Adhoc vote count started by ChroniclerW on Jul 4, 2023 at 8:45 PM, finished with 9 posts and 1 votes.
[X] To Overcome Crisis
-[X] Day Off:
--[X] Investigate as W-Corp
-[X] Workweek:
--[X] Make requests:
---[X] Ask everyone (except Katherine) to contribute 3W to the quota
--[X] Contribute W to the quota: 3 AP
-[X] Meltdown:
--[X] Blaine
-[X] Relationships:
--[X] Katherine
CW: Contains spoilered and unspoilered themes of terrorism and suicide
"I guess you're right. It's safer to do the investigation as W Corp."
"Of course I'm right. Maybe the younger generation isn't a lost cause yet."
The Director slides a folder to you and Eytan. "Very well. Look at the contacts and report back to me about whether these people were able to provide anything of use."
You skim the folder. It contains pictures of a dozen contacts and basic biographical information. Most of them look like business owners or influential community members.
"Longrow Street," mutters Eytan.
"Longrow Street?"
"You have it easy; it's safe, or at least whatever passes for 'safe' in the Backstreets. If the base really is there, the Terrorists made a bold choice to set up shop close to the Nest."
"If they really are supported by a Wing, it sort of makes sense, logistically. But they're an Urban Nightmare; it seems like the Terrorists should've already been found by their enemies." You think a bit more. "Do they change base often? Are there politics at play?"
The Director smiles. "That's why you're going to look."
After you and Eytan equip your standard vest and gear, you drive a marked W Corp. car through the immigration checkpoint. From what you can see, the area of the Backstreets that you're investigating looks like a downgraded version of the Nest. Vandals spray paint some buildings and the roads have minor potholes, but they look like nothing you couldn't deal with if you had to live here in a pinch.
"Park in that garage. We can walk around this area."
You drive into an underground garage. There's more spray paint plus red stains, but a few armed guards protect the facility. "Thrice the price for something slightly worse than one of L Corp.'s garages."
"Decent security plus the Thumb's markup." Eytan raps his protective vest. "Who's first?"
"Let's see... Amadea from Smoking Gun Workshop."
You and Eytan travel together down Longrow, which turns out to be a long flat road with many shops, some with a broken sign or a cracked window. An old WARP Deliveries deliveryman, who looks like he should be thinking about retirement instead of deliveries, waves as he sprints out of a building to his truck to grab another parcel. Music plays ("Bitch, I'm the fucking terminator / Burn your Rat ass in the concept incinerator!") while a group of about a dozen shirtless tattooed thugs with worn-looking weapons stand watch over someone scooping sludge from a manhole. Some Zwei fixers chat together in the distance.
The entrance to Smoking Gun Workshop, however, stands out from the others for having an undamaged storefront that wouldn't be out of place for a Nest. The clerk blinks upon sighting your entrance; Feathers like you, of course, are out of place in the Backstreets. "W Corp.? What can I do for you?"
You show him a picture of Amadea. "We're looking for this person, Amadea. We were told that they lead this shop."
"Led it. They're gone, actually; they just vanished the other day. Probably suicide; the Misery Terrorists stole their husband one day, and Amadea just hadn't been the same since. But I must ask, why not make a call instead of coming in person?"
Because L Corp. might eavesdrop. "We were in the area, and figured that we might as well ask. Could we please speak to the person in charge?"
"Sorry, but we're busy right now; L Corp. placed a large order for smog bombs, and the new guy's under a tight deadline."
"I see. Thank you for your time." You visit other contacts and ask about the Terrorists.
"Only thing weird here is the Goop Gang syndicate. Pop open a manhole and start scooping sludge for their gutter oil. Gives us hardworking restauranteurs a bad look. Would you like to try our stir fry?"
"Terrorists? They just show up randomly and grab some guys. Move like a blur; I swear that L Corp. must be backing them or something. Uh, but you didn't hear that from me."
"Last fixer fishin' for info on them vanished."
The contacts go on like that, and you shake your head. "If there's a base, it's either concealed really well or they gather infrequently."
"How many we have left?" asks Eytan.
"Last one. Says here that Zuleika recently lost his office after it was wiped out by Terrorists who abducted the client he was protecting." You and Eytan visit an apartment complex, and a guard lets you inside. A few walls in the lobby could do with repairs, and the floor could use a good sweep. After removing your masks, you take a bumpy elevator ride together to a higher floor and see a sight that maybe even L Corp.'s inspectors would never tolerate.
More than a dozen coffin-like wire mesh cages line the walls, each smaller than a parking lot, and stacked in columns of three. Through each cage, you see clothes bundled and other personal effects.
"Zuleika!" shouts Eytan.
One tenant whose cage on the bottom includes needles and syringes rolls his head to Eytan's voice. "Gooo 'way."
You stand in front of his cage wih Eytan and look at Zuleia's atrophied arms.
"Not my landlord. Force my cage open, and you're breaking a Tabooooo."
Eytan kicks the cage, but Zuleika pays no heed to the rattlte. "Lazy whelps like you should be fed to a Sweeper."
"Neighbor says the saaaame thing."
"Hey," you say to Eytan. "Your strategy sucks. Can you please leave for a T Corp. minute?"
"This loser should just sleep on the street and let it all end. Do what you want."
You crouch. "Zuleika?"
He stares up without responding.
"Zuleika, could I please talk with you?"
"If you muuuust."
"Getting through the day must be hard, and now a Wing's bothering you." You smile. "I'm Ji-Min. Even if W Corp. ordered me here, I still want to help you up."
Zuleika rolls his head away and fiddles with a knife.
"I read that you opened an office that specialized in bodyguarding. I think protecting others is admirable, which is why I briefly worked with a Zwei-affiliated office. Why did you choose to go into protection?"
He rolls his head back to you with an expression that's more focused. "Thought I... I... I could make some kids feel safer in this shithole. But... kids're shit. Escorting robbers with their loot."
You wince. "Yeah, it's awful when the charge is like that. I'm from the Nest, so I don't know if it's possible out here in the Backstreets, but could you please tell me about a client you liked?"
"Uh-huh. My very last mission... little girl I failed to protect."
Vanessa's little son pops into your mind. You push him out.
"Cutie. Dad died while fixing, and she was jittery ever since. Mom occasionally paid us to escort the kid to school and back. 'Fore the Terrorists, it was the job that made it worthwhile." With a shaky hand, he draws the knife close to his throat. "When I lost the girl, you know what the mom said?
