Dang, Kerry dies, wonder if it could've gone all better.
[X] Kill your father. Decrease Max HP -10. Increase Rapport +8 with Director.
This is just how it is in the city really, can't do much about it- But sometimes you just have to chase happiness in the city, even when the city bites down on you for trying to do so.
[] Spare your father. Gain Surgery Lv.1 (Rest on mission weeks only restores 10HP per AP). Reset Rapport to +0 with Director.
EDIT: changed my vote.
The truth is, the game has been rigged from the start. Happiness will not be achieved, not without help.
Both choices are terrible, and honestly I'm just choosing this on the off-chance that the dad knows what he is getting into with this whole fighting against a Wing thing, and that he would rather have Ji-Min kill him than to have her be messed up in her head by some dubious engineers.
[X] Kill your father. Decrease Max HP -10. Increase Rapport +8 with Director.
I think this was said before, but that Surgery is pretty much a hidden death sentence. Ji-Min will not get enough HP to do much other than Asset work, so you can forget about all the stuff she's currently doing to gain rapport among her peers.
This is a long-term poisoning compared to the other one, so just know what you are signing up for if she does get the Surgery done for her.
I'll agree with Meta on the fact that brain surgery is an outcome that is just sketchy not only mechanically but narrarively too. Its so bad that we actively avoided any option that results in us getting surgery in the past votes.
That and it makes Director less pissed at us, and I'd rather not keep our direct superior in foul mood regarding this. Our father probably knew what he was getting into.
Though I wonder how Ji-Min will be explaining this to her mother.
[X] Kill your father. Decrease Max HP -10. Increase Rapport +8 with Director.
Hm, I've been convinced I suppose. From debates I've had with friends, on the topic of pre SoL, cityfolk events.
Sorry pops but you shouldn't have tried to terrorize a wing, even if Ji-Min spared you I think the beans would've been spilled eventually one way or another, which wouldn't be a fun good time for Ji-Min at all.
Since this is related to mechanics and a major decision, I want to make sure everyone is on the same page related to Surgery - the 10HP restore malus only applies when Resting gets you out of work (stop slacking!). You still get the full 20HP for resting when you're scheduled to rest.
No comment on Surgery's narrative effects.
Currently 5-3 Kill. I normally like to close voting within the next 24h, but if there's still discussion, I'll keep it open as needed.
Voting is closed, and the decision is "kill". Since this is an irreversible, possibly emotional, high-stakes result from a tight race that will set the tone for the rest of this quest, I want to take a few moments to check up on everyone's well-being.
For those who voted "kill", I imagine that, whether or not you considered it an easy tactical decision, making the choice to end a loved one's life is by no means pleasant. I respect your ability to make tough calls, and I hope that you remain vigilant as we march forward.
For those who voted "spare", I imagine that there may be no small measure of frustration that your efforts could not save a loved one. I respect your willingness to personally endure suffering for their sake, and losing this vote does not invalidate your determination.
Thank you to our voters and readers for your continued support.
To explain my rationale behind choosing the option to Kill.
Throughout the quest, our voting patterns have essentially indicated that Ji-Min would (for obvious reason) do nigh-everything she can do preserve the sanctity of her mind. She's pissed off her boss who has very real power over her, she's essentially sacrificed co-workers (albeit one she dislikes) to avoid going under brain surgery. In her fear of this surgery she's essentially a frog being slowly boiled alive, every slowly and surely chipping away at her moral qualms.
She's sacrificed a fellow Janitor, what's a family member next?
Beyond that, both Ji-Min and her father aren't good people. That's clear. A good person wouldn't be sacrificing co-workers, clinically participating in a system that literally puts it's customers into thousands of years of suffering. A good person wouldn't be what is effectively a corporate thug, committing terrorism in some corporate dispute between too megacorporations. Both knew what they were getting into when they signed up for their respective jobs. Is it good? No. But in the end as the quest stated Ji-Min isn't a hero trying to overthrow the system or a prodigious scientist ready to change the world. She, like so many others, are just trying to eke out a living in the dystopian nightmare that is the City with the hand dealt to her.
One day, L Corp will gets it's due. While the same cannot perhaps be said for W Corp, given how it was panicking from it's lost of it's first class passengers in Ruina, it too will finally suffer the most miniscule of payment for it's actions. Yet none of this matters for Ji-Min, all she wants is to continue living. Preferably with her mental faculties untouched.
