didn't return after meeting with you. Not that I'm not grateful for a break, but I was just curious."
"She's doing asset work."
"That's just what you told the Captain though, right?"
You give Clover an apologetic smile. "I can't go into too much detail about asset work. Maybe the Director will share some information?"
"I hope so."
The Director arrives soon with a new agent, yet another strong hitter with short black hair and goatee, after the crew takes a seat. "Personnel. Effective today, Naveed is transferring to another unit. Lorine will replace her."
Clovers eyes widen.
"Hey everyone, it's nice to meet you all. I used to play in a minor league owned by the King Coals. Sorry, Conductors! I've been supporting the King Coals since-"
"That will do," says the Director. The crew makes the usual introductions. "Any questions?"
Clover gulps and raises her hand. "Can I ask... what unit, exactly, is Naveed in?"
"Assets."
"Can I get in touch?"
Katherine smirks. "Why would you ever go out of your way to get in touch with Naveed? Rather, you should be throwing a party."
"Just curious."
"Asset work," says the Director, "is confidential. As such, I will not answer further inquiries regarding Naveed. Anything else?"
"But Ji-Min is an asset, and I can talk with her just fine?"
"Because I'm cleanup crew. It would be silly to ban talking with me when we need to coordinate while cleaning up the passengers."
"I... don't have any other questions."
"Dismissed. Ji-Min, remain for a minute." He continues after the crew leaves. "I thank you for contributing Naveed. Engineering says her programming was successful and is ready to be deployed for combat."
The words "human robot" cone to mind. You say nothing and nod.
"One good step creates the opportunity for another. If you wish to return to my good graces, consider contributing Clover."
"That, uh, may be difficult for various reasons." You consider asking the Director if his request might be an overreaction, but asking questions earned Clover a spot on the hit list.
"If she causes problems, I will hold you responsible. If you're willing to wait, I'll take care of her in a few weeks after the dust settles. Oh, and I'm still accepting manpower for fighting if you can convince anyone. Dismissed."
When you get out, you see Blaine and Loraine setting off on a tour around the facility while Clover watches. Clover's attention shifts to you, and she approaches you. "Can we talk?"
"Clover, if this is about Naveed again-"
"I know, but isn't it strange? Naveed was planning to upload a video yesterday after she got home, and you know that she'll never pass a chance to glorify herself. She would never give up everything to become an asset."
"A-Are you, uh, saying that W Corp. did something to her?"
"No, no, no!" Clover checks the halls, then lowers her voice to a whisper. She holds her hands as if trying to smush the air together. "I just think that you maybe know something, like maybe... a sudden change in attitude. I'm not asking for her missions or anything, so shouldn't it be fine?"
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can tell you. All I did was walk her to the Director's office. I didn't stick around or anything. Why are you even worried about this? If you aren't accusing W Corp. of doing something underhanded to Naveed, then you can deduce that she's fine." You push aside the thought of what Engineering did to Naveed. "I'm not sure what you need."
Clover's hands falls to her side as she takes a step back. "I-I'm sorry for asking."
"Don't sweat it. You two were something like partners, so it's only natural to be a little worried."
She forces a smile. "I was just hoping that maybe you could do something."
It's unfortunate to leave the conversation on this note, but there's nothing that you can safely say. You apologize one more time, then wait in the lounge.
The first train for the new team arrives, and the crew heads for the armory.
Lorine equips himself with gloves and a bat and takes a couple practice swings. "Still got it. Hey, is the orientation video real?"
"Unfortunately," says Blaine. She watches Teresa and the rest of Inspections walk down the hall. "And unfortunately, so is Teresa."
Lorine keeps swinging.
"Batter up," says Teresa. "Those passengers aren't going to stand there while you play tee ball with the passengers."
"Why would the passengers even want to play ball on the train?"
"Yeah, who wants to play with a loser who couldn't make it out of the farm league? But hey, that's why you're here; you'll never be anything more than a janitor."
Lorine takes a step until Blaine puts a hand on his shoulder. "He's not worth it."
When everyone arrives at the cab, Clover asks you a question. "Do you mind taking this train for me? I'm still, y'know, trying to get over Naveed."
"Good idea," says Blaine. The crew murmurs in agreement. "I definitely need to rest, and Lorine mentioned that he doesn't feel ready for the passengers."
"No problem," you say.
Teresa and his team appear to be engaged in their own internal discussion. From what you can hear, it sounds like one of the passengers has something valuable.
"Hey cyborg," says Blaine. "Figure out your bets before boarding."
"Why? Eager to die?" A light panel appears in front of Blaine. "Whenever you're ready, janitor."
Blaine scrolls through. "Nothing special about these passengers. Open it up."
Lorine only makes it into the first car with a couple steps before he gags and vomits. Kerry helps him take a seat and volunteers to stay with him.
Like most trains, the passengers this time are little better than zombies. Not a shred of culture remains, as if an apocalypse wiped out humanity. You cut them all without issue and encounter no resistance. The cleanup is uneventful, with a slight delay while Lorine acclimates himself before mopping his share.