"Useless shit, go die somewhere!"
You put a hand on his cage and take a deep breath. "I can't imagine the pain your failure caused you. But you matter to the people you can still protect. If you help us find and stop the Terrorists, I want to believe you'll have made even the Backstreets a safer place."
"I'm sorry," he says. "Ji-Min, protect the other little girls for me."
Zuleika plunges the knife into his neck.
One of the new hires flips her black ponytail during introductions. "This is absolutely not what I signed up for. Someone like me, risking my life? I deserve much better than this."
Behind her, the Director rolls his eyes.
"You for real?" asks Katherine. "Who died and made you Head?"
"I was told that this would be a simple job, not... whatever this mess is."
"But it is a simple job; you beat sense into the passengers and put them back onto their seats."
"Hmph! The wPhone is telling me that my first train is going to be Schedule I; you'll let the newcomer stay behind and safely shadow the experts, right? Right?"
"Naveed," you say. "If you were picked for the job, it means that you're strong enough to be helping."
Naveed looks at Blaine. "You're the Captain, right? You, surely, know how to treat a newcomer."
Blaine stares at the table and mutters, "My first train was a Schedule I. You'll manage."
"For Wing's sake!" She turns to the other newcomer, a ginger. "Clover, was it? You believe this?"
"I can see!" she says. "In fact, how are any of you comfortable when not even the Captain seems to care?"
Blaine lifts for head for a second to glare at them before she returns to staring at the table.
"Hey," you say. "Blaine has the longest tenure of all the Captains I served. And she's been through a rough patch recently; her closest coworker just died. Would it kill you to lay off?"
"I get it," says Naveed. "The senior clique showers attention on each other while the newcomers are left to starve."
Katherine leans back with her hands behind her head. "You all suck like babies, but Naveed? You're still wearing a diaper."
"What blatant mistreatment! Director, you need to send her to HR, or better yet, move me to somewhere better."
"Perhaps." The Director looks at his watch. "I have elsewhere to be. Sort it out between yourselves first."
Kerry watches the Director leave. "I suppose it's too much to ask that we all take a deep breath to calm down?"
"I deserve better than this; if I don't complain, nobody will think there's a problem. And there's no way I'm dying alone out front so that my seniors can take it easy."
"They won't," says Bahij. "When Ji-Min owed the crew a favor, she took the trains on by herself last week. You'll be treated fairly."
You treat him to a smile, then address Naveed. "If you're worried about dying on behalf of your seniors, how about we all join you up front? We already need everyone to put their best foot forward anyway."
Clover elbows Naveed before the latter can speak. "It's not ideal for us fresh meat, but I doubt we'll get a better deal for the time being. Can you please agree for now, Naveed?"
"For now, but this matter isn't settled."
Kerry nods. "I think this matter is something that should be settled, and quickly, but we can delay it until after we survive the train."
"As Captain, I'll approve it." You suspect that Blaine will approve anything to make it stop.
"Cool," says Bahij. "I'll help the plan."
When the notification from your wPhone arrives, the crew gears up. Instead of a weapon, Naveed holds her head high as she shows off her prosthetic arms ("W Corp. even gave it a power-up.").
Teresa arrives and looks over Naveed and Clover. "Warms my heart to see two new recruits for the grinder."
"How can every employee be this disrespectful?"
"Rude!"
Even Katherine and Blaine exchange quick smirks before everyone heads to the train. Once in the cab, Teresa runs his usual diagnostics.
"Whenever you're ready, janitor."
A screen pops up in front of Blaine, through which she scrolls. "Oh, great. An assassin from G Corp. And she's got an enforcer. Everyone, stay on your toes."
"Don't forget," says Naveed. She rolls up her sleeves and pockets her gloves. You hear metal interlocking as her arms and hands transform into something like a thin drill tool. "I'm not fighting out front alone."
"G Corp.?" you ask. "What sort of assassin bug are we up against?"
Blaine shakes her head. "It's actually one of G Corp.'s subsidiaries - Glossycat Company."
"Oh!" says Clover. "Aren't they spreading those cat girl maid cafés that started trending lately? I heard they kidnap the prettiest ladies outside the Ci-, err, from the Backstreets, and force them to undergo a procedure. Or they rent the cat girls out as prostitutes and-"
You put up a hand. "I get it, thank you. They're sneaking in an assassin enhanced with catlike reflexes as a cat girl."
"Open it up."
"Another pleasure cult," you say. Over the naked passengers, you see claw-like scratch marks over their bodies. Their expressions range between dreamily content to pain-contorted. One of them points to your crew, and they shamble in your direction.
"Suppress the passengers." Blaine chops into a passenger with her hatchet. A passenger lying on the floor rolls their head and stares at her.
You behead another passenger with a knife while Kerry does the same to another with his swords. Katherine stabs and electrocutes a third with her rapier.
Bahij stabs a passenger with his trident, and Clover follows his example with her spear. Naveed rolls her eyes, then cranks the drill to a high-pitched whir. She walks up to a passenger and drills into their skull.
The crew disables any resistance for a couple more cars until a crewcut cat man with a little blood splattered on his suit appears. He lacks regular human ears; instead, he has two cat ears on top of his head. "Where the hell did you come from, and what the hell are you doing to Cahaya's lovers!?" The cat man hisses, then bares his fangs and claws.
Blaine chops another passenger, then rises to her feet as the rest of the crew regroups. "Stand down or die."
The cat man springs forward. Arcs of electricity whip around Blaine as she grips her hatchet and swings. He rolls past and slashes her leg, but a singed cut appears in his suit.
Kerry swings his swords. The cat man dodges one, and then grabs the other arm and claws it. Katherine stabs with an over-electrified rapier during the clawing; the cat man howls and backs away with a hemorrhage, courtesy of a pinpoint hole in space.
Clover raises her spear as it rages with electricity. Even held at length, the electricity burns part of her face. She throws the spear, and it turns invisible, but the cat man screams as another hole opens in his body. The spear rematerializes in the side of the wall. When he falls on the floor, Naveed runs forward and drills into his wounds. He manages to scratch her face, but the cat man stops moving.
"Good job," you say. "Newcomers know how to fight after all."
"I deserve a lot more than a little praise."
Meanwhile, you see a hungry grin on Clover's face as she catches her breath and puts a hand over her burn. "Clover?"
