>>1021587
Voting for the aquarium.

Ceekay 2022/01/31(Mon)21:06 No. 1021976 ID: 676f44
File 164369196148.png - (11.98KB , 550x500 , prettysea.png )

Well, I suppose the logical thing to do here would be to head to the aquarium car. I’m not so much a fan of models, I think…but it’s something I can certainly deal with. I just hope they’re not too haughty. “Well, then. I think it’s best if we get going sooner than later,” I decide.

He seems worried for me. “Just watch yourself, huh?” I can appreciate the concern! Safety always comes first!

Ms. Geargoose seems awfully excited, at least. She can’t stop talking about how pretty this one model is- Olena Springs? I have no idea who that is, but she seems to be a rather big fan. There’s also something about a video, though I don’t know if I care much to- eep!

“Oh, goodness, sorry there!” Oh my, that nearly caused me to fall! I look to Ms. Geargoos, who was also accidentally shoved; it seems like she’s okay, if a bit disoriented. I hope nothing’s dented- on either of us. Terribly sorry, my apologies.” At least he’s polite about it. “Have a good day!”

I turn around to return the farewell, but it would be awkward now. Oh, but he does have an impressively ridged cranium, at least. I wonder what manifested the fold- no no, time for that later, Emma.

“Such a hurry…” Ms. Geargose grumbles. I suppose I can’t blame her.

The Aquarium car, when we reach it, is…well, astounding, to say the least! The path is hardly wide enough to fit three bots side to side, but the sides of the cars, and even above it, are clear windows to a beautifully crafted artificial undersea domain, in which all manner of sea life swim and frolic. It’s honestly rather mesmerizing. It also makes me quite glad I am waterproof.

Ah- and those trio of rather glamorous lady bots up ahead must be our models! Although, they seem to be crowded around someone…a fourth member of their group? None of them are Vellanova, however. And what’s more, the fourth member seems to be…down? Oh dear!

“Excuse me!” I say quickly as I jog up to them. Ms. Geargoose isn’t far behind. “Is something wrong here?! I’m a licensed medical practitioner!”

“Oh, thank goodness,” one of them says hurriedly. “Juli here was practicing poses with us and I think something twisted wrong because she went for a harder one and then she collapsed and-”

(1/2)

Ceekay 2022/01/31(Mon)21:06 No. 1021977 ID: 676f44
File 164369198132.png - (9.57KB , 550x500 , unfortunate.png )

“Something’s not…twisting right,” the one on the ground finishes with a grimace. She’s rather svelte, and with an interesting two piece outfit that’s both…well, perhaps provocative? And yet tasteful. A cocktail dress but with some rather…excessive cuts. “I think…I think something tore.”

They gasps, as well as myself. That’s…extremely unpleasant. “Do you have a dedicated doctor?”

“Not one here,” she admits. “We might have to make an emergency stop…” another grimace.

“Where is the damage, you think?” I ask, and she points to the side of her abdomen. “That could be very bad indeed, if it’s what I think it is,” I say after a moment of checking and feeling the area. It’s clear that she’s had some…er, ‘aesthetic work’ done in the area, if this solder outline is any indicator. “If it’s a misaligned torso actuator, then if it’s not repaired quickly, the continuous stress damage could inhibit her movement long-term!”

“B-but she can’t!” One of them cries. “You can help fix it, right? You’re a doctor here, you’ve gotta be some sort of super surgeon, right?”

What?

“Y-yeah! We’ll pay you whatever! Just help her!” Oh dear, that’s rather sudden!

“Well, I…could, I think!” Could I? I’m just talking, right now! “I’d need some way to get beyond her chassis!” I admit. This already feels like deja vu. “It would take some- some method of insertion that-”

“Please!” one of them cries, and it is…difficult to look her in the eyes. “You’ve gotta have some idea!” I mean, I know what it’d take, but I’d be better off calling for security and letting them handle it, right? I-I don’t have anything that can do that...quickly…

…but…I.

It’s obvious.

That I have been acting oddly. I have for a while. My memory issues…I have always been confident of who I am.

Can I be confident of what I can do? What if there is something that I forgot? Trying to remember costs me significant time, and it might not work. But if there’s something… then why not, right?

But even regardless, maybe I can force something. My grip and hydraulic strength is rated rather high for my profession. A natural talent, and useful.…

Ohhh, I can’t waste much time on this, really!

What is a hydraulic grip going to do in this situation? Tear away the soldered plate? Crease some wrinkles in your cyberbrain? No, you need the Suture tool to un-suture some shoddy craftsmanship.

Call security! This is a job for professionals.

>>1021977
Force it. We are a medic, and doing nothing in this situation would be doing harm.

You have Suture and Undent. Weaken the plate with Suture, pull it off with Undent.
You were talking about a high pressure, precision surgical device. Isn't that what Undent is?

>>1021986
This.

Or >>1021984 if our memory issues block that rn.

Ceekay 2022/02/02(Wed)20:28 No. 1022195 ID: 676f44
File 164386252566.png - (11.16KB , 550x500 , Decisions.png )

I’m already moving, even as I consider the pros and cons. The truth is, above all else, right now? I am a nurse. And there is someone in pain. I cannot simply let that last if they’re right in front of me!