Blaine completes her check on his cars. "Good job, crew. The passengers are ready for restoration."
The crew congratulates Lorine for making it through his first cleanup ("Hey man, way to power through it." "More useful than you-know-who, at least.") and returns to the cab.
"We're done," says Blaine.
"No, you ain't," says Teresa. "We're doing a partial restore."
She stares at him.
"I'm restoring the passengers in car 10 to normal. You guys are going to chop a couple of their heads off so that we can look through their brains."
Lorine clamps a hand over his own mouth.
"But why?" asks Bahij.
"Companies these days love to cut corners, and sometimes, that corner is security. Inspections exists to exploit that gap. In this case, it's a tech company's design for a new product that W Corp. is interested in stealing. So, just do what you normally do to passengers who don't listen."
Screaming lucid passengers. Vanessa flashes in your mind. You scan the crew, and only Katherine appears unbothered. "I'll do it. I volunteered to do this train, after all."
"Ji-Min," says Blaine. "Are you sure? I know that the passengers don't count as people during cleanup, but this time... well..."
"What's the problem?" asks Katherine. "We suppress passengers who kick and scream all the time."
"But they're always too far gone to resemble a normal person! At least I feel like we're fighting to save them!"
"I'll be fine," you say. "All I ask is that you don't think less of me."
"A-Alright." Blaine reviews another light panel identifying the passengers to take note of and shows you, which you share with Katherine. After discussing a strategy, Blaine turns to Teresa. "We're ready."
Teresa presses a button. The cab's blue lighting shifts to red, followed by a beeping alarm, then a message that plays multiple times: "Warning! Incomplete restoration alert!" He presses another button, and the cab returns to normal.
The crew returns to car 9 and pauses. You take a deep breath, then discuss the strategy Blaine and Katherine before entering car 10 with them while the others wait. Normal passengers turn their attention to you.
"Thank Wings," says a passenger. The other passengers breathe sighs of relief. "Was there a malfunction or something? It's been a few minutes, but aren't these trains only supposed to take ten seconds? I never experienced this before."
"Nothing to fear," you say. The three of your crew walk to a woman with large glasses, and you try not to think of Vanessa as you proceed to behead her bodyguard.
The car descends into screams. "But why!?"
"Shut up!" yells Katherine. "He was a confirmed Misery Terrorist. Remain calm and remain seated. Any disobedience will be viewed as aiding the Terrorists, and we'll respond with lethal force."
You raise your knives.
The glasses woman shakes her head and shields her face. "I-It's not me!"
Once her head falls off, you grab it off the floor by the hair.
"Don't move," Katherine says to the passengers. "We're conducting an emergency investigation. Stay seated for however long it takes; we will make an announcement when you're free to go."
You observe the passengers' reactions ("Maybe they're the Terrorists?" "But they're W Corp.!" "They're not attacking anyone else, so maybe it's okay?"), then leave them be. In car 9, Clover looks at you with newfound horror before the crew returns to the cab and you hand the heads to an engineer.
While you wait, you try to talk with Clover, but she puts up a hand.
"Just... not now. Maybe not for a while. I can still hear the screams in my head. I know you did it for us, but I just can't right now."
Blaine pats your back. "Hang in there, Ji-Min."
Once Inspections finishes a few hours later, you return with a head in each hand while the passengers remain frozen in place. You place the heads on the laps of their beheaded bodies. "We will return shortly. Do not move from your seats."
Teresa restores the entire train, and you return with the rest of the crew during the arrival inspection. None of the passengers remember anything.
After the train, you greet Kerry in the lounge as he scrolls on his wPhone. "Hey Kerry, I'm finally ready to have that chat with you. What's up?"
"Hey Ji-Min. Before we get too deep into anything, are you okay after that train? Having to do what you did couldn't have been pleasant. I know that Clover was upset, and I don't want to go into this while you're down."
"Thanks for your concern, but I'll be fine. If I couldn't get through life unless it was sunshine and flowers, I'd never have lasted this long. How about you? That train eating at your mind?"
"I'm... fine, I think. Thought we've seen it all, but that train was... "
"Yeah."
"Anyway, I wanted to ask about what you think of a possible senior's lunch out, especially now that Naveed isn't here to complain all the time. You, me, Katherine, and Blaine."
"Uh, it probably won't go over well. Last time I invited you and Katherine for a snack, I got snacked on instead. I don't think she wants anything to do with food, and Blaine disliking her is pretty much an open secret."
"What's this?" asks Katherine. "A gathering of the League of Idiots? I overheard you two talking about another get-together."
You check for Blaine before continuing, but she's not back from Medical with Lorine. "Credit Kerry, because it's his idea. He's even adding Blaine."
"Kerry, are those really your thoughts?"
He shrugs. "You don't want to get along with the ladies who can make your life easier or shorter? Besides, if Ji-Min reconciled with you despite your long-standing anger, why not try the same with Blaine?"
"Between you and Ji-Min, one of you must be taking something good."