"I'm okay! Thanks for the kind words."
"And Blaine, are you okay?"
"Yeah, thanks."
The crew continues through more cars and deals with more passengers as needed. Near the end, you encounter a cat woman with long ruby-red hair in a bloody maid outfit as she straddles a passenger and wiggles her claws into their flesh. The passenger lets out a satisfied moan.
"You Cahaya?" asks Blaine.
Cahaya stands up and looks at the crew. As her gaze covers your crew's injuries, her eye twitches. "H-How can I help you?"
"We're the rescue team."
"Oh." An expression of realization dawns on her. "W-Where is Tzila?"
"Who?"
"The cat guy in a suit."
Blaine shrugs. "Never seen him."
"Okay. Uh, umm..." Cahaya slowly approaches the crew. Then, like Tzila, she pounces.
Whether it be due to carelessness or surprise, Blaine's delayed reaction costs her. Cahaya slashes and tackles Blaine to the floor, swipes across her cheek with a claw, and springs up as you hurry to Blaine. Before you can slash, Cahaya sinks her fangs into your arm and swipes at your face, which you lean back and dodge. She pushes you into Katherine and Kerry, who both catch you.
Bahij steps forward while Naveed and Clover step back. He stabs at Cahaya, but she dodges and bites his arm like she did to you, then tackles him to the floor. As Cahaya raises her claws over his throat, Bahij reaches an arm out at you and shouts, "Ji-Min!"
Cahaya glances in your direction. You can engage Cahaya to distract her from Bahij, or wait until she rips out his throat to move in.
Investigate as W Corp. Roll d6 / Eytan adds +1 to roll / If d6<5, nothing happens; otherwise, increase Rapport +1 with Director and gain a temporary assistant next week. Does not cost AP.
Ji-Min and Eytan: (3)
...Nothing happens.
Week 7 (Work) / Schedule I / If W<17, all agents take -50HP / Conduct Emergency check
Katherine: (3) 3W
Naveed: (x) 3W per Ji-Min, Favors -1
Blaine: (x) 3W per Ji-Min, Favors -1
Bahij: (x) 3W per Ji-Min, Favors -1
Kerry: (x) 3W per Ji-Min, Favors -1
Clover: (x) 3W per Ji-Min, Favors -1
Ji-Min: 3W
...21W. Cleared.
Emergency?: (1) Yes
Emergency vs. who?: (5) Bahij
Bahij calls out to Ji-Min.
The QM pauses on Week 7 (Emergency).
The Crew's stat changes
Ji-Min: 95HP ~ 65HP
Katherine: (70HP, Rapport -2, Favors +0, 17M, Strike +1) ~ (40HP, Rapport -2, Favors +0, 17M, Strike +1)
Naveed: (100HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 4M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 4M)
Blaine: (40HP, Rapport +7, Favors +0, 13M) ~ (10HP, Rapport +7, Favors -1, 13M), Meltdown
Bahij: (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors +1, 10M) ~ (40HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 10M), Meltdown
Kerry: (70HP, Rapport +5, Favors +0, 4M) ~ (40HP, Rapport +5, Favors -1, 4M)
Clover: (100HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 3M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 3M)
Director's rapport change: -2 (no change)
INSTRUCTIONS. Submit a plan. You have 2AP remaining.
-[] Emergency. Bahij is calling on you to save him.
--[] Save. You and Bahij take -30HP and increase Favors +3 with Bahij.
--[] Ignore. Bahij dies.
Reminder #1: Bahij must still clear the meltdown check to survive.
Reminder #2: No action is currently asked of the following, but is published as a notice:
Passenger Advisory Report's roll (Week 8): (1)
Week 8 (Work) / Schedule I / If W<17, all agents take -50HP / Conduct Emergency check
-[] Meltdown. Your efforts alone cannot save these agents if they fail the meltdown check, but your care can still earn their appreciation.
--[] Blaine. Increase Favor +2 with Blaine. Costs 2AP.
--[] Bahij. Increase Favor +2 with Bahij. Costs 2AP.
-[] Relationships. Spend time with another agent. Increase Rapport +1. If Blaine is not selected, decrease Rapport -1 with Blaine.
--[] Katherine If Katherine is selected, "Increase Rapport +1" becomes "Increase Rapport +2"; and "If Blaine is not selected, decrease Rapport -1 with Blaine" becomes "If Blaine is not selected, decrease Rapport -2 with Blaine"
--[] Naveed
--[] Blaine
--[] Bahij
--[] Kerry
--[] Clover
--[] Nobody. Regain 10HP
Without sparing a second, you leap at Cahaya. She rolls backwards and onto her feet while Bahij rolls to the side.
"Are you okay?" you ask.
"Yeah, thanks."
This time, Cahaya leaps at you. As you take a closer look at her fighting style, the way she keeps her claws in front, ready to strike anywhere at any time, reminds you of your own stance. Before Cahaya had her hands modified into claws, maybe she was a knife wielder like you.
And you don't like losing to other knife wielders.
With your forearm, you flick it against the forearm of her poking jab and block her. As both you and Cahaya's arms recoil, you then take one step forward for a counterattack with your other arm, but Cahaya blocks the same as you. Both of you regain balance.
You crouch and slash low. Cahaya spin-jumps overhead while you point your other knife at her. However, she adds a kick, and as it connects with the back of your hand, it stings. The impact knocks the knife out of your hand.
That knife is gone; it spins on the floor and slides into a wall.
When Cahaya lands, she leaps at you again with her fist raised. Her attack connects with your head, and you vision blacks out for a moment as you land on the floor. She dodges something, and when it clangs against the wall, you realize it's Clover's spear.
You take the moment to return to your feet as your vision returns. Cahaya pounces. With your free hand, you grab her arm, then twist her hand up as you step next to her. When your knife glows blue, you cut off her hand.
Cahaya shrieks as it falls to the floor.
The rest of the crew follows up. Kerry advances and rips space at her torso. Cahaya twists, but the cut still lops off the rest of her arm. She crouches and swipes his legs. As he falls to the floor, Naveed aims her drills down at Cahaya's skull, but the latter sweep-kicks Naveed off her feet.
As Cahaya returns to her feet, she jukes from Bahij's trident and elbows him down, then jumps at Katherine. Katherine draws her parrying dagger and gashes Cahaya's hand. Cahaya headbutts Katherine to the floor.