The soldering isn’t the best, to be honest. I could probably do a superior job, but at the moment, her doctor’s incompetence is my own fortune. I should be able to remove this via a combination of my own Suturing function, perhaps…well, that combined with my Undent. It’s a bit unorthodox, but I should be able to remove it- though it’ll be a bit uncomfortable for her, and perhaps a touch…well.

“I’m going to be removing a portion of your outer shell,” I say as they back up to give me space. Good. Don’t want any accidental injuries. “This may get a touch invasive, so I apologize.”

“I-it’s fine,” she says with some effort. “Not like I haven’t had docs touch me everywhere already.” Fair point.

Even just getting her open is a bit of a messy procedure; my Suture function operates at the minimum melting point, meaning that it doesn’t take any melted metal very long for it to begin hardening up again. I have to essentially pry and tear the piece away from her, and while I hate to tell her this, I would likely recommend her to never showcase this part of her chassis openly in any model shoots going forwards. At least, not unless she gets a MUCH better practitioner. If I had something less messy and more direct this would be less of an issue, but as it stands, I’ll make do.

It’s careful work, and a bit tiring, but I do manage to pry the area away. Again, I’ll REALLY have to recommend a metal grafting or some sort, and I can practically detect the looks of disgust from her fellow models. Ignoring that now.

It’s fairly quick to diagnose exactly what the issue is once I get a good look at it. Unfortunately, it’s even worse than I feared. The torso actuator is misaligned in SEVERAL places, as I thought, but it’s already worsened a bit- I can see the beginnings of some stripping some of her in her lower spinal bars; if those were to end up stripped fully, she’d lose most major hip motor function from the waist up until the neck.. Bending, tilting, and all such movement would be rendered impossible. Even arm movement would be grossly inaccurate. And spinal bars are NOT easy to repair, much less replace, since they’re so unique to the individual.

Furthermore, there’s another area I can just spy that’s also showing signs of disrepair. I can easily see the LPP (left position piston) showing potential signs of what we call a ‘silkline’ fracture- a thin fracture in the shape of a gentle sine wave. It’s usually caused by unnecessary stress to the hip motors, of course. As is, it should cause any significant issues, but the problem with such fractures is that they can potentially widen.

Unfortunately, I do not have the tools on me to repair her entirely- I can realign the actuator, and perhaps do something about the silkline fracture. The spinal bars are something that is, sadly, beyond me without a proper medical facility. I have to tell them all this. But as soon as I do- “How long will it take? We have a major photo shoot that starts in an hour!”

The question no nurse ever wants to hear. Health is paramount, and it makes little sense to not do everything in my power. But these are very important individuals, and, well…the simple truth is that the most important issue IS fixable in that hour. But beyond that is the question. I could just tell them an hour, and focus purely on the torso actuator. If I really wanted to try to fix everything, I could say two hours, and while she’d lose her photo shoot, she’d not be at risk for a piston break for a while. If I really wanted to go for the gusto, so to speak, I could recommend a three hour work time to attempt alloy transplanting as well, which would use miniscule pieces of the slag of her torso earlier, to help any rough issues. But that might be far too much for them…

>>1022195
You're here to work on the primary injury. You were not given permission to work on the piston, but you can inform them of it.
Tell them it's an hour to fix the torso actuator, and another hour to fix the damaged piston, if they elect for you to do that.
Recommend she visits a full spec maintenance/repair shop later, for a more thorough examination and also to touch up her damaged frame.

After the job, try to remember if you're forgetting a tool. A saw, perhaps? High pressure... some kind of jaws of life? Or shears?

Two hours. Tell her one photoshoot is not worth her entire career, and even if it is, is it worth her full range of movement?

>>1022197
this. The hollywood types are very work-driven, so be prepared to be firm about this if she puts up a stink. She'd be trading one shoot for a hundred potential shoots. Bad math.

>>1022200
Have too really tell them to postepone it or her carrier will be over

Ceekay 2022/02/05(Sat)13:05 No. 1022476 ID: 676f44
File 164409515135.png - (11.97KB , 550x500 , overheat.png )

No. I need to be strict. “I can restore her as best I can in two hours. Otherwise-”

“What?!” they all say- even the injured one. I can’t say that I’m too surprised. “You can’t get it done in like, thirty minutes or something?”

Thirty- what? “I’m afraid that’s impossible,” I say as politely as I can. “Otherwise I’d simply be hurting her more with a partially done job. “With the injuries as they are, if she aggravates anything much further, she might be able to get through the photo shoot once and never be able to pose properly again.”

They gasp as one. Actually rather impressive. “Is it that bad?” one of them asks. “Her surgeon was able to get her in and out in like, forty minutes!” Ah. That explains so much. Still, I can only nod, and as frustrated as they are, they seem to raise no further complaint. “Fine. See if we invite you to the afterparty,” one of them grouses.

I can’t say I’m too disheartened. The individual herself just groans in frustration. “Fine, fine. Whatever the bill’s gonna be, send it to ‘A-Star Modeling and Talent’.

“Noted. Now, if you’d please remain still. Do any of you have a room nearby? I’d rather not do this out in the open.” I can already see some robots gawking and wondering what the issue is.