Well, can't kill off someone else's parent without being willing to kill your own. Ji-Min is many things, but at least she ain't no hypocrite, hahaha...
God, I'm not looking forward to the nightmares she's gonna be facing
As your father scrambles to his feet, all it takes is just a moment to rip space through your father's head. His body falls back to the floor, dead like the other combatants in the hallway.
You stare at your father's corpse for a moment until you remember that the facility cameras are recording. Now is not the time to look like you cared enough about a Misery Terrorist to give him an easy death; there's still a battle to conclude. After a dozen seconds to confirm that none of the offices were broken into, you return to the smoggy bay. In your vision, only blue outlines remain.
"Are they gone?" you ask into your gas mask's comms.
"Yeah," says Katherine. "Fergus and I fought to a stalemate until the first wave of Zwei arrived. Shouted another dumb one-liner and left with what remained of his team. What about you? Did you stop the Terrorists in the office?"
"I did. The offices are safe."
With the battle over, you assist with the cleanup in the bay and let someone else handle the hallway. The Zwei ask a few questions, but you and the other assets refer them to W Corp.'s Legal. After a couple hours of cleanup, the assets return to the train station and wait in the usual conference room. Half of the assets remain, although you note that Sapphire Squad remains intact.
The Director walks in with a bright face. "Debriefing. Success. Through your efforts, we now have proof that Lantern Office, and by extension, L Corp., are the masterminds behind the Misery Terrorists. We look forward to our next round of negotiations with L Corp."
You speculate on the answer to the obvious unsaid question, "Why is a District the victim of its own Wing?"
The door unlocks, and the Branch Manager himself walks in. Executives sure have it good - a cleanshaven young man with a face devoid of blemish, slicked-back hair with a blue stripe streaking down the center, and a bespoke suit over what you expect to be a toned body enhanced by augments that not even Ahn can buy. He takes a second to scan the room. A person less attentive than you would've missed how his gaze paused on you for a moment.
The Director cedes his seat at the head of the table and stands next to him like a bodyguard.
"Good morning," says the Branch Manager. "I had the pleasure of watching you all work hard, and I wanted to personally express my thanks. Today, W Corp. has grown more prosperous. In particular, I would like to recognize Ms. Ji-Min for her efforts."
You stand as everyone, even the Director, claps.
"I've heard much about Ms. Ji-Min ever since she started work a couple months ago. Good things and bad things. However, today is the day that she shines the brightest; because of her, we confirmed that Ms. Ji-Min took down a high-ranking officer for both the Misery Terrorists and Lantern Office. What makes this kill special is that this officer is her own father."
That raises a few eyebrows.
"Encountering him surely took her by surprise, but she rose to the occasion and served justice. I want to hear your thoughts, Ms. Ji-Min."
You swallow. "I have no tears to shed for evildoers. I-" Whether from the suddenness of a prompt speech, having to lie, or reflecting on your father's kindness, your voice cracks. As your face burns in this unloving hell, you wonder how many see through your mask.
"Ms. Ji-Min?"
In his final moments, even though he did evil, your father loved you so much that he couldn't kill you. That love is what the City should remember him for. "I was overcome with joy... because my allies supported me. Thank you all for helping me move past my history of being born to L Corp. scum."
"Well said. And now, the future. As they say, a rolling boulder gathers momentum, and it is with great pleasure that I introduce our special guest. Everyone, stand." While the assets do so, the door clicks as it unlocks, and every mouth drops.
A woman dressed in the robe and vest of black with gold trim walks with perfect grace into the room. While most people wear a tie with their suit or vest as part of their uniform, she follows no code but her own with a ruffle cravat. Her long hair, brown like her skin, flows behind like a queen's cape.
"Ms. Dias, we are honored to have you join us."
Dias? That Dias? The filthy-stinking-rich celebrity Dias who could host a thousand dinners in her thousand mansions without batting an eye? As her eye-mask guards enter, you remember that her personal army, the Udjat, is a Grade 1 Office capable of wiping out your crew no sweat, and you wonder if they survived... until you realize that Dias likely reserved the entire train.