For a moment, you wonder what a world where the four of you get along might look like. "Katherine, your problem was more with Sumaiya than Blaine, wasn't it? You're not, uh, inherently wired to hate Blaine, are you?"
"My problem was actually more with you, although yes, a lot with Sumaiya." Katherine rolls her eyes. "I don't care if Blaine wants to hate me, but I'm not opposed to establishing something cordial like what I have with you. However, I'm not thrilled about the prospect of forcing the issue."
"Or maybe," says Kerry, "it's more like letting Blaine know that the door is open. Ji-Min, I'd be grateful if you float the idea by her."
"Katherine might've joked about the event being a bad idea-"
"It's not?"
"-But I'm pretty sure that Blaine will be much more hostile. When she saw me treating you two to a snack, it became an issue. Besides, my efforts were related to relationships between myself and others, not me meddling with affairs between others."
"True," he says, "but isn't it still your concern when their affairs mean that you can't talk freely with others?"
You sigh. "I'll think about it, but no promises."
"Thank you." Kerry turns to Katherine. "How was your meeting with the Director?"
She grins. "After yesterday's thing with Naveed, I got the impression that the Director needed help badly. I had a meeting scheduled earlier this morning, where I offered to do temporary work if he could do something about my strike. We're still negotiating, and while exact details are confidential, I can probably get some good terms. Oh, and while Blaine will make an announcement, I'll be temporarily excused from cleanup work.
"Just one quick question, though Ji-Min: do you think it's better to pursue permanent asset work or continue working with the cleanup crew?"
Week 10 (Day Off) - Sacrificed Naveed. Added 5AP to next week's Terrorist Battle. Increased Rapport +4 with Director.
Week 10 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<3, all agents take -20HP
Ji-Min: 3W. Agreed with the crew to contribute alone. Gained Favors +1 with all other agents.
...3W. Victory! Clock out for Week 10.
Katherine chatted with you. Increased Rapport +2 with Katherine.
You chatted with Kerry. Increased Rapport +2 with Kerry.
The Crew's stat changes
Ji-Min: 90HP ~ 60HP
Katherine: (70HP, Rapport +2, Favors +0, 29M, Strike +1) ~ (40HP, Rapport +4, Favors +1, 36M, Strike +1), Excused Naveed: (70HP, Rapport -3, Favors -1, 7M), Unofficially Dead
Lorine: (100HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 4M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors +1, 7M)
Blaine: (40HP, Rapport +11, Favors +1, 15M) ~ (100HP, Rapport +11, Favors +2, 15M)
Bahij: (40HP, Rapport +3, Favors +2, 10M) ~ (100HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 10M)
Kerry: (70HP, Rapport +7, Favors -1, 7M) ~ (40HP, Rapport +9, Favors +0, 10M), Meltdown
Clover: (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 6M) ~ (40HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 9M)
Director's rapport change: -8 ~ -4
INSTRUCTIONS. Submit a plan. See bottom of post for preplans.
-[] Immediate Events - Katherine's Question. Influence how Katherine serves W Corp. Regardless of your personal opinion, this is a public-facing comment.
--[] Become Asset. Cleanup crew is a dead-end job, and she'll probably be literally dead before long. Katherine becomes an asset and replaces either Rusty or Eytan; she skips availability rolls as an assistant during missions and gains +1 for any effort rolls. Replaces Katherine from the crew with a new agent.
--[] Remain Cleanup Crew. Being an asset means giving up other hopes and dreams. Remove Strike +1 and exempt Katherine from future meltdown checks.
-[] Immediate Events - Seniors' Event. Ask Blaine to attend the seniors' event, even though it'll include Katherine.
--If selected: Increase Rapport +1 with Kerry, decrease Favors -2 with Blaine, and roll d6. If d6 = 1, Katherine and Blaine become more hostile to each other, and decrease Rapport -3 with Katherine and Blaine; otherwise, Katherine and Blaine become friendlier to each other, and increase Rapport +2 with Katherine and Blaine.
--If not selected: decrease Rapport -4 with Kerry.
-[] Day Off. Distribute AP up to one of the following.
--[] Sacrifice Clover. Gotta get rid of her, even if that makes you sus. Replaces Clover from the crew with a new agent. Adds 5AP to the Terrorist Battle. Decrease Rapport -8 with the all agents, including her replacement. Increase Rapport +4 with Director. Costs 3AP.
--[] Additional manpower. The more, the merrier. Excuse any number of agents from the workweek to become assistants for the Terrorist Battle. Decrease Favors -2 with selected agents. Does not cost AP. Agents selected:
Warning: A Terrorist Battle will occur at the end of this week: If AP<(d6+3), Game Over / Assistants roll for major effort.
Note: If Sacrifice Clover is not selected, roll d6. If d6 = 1, decrease Rapport -6 with Director. Repeats for the current and next week, then the Director will deal with her.
-[] Workweek. Contribute W with the crew to suppress disorderly passengers.
--[] Make requests:
--[] Contribute W to the quota:
Note: Rabbit Protocol is unavailable for the current week.