“Oh! Yeah, mine, hold on,” one of them says as she covers her friend up with…some sort of cloth. Right, then, time to move fast. But carefully.

“Whoa. You’re strong for a little thing,” she says as I pick her up. I suppose that is true.

“Follow me,” the one from earlier says, and I do so.

…yet again, their room’s opulence is…impressive. But! No time for gawking. I have a patient, and now it’s time to do what I can do best.

This is careful work. It takes delicate maneuverings to get her actuators back into place. Tighten the bolts. Make certain the bar alignments are correct, a few other things. Caution. Not too tight, not too stiff.

The piston. Fixing this is careful work as well. I cannot let go of it for too long as I apply the suture, and I cannot allow this to unbalance her. The slag is…useful, if not optimal. I wish I had some proper lubricant, too, or maybe something other than general slag to fill in the holes here. Inj0jjection…if- I

…

If I had som
Whazzzzzzzsomeeeeeeth

...

…

>Error detected. File ‘FluidInjec122’ missing.
>Attempting to restore from last known full memory backup.
>...
>Full memory backup not found. Attempting to restore from obsolete files.
>...
>...compatible file found. ‘FluidInjec09’ executing.

“Hello?” What? “HEY!”

Yipe! “Y-yes what is it?” Oh, dear me! I- what? The girls, the repair, the…

“Wow, are YOU okay?” Ms. Geargoose asks me. “They left a while ago. I’ve just been in here writing,” she admits. I spare a glance down at my patient, who apparently has resigned herself to sleep mode at the moment… "What happened there? You finished up and then kinda just went...stiff. Next thing I know, your eyes flash from blue to pink for a second, and then you're out of it." She shivers. "That was straight out of a thriller book."

“...I’ll be fine. Is she?” I can’t believe it, but. “I just remembered something important, that’s all.”

And I very much did. Another function that I have. But I’d…forgotten. My Fluid Insertion. I forgot. I have injection points in my LEFT AND RIGHT PINKY FINGERS, to allow for fluid insertion in case of overheating robots, fillings, or other such issues. I have…Coolant right now, and…a bit of Mercury?! Why? Though I have room for two more vials worth of fluids, I can sense. What's more, it'll cost energy. About three units worth.

And how did I recall that? There's fuzzy images. I remember using it on...someone. Recently, I think. And what to do now, considering that from what I can tell, I didn’t even fail in my operation while clearly spaced out?

>>1022476
Try to remember more about your forgotten tools. You had some kind of direct high pressure device, one that could be used to pierce hull or... remove a faceplate.

>>1022476
Focus more and tell gg about your current condition.
Proceed to find Vellanova.

Ceekay 2022/02/07(Mon)20:30 No. 1022749 ID: 676f44
File 164429465466.png - (12.42KB , 550x500 , tallandlank.png )

Haaaaa…something isn’t right. Here, or with me. But I’ll have to approach it one thing at a time, I think.

First thing’s first, though. “I…well, I remember a skill I have,” I mention. Geargoose seems interested and worried all the same as I explain my newfound, yet old ability. Naturally, she’s rather surprised at the contents when I admit to them.

“Wait, how’d you ‘just’ remember that?! And mercury!?” Her surprise is understandable. Mercury is…well, to put it bluntly. It’s poisonous. Scant milligrams of mercury in the wrong part of a robot’s body here can permanently shut down a robot, and cause…rather disturbing effects. Ingesting it, of course, is suicide. “Why would you have mercury- please tell me it’s a nurse thing.”

“Yes.” It’s not entirely UNTRUE. I suppose. “I won’t be using it here.” Although…considering the fact that I can sense that the containment unit is 8/10ths empty, I can’t help but wonder.

What DID I use it on? …who?

“Wow. Uh, anything else you might wanna remember?” She asks that in a joking manner, but it’s not an unreasonable question. What ELSE have I forgotten? What skills? What events?

…no. I refuse to entertain such thoughts further. At least for now. “I’m guessing the photo shoot is done?” She shrugs. “Well, it doesn’t matter too much. We still should find Ms. Vellanova.” What we’re going to do once we find her is still in question.

“Uhh…sure. If you say so. It’s the early afternoon, though.” Well…at least she’s still with me. “Maybe we should check back near the Aquarium?”

Fair enough. I don’t like leaving a patient here, but…well, I can’t just sit around. And she’s fixed. I even managed to reweld her plate there. Although the area is extremely thin, clearly. I’ll at least write a note about it…there.

Now, let’s head back.

…

…Hm. Drat. As I expected, the shoot’s over. But it seems like they’re still putting up some of the equipment! “Excuse me?”

One of the employees- no, this is a train steward. Seems like he’s looking over things. “Yeah?” My, he’s thin. Also curt.

“Pardon me, but I was wondering if the photo shoot in this area was finished, though it clearly is. May I ask where the models went?” If I recall correctly, Miss Vellanova was supposed to be with them, so asking after them should lead me to her.

He shrugs, oddly slowly. “Not sure. Think they said somethin’ about catchin’ a movie.” Hm. Well, that’s good to know. I wonder if I could go in myself and follow them.