Dias beams as a guard pulls up a seat for her seat at the other head of the table. "Talgat, you're such a striking man in person! I must say, I do enjoy a good trip. We held a friendly competition to see who could endure the longest without moonstone before going to sleep."
"I'm sure you won handily. Would you like a refreshment?"
"Yes, T Corp.'s new signature blend would be delightful." A butler in W Corp.'s colors pushes in a cart and pours a golden tea. Dias takes a sip. "Exquisite. You've been shining lately, haven't you? A beautiful light. After you fended off this morning's Terrorist attack, I thought to myself, 'Here's our chance!' And I've been in touch with a couple friends searching for this opportunity. Quite the brilliant minds, I might add."
"Brilliant minds?"
Dias glides a hand through the air. "Imagine it, Talgat. A Wing producing clean energy so cheap, it costs more to run your cute little errands than any edge you'd gain for negotiation. And then! With the credit of slashing company expenses, why, I imagine that our next meeting will be in the offices of W Corp.'s HQ."
Cheap, clean energy? Isn't this too good to be true? But this is Dias speaking. You look at the Branch Manager, who you imagine to be thinking similar thoughts. However, you doubt that he's also concerned about your mother's future getting shredded to pieces if a new company replaces L Corp.
At last, he speaks. "If I want to make this ideal into reality, what do you need me to do?"
"Nothing much." Dias smiles as she takes another sip. "Just lay a few tracks for me and look forward for the train to arrive."
"Very well. Ms. Dias, I welcome our joint venture."
The Branch Manager appoints a deputy recommended by Dias to coordinate affairs between the Udjat and W Corp. At the Branch Manager's request, the deputy's first order of business is to bring in suitable replacement personnel, and the meeting concludes. After the Director announces the news to Blaine and the others, you work with the crew until the train with your new teammates arrives early afternoon.
"Ji-Min, Katherine," says Blaine, "my report says you deal with this one."
Your new teammate, unfortunately, disembarks from the coach-class train with a quiver in her step. Scars cover her face like she never had access to K Corp.'s medicine, but the poverty of her life contrasts with her black hair bun dusted with gold flecks. She checks her W Corp. uniform and takes a deep breath as she gets off the train.
Katherine, back from her routine missions, folds her arms. "Yup, definitely Grade 1 material." She looks at the other squads who get sturdier-looking newcomers.
"Be nice," says Blaine. "At least she helped."
You nod and thank your newcomer; the arriving Udjat did a good job of softening the passengers during their millennia-long wait. Anyway, now might be a good time for you to break up the glaring contest between Katherine and the newcomer. "Why don't we, uh, introduce ourselves somewhere private? I'm Ji-Min, by the way."
"Amita. Thanks for the... 'warm' reception." Amita continues after she follows you and Katherine to an open conference room. "Let's get this out of the way: just because I'm not Grade 1 doesn't diminish my ability. Fixers in the Udjat are all across the board, because Lady Dias sees something special in each of us."
"This'll be good," says Katherine. "I'll bite. What's special about you?"
Amita's cheeks flush. "Lady Dias said I was like a diamond in the rough, and all I needed was a bit of polishing. Even though I was nothing but a car mechanic, she took me in and cleaned me up." She rubs the hilt of her scimitar. "If I can make myself even a little more useful for Lady Dias, she'll surely hold me close to her heart."
Katherine looks at you. "Caress my Wing."
"Amita," you say. "Don't take this the wrong way, but, uh, I get the impression that you worship Dias like an Index member worships the Prescript."
"And is there anything wrong with that?"
"I mean, if it motivates you, great. But please, please don't put yourself or us in danger with a stunt just because you think that'll distinguish yourself to Dias."
"What? Don't you have someone worth risking your life for? It's only natural to give up everything for the people who matter to us."
You flick the table. "I think we're going to struggle seeing eye-to-eye. The moment you set someone up as your sun, you'll either burn or freeze to death."
"That's not a life worth living." She looks at you with eyes of pity.
"Don't give me that. I wouldn't even have a life to live if I thought like you did."
"Come to think of it, if you're an asset, have you not already made W Corp. your sun? Are you bitter because you're doing so much work for something that can't possibly love you back?"
You think about your daily cleanup job, the terrorism you committed, and killing your own father. What do you have? Nothing? "I'm alive, employed, and respected."