Passenger Advisory Report:
Week 11 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<2, all agents take -15HP
-[] Terrorist Battle. Ready or not, here come the Misery Terrorists! Contribute AP to the quota:
Note #1: If AP<(d6+3), Game Over / Assistants (Katherine, Rusty, Eytan, and any others) roll for major effort.
Note #2: 8AP is currently guaranteed. Unallocated AP, if available, will be allocated to this option if necessary to avoid a game over.
Note #3: At 12AP, increase Rapport +1 with Director, and further increase Rapport +1 with Director for each additional 3AP.
Note #4: M Calculations for Naveed and Clover deaths due to sacrifice will be calculated after the Terrorist Battle as applicable.
PREPLANS. See spoilers for specific details. You may submit a custom plan.
I think Ji-Min is starting to get used to this. That was cold-blooded, both with Naveed and the civilians. There was still some reaction, but it was much more muted than before.
I'd rather not kill Clover if we don't have to. I would be worried about being turned into a human robot by the Director if that D6 rolls a 1, but the rules specifically say that there isn't a Game-Over condition for low rapport with the Director. I'd prefer to take the 1-in-6 chance than the guaranteed -8 Rapport with all agents.
Plus, y'know. There's a story our actions are influencing.
As for Katherine's question- is there no option to tell her to commit everything to whatever she chooses?
We've been exhausted constantly, putting us on thin ice.
Don't do what we're doing. Go full into asset work, or not at all.
As for Katherine's question- is there no option to tell her to commit everything to whatever she chooses?
We've been exhausted constantly, putting us on thin ice.
Don't do what we're doing. Go full into asset work, or not at all.
If Katherine becomes asset, she will be removed from cleanup and take Rusty or Eytan's spot. If Katherine stays cleanup, she does no more asset duties and remains as crew without worrying about the meltdown mechanic. I went ahead and modified the option descriptions to improve clarity.
Hmm, I don't mind either result honestly. So I suppose we should vote on Katherine's fate based on what would sound best to any onlookers.
Talking her out of being an Asset might get back to the Director, and we shouldn't piss him off any more than necessary. Plus, Blaine hates her and this way he won't have to deal with Kat anymore.
If I was trying to win a popularity contest, I wouldn't bother writing. So long as I enjoy writing this quest, that makes it worthwhile to me. And so long as you enjoy reading, even if you're not surrounded by a large community to share the experience, that makes it worthwhile to you.
If I was trying to win a popularity contest, I wouldn't bother writing. So long as I enjoy writing this quest, that makes it worthwhile to me. And so long as you enjoy reading, even if you're not surrounded by a large community to share the experience, that makes it worthwhile to you.
"Maybe you should get out of the cleanup business and become a full-fledged asset?" you ask.
Katherine falls into contemplation. "The best job security... I was thinking the same thing. At least I won't get dusted by a passenger."
"You sure?" asks Kerry. "You'll almost never have a chance to perform again at Hotel Larierre."
"Oh," you say. You remember how your father occasionally visited rich clients who stopped by there for business with L Corp. "You must've rubbed feathers with some of the City's finest; don't they have Hana for security and host events at Cinq's request?"
"And you mentioned how the owner liked your singing and piano. Honestly, you made it sound like a home away from home."
Katherine's voice falls. "But none of that matters if I die on one of these trains."
"That's understandable," says Kerry. "And I have an idea. For our senior event, let's make it karaoke night. You and Blaine can sing; it'll be a nice sendoff."
"If you want. I'm going to walk around for a bit. Thanks for the help and support."
"And Ji-Min, please find out what Blaine thinks, thanks."
You sigh. When you pitch the idea to Blaine, you sigh again.
"Why should I?" asks Blaine. "You know I hate her, and she's about to leave? Why shouldn't I be turning this down and doing a jig?"
"Kerry would love it if you joined."
"So what? When I couldn't have that lunch with you and Sumi, I got over it and moved on. And he'll get over it and move on when I say no."
"You don't think that this'll be something you'll regret down the road?"
"What, not kicking her in the shin?"
You groan.
"Ji-Min, don't you know better than this? I'm not sure what you're expecting."
"It's not, uh, that I was expecting a yes; putting you and Katherine together is like trying to put two like charges together. It's more like I was hoping for a yes."
"You were 'hoping' for a yes?"
"I mean, it's partly Kerry's wish, but, uh, it's also sort of my wish. I just thought it'd be nice if I could live in a world where the people I liked all got along."
"And it'd be nice if I could live in a world where Sumi still lived and Katherine dropped dead." Blaine shakes her head. "I like you tons, but there's no world where I ever forgive Katherine."
"I promise, I haven't forgotten how angry you are with her."
"And this isn't even lunch; this is something that'll cut into our personal time. We barely have any personal time as it is, and life's too short for me to waste it being miserable."
"I'm really sorry for cutting into your personal life for something you don't want, but what if... what if I call in my favors? I've been cleaning out the trains and helping you greatly, so could you please repay me by attending?"