He glances back at the cameramen, still tearing down the backlights. “...could go for a lie-down, m’self. Just here to make sure they don’t cause a mess. ‘parently I’m s’pose to check for a leak or somethin’ in one of those model chick’s rooms an’ fix it.” He leans down closer to me, grinning. “‘Tween you an’ me, prolly gonna take a nap once I’m finished. They got the SWANK beds, and right now’s a double-feature.”

“Really, dude?” Geargoose says in shock- and obvious disgust.

He just shrugs. “Ey, she told me ta do it. Er, go in, that is. ‘Sides, I’ll be settin’ an alarm an’ everything. That fancy-chassis Vichysaw ain’t even gonna know I was there. Ain’t every day ya sleep in a noble’s bed!”

Wait…did he mean Vellanova? That’s…a bit off, and I don’t think she’s noble. Still, I might be wrong, but if he’s correct, then… If I follow him, I could gain access to her room. Maybe even discover if there’s a connection between her and this Not Sparks.

Then again,if neither of those options, I should at least make my way elsewhere and see if there’s something that maybe can jog my memory. I confess I’m a bit worried now…

follow him. Be a snoop

Follow after him!

We just got out of a malfunction, just go to the model group instead to cool off.

We just got out of a malfunction, just go to the model group instead to cool off.

Follow him.

Ceekay 2022/02/09(Wed)20:17 No. 1022975 ID: 676f44
File 164446667325.png - (8.69KB , 550x500 , enteringbutnotbreaking.png )

Hmmmm…it’s…well, it’s not very polite, thinking about it.

And yet for whatever reason, that doesn’t disturb me. Now that I’m thinking about it more, I wonder if that has anything to do with my missing memories. Perhaps not, but…I don’t imagine that most would be fine with intrusion into another room. Maybe it’s because this Ms. Vellanova might be at risk- or this risk herself. I don’t know.

But I DO need to find out, I suppose. And a good way of that is seeing if there IS anything incriminating in her room…

So the thing to do here, I suppose, is wait. Wait until they finish packing up. Unsurprisingly, he doesn’t follow, simply grinning and nodding to me. “Welp. I’m off. You ladies have a great trip.”

He walks off. Four seconds. That’s the optimum time before attention wanders.

“Uhhh…so what are we doing now?” Geargoose asks. Just enough time for me to begin to follow in his direction. “Hello? Uhhh…you okay? Where’re we going?”

“We need to investigate.” This feels right, I think. Well, it’s NOT right, but I mean this strategy almost feels familiar. Like when I prep for a basic cut repair. “Ms. Vellanova might be a potential victim. Or a suspect in whatever’s happening. Including the issue with my briefcase.”

“...uhhh, are you sure you’re a nurse and not a detective?” she asks. I’m fairly certain that’s sarcasm. “And isn’t this illegal? Or at least rude? I mean, it’d make a great story, but Iunno if I wanna be arrested…but it’d make a REALLY nice story…” That last bit is mumbled to herself, but she doesn’t stop following me.

There he is. Found it. Car E, Room 23. This must be Vellanova’s room. I make a signal to be quiet, as we take a casual position nearby. I can hear him humming. Geargoose is looking confused. “...are we staking out?” she asks me in a low volume. Perceptive. “Oh man, this is so cool but so scary at the same time…how are you so calm?!”

“It’s not worse than performing time-sensitive surgery,” I whisper back. “Maybe take notes on this while we wait.”

“...uhhh…okay!” Out comes the notepad and paper. Hopefully that’ll distract her.

Approximately 11.56 minutes later, while occasionally looking over Geargoose’s shoulder should a passenger crosses our path, the humming stops. 3 minutes after that, silence. Hmmm. I think it’s worth a risk, now.

A peek in…excellent. He’s asleep on the bed. And there’s a small timer next to him. The bed itself…well, it’s clearly just as opulent as the other lady’s. Canopy style with sheer drapes, though the elegant image is marred by his sprawled position on it. As I move in, with Geargoose behind me, I have to take quick stock of the room as I gently close the door behind us. A free-standing dresser that has several pictures on it. A full-length mirror, slightly ajar. A personal desk, with several locks. A storage chest. Off to the left, there’s what looks to be a private touchup and waxing station. That’s likely where the steward was fixing whatever Ms. Vellanova wanted. My, she’s got a lot here.

“...yeah, I feel like this is getting very illegal...” Geargoose whispers. “I’m getting bad vibes being here, Ms. Emma!”

I suppose that’s fair. I’ve been dragging her along, but I will also admit I am…hesitant in wanting her to leave. Maybe I’ll ask later. But for now…where to start?

>>1022975
Check the photos, then the mirror. It's slightly ajar... might there be something behind it?

>>1022975
Photos and mirror.

Ceekay 2022/02/12(Sat)10:04 No. 1023227 ID: 676f44
File 164468909080.png - (13.05KB , 550x500 , Picshow.png )

The photos on the dresser seem to be the obvious choice, really. Ms. Geargoose seems to be quite uncertain, but I won’t force her to do any more than this. I just need to make sure to step lightly. It seems as though Ms. Geargoose is…less light, but the steward remains asleep.