You and Blaine tag-team Cahaya and approach from opposite sides, with you on Cahaya's weaker side. Cahaya slides into Blaine and trips her, then gets a foot planted on the floor and pushes herself to a crouch with her remaining arm. She raises her claw as Blaine gets to a crouch and tightens her grip on the hatchet.
Most likely, Blaine should survive, and at your distance, Cahaya and Blaine could exchange attacks before you can interfere. However, you scream and leap at Cahaya. Cahaya looks up, and Blaine swings her hatchet at her ankle.
With her foot detached, Cahaya loses her balance and tumbles to the floor in time for you to land. She shields her face, but that's useless as you rip space through her arm and face.
For cleanup, Blaine instructs the crew to guide the "lucid" passengers back to their seats with promises of increased Cahaya visits in addition to gathering the remains of the other passengers.
As the heat of battle wears off, your bite and scratches sting more than ever. You drop part of a passenger, and with the cleaner back of your hand, rub the spot on your forehead where Cahaya's punch landed. Today's troubles may or may not be worse than the breathing troubles you had back after you fought the Cleancity robots, but just as you're sure that the Head will enforce order and the sun will rise, you're equally certain that nimble movements are off-limits.
"Ji-Min," says Blaine. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, Captain."
Blaine trudges by you without another word.
"Uh, but are you okay?"
"Everywhere hurts." She stops and leans on a seat. "Of course I'm not."
Your body thanks you as you sit next to a passenger meat pile. "You're not usually this grumpy, though. It's like you switched brains, and I'm not talking to Brain... uh, Blaine."
Blaine gets onto her knees on the seat and leans over the seat back as she faces you with her arms hanging. "Maybe I'm not Brain anymore."
"Ever since Sumaiya died?"
"Yeah, I guess a piece of me died with Sumi. Sometimes, I fantasize about hiring Shi to murder that green Nadiia bastard. Even though we killed the original who killed Sumi, knowing that they get to live and she gets a U-Box frustrates me to no end."
"I can't imagine the pain you're feeling."
"And do you know what it means now that Sumi's gone? The original crew I joined?" Blaine pounds the seat. "They're all dead! And it's only a matter of time before I join them!"
If Blaine died, you realize you'd be in the same situation.
"Sorry," she mutters. Blaine forces herself to her feet. "I shouldn't have said anything; I'm your Captain, and you're my subordinate."
"But aren't we also friends? Your burden must be heavy, so could you please share it with me when it becomes too much?"
Blaine shoots you a confused expression. "You care about me?"
"What? Why wouldn't I care about you? When Sumaiya was still alive, didn't you invite me to lunch? The three of us together?"
"Yeah, guess I did invite you."
"If we put aside the Captain-subordinate thing, why do you think we're not friends?"
"Then..." Blaine stares at the ceiling for a moment, then sighs. "Why are you hanging out with Katherine? You know we don't get along."
"Is it... is it wrong that I want to get along with the crew?"
"Maybe not, but I still haven't forgiven her for how she butted with Sumi. To see you getting along with her like Sumi wasn't anything to you, well..."
You take a deep breath. "I never intended to come across as disrespecting her memory. However, I'm not going to stop talking with Katherine, and I don't think that inherently disrespects anyone."
For a few seconds, neither of you says anything until Blaine starts to leave. "I'll check on your passengers later. See you soon. And... thanks for helping me during the suppression. It means a lot to me."
After the arrival inspection, Katherine splits from the group and wanders to another hallway. As your body aches in protest as you walk after her, you glance back at Blaine, who watches you for a second before breaking eye contact.
"Katherine," you say. "First Blaine, now you. Seems like everyone's having an off day."
"It's always an off day at W Corp. What do you want, Ji-Min? Because if it's more food, I'm not in the mood for a meal."
"If I say I wanted to check in on you because I'm worried, will you give me a hard time?"
"Yes." Katherine leans against a wall and folds her arms as you catch your breath. "It's none of your business, and I don't want to hear anything like 'but your well-being affects the team' or any of that crap."
As you bite the urge to parrot her quote, you lean on the wall, then sit on the floor and then lean against the wall again. "I respectfully disagree that worrying about someone's well-being affecting the team is a crappy reason to ask if someone's okay."
She shrugs. "Well then, my well-being improved ever since I outlived the three slackers who you decided weren't at fault." Katherine starts walking.
"I won't say I regret my decision. If I wounded you that badly, and there's nothing I can do, then I can only accept it. But from the depths of my soul, I want you to be safe and at ease."
"You're worse than a pest." Katherine shakes her head, then sighs. She returns and helps you stand. "Because the worst part is, I think you mean it, and I don't know what to make of it. Blaine seems unusually distant with you, and if that's so, I wonder if that's partially because of me."
"It's complicated like that, yeah." You both walk together to the end of the hall in silence.
"Kerry also said I was acting a bit off. But more and more, I feel as if even someone like me will inevitably die to a passenger. I used to hate my old fixer job before W Corp., but... unlike an office, nobody can leave a Wing and expect to find happiness." She pauses. "Yeah, I'm clearly out of it. Forget I said anything."
You nod.
"Let's talk about something relevant. You're an asset, right? I appreciate that you haven't been invoking your Wing-given rights, but do you mind using your asset powers to help deal with a Naveed-shaped problem?"
"Naveed-shaped problem."
"You've seen how ornery she is, right? You weren't assigned to mop the passengers near her, but did Blaine tell you about Naveed refusing to mop anything before grudgingly relenting?"
"Refusing the Captain? Is that even possible?"
"Blaine was going to petition the Director, but I doubt that'll do anything. I mean, have you seen the Director? I can't imagine why he willingly hired Naveed."
"If the Director can't do anything, what makes me different?"
Katherine winks. "You're the one who embarked on the foolish quest of getting back to my good side. You can try this much, right? Just say something like you have the right to make her life miserable."
The seniors might like it, but that would burn bridges with the newbies. "I'll think about it."
At the lounge, you sink into a soft, plushy reclining chair as it makes a pleasant muffled thump. All your aches quiet down as you close your eyes. The only thing missing are the Sleepills, but once your day off arrives... ah. Right, you still must complete another mission, the raid, before the Director will let you rest freely.
You squirm to reposition yourself as your aches find new vigor.
"Resting well, Ji-Min?"
"Hey Bahij. I'm just, uh, trying to sneak in some rest. That last train was quite the doozy, so I'm sure you understand."