"Let me get this straight: the favors I owe you, which I could repay by covering for you on other trains... you want to instead spend them on dragging me to an event I'm not interested in. And the only thing you gain, since Katherine won't be on the cleanup crew anymore, and you therefore won't have to worry about any feuds, is the satisfaction that I maybe-but-probably-won't hate her slightly less?"
You look Blaine in the eyes with all the conviction you can muster. "I know that it sounds crazy to you, and when you put it like that... but still. Do this for me, and we're even."
"You..." Blaine groans. "Alright. If this matters more to you than the trains, then I can do this for you."
A small portion of the weight falls off your shoulders. "Thank you. It really means a lot to me." With everyone's agreement, you make a reservation for several days later.
At the Director's next routine meeting, he brings a somber bald agent, like one of those religious monks, who has a blue flower on the back of his hand. "Personnel. Since Katherine has also transferred, Girish will serve as her replacement."
"Hello."
The crew makes the usual introductions.
You notice that Clover's gaze lingers on you for a few seconds more than normal, so you prep yourself for Clover to ask why is it that you can contact Katherine like she's fine but Naveed's status is a complete mystery. However, she asks no questions and avoids you after the meeting. In fact, it's as if Clover goes out of her way to avoid interacting with you. You leave her be as the train arrives.
Teresa sizes up Girish. "If you meditate on the tracks as a train arrives, perhaps you'll find enlightenment."
"If only I could be so lucky."
As usual, the two teams get ready in the cab. "Whenever you're ready, janitor."
Blaine scrolls through Teresa's passenger preview, then swipes it closed. "We can win a normal fight, but they aren't unarmed. Luckily, they have a polite temperament; so long as our full expressions are hidden with a body part, we should be able to communicate peacefully with them under the guise of offering trade. Could you all please put a hand over your mouths? And no matter what, keep it covered." She looks at you. "Just like the spinning with the Index."
Teresa snickers as the agents cover their mouths. "Feel like barfing?"
"Retching from your sick face. Open it up."
Inside are flayed passengers. They're spread over the floor with expressions locked in agony. Lorine presses a second hand over his mouth.
"Are you okay?" you ask.
"I feel a little sick, but it's nothing that I can't handle."
"And you, Girish?"
He grips his sai. "It's hard to keep a clear mind with a scene and smell like this, but yes."
A few cars in, the crew meets the first pair of "lucid" passengers. Their clothes are bloody and shredded, but they maintain a firm grip on their spears. Masks made out of passenger skin cover their faces, which leaves only their eyes visible.
They point their spears at you. "Halt. Identify yourselves."
Blaine raises her other hand. "We come in peace from a foreign land."
"Lower your hands."
"You would dare uncover my face!?"
The guards talk with each other. "Wait here." Meanwhile, the other guard travels deeper into the train. An hour passes before the guard returns with another passenger wearing a literal facemask.
"Fascinating!" says the passenger. "I can't remember the last time we had civilized visitors, unlike the savage barbarians who show their naked expressions. How can we help?"
"Our tribe wishes to open trade. The finest pleasures for your finest skins."
Their eyes widen. "I am certain we can work something out; we have ample supplies."
"However," says Blaine. "While we recognize and accept that each tribe has its own customs, our merchants will only deal with those who show the proper respect." Blaine gestures to a seat. "We will have you all take seats in accordance with our instructions."
The diplomatic passenger hesitates. "I shall relay your words to our elders."
Again, you continue to wait with the crew. Another few hours pass. Even without seeing the crew's full facial expression, you can see the annoyance on their faces.
"Hey," says Lorine. "Are we going to spend days here?"
"Hopefully not," says Blaine. "Let them go at their own pace. If it's too much longer, we can 'pressure' them."
The diplomat returns with someone else, this time a wrinkly-faced passenger with a wrinkle-free mask. "Elder Clarus has arrived. We shall all show our respects."
The guards and diplomat kneel, so you and the rest of the crew follows suit.
Elder Clarus speaks. "The lead representative may rise." She continues after Blaine stands. "I am told that your people wish to trade with us, but hold customs of your own. What is this about us taking our seats?"
"Orderly seating is how our people give and show respect." Blaine holds up her scanner. "This will tell us where each person must sit."
"We... will do so. For the sake of our tribe's future, my fellow elders have agreed to follow your customs."
With her permission, the crew begins directing the passengers to their seats. You encounter some grumbling about permitting the maskless to sit, but a reminder of their elders' desire for peaceful trade settles them.
During the seating, you overhear Kerry arguing with some of the passengers.
"We do not intend the seating to be a form of humiliation; as we communicated, this is how we offer our respects. It's like covering our expressions or kneeling."
"What's going on?" you ask.
"They think we intend to dominate them."
The disgruntled passenger stands against the pleadings of their fellow passengers. "It's as I said all along; Elder Clarus intends to grind our faces on the seats and flay our skins!" They draw a sword, then jumps and swings at him.
Kerry draws his swords and clashes, but that bares his face, along with his immediate regret. The other passengers get up as if ready to do battle.
"See!? Elder Clarus and her lackeys sold us out to the savages! We die proud, not as skin-fodder! Rush'em!"