Let’s see here…oh! These all seem to be pictures of her with various men. I’m not sure what to think about that. Let’s see, though…is there anyone here familiar…? No…no…no…

“Wha…?” I turn to see Ms. Geargoose looking at one photo in particular. “That’s weird.” She doesn’t need me to ask for elaboration as she picks up one particular photo. I notice that it’s just an individual; Ms. Vellanova isn’t in it. “That’s Reynold Raster. Majority owner of the Statland Pit Vipers.”

“Why is that weird?” I have to ask. It seems harmless enough…

“Because they just had a big to-do recently. Their teams are rivals, so whenever they meet up there’s a bunch of trash talk,” she explains. “Oh!” Another one is picked up and she nearly shoves it in my face. It’s of Ms. Vellanova- and another bot, with a monocle, a small top hat… “This! This is Earl Sparks! The actual one!”

Oh! So this is what he truly looks like? Huh. He looks well put together, true. So then. Whomever this was was only trying to fool me. But why? “Can you continue to look at these pictures?” I ask. “I want to check something, just in case.”

“Uh, sure.” We have to keep quiet. Now, I noticed that the mirror was ajar earlier. The question is, why? Was there a reason, or simple misalignment?

It takes a bit of finagling to get the mirror enough space to spin it around, but…hm? There’s something on the wooden lining, written in lipstick…

‘Trust the Eye’

What does that mean? I suppose I’ll ask about it later. “Ms. Geargoose?” Gotta remember to be quiet. “Anything?”

“Y-yeah.” Oh dear, her stutter’s back? “These pictures; most of them are just her with friends, but a couple of them…” She flips back a picture, of Vellanova and another bot. He seems young. Energetic. Also they seem to be posing with each other a touch provocatively, considering how draped over her he is… “This was Mr. Liston before…what happened.” It seems they were…close. “And yeah, I guess it makes sense,” she continues quietly. “But then…”

And here she steps over, showing me a quartet of pictures with only one bot in them. They’re of a spiky cranium’d man, a rather thin one with a mean look and very well-tailored suit, one with a rounder frame to him that resembles the gentleman we spoke to earlier, and another, somewhat burly chested man in a suit, though he also looks familiar…wait.

She points to them in sequence as I look at them. “That’s…Reynold Raster, who’s an arch rival of hers. Leads the Lipton Dredge team. That one is Mortimer Shel, he’s a co-owner of the Largo Bay Shredders.” You remember that team. “I think the third guy is Mr. Drape, who’s the co-owner of the Redlines with Mr. Greer. “And I-I’m pretty sure that’s Gregorio Pax. He’s the Commissioner of the Superdisk Champion’s League. Pretty much the guy who runs the sport.” She looks through them again. “Why does she have pictures of them?”

I’d like to know that, too.

Gregorio Pax. Take off the top hat, the mustache, and the bowtie…that’s him. That has to be him.

Why is that him?

This…this could lead to grave consequences if I don’t stay calm. I have to think this through. Why would he deceive me? Why the picture of Ms. Vellanova? What do I do to resolve this? I…I still need my briefcase back! Should I go to Ms. Vellanova? She might get rather irritated, and who knows what’d she do. The train stewards aren’t legal officers, and this was expected to be a direct trip, so no stops are planned…I still could likely inform them, but if word gets out, then I may be in danger. I suppose I could continue my investigations privately, but where to go from here, then?

The most direct path is back to Ms. Vellanova

>>1023282
Agreed!

Ceekay 2022/02/14(Mon)20:24 No. 1023502 ID: 676f44
File 164489907289.png - (12.17KB , 550x500 , Ohdearsheshere.png )

…I think it’s time to go directly to the source of the situation. Well, almost the source.

“Come on,” I mention to Ms. Geargoose quietly. “We need to talk to Ms. Vellanova directly.”

“W-what?!” Oh dear. For a moment I thought she would forget to be quiet. “We’re going straight to her?”

“Yes,” I confirm. There’s no time to waste. I need to get going. Now. She might still be in the theater.

I have to get to her. That’s my goal for now- oh dear, there’s quite a number of people- excuse me? Did someone- nevermind.

Ah, here we are. I’m impressed they managed to make such a train car. Seems that the viewing area is on the upper half to allow for passengers to move about the bottom half, or buy a ticket. Makes sense. Now, it was mentioned that they were watching a double-feature…aha. “Pardon me, could I get a ticket for the Red Eye Sky/No Clear Roads double feature?”

“Really? They’re halfway through.” Yes, I suppose this is a bit confusing for them.

“Would it be a problem?” Ah, there’s Ms. Geargoose. Took her a moment, but that does remind me. “Make that two, in fact.”

“...sure. As for the price…” …oh. That’s expensive. I’m…rather glad I didn’t have to pay for the ticket, now.

Well, there we are. “Well, at least it’s a movie I’ve wanted to see…” Ms. Geargoose grumbles. It’s fine- everyone wins, I suppose.

Now, I just need to see where Miss Vellanova is- ow!

“Tch. Terribly sorry.” Who is…!? Oh!

Well. Here she is. Although this perhaps isn’t the best of meetings, colliding like this.

Right. Time to make up for it. Service bow engaged! “Terribly sorry. Miss Vellanova Staten, correct?”

“The one and only.” My, her voice is impressively alluring. Perfect for a model. “And who might I be speaking to?”