"Enough," says Katherine. "Can you two act like Wings and make a deal? Like, not discussing philosophy?"
"I'm fine with not discussing Dias-ism."
"And I'm fine with not discussing W-ism."
With asset introductions over, you visit the lounge, where a new agent is introducing himself. Like Amita, he keeps the Udjat colors - black hair and golden eye earring studs. You hope that, unlike Amita, maybe this newcomer is friendlier.
"So, what I'm hearing is that I'm replacing some hack. Never knew W Corp. was so weak."
"Hey Ji-Min," says Blaine. "Meet Rama. Did you overhear what he just said?"
"I did. Is the entire Udjat this hostile?"
"I just expectde a certain baseline of competency." Rama sighs. "Just because I wasn't a high grade like some of the others didn't mean I needed to be relegated to the trash heap."
"Rama," you say, "you're wearing out your welcome fast."
Rama taps one of his studs. "See these? Color's wrong for the crew. But guess what - W Corp. isn't gonna do a thing because you need us more than we need you. Betcha you guys die even faster. Who wants to fight me?"
Lorine looks away, Girish keeps his head down, but Bahij stands.
You gesture for Bahij to sit.
"Ji-Min, we can't stand here and let him insult the crew."
"There's no need to fight; I can handle this." You return your attention to Rama. "Besides, the Udjat that I just met didn't seem much stronger than you, but she's working as an asset. You think it's because she at least knows how to do teamwork instead of running her mouth? Either you're a disgrace to Dias and the Udjat, or your office is complete trash."
"You can't invent reasons to redirect attention from your crew's incompetence. If you're that confident, spar with me."
You stare at Rama. "I just had a large-scale battle early this morning on top of my regular job. Do you feel strong when kicking someone who needs a break?"
"Excuses."
"Hey man," says Bahij. "You seriously need a lesson in manners. You, me, and our fists after work."
"Sounds good to me."
Blaine shakes her head. "You guys can't just start a fight! What kind of image does that give W Corp. and the Udjat if we resolve everything internally with violence?"
"Captain, you've got it wrong; what kind of image does it give us when someone challenges a Wing, but we do nothing?"
"Are you saying you'll burn one of your three strikes for Rama's provocation? And do you have any idea what kind of headache I'll have when it's time for me to explain why my crew can't behave?"
He stares at Blaine for a couple seconds before turning to you. "Ji-Min, you know what I'm saying, right?"
"Huh? Uh..."
"We don't take crap. Our rep is our life."
"Ji-Min, could you please help me rein in this hothead? He might listen to you."
You know that Bahij already went through life-and-death and should be able to hold his own, but the way that he and Rama look at each other hints of a serious beating for Rama or both on the horizon. "Bahij, I suggest thinking over, very carefully, what you do next."
"Yeah, uh-huh."
Blaine leans into your ear. "I hate pushing this onto you, but could you please follow them and make sure nothing happens?"
"Uh-huh," you mutter.
At the end of the shift, as you decide whether to let Bahij and Rama settle their differences, you receive a call from the Director for a brief meeting. You ask Blaine to watch over them until you get back, then visit the Director in his office.
"Good evening, Director."
"Ji-Min. Praise. Again, I want to thank you for your hard work during this morning's battle. For some time, I was secretly worried that you were, in fact, a spy for L Corp. But not only did you put an end to your father, you also put an end to my fears."
"Fighting him was disorienting, but he needed to face justice." Because what else can you say?
"Agreed. Now, given recent developments and our new partnership with Dias and her Udjat, our next goal is L Corp.'s destruction. Although W Corp. is willing to assist Dias with setting the stage, the Branch Manager and I agree that a backup is necessary in case her plans fail."
If Dias wants L Corp. gone, you suspect that the plan will succeed, no matter how ugly it gets. You nod. "What do you need?"
"Information. As I previously mentioned, the Branch Manager sacrificed our spies to give this morning's trap its credibility. We therefore don't know the full impact that the defeat of the Misery Terrorists has on L Corp.; in particular, if the Terrorists were harassing their own District, it may have been to support L Corp.'s Singularity. The information may even be pertinent to our current planning."
"Are you... are you saying the acts of terrorism themselves fuel L Corp.'s Singularity?"