Before your arms move to draw your knives, Kerry shouts at you. "Keep your mouth covered!"
You draw one knife and put yourself between Kerry and the passengers. "Stand down!"
Some of them look at you and the disgruntled passenger in confusion. However, they see Kerry's bare face, and they grab and shove you. You shriek as some of the passengers knock you to the floor, and then proceed to pile on Kerry.
He struggles and grunts under the passenger pile of swinging arms and fists as Blaine arrives with Elder Clarus and her guards.
Before Blaine can grab her hatchet, you issue Kerry's warning as you get up. "Keep your mouth covered!"
"What about Kerry!?"
"H-He bared his face as he instinctively defended himself!"
Elder Clarus bows her head. "I can deal with the troublemakers, but I can't save your friend. Even if we did, we'd have to flay him. And if you attempt to save him, we'll have no choice but to declare war with all of you."
Blaine winces. "Do as you will."
You also wince. With the crew spread out individually, if they had to fight alone under a sudden declaration of war, the chance of further casualties would skyrocket. There's nothing to do but watch the passengers rip off Kerry's face before Lady Clarus will intervene.
Karaoke night arrives a couple days later. You travel with Blaine straight from work to the venue selected, Jukey's. Katherine, also in uniform, stands near the entrance as she looks at the moon. As you both arrive, Katherine searches your and Blaine's sides.
"What a shame," says Katherine. "He's really gone."
"I'm sorry," you say. "But again, thank you for agreeing to keep our meetup, even though its purpose changed."
"Sorry," Blaine mutters. "Any idea about what songs he liked?"
Katherine shrugs.
"You used to be that close to him, and you don't know?"
"Hey, it's not like having a professional relationship means that we need to share every detail of our lives."
"What do you know, then? Huh?"
You nudge Blaine while others glance at your group. This might be a long night. "Let's go inside."
Your reservation is a small room whose blue lighting reminds you too much of the inside of a train. There's a u-shaped couch that can seat five or six around a table, plus space up front for a standing mic and wall-hanging monitor. Katherine and Blaine take a seat across from each other and face the front while you sit at the bend. For a minute, the room is the quietest place in the District.
"I'll go first," you say. You pick a song called "Blueworks".
Blaine smirks. "Low-hanging fruit."
So does Katherine. "Careful; we don't want you to go missing."
"Give me a break, give me a break, you two make it so hard to break the ice." You sing along to a wistful piano tune reminiscing a star employee who encouraged and lifted his coworkers, who had all fallen into a slump, and renewing the promise to carry the fire he reignited in their hearts, no matter how difficult the odds.
A former W Corp. employee wrote the song, who inexplicably vanished a few weeks after release.
Blaine and Katherine clap, although they both continue to give you a smug look.
"That's it from me, since you two are so mean. Sing it yourselves if you think you can do better."
Something like sparks ignite when Blaine and Katherine look at each other, and they both take a turn to sing. You clap, although Blaine and Katherine clap slower on the other's turn.
Blaine then picks a song called "One Point Six". "Because I can exercise a little more creativity than Ji-Min."
Katherine smirks again at you.
A piano and violin tune plays. Blaine sings about a fixer who lost his partner and lover on a mission. The fixer promises to climb to the very top, from the Backstreets of the City to a skyscraper on the moon's Nest, and succeeds. At the very top, he takes one final jump into the void of space.
Inspired by the too-common tragic fixers trope.
You and Katherine clap at your chosen paces.
"Next is me," says Katherine. "How about... something a little more upbeat, like "SUSU"?"
She sings a cheery pop song about a Wing experiment who gains sentience and desperately searches for something to eat, only to be taken in and cared for by a scientist from one of the Wing's rivals. Unfortunately, the Wing shows up and murders the experiment, but the scientist looks forward to rebuilding it.
Inspired by the singer whose claims that her friend was kidnapped and turned into an experiment were vindicated when the fallen Wing's evil misdeeds were exposed.
You and Blaine clap at your chosen paces.
Blaine gets up. "I think that's enough for me. I'll see you tomorrow, Ji-Min."
"Huh?"
"I've had enough singing." She looks at Katherine. "And I don't have any reason to stick around and chat."
Katherine shrugs. "Fine by me."
"Wait," you say. "How about one more song? You and Katherine have beautiful voices; I was hoping to hear a duet."
"A duet?" asks Blaine. "With her? Haven't you ever heard of stopping while you're ahead? We made it through the evening in the same room; please don't spoil the moment."
"But I don't think there's a moment to spoil. We've done much to honor Kerry's memory, but I think he'd want something more."
"What else could he have wanted? We're lucky to get this far and end it without screaming at each other."
"I get it; you'll never forgive Katherine. Maybe... maybe I'm just living in a fantasy, or I inherited it from Kerry, and if you or Katherine suffered for it, I'm sorry. But is it truly impossible for you to see Katherine in another light? That maybe, in another world, the two of you could've gotten along?"