Bahij drops himself into the other reclining chair. "Yeah man, I'm beat, but you really went all-out. I haven't said it properly, but thanks a ton for saving my life back there."
"Of course."
"Want to go out on a date with me?"
"You'll have to ask daddy Director for his permission."
Bahij chuckles. "He sounds like the overly-controlling type."
"Ugh, you don't even know the half of it."
"No kidding." The mirth on his face fades. "Wish life was easy to get through without getting burdened by regrets. Ask a girl out and she turns you down, that's that. Make a life choice with significant costs, and you're stuck with it the rest of your life."
You reflect on the life effort it took you to distance yourself from L Corp. and get into W Corp. as you both rock in your chairs. "We're both exhausted, but you have the energy to jump into something heavy, huh."
He grins. "If watching two seniors die on your first day and then nearly dying yourself doesn't prompt some soul-searching, nothing will."
"Yeah, when you put it like that, it's definitely a wake-up call. So, when you joined W Corp., what were you hoping for? I joined because I didn't want to be sucked into L Corp., but what about you?"
From the desk between you, Bahij picks up a copy of WARP Traveler and flips through it. "You know, like, all these amazing places that the WARP travel ambassadors visit? And the travel packages they sell? I was hoping to get a discount. And the prestige of working for a Wing, of course."
When Bahij hands the magazine to you, you flip through it yourself and stop on some photos from District 10 as you think of your mother. "But we do get discounts, don't we? If you can stomach the trip."
"And if you can survive the job to save enough. If I had known what my job would really be like, maybe I wouldn't have left my office. Not that you aren't awesome, but some great folks were hurt when I left them behind."
"If you think you made a mistake, what would it take for you to get back on course? It's only too late when you die."
"I guess... that's the thing. I'm closer to my dream, but I don't know if I'm happier than before. What about you? Is W Corp. everything you envisioned?"
You think about it. "Well, uh, it feels like jumping from one frying pan into another. Maybe all dreams are like that, and we can only hope the next frying pan is a bit colder."
"That sounds like an apt metaphor for our lives." Both you and Bahij agree to get back to resting.
Your day off, also known as Judgment Day, arrives. Injuries tend to recover when given time or medicine. Neither of which W Corp. cares to provide unless it's for surface appearances.
As a result, you strain your expression to hide your aching as you enter the conference room for today's mission. Rusty and Eytan are there, along with Kwame and Imamu.
"We're all here," says Kwame. "Time for a status check. Is everyone in good shape? The Director wants the five of us to handle the raid today."
Eytan swats the air while Imamu grimaces.
"Bit injured, but I can keep up with you kids for as long as it takes."
"Peak fucking shape."
"I've fresh gear," says Rusty. "Can't wait to pull them out for a spin."
"Pah! Nothing an old-fashioned smackdown can't solve."
"Ji-Min," says Kwame. "Since you're in charge of Azure, I wanted to discuss how we should lead our respective teams against the Misery Terrorist warehouse storage. It's not a base, but it's the next best thing. Your report last week didn't mention anything about combat duty, so I was thinking that since you're fresh, you lead the charge while Imamu and I follow behind. If you take a seat next to me, there's some documents I can share with more details."
You force yourself to nod and begin the strenuous journey from one end of the room to the other with the most "natural" movements you can muster. While everyone stares at you, your face burns like the time you were outed as one of the L Corp. kids.
"Are you okay?"
"Been better."
"I'm hurting," says Eytan. "But even I'm here and ready for duty. How can you have the vigor of youth on your side yet look so beaten?"
Kwame taps his glasses. "That 'been better' looks like an understatement. I'm going to ask again, and I want a straight answer. Are you okay?"
"No." You take a seat. Having been outed again, you let the exhaustion wash over your face. "Sorry."
He taps the documents and sighs. "You want to call the Director, or should I? He envisioned the five of us as the strike force to wipe out any resistance, but I don't know if he's okay with fewer."
You grimace harder than Imamu. "I'll call."
"Dialing," says Rusty. Everyone goes silent as ringing fills the room.
"Director Ghaith here."
You take a deep breath as your heart holds its own. "Director, this is Ji-Min. I have a report to make. I'm too injured to lead today's mission." At least rehearsing throughout the week helped you maintain a steady voice.
WHAM!
You jump in your seat as the other assets widen their eyes.
"Stay. Nobody leaves until I dismiss everyone." Click.
"Wing save you," says Imamu as she rubs her head. "Whatever the hell injured you, I hope that was fucking worth it."
You stare at the table and wish for a T Corp. minute. Unfortunately, your wish goes unanswered as the Director opens the door, and his glare locks onto you.
"Everyone but Ji-Min, out." The other assets file out and the door clicks shut. "Stand."
You grit your teeth and fight through your aching to stand.
The Director groans. "No. You cannot help today's mission. Last I checked, you were fine for the info-gather mission that's as stress-free as they get. Explain."
Time for more rehearsal to pay off. "You emphasized many times that, even if the cleanup crew is expendable, wasting them is wasting W Corp.'s time and money. I was injured while preserving them."
"Economics? In that case, who do you think is filling your spot this mission?"
You say nothing.
"I only have so many capable assets. In fact, I specifically arranged the timing of this particular mission to include you, Ji-Min. If this raid fails and the Terrorists get to use their stuff against us, I could sell the entire crew, you included, to an organ harvester and still be in the red. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes, Director."
"Review. You must understand the impact of your negligence.
"You have violated my trust, again, to be ready when you knew ahead of time. Your asset work matters much, much more than your cleanup work. Frankly, bringing you aboard as an asset has caused more grief than good. Had you put the same effort into asset work instead of cleanup work, we wouldn't have needed this conversation. You may apologize."
Whether or not you regret saving Bahij and / or helping Blaine, there's only one line you can say. "I apologize, Director. I wasn't able to contribute when you needed me, and I will be more mindful of my role as an asset in the future."
The Director calls Liu Association, and his face sours ("I authorize payment for emergency work classified as an Urban Nightmare."). He then makes another call to Engineering. "I need to schedule a brain surgery appointment for Ji-Min."
INSTRUCTIONS. Submit a plan.
Week 7 (Emergency) Bahij calls out to Ji-Min, Ji-Min responds. Ji-Min and Bahij took -30HP and increased Favors +3 with Bahij
Blaine Meltdown Lv.1: (2)
-Ji-Min kept an eye on Blaine for 2AP. Increase Favors +2 with Blaine.