"More like conjecture. Perhaps their Singularity isn't sustainable; that might explain the Terrorists' promotion to Urban Nightmare after their increasingly aggressive activity irritated more people. However, having more information will help, which is where you come in. Your mother is a technician for L Corp., correct?"
You want to throw up. "Yes."
"The Branch Manager suggests we take her brain. If her husband was a Terrorist, and his work is connected to L Corp.'s Singularity, then the results of his work affect hers. But it's not as if we can behead her like Vanessa and call it a day; unlike Vanessa, your mother should still have her J-Lock. That J-Lock will erase her memories if we try to take her brain with force."
"Build up her trust, convince her to remove the J-Lock, then..."
"Rejoice. Your side project can bear fruit."
You open your mouth, then force a smile. When you were reconciling with your mother, perhaps W Corp. interpreted it as potential treason. However, killing your father bestows credibility to the interpretation that you are only building that 'bond' with your mother as a tool to further exploit L Corp.
The Director smiles back. "As it happens, your mother called your apartment and left a request asking that you visit. You'll be a dutiful daughter and visit, won't you?"
You killed your father. Gained "Patricide" trait (Decrease Max HP -10). Increased Rapport +8 with Director.
The Crew's stat changes
Ji-Min: 10/90HP ~ 10/80HP
Girish: 70HP, Rapport +1, Favors +0, 7M)
Lorine: (40HP, Rapport +1, Favors +1, 10M), Meltdown
Blaine: (70HP, Rapport +14, Favors +0, 19M)
Bahij: (70HP, Rapport +3, Favors +3, 13M)
Rama: (100HP, Rapport +0, Favors +0, 3M), NEW
Clover: (70HP, Rapport -7, Favors +0, 11M), Meltdown
Director's rapport change: -2 ~ +6
INSTRUCTIONS. Submit a plan. See bottom of post for preplans.
-[] Immediate Events - Mother. You mean the world to her. Decrease Max HP -5 for each +4 Rapport with your mother.
--[] Visit mother. You're a dutiful daughter, after all. Increase Rapport +4 with your mother. Increase Rapport +1 with Director.
--[] Skip visit. Somehow, you'll explain to everyone that now isn't the time. Decrease Rapport -8 with Director.
-[] Immediate Events - Bahij vs. Rama Black and blue are colors of W Corp.... and bruises.
--[] Break it up. Because W Corp. isn't a pack of animals. Increase Rapport +4 with Blaine. Decrease Rapport -6 with Bahij.
--[] Let'em fight. They'll figure it out. Increase Rapport +4 with Bahij. Decrease Rapport -6 with Blaine. Decrease Favors -1 with Bahij. Increase Strike +1 for Bahij and Rama. Bahij rolls d6. If d6 > 2, Bahij takes -10HP and Rama takes -50HP; otherwise, both Bahij and Rama take -30HP.
-[] Day Off. Distribute AP up to one of the following.
--[] Rest. Two weeks of Dias-knows-what are coming up, so you better get resting. Each AP restores 20HP. Rest for how many AP:
Note: Since Sacrifice Clover was not selected in Week 11, roll d6. If d6 = 1, decrease Rapport -6 with Director.
-[] Workweek. Contribute W with the crew to suppress disorderly passengers.
--[] Make requests:
--[] Contribute W to the quota:
Passenger Advisory Report:
Week 12 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<4, all agents take -25HP
No action is currently asked of the following, but is published as a notice:
Passenger Advisory Report's roll (Week 13): (5)
Week 13 (Work) / Schedule II / If W<3, all agents take -20HP
-[] Meltdown. Keep an eye on other agents to reduce their damage.
--[] Lorine. Increase Favors between +1 to +3 (more Favors with fewer protectors and failed meltdown check) with Lorine. Costs 2AP.
Note: Clover is also in meltdown; however, the Director will replace her at the end of the week. Agents' M will be updated as if she was marked dead.
-[] Relationships. Spend time with another agent. Increase Rapport +1.
--[] Girish
--[] Lorine
--[] Blaine
--[] Bahij
--[] Rama. Additionally, decrease Rapport -1 for all other agents
--[] Clover.
--[] Nobody. Regain 10HP.
PREPLANS. See spoilers for specific details. You may submit a custom plan.