Blaine looks at you, then at Katherine, and then the door... then back at Katherine. "This idiot cleaned trains and helped me out just to drag me here. Let's sing one song together to get Ji-Min off our backs and-"
"Pretend it never happened? I'm down with that."
"For Wing's sake! Who do I look like, Naveed?"
But all of you share a grin before Blaine and Katherine sing "In Heaven We Die, Rejoice".
On the day before your day off, you arrive in your gas mask at WARP Delivery's delivery station an hour before the sun is due to rise. It's a massive building, just like the Misery Terrorist warehouse from the Backstreets, but with a fresher coat of blue paint and better-kept. One guard with prosthetic arms and head covered with a gas mask stands at the main entrance.
"Naveed...?"
"Temporary security should walk around to the back of the building and await further instructions from Kwame." As you stare at her, Naveed repeats her instructions in the same tone without further comment.
You leave Naveed and make your way around the building. In the back, you hear cardboard sliding and wheels squeaking as you find a fleet of vans that you estimate to be four or five dozen inside the bay. Drivers in blue W Corp. vests hustle as they push their trolley carts and scan their packages before loading them into their vans. They glance at you before resuming their work.
"Ji-Min!" shouts Katherine. She's close to the garages but out of the way of the employees.
"Hey Katherine."
"Everyone's hiding a bit deeper inside like Rats." She guides you inside, which is full of shelves with boxes as employees scurry around, to a group of a dozen other assets near the corner and out of view from the outside. "Sucks that we have regular work after this."
"Childish," Eytan says. "Thinking of half a day's work for a full day's wages."
"Nonsense," says Rusty. "Nothing wrong with getting most of the day off in exchange for this battle."
"Morning, Azure."
"L Corp. bitch actually made it."
"I'm Ji-Min." You wave with zero enthusiasm. You hear a few whispers ("That's the L Corp. slacker?" "She's only a janitor for a reason, after all.") but ignore them. "Morning, Kwame and Imamu."
Kwame calls for everyone's attention. "Looks like we have all the people that the Director can send. Regular security had their pay withheld, so they're refusing to work; the guard out front, and us, are all this place has. When the Terrorists arrive, we have one order: kill."
You note that Kwame does not bother to discuss collateral damage, be it goods or people.
He assigns the squads to their positions, and you wait about an hour as you watch the employees move boxes. Engines roar as vans begin their route for the day. With nothing to do, you wonder if the Terrorists outnumber your allies, or if they caught on and called it off.
A boom and glass shatters as one of the vans that just exited explodes. Smoke spreads at the entrance as the employees scream and run the opposite direction.
Red outlines appear in your vision as the front line of Terrorists enter and hurl smog bombs in every direction, which explode and envelop the bay in smog within seconds. Employees cough and collapse.
"Lantern Office tactics," says Eytan. "Let's go."
Lantern Office... oh no. You draw your knives and engage the Terrorists.
"Hahaha!" One of the Terrorists jumps on the shelves and raises his rapier. "I, the great Fergus, have defied a Wing and lived!"
"Headdammit, Fergus! Shut up and focus!"
Your soul gags; the voice of the straight man sounds too much like your father. The grunt of a Terrorist returns your attention to your opponent as they become un-outlined.
"Focus, whelp!" Eytan bashes another Terrorist with his mace. That Terrorist screams as a blue box outline saws through the opponent.
"Mercy," says Fergus. "Sawed'em in half. Guess it's up to me!"
You check if Fergus has a partner, but he seems to covet the limelight for himself.
Fergus somersaults off the shelf and clangs his rapier with Katherine's. They clash again, but it looks as if his rapier phases through hers ("Wha-") and jabs her. Katherine grunts as she lands on the ground with a hand over the wound on her shoulder.
Eytan swings his mace, which Fergus ducks. Rusty fires their grappling hooks, but Fergus blocks those by grabbing Eytan as a shield. As Rusty releases Eytan, Fergus takes a stride behind Eytan and stabs him in the gut.
"A-Agh!"
Fergus runs his rapier through Eytan's skull and un-outlines him.
You hear the old man's body land with a thud, and you attack Fergus. Your knives glow with blue electricity as you slash at his weapon, but your knife phases through. He jabs at your arm and connects; you grunt as Fergus dodges Rusty's grappling hooks again.
"Look out!" you shout.
Another Terrorist bashes Rusty with Eytan's mace. Sparks fly out of Rusty as the box staggers, and one final thud cracks Rusty into a pile of scrap. You lunge at the Terrorist, who dodges but then groans; Katherine stabs the Terrorist with a shaky hand and un-outlines them.
In the distance, a few Terrorist un-outlines another ally. "We're checking the office!" Your father's voice again.
Fergus jumps in your way when you take a step, and he takes a stance. "Not so fast!"
"Ji-Min, we shouldn't let them reach the office. Can you go after them while I duel the great idiot?"
"Can you really handle this guy?"
"I'll hang up my rapier if I lose."
Fergus flourishes his own. "I'm certainly not hanging mine!"
"His trick won't catch me off-guard twice, and you know strong I am because of our other work."