Bahij Meltdown Lv.1: (4)
You chatted with Katherine; increased Rapport +2 with Katherine and decreased Rapport -2 with Blaine.
Blaine chatted with you; increased Rapport +2 with Blaine.
Bahij chatted with you; increased Rapport +2 with Bahij.
The Crew's stat changes
Ji-Min: 65HP ~ 15HP
Katherine: (40HP, Rapport -2, Favors +0, 17M, Strike +1) ~ (40HP, Rapport +0, Favors +0, 21M, Strike +1), Meltdown
Naveed: (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 4M), no change
Blaine: (10HP, Rapport +7, Favors -1, 13M) ~ (10HP, Rapport +7, Favors +1, 13M)
Bahij: (40HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 10M) ~ (10HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 10M)
Kerry: (40HP, Rapport +5, Favors -1, 4M), no change
Clover: (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 3M), no change
Director's rapport change: -2 (no change)
-[] Day Off. Distribute AP into one of the following.
--[] Rest. Nobody else will manage your health for you. Set health to 90HP. Set Rapport to +0 with Director. Gain Surgery Lv.1 (Rest on mission weeks only restores 10HP). Does not cost AP
--[] Guard Perimeter. You can at least do this during the raid. Decrease Rapport -6 with Director. Costs 1AP --[] Raid. Destroy the Terrorist stockpile. Terrorists rolls d6+2 (min. 5) for X / Two assistants make major effort rolls / If AP<X, assets take -30HP or ST +1 and decrease Rapport -8 with Director; otherwise, increase Rapport +6 with Director. Contribute AP to the quota: Removed by Director.
Ji-Min: 15HP
Rusty: Ready
Eytan: Ready
Director: Rapport -2
-[] Rabbit Protocol. Blaine is proposing to activate Rabbit Protocol.
--[] Activate. Clears Workweek quota and skips Emergency and Meltdown.
--[] Decline. Decrease Rapport -1 with Blaine.
-[] Workweek. Contribute W with the crew to suppress disorderly passengers.
--[] Make requests:
--[] Contribute W to the quota:
Passenger Advisory Report:
Week 8 (Work) / Schedule I / If W<17, all agents take -50HP / Conduct Emergency check
No action is currently asked of the following, but is published as a notice:
Passenger Advisory Report's roll (Week 9): (3)
Week 9 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<5, all agents take -30HP
-[] Meltdown. Keep an eye on other agents to reduce their damage.
--[] Katherine. Increase Favor between +1 to +3 (more Favor with fewer protectors and failed meltdown check) with Katherine. Costs 2AP.
-[] Relationships. Naveed has been making a ruckus. Support a side.
--[] Support Seniors. Naveed is out of line. Increase Rapport +2 with Katherine, Blaine, and Kerry. Decrease Rapport -3 with Naveed and Clover.
--[] Support Naveed. Seniors shouldn't be harsh. Increase Rapport +2 with Naveed and Clover. Decrease Rapport -3 with Katherine, Blaine, and Kerry.
--[] Nobody. This has nothing to do with you. Regain 10HP. Decrease Rapport -1 all agents.
The City is hot and hostile... won't you relax with us? Cool your body with your favorite beverage and cool your frustration with the smiles from our cat girl maids. They eagerly await your visit!
There's only one thing we want at Glossycat Co. - spreading cuddlies.
Adhoc vote count started by ChroniclerW on Jul 18, 2023 at 10:05 PM, finished with 4 posts and 1 votes.
[X] Plan: Is it too late to abandon the Corporate Grindset?
-[X] Day Off:
--[X] Guard Perimeter
-[X] Rabbit Protocol:
--[X] Activate
-[X] Relationships:
--[X] Seniors
"Wait, wait, wait! Just... just because I can't raid doesn't mean you need to modify my brain."
The Director tells Engineering to hold. "Explain. You cannot make meaningful contributions in your state. Why should I risk wasting an asset when I can get you rested and fixed? If you take the surgery, that'll correct your defective behavior."
"I can get through without resting if my work isn't heavily combat-oriented, so could you please let me participate? Maybe I can scout, or someone providing support is unable to help, and I can fill in."
"You don't pick your work. Furthermore, you're injured; you'll be a nuisance instead of help. I cannot afford slipups. Also, do not forget that the mission takes place in the Backstreets; you never know what mess will occur, and you can count on the mess occurring."
"If you know there'll be a mess, isn't that more reason to bring reserves?"
"I want the capable, not the bottom of the barrel."
"What... what about quantity over quality? In that case, you don't need me to be at full strength."
The Director stares at his wPhone before apologizing to Engineering and hanging up. "The perimeter. Yes, perhaps even you can manage guarding it, and the able-bodied guard that you replace might put their good health to better use elsewhere. In that case, all you need to do is look tough and scare off troublemakers."
You dare not show the Director, but your brain exhales a sigh of relief.
"However. Do not expect this to abate my anger. Allowing you to work without surgery is only my acknowledgment of your intent to continue serving W Corp."
"Thank you for your acknowledgment."
The Director calls the other assets back to the conference room. "Azure will switch to perimeter duty. Sapphire will work with Liu. Kwame, I am assigning you extra fixers to do with as you see fit. I look forward to the result. Dismissed." He takes leave first.
"That's a shame," Imamu says to Rusty and Eytan. "Your careers are tanking thanks to the L Corp. bitch."
"Such is the nature of life."
"Hire a child, get a child's work."
"Excuse me?" you ask.
"Guilty by association," says Imamu. "There's rumors floating that those two were assigned to you because they're being relegated to the shit heap."
Kwame covers a smirk with his hand. "Which may or may not have been like the reason that I was assigned as your partner before your surgeries."
She glares at him as Eytan chuckles in the background before continuing. "L Corp. bitch, do-"
"Drop the 'bitch' crap and call me Ji-Min."
"Aren't we high and mighty? You Headfucked your right to be called whatever you wanted when you signed on as an asset."
"Are you picking a fight?"
"Think you can win in your shit state?"
Your aches vanish and you stand up. The other assets poise themselves, but your mind wins over the instinct to attack. "Instead of taunts, shouldn't you be getting ready to work?"
"Unlike you."
After that exchange, you discuss Azure Squad's new role of guarding in the front and a few other logistics. You and a few vans with W Corp. fixers follow Kwame to the Backstreets.