“Ah. My name is Emma. A pleasure to meet you!” Right. Now…I’m here. how to engage in discussion with her?

Come to her with concern as to the scandal going around the league. You hope she doesn't run afoul of an early disassembly. Show her your picture of Earl Sparks and ask if she's seen him.

>>1023505
I'll back this

Hey, did you know a hack doctor is doing a hack job on your models? You can trust me, a random doctor, who knows better.

Ceekay 2022/02/16(Wed)16:10 No. 1023636 ID: 676f44
File 164505662044.png - (12.07KB , 550x500 , maldbot.png )

Well…I suppose the best option is to simply be direct! “I beg your pardon-”

“Is this for an autograph?” Oh dear, that was rude. “I’m not giving any right now.”

…right. Trying again. “Actually, I’m a nurse and I was hoping for a moment of your-”

“Wait, nurse?” Oh, did that get her attention? “Are you the one that was operating on Tori?”

Oh. Was that her name? Oh dear, I never got it… “I believe so, if you’re referring to the individual with the, ah…unique work done in the torso region?” Probably for the best I kept that bit quieter than normal.

She sighs, though I’m not sure what she’s annoyed at. “That’d be her. I suppose you’re here about her payment, then?” She looks around- why, I don’t know. “Come on, then, and bring your...assistant.” That’s a rather unpleasant look she’s giving Ms. Geargoose. I don’t think she noticed, however- the poor dear seems rather starstruck! “The cleaning stations should be quiet enough at this time of day.” Oh? Hm. Well, if she insists.

Ah, yes, here we are- my these are impressive. Private oiling stations, buffing units, gracious…oh, right. Not why I’m here.

Though maybe Ms. Geargo-

“Well? What is it? Speak up, and quickly. I doubt Tori wants the gory details out in the open.” Ah, yes. Right, then.

Here I go! “This isn’t about Ms. Tori, I’m afraid. It’s about you.” I can see her face beginning to ask the question- best to get in front of it. “I believe I’ve come into some knowledge about the…incidents going around the league. Such as what befell your friend, Mr. Liston.”

Oh dear, that gets a reaction out of her- eep! Too close, too close! “Who are you!? What’s your-”

“This man!” I exclaim, holding the picture of Mr. Earl Sparks up as I speak quickly. “There’s a fellow on the train claiming Mr. Earl Sparks’ name!”

“Wait, that’s MY photo! How did you get it, you little thief?!” Oooh dear, that is a good question I’m not inclined to answer.

“I’m sorry! But a man calling himself Earl Sparks has something of mine and I’ve been trying to get it back!” Oh dear oh dear oh dear…

“Seriously!” Mr. Geargoose chimes in. “There’s a briefcase she got that’s his, and it had your picture in it! And we know the guy isn’t Earl Sparks, so we got worried! Whatever’s going on, you might be next on this creepy hitlist!”

“Wait, what?” Oh, thank goodness for you, Ms. Geargoose. “Who- hold on. You’re saying that someone’s got it out for me? I mean, I suppose that isn’t surprising, but…I really WOULD like to know why you have that picture.” Oh. Oh she seems annoyed. Possibly angry. “Not to mention that’s not exactly news unless you actually have a picture of the would-be culprit.”

Oh. Yes, right, that. “Well…he bore some resemblance to Gregorio Pax! With a top hat, and a mustache!” I shouldn’t make the direct accusation just yet, but-

-wait, why does she look like she’s taking that seriously for a moment? “Look, dear, I appreciate the notification, but it’s not exactly like I can do anything about it right now. Although…what’s this about you stealing his briefcase?”

“I didn’t steal it, it was mistakenly given to me! And I had his!” I explain. “And it has valuable data in it! I really shouldn’t be without it! I just need to know if you’ve seen him.”

“Not recently,” is the blithe reply. “I was in the theater, remember? I know he was fretting about his cargo when we came aboard; so likely there’s something fragile or valuable he’s bringing with him. That and some talk about his stupid souviner shopping habit.”

Hm. Well, that gives me at least a couple of options. I could seek if anyone in the Shopping Car has seen him recently. Or, if not that, then perhaps it might be possible to see what’s in the cargo car? Of course, if worse comes to worst, I can simply figure out a place to stake out and hope he passes. And even then I’m sure there’s some other plan I can think of.

Let's go to the shopping car(t). What was that about payment? It would be appreciated, now...

go check that shopping cart

Ceekay 2022/02/18(Fri)21:19 No. 1023899 ID: 676f44
File 164524795181.png - (12.10KB , 550x500 , clothesshoppi.png )

The Shopping Car’s probably the quickest bet. Even so, this is a lot of running around… “T-thank you, then! I’ll- we’ll be off!”

Ms. Geargoose gives me a look. “W-wait, that quickly?”

“Yes.” I can understand her distress, but Ms. Vellanova really doesn’t seem of a mind to entertain our company for very long. “While I suppose there’s a matter of payment to concern ourselves with, we’ve already been told where to send the bill for the seven hundred and fifty notes that the surgery costs, so-”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Uh oh. “You INVADE my room and expect me to just forgive and forget? I get your little ‘warning’, but that alone doesn’t make it up.” Ohhhhh no. “I’ll be letting the authorities know about this once we’ve arrived. Unless…” And here she gives a small smile that I’m not certain is at all sincere. “Tell you what. You two and I are going to take a little trip to the Shopping Car. I’m going to be going on a little shopping spree. And you’re footing the bill.”