[] Plan: Visit + Break It Up
[] Plan: Visit + Let'em Fight
[] Plan: Skip + Break it Up
[] Plan: Skip + Let'em fight
-[] Immediate Events - Mother
--[] Visit mother.
--[] Skip visit.
-[] Immediate Events - Bahij vs. Rama
--[] Break it up.
--[] Let'em fight.
-[] Day Off.
--[] Rest. For how many AP:
-[] Workweek
--[] Make requests:
--[] Contribute W to the quota:
-[] Meltdown.
--[] Lorine
-[] Relationships.
--[] Girish
--[] Lorine
--[] Blaine
--[] Bahij
--[] Rama
--[] Clover
--[] Nobody
[x] Plan: Visit + Break It Up
-[x] Immediate Events - Mother
--[x] Visit mother.
-[x] Immediate Events - Bahij vs. Rama
--[x] Break it up.
-[z] Day Off.
--[z] Rest. For how many AP: 4AP
-[x] Workweek
--[x] Contribute W to the quota: 1W
-[x] Relationships.
--[x] Bahij
[x] Plan: Visit + Let'em Fight
-[x] Immediate Events - Mother
--[x] Visit mother.
-[x] Immediate Events - Bahij vs. Rama
--[x] Let'em fight.
-[x] Day Off.
--[x] Rest. For how many AP: 4AP
-[x] Workweek
--[x] Contribute W to the quota: 1W
-[x] Relationships.
--[x] Nobody
[x] Plan: Skip + Break It Up
-[x] Immediate Events - Mother
--[x] Skip visit.
-[x] Immediate Events - Bahij vs. Rama
--[x] Break it up.
-[z] Day Off.
--[z] Rest. For how many AP: 4AP
-[x] Workweek
--[x] Contribute W to the quota: 1W
-[x] Relationships.
--[x] Bahij
[x] Plan: Visit + Let'em Fight
-[x] Immediate Events - Mother
--[x] Skip visit
-[x] Immediate Events - Bahij vs. Rama
--[x] Let'em fight.
-[x] Day Off.
--[x] Rest. For how many AP: 4AP
-[x] Workweek
--[x] Contribute W to the quota: 1W
-[x] Relationships.
--[x] Nobody
Well, at this point, I'd say visit is the only valid option for the mother dilemma. Its not like the Director won't be able to get to her, even if we don't, and we already killed our dad to get this far. Our lot was with W corp the moment we became an asset; killing pops only cemented this.
In regards to Bahij and Rama, I'd honestly say let them fight. Rama's a bastard, and he'll upset the status quo through said bastard nature if we pull them apart without him being put in his place. Sucks, but The City's The City The City. (Also, as Bahij and Blaine are our fellow veterans atm, I'd like to acknowledge that we can take a hit to our rapport with Blaine without going in the negatives, which cannot be said of Bahij. Vets stick together is the rule I've seen.)
Neither is ultimately a good option, in both dilemmas. PMverse special, I suppose.
Yeah, its unfortunate to say this, but visiting our Mother is only valid choice left. The train of making friends or finding love left when we adopted the Corporate Grindset.
I mean, there is no going back from the moment we became a Company Asset. W Corp owns us, and I don't believe we will find a sudden miracle to break us out of a Wing's purview.
Basically, what they want, they get. And W Corp is likely to become even stronger after its dealings with the future L Corp, if renewable energy allows it to expand its infrastructure and resources.
In other words: W Corp is only going to get stronger, not weaker, from here on out.
--[] Break it up. Because W Corp. isn't a pack of animals. Increase Rapport +4 with Bahij. Decrease Rapport -6 with Blaine.
If the error was stopping anyone from formally voting, please feel free to begin doing so. Technically, there's zero votes, but [] Plan: Visit + Let'em Fight is "leading".
--[] Break it up. Because W Corp. isn't a pack of animals. Increase Rapport +4 with Blaine. Decrease Rapport -6 with Bahij.
--[] Let'em fight. They'll figure it out. Increase Rapport +4 with Bahij. Decrease Rapport -6 with Blaine. Decrease Favors -1 with Bahij. Increase Strike +1 for Bahij and Rama. Bahij rolls d6. If d6 > 2, Bahij takes -10HP and Rama takes -50HP; otherwise, both Bahij and Rama take -30HP.