This time, you arrive at a road with faded traffic lines into a parking lot for an industrial park. The cars are parked unevenly. Heavy haze obscures the area, and when you strain your Wing-augmented eyesight down the road, all you spot are pairs of long weathered brick buildings perpendicular on both sides. The occasional truck tankers roll by with dead-faced drivers and break the relative silence with their gas-guzzling engines.
A group of three Liu Association fixers arrive, and you recognize two of them as the passionate pair kissing on the train. The ones who killed Miguel and sent Sumaiya spiraling.
Kwame talks with them for a few minutes, and then radios everyone. "Move out."
With your gas masks and thermal vision on, you and everyone else push open the doors, jump out, and sprint about two thousand meters down the street behind Kwame's strike force. The others pass you while your aches hurt like the training you once endured while younger.
However, you cope like back then by wielding the same determination to bear through it until the next rest period. Just one more drill until it gets easier.
Your squad arrives last at the designated building, and you take your position at the side of the road. If someone approaches, you'll tell them to leave, or beat sense into them until they understand or pass out.
A few minutes later, an explosion booms and several windows shatter as the ground rocks. You glance back and notice smog billowing from the broken windows. Yeah, no way were you living through that mission. You return your attention to the road.
In the distance, a group of red outlines run at you. "We've got company!" Blue outlines nearby run to reinforce your position.
"Shit," says a fixer. "Is this the Smoking Hot Syn-"
BANG. They're a blue outline no more, and the reds stop to move like they're aiming their weapons. Those must be firearms, possibly bayonets.
No choice but to move forward. You grunt as a bullet bounces hard off your vest. You leap at a red and slash one, but you struggle to exert your strength through the ache.
He staggers and covers his wound. "Holy shit! It's W Corp.!"
"Headdammit! Fucking Fergus never said we'd fight a Wing!"
"L Corp. and the Thumb ditched us! Fuck fuck fu--gah!" You dodge and finish off the wounded man.
"But if we pluck some Feathers, Fergus'll pay us for life!"
More shots fire, and another bullet knocks into your vest again and knocks you onto your back. A red sprints at you, but something appears to yank his weapon before someone else clobbers him on the head and un-outlines him.
The blue returns and helps you up while more blue outlines run past you and into a hoard of red outlines as more shots crack the air. "Kids these days are lazy bums."
You hear something like a sawblade whirling and Rusty's deep, robotic voice. "Then you babysit the lass while I try out this toy." One red screams as Rusty cuts him in half.
"I'll be fine, thanks." You join the mass of red and blue outlines. A red jabs at you, but you dodge and slice his wrist, and then kick him to the ground.
"Fall back and shoot'em!" The reds retreat. More gunshots un-outlines one of your allies. In this smog, it would be so easy to stay back and let someone else do the job. And who would blame you, especially when considering your injuries?
But with your current horrible reputation, no way will you allow yourself to be caught cowering, and you have enough allies for support. As the first to advance, you leap forward and tackle one to the ground, then slash his neck as he cries out. Reds surround you, and one smacks your head hard with their buttstock. But as your vision blurs, more blues strike from behind.
"Fuck it, I'm not dyin' as Wing food!" The rest of the reds retreat as you pass out.
You pass in and out of consciousness during the ride back and the Director's debriefing. He comments something about L Corp. or the Thumb undoubtedly masquerading as the Terrorists. Is District 12 suffering terrorism from its own Wing? Does the Thumb hold support from other Wings hoping to undermine L Corp.?
"Remain healthy. The Branch Manager is thinking of another hassle of a mission. Dismissed."
The warning and questions float in and out of your mind as you squeeze whatever brainpower you have left to focus on the trains throughout the week. Alas, you black out while mopping passengers, waking only with Blaine's gentle nudging.
"What is this?" asks Naveed. "How come Ji-Min gets to show up like she partied all night, but I get yelled at for requesting basic courtesies? She's blatantly violating the Manual while I do everything I'm supposed to do? There's no justice in this world."
Blaine groans. "I told you, she's an asset. If Ji-Min has special treatment, that's because she earned it. And why haven't you even started on your passengers?"
"The first week, I thought that there was a misunderstanding or something. But the longer I work here, the more it becomes apparent that everything is biased in favor of the seniors. You guys can pay for your own special treatments with extra work."
As you sit on the seat, you massage your headache like Imamu. "Naveed, could you please cut it out? I seriously can't deal with this right now."
"Yeah? Well, I seriously can't deal with this mistreatment."
"What about pulling your own weight is mistreatment?"
"I already chipped in, at your request, lest you forget, to help deal with that Cahaya train. When do my requests get honored? I'll sit back during the next suppression if that's what it takes."
"No, you won't," you say. "I'll personally make sure you won't hinder the team."
Naveed smirks. "Oh? And what would that look like? Whine to the Director? I'd like to see you try. As far as I'm concerned, if you want the benefits of being an asset, then you can do all the work to earn it."
"I'll tell him that you're forcing me to waste effort on cleanup work instead of letting me save energy for my asset work. I promise you: the Director cares a lot more about my asset work than you."
"Funny you should say that." She continues as Kerry and Clover enter. "I heard a rumor that you and the Director were on horrible terms because you disregarded your own statement."
"What's this about?" asks Kerry.
"Sounds like drama," says Clover.
Blaine puts a hand to her forehead. "Yeah, with Naveed again. We already know that our lives aren't a priority to the Director, but at least Ji-Min cares about us."
"About you!" says Naveed. "Only the seniors."
"Bahij is a single week older than you, but Ji-Min still risked herself to save him. And if you weren't such a drama queen, maybe Ji-Min would feel more inclined to help you if needed."
Clover looks at you. "It's been on my mind, but I thought we're supposed to show up healthy? Actually, doesn't it seem like we've been mopping her share this week?"
"Exactly! The seniors yell at us and get away with whatever they want. And now? Ji-Min's waving her asset duty as an excuse to get out of work despite being a lemon of an asset."
You entertain, just a moment, the notion of strangling Naveed and blaming a passenger. "You know what? Maybe I should focus on becoming a better asset after all. If the Director wants me to be a monster, perhaps he'll praise me if I order you to sacrifice yourself."
"That's uncalled for!" says Clover.
"Why? Naveed already dared me to talk with the Director. Might as well test something extra. How about it, Naveed? Still want to push your luck?"