…Eh?! “Er, what do-”

“And by that, I mean that everything I ‘supposedly’ owe is going to be taken off of your billing. Seven hundred and fifty, was it?” Oh, dear. I do not like that smile. “That’ll allow me to get a few lovely souvenirs. Come along!”

I get the sense Ms. Geargoose is less than impressed with me. At least she’s still coming with.

…and so here we are. It’s honestly surprisingly extensive, being another double-floored car. There’s a number of jeweled goods, and several paintings and portraits to purchase, as well as of course, shirts- designer crafted, judging from the price tag- and various small knickknacks. Seems that even the rich and affluent can’t resist simple tacky souvenirs. There’s a few curious bots here, too. The lady at the counter seems…less than enthused. She’s got that ‘hip’ new sawblade top style. I’m not a fan, it seems a bit dangerous to me. But, I have to imagine she’s the one who I talk to if I want to know about Gregorio Pax. “Excuse me?”

I’m unsure if she has an issue, or if she merely disdains me that much, but she takes several moments to look my way. “Yes? Welcome to…” she pauses, seemingly having to think about it. “...they never gave me the name for this place.” Ah. “Got a question?”

I’m surprised someone more…professional…wasn’t chosen. “Er, yes. I was hoping perhaps you’ve seen a rather large bot- rather wide chested, that is, perhaps with a powerful jaw and looking important? If the name Gregorio Pax rings a bell, that’d be appreciated!”

For a moment, I think she’s not paying attention- then I realize that, oh, she’s trying to keep an eye on everyone. Including Ms. Vellanova, who’s already off on her ‘shopping spree’.

“Pax?” She takes a moment to consider. “...actually, th’ name sounds familiar. Some big guy came through late last night. Bought some pictures an’ knickknacks. Mighta been him.”

Oh! Excellent.

…

“...okay, so what do we do with that?” Ms. Geargoose asks.

Excellent question. How to continue this line of questioning? I’m no investigator. What do I ask her?

>>1023899
How much do you value your money? Trespassing and petty theft isn't that big a deal; those are the only charges she could make stick. How much would the police fine be for those crimes?
I guess it was only a couple hours' impromptu work, not a big deal. Might as well pay the bribe to keep your police record clean.

>Pax was here late last night
What did he buy exactly, and which direction did he go afterwards? What was he wearing at the time? (he might have switched disguises)
Did he make any conversation?
Warn the shopkeep that this man may be dangerous, you believe he is connected to a murder case. Even if you don't have any evidence to give her on this front, that should help convince her to give up information.

What did he buy? Could you describe his appearance (he could be wearing a different disguise here on the train)? Did anything stand out about him? And can you tell me anything more about him?

Pictures of who? Was he with anyone?

Ceekay 2022/02/21(Mon)20:12 No. 1024256 ID: 676f44
File 164550314271.png - (10.39KB , 550x500 , exhustabot.png )

I suppose it might be best to just go with what comes to me… “Er, what, exactly, did he buy?”

She just…shrugs? As she looks away in disinterest. “I don’t remember. Not like I pay that much attention. Mmm…pretty sure at least one was a portrait of the conductor. Was hard to handle, and I had to struggle with his ugly mug.” Ah, I don’t like that look she’s giving me. “Heeey, why the third-degree, anywho?”

Ah, dear, this IS a bit suspect, isn’t it? “Oh, well, I-”

“She’s asking for my sake,” Ms. Vellanova? “I’m looking around for a few gifts, and I’d rather not get something he or his associates have already gotten. It’d be terribly gauche, wouldn’t you say?” That seems to be all, as she turns back to her shopping.

“As she says,” I confirm. Though I’m rather surprised. Why would she cover for me? But I won’t let this opportunity go! “On that topic, WAS anyone else with him?”

“Ah. Uhh…Iunno.” She shakes her head. “Jus’ him what got anything. Came in. Bought some stuff, aaaand left out.”

“Which way did he go?” Ms. Geargoose asks. That seems a bit silly, but when I look at her, she grins. “Sorry. Always wanted to say that in a situation like this.”

The cashier just groans, and I can’t say I blame her. “Iunno…went back to his cabin, I guess? Ooor…maybe he went further up front? I forget.”

So, either no accomplices, or they didn’t come with, and…unsure of his next location. “Then…what did he look like?”

She shrugs. “Iunno. Big, broad, bald? Not much else. Oh!” She brightens up, if only for a moment. “He bought some funky giant glasses, I think. Wonder if he’s wearin’ em. That’d be funny…

Oh. Well that doesn’t help much. “I see.”

“Yeeeah, I ain’t got a whole lotta energy today,” she admits, and I can see it. “Was great in the daytime, but last night… suuuuuper brutal. Might’ve conked out if I had any more customers.”

Shame, that. I don’t think I have much in the way of energizing ability... “Have you had any rest?”

“Just what I get here…” she laments. “I’d strip my arm off for a red crystal smoothie right now.”

Great…I’m not sure what to- oh? Why’s Ms. Geargoose dragging me away?