You don't like Katherine's odds, but you want to confirm that your father is one of the Terrorists. The other Terrorists are busy fighting the other assets, and she should be on alert for Fergus's smoky rapier. "Alright."
Both you and Katherine run at Fergus's sides. He somersaults behind as you race to catch the other Terrorists, and you don't look back as you hear their blades clash.
You run into a short hallway with much less smog. There are a couple offices plus a break room. On the floor are the slashed-up bodies of Naveed and a couple Terrorists drilled in the skull. An injured Terrorist holds his palm up, and then a fairy travels into an office door's lock; the door creaks open.
However, the Terrorist turns to you and draws his knives. A mask covers his face, and you wonder what kind of world is possible where this man is not your father. You both take careful steps to each other as you think about the knife fights you played for fun with your father and how he always managed to win.
You take a step forward and jab, but he knocks aside your arm with his. He jabs back, which you block the same way.
Your mind tells you to be wary of his potential feints and smoky blades. You both take a step back and re-advance. This time, he makes the first jab... except no, it's a distraction for his other knife, which you block. With your opening, you... hesitate.
Is this real?
With his opening, he thrusts at your throat... except no, his blade phases through, even though landing a blow on your throat would decide the fight.
Decide the fight... you need to do that. You snap out of your daze first. As he stands there, you elbow the Terrorist, and he falls to the floor and loses his grip on the knives. You raise yours.
The Terrorist holds up a hand. "Ji-Min!"
It clicks again that this Terrorist is your father, along with the weight of the next few seconds.
You are W Corp.'s asset. What W Corp. wants is what you should want, and W Corp. wants to eliminate or exploit your parents. If you kill your father, you can turn around the awful relationship with the Director. Sentimentality like a family reunion or your saddened mother... this is the time to grow up, do your job, fulfill your dreams, and secure your future.
And yet, he's your father. If he's still alive, perhaps you, your mother, and your father can smile together again one day. Like how your father spared you moments ago, they're the only ones in the City who will show you unconditional love. Even if W Corp. tampers with your brain to correct a "defect" like loving your parents, isn't familial love worth fighting for?
As your father gets up, your stomach churns.
Katherine left the cleanup crew. She became an asset and replaced either Rusty or Eytan; gains Elite (Skips availability rolls as an assistant during missions and gains +1 for any effort rolls).
Girish replaced Katherine, Girish's starting M: (4) 4M
Senior's Event / ]Increase Rapport +1 with Kerry, decrease Favors -2 with Blaine, and roll d6. If d6 = 1, Katherine and Blaine become more hostile to each other, and decrease Rapport -3 with Katherine and Blaine; otherwise, Katherine and Blaine become friendlier to each other, and increase Rapport +2 with Katherine and Blaine
Event: (2) Pleasant. Katherine and Blaine became friendlier to each other, and increase Rapport +2 with Katherine and Blaine
Clover's Conspiracy (Week 11) / If Sacrifice Clover is not selected, roll d6. If d6 = 1, decrease Rapport -6 with Director. Repeats for the current and next week, then the Director will deal with her.
Clover: (6) Nothing happened
Week 11 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<2, all agents take -15HP
Girish: (6) 1W
Lorine: (4) 1W
Blaine: (6) 1W
Bahij: (6) 1W
Kerry: (3) 1W
Clover: (3) 1W
Ji-Min: 0W
...6W. Cleared.
Kerry HP Review
40HP ~ 30HP (1W)
30HP ~ -30HP (Meltdown)
HP is less than -20HP, do not save.
...Victory! Clock out for Week 11.
You chatted with Blaine. Increased Rapport +1 with Blaine.
You did not chat with Clover. Decreased Rapport -8 with Clover.
Week 11 (Terrorist Battle) / If AP<(d6+3), Game Over; otherwise, at 12AP, increase Rapport +1 with Director, and further increase Rapport +1 with Director for each additional 3AP. / Assistants roll for major effort.
Azure Squad's stat changes
Katherine: Ready. Rusty, Dead
Eytan, Dead
Replacement TBA
The Crew's stat changes
Ji-Min: 60HP ~ 10HP Katherine, Transferred
Girish: (100HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 4M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 7M)
Lorine: (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors +1, 7M) ~ (40HP, Rapport +1, Favors +1, 10M), Meltdown
Blaine: (100HP, Rapport +11, Favors +2, 15M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +14, Favors +0, 19M)
Bahij: (100HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 10M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 13M) Kerry: (40HP, Rapport +9, Favors +0, 10M) ~ (-30HP, Rapport +10, Favors +0, 10M), Dead
Replacement TBA
Clover: (40HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 9M) ~ (70HP, Rapport -7, Favors +0, 11M), Meltdown
Director's rapport change: -4 ~ -2
Ji-Min Max HP: 90
Director Rapport: -2
INSTRUCTIONS. Select one of the following.
[] Kill your father. Decrease Max HP -10. Increase Rapport +8 with Director.
[] Spare your father. Gain Surgery Lv.1 (Rest on mission weeks only restores 10HP per AP). Reset Rapport to +0 with Director.