Naveed balls her fist and walks out as Clover follows. Blaine pats you on the shoulder and leaves.
"Ji-Min," says Kerry. He also pats you. "When you feel better, I want to have a chat with you."
For the next couple trains, Naveed complies with her assignments to mop passengers during cleanup. The Schedule I train arrives, and once in the cab, Blaine proposes Rabbit Protocol. Most of the crew agrees. Naveed opens her mouth, but after an elbow from Clover, they both agree.
"Inspections has no objections. Rabbit Protocol authorized."
A screen pops up in front of the crew, but smoke obscures the view, and the screen switches to thermal view. R Corp.'s soldiers warp into the train again ("So foggy. Damn, it's like that movie where the monsters spawned on the train during teleportation." "Then... if we're here, you think it was based on a true story?").
"We're grazing this WARP train today. Check your thermals. Hop on!"
The rabbits charge through the first door. Passengers are strewn over the floor, and the rabbits open fire into the passengers. "Something's wrong here; we can't chew these guys. Wish we could get a better look at'em and see what's going on."
"So long as they're not moving, they're as good as grazed. Keep moving."
The rabbits move into subsequent cars and ignore the passengers lying on the ground. In one car, they encounter standing passengers.
"Fire!" Gunshots pop, and the passengers drop. In the next car, passengers duck into the legroom when fired upon. "Seems like these guys know where they're going. Be careful."
The rabbits shoot the passengers and continue. "Hey, you think these guys belong to Lantern Office or L Corp.? They're the ones who like to fight in the smoke."
"Good call. We wouldn't be summoned here for trivial opposition. Non-trivial for W Corp., at least. Assume we're fighting smoke-based combatants."
"Didn't think we'd ever apply L Corp. counter-combat training for a W Corp. train." In the next car, the passengers duck behind seats again. The rabbits advance like before, but this time, the floor passengers grab them by the ankle. "These bastards! They're alive after all!"
The crouching passengers return and advance as the rabbits fire upon the ankle-grabbers, and then slash at the rabbits. The rabbits lean back and suffer a light cut through the armor, then fire back at the attackers.
"Headdamn, their gear is actually Wing-grade. I could've died there. But what'll we do about the ankle-grabbers?"
"Just think of them as an environmental hazard or snare trap. We can still twist and turn as needed."
In the next car, the standing passenger waves something like a shield when fired upon, and then advances and slashes a snared rabbit dead.
A rabbit glances at their fallen comrade, then shoots at the passenger. "What was that!?"
"Concentrate on the mission! The only thing they did was solidify some smoke for their shield and sword. We've got the numbers and the firepower to finish them off!"
The passenger crouches and bullets appear to lodge themselves in midair before clinking on the floor. However, each bullet pierces a bit further than the previous bullet. Then, a bullet hailstorm pierces all over the passenger, who collapses to the floor.
The rabbits encounter no further opposition and reach the end of the train. The leader sighs. "Thanks for the meal. We'll take the fallen rabbit with us." They vanish in a flash of orange light.
During the arrival inspection, you search through the passengers with charcoal suits, the signature uniform for L Corp. and Lantern Office employees. In one row, your mother talks with who you assume to be her coworkers. You exchange eye contact, and you both wave. Once the arrival inspection ends, you walk with a big grin to meet your mother outside the train, but you black out again.
"Let me take my daughter back to her apartment!"
"Ma'am, I understand your concern." Sounds like Blaine? "If my son was injured, I'd want to do the same thing. But our employee is still on duty, and our company policy therefore requires Ji-Min to head over to Medical."
You stir to your mother and Blaine arguing while several others watch. Your face burns. "Did I pass out again? I'm really, really sorry."
"Ji-Min, you're awake! Are you okay?"
"Do you need help, Ji-Min? I need to escort you to Medical. If they clear you, then you can return to work."
"Work? Someone passes out, and you're going to put them back to work? What kind of company, let alone a Wing, does that to the employees!?"
Week 8 (Day Off): You guarded the perimeter. Decreased Rapport -6 with Director for 1AP.
Week 8 (Work) / Schedule I / If W<17, all agents take -50HP / Conduct Emergency check
The Crew unanimously votes to activate Rabbit Protocol.
...R. Victory! Clock out for Week 8.
You supported the seniors. Increased Rapport +2 with Katherine, Blaine, and Kerry. Decreased Rapport -3 with Naveed and Clover.
The Crew's stat changes
Ji-Min: 15HP ~ 5HP
Katherine: (40HP, Rapport +0, Favors +0, 21M, Strike +1) ~ (40HP, Rapport +2, Favors +0, 25M, Strike +1)
Naveed: (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 4M) ~ (40HP, Rapport -2, Favors -1, 7M)
Blaine: (10HP, Rapport +7, Favors +1, 13M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +9, Favors +1, 13M)
Bahij: (10HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 10M) ~ (70HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 10M)
Kerry: (40HP, Rapport +5, Favors -1, 4M) ~ (100HP, Rapport +7, Favors -1, 4M)
Clover: (70HP, Rapport +1, Favors -1, 3M) ~ (40HP, Rapport -2, Favors -1, 6M)
Director's rapport change: -2 ~ -8
INSTRUCTIONS. Submit a plan.
-[] Immediate Events - Mother. Your mother would like to return with you to your apartment and tend to you. Increase / decrease Max HP by 5 for each -4 / +4 Rapport with your mother.
--[] Return. You need rest, and you need her. Increase Rapport +4 with your mother and decrease Max HP -5. Apply Motherly Concern Note in Day Off. Decrease Rapport -1 with all agents except Naveed and Clover. Decrease Rapport -2 with Naveed and Clover.
--[] Stay. You're still on duty. No change.
-[] Day Off. Distribute AP into one of the following.
--[] Rest. Two more weeks of missions are coming up, so you better get resting. Each AP restores 20HP. Rest for how many AP:
Motherly Concern Note: If this is applied, restore 30HP after Rest (ignores Max HP).
-[] Workweek. Contribute W with the crew to suppress disorderly passengers.
--[] Make requests:
--[] Contribute W to the quota:
Passenger Advisory Report:
Week 9 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<5, all agents take -30HP
No action is currently asked of the following, but is published as a notice:
Passenger Advisory Report's roll (Week 10): (5)
Week 10 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<3, all agents take -20HP
-[] 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.
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.
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.
