Earth Bet: House of the Sun (Cultist Simulator/Worm)

Winning Vote:
[X] Track her down, finish this

That's how you'd deal with her. No intricate plans, no subtle maneuvers—just a simple, straightforward assault. The kind that would end things decisively. You pushed yourself up from your chair, the old folder tucked beneath your arm, as you made your way upstairs. Your bedroom was as spartan as the rest of the place, bare walls and minimal furniture. It suited you, though. Too much comfort could make a man soft, and you couldn't afford that luxury. You could never afford that luxury.

At the back of the closet, hidden beneath a plain black jacket, was your old gear. It had been years since you last touched it, but you had kept everything in order, ready for a moment like this. You pulled it out piece by piece: body armor, reinforced and upgraded with newer tech from your time in the States, plates heavier but more reliable now. Next came the helmet—nothing fancy, just enough to protect against shrapnel, the kind that might save you when everything around you went to hell.

But the last item was the most important. You knelt down carefully, hands almost reverent, as you pulled out the bolt-action rifle. It was old, older than some of the things you had fought for, but like you, it had been tested. The wood was worn smooth from use, and the metal had a dull gleam to it, but it was sturdy, dependable. A weapon that had never failed you.

You rested it across your lap for a moment, taking a breath. Memories of other fights, other enemies flickered behind your eyes, but you pushed them away. This was different. This was personal.

Standing up, you raised the rifle to your shoulder, mimicking the motions you'd perfected long ago. Your finger rested just outside the trigger guard as you spun in place, peering down the iron sights as if lining up a shot. Despite its age, the rifle was still reliable, still capable of doing what you needed. You lowered it gently, walking over to the small table in the room, the only other piece of furniture in this small place.

You laid the rifle down with care, and your nimble fingers moved over it with the practiced ease of years of training. Slowly, methodically, you disassembled it, every piece coming apart in your hands as if it had been waiting for this moment. You cleaned each part, taking your time to ensure the oil reached into every crevice, every joint until it gleamed just right. Once you were satisfied, you reassembled it, snapping each piece back into place like the finishing touches of an old, familiar puzzle.

"Back together," you muttered under your breath, testing the weapon one last time. It was smooth, flawless. Just like it always had been, if a bit older.

You stood, rifle in hand, and moved back toward the closet. The armor, helmet, and rifle would be there waiting, ready for the moment you needed them. You hoped it wouldn't come to that, but deep down, you knew it would. You had no illusions about what was coming. You and Alicja were on a collision course, and it was only a matter of time before that old war flared back to life.

For now, though, you had other things to take care of. Preparations that needed to be made. But as you closed the closet door, you felt a calm settle over you. You were ready—ready for the inevitable, for the fight that had been simmering for years.

Soon enough, you'd find out if you had lost your edge.

Vote by plan

Possible Actions: You have 4 Actions each month, more can be gained by spending less time at work.

Current Funds: 449
Income: 100 Funds/Month

[] On work and the challenges it entails.
-[] You'll work your hours and no more (Gain no extra actions, default)
-[] You'll cut a few corners here, leave a bit early (Gain an extra action, will not be noticed if not done often)
-[] You've got sick days, use them (Gain two extra actions, will be noticed by your direct superior, although the full extent is unknown.)
-[] Something has come up and you'll be out of the office for a week (Gain three extra actions, may be noticed by the Director although the response is not known)
-[] You can't even step foot in the office this month (Gain four extra actions, you will be called out on this)

[] On your Foe, and the danger she wields
-[] Attack her, finish this (This is Assaulting an Opponent Expedition)

[] On promotion and improvement (The below actions improve your chance of being selected as Director should Carol be unable to perform her duties)
-[] You'll stay and work longer hours
-[] You'll put the work in and bust a few gang operations
-[] There are capes out on the streets, you'll put them behind bars
-[] Request some help from Ai, she'll get people out of your way
-[] You have crucial information on Wraith, go after him

[] On the goal. (All of the following options are suspicious. This only applies if you are caught)
-[] Do some research, watch some tapes of the fighting (Minor suspicion)
-[] Ask around, start seeing what folks know (Minor suspicion)
-[] Dig into the files, take a peek at confidential information (Major suspicion)

[] On furthering the cause.
-[] Train the fodder, get them up to snuff
-[] Search out the talented, teach them Edge (You don't have enough knowledge)
-[] Assist somebody else in their task
--[] Who? (Write in)
-[] Items and strange artifacts, go search for them. They could be useful

[] On learning the Lores.
-[] Search for books
--[] In the local libraries and bookstores
--[] Stranger and more hidden places
--[] Online, from places abroad (Will cost 10 Funds per book in shipping)
-[] You Master is willing to teach, request a lesson
--[] What lore? (Write in, she is willing to teach all Lores, except Heart, up to level two. You will gain 1 scrap of that lore)
-[] The cult's library has a few texts, go read up on them
--[] The manuscript on Heart (You will gain 1 scrap of Heart)
--[] The manuscript on Lantern (You will gain 1 scrap of Lantern)
-[] You've got your own books now, just read them
--[] Write in (Pick two books, can have been bought this turn)

[] On Rites, Rituals and the things inbetween
-[] You'll cast The Attention of the Laws (Write in Lore, the first cast is a Free Action)

[] The Mansus, a place of contradictions. It calls to you, reach out.
-[] Explore the Woods and it's many secrets
--[] Explore the Luster-Drowned Well
-[] Climb higher, Glory awaits

[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions might never be available again)
-[] Find Arch and try to quell his Fascination

[] On matters outside the cult.
-[] Spend time with somebody
--[] Who? (Write in)
-[] Get to know somebody
--[] Who? (Write in, somebody from work, a low level person inside the cult, a random joe on the street etc)

[] Something else? (Write in, must be approved by QM)