“Hmm…this reminds me of a bit in a mystery story I read,” Ms. Geargoose mutters. I’m a bit surprised, as she’s more serious now than she’s been so far. I wonder what got into her? “More than one, in fact. A witness usually has more information than they think they do. There’s usually a couple of ways to get it.”

I have to admit, I’m curious as to her logic. “And those are?”

“Well, we can either get her what she wants, and it might be able to jog her memory a bit. Red crystal smoothies are supposed to be energetic, so maybe that’ll help a bit. Otherwise, we could try to convince her that something really bad’s gonna happen if she doesn’t help as much as we can. Ms. Vellanova might have to help with that now, though…”

Wow. I’m impressed at the level of thought that’s going into this. “And the next option?”

“Well, the last one I can think of is getting info by trade. Offering her something only we can provide in exchange, to maybe look through something like purchase records or the sort.”

Wait… “You mean a bribe?” Why is that not as shocking as it should be to me…?

“...uhhh…kinda sorta?” Of course.

Well, the bit about the conductor and heading for the front of the train already has me worried... If that was a while ago he might have already performed a switcheroo.
If the dining car is forward of us, perhaps we can get that smoothie.

Let's try to trade with her first. Whatever Vellanova doesn't spend of the $750 can be this cashiers for the low price of searching through some customer records, also please Vellanova leave something for her we are nurse we don't have much else.

And if that doesn't work, then bring her a smoothie in exchange for info.

Ceekay 2022/02/24(Thu)13:43 No. 1024505 ID: 676f44
File 164573900635.png - (10.86KB , 550x500 , sleep.png )

It’s not really my preferred method of compromise, but I suppose in this case, there’s potentially a great deal to lose and little to gain if I refuse… “...alright. I GUESS we can try something like that.”

Going back to her, I try to put on my nicest, most affable face. “Terribly sorry about that! But, I was wondering now, if you’re of a mind to. Is there perhaps any way we could look at a few customer records? Not for nothing, of course, and nothing particularly detailed!” She gives me a look I suppose I’d have to call ‘tiredly bewildered’, at a guess. “But this might be particularly important- this I swear on my honor as a nurse. So, er…please? We’d be willing to…perhaps do something in exchange for such a favor?” I don’t want to come off as immediately offering a bribe, but-

“Aaaaaactually.” Oh? “A nurse, huh?”

Oho? Perhaps this might be what I think it is? “Y-yes! I’m a fully licensed nurse with extensive medical kno-”

“Yeeaah yep yep don’t care. Soooo, yeah. I’ve been havin’ a real funny feeling out in my, uh…” she leans in close as she whispers. “Aft plates.” Oh dear. “And it legit SUCKS. Makes standing up so long horrible. Got any idea how to fix that?” Hm. Well, there could be a number of issues for that…

I’ll need to ask some questions. “Is the grinding audible?”

“Nope.”

“How long does it take before you feel this grinding?”

“Like, an hour tops. It super bites.” She grimaces, and my, but I sympathize.

“Does the feeling run up and down your spinal bars?”

“Nah. It’s like my back end just starts buzzing, and not in a fun way.” Didn’t need to know that- well, I did, but not that last bit.

Still, it’s enough for me to draw an initial prognosis. “I think what may be happening, considering your profession, is that you’re not giving your, ah…’aft plates’ enough time to relax their workload near your hip area. You’re lacking fluid input for that area that would normally be generated and given during rest functions to keep yourself running at optimum capacity.”

She just stares at me for a moment, and I’m a bit confused. Is she approving? Disapproving? Or- “Soooo, you’re saying I need sleep.” Ah.

“Yes,” I confirm. “Yes, you need sleep.”

“Can you write me a doctor’s note or something?” she asks. Actually…couldn’t I?

“I…suppose?” Far too quickly she offers me a pen and blank paper. “R-right then.” It’s nothing abnormal; I’ve written more than a few before…I think. Blasted memory issues. But, this looks right. Formally excusing her from work related duties for the duration of 24 hours minimum for critical health related purposes regarding continued hip usage. “Here you are.”

As I give her the note, however, I notice she has a strange booklet out…ah! Of customers. This must be the records! “I’m just gonna…take a quick 30 second nap. Don’t mind me.”

Oh, how gracious. I and Ms. Geargoose are quick to look through the tome. Let’s see…last night…aha!

Mr. Pax WAS here indeed; he bought a portrait…two pairs of novelty glasses, three wooden carvings of snakes, a model car, and a replica arrowhead. Such a strange assortment. Oh! But there’s a…second transaction from Mr. Pax several minutes later. A single replica Superdisk? How odd. And there’s no one else until this morning.

Alright, then. In that case, we either need to see the conductor somehow, or we need to perhaps check in the cargo car, if we can get in there. Confronting Mr. Pax might be an option now, but it would be…well, risky. I don’t know his car number, but I could likely ask Ms. Vellanova, if I wanted to. Mind, if I still wanted to get some more proof or otherwise speak to someone else about it, I could try and think of another tactic.

>>1024505
Those strange purchases could be some kind of code, which would signal to another person nearby to plant the superdisk so it could be acquired in a non-suspicious manner... or the items are intended to be used in combination with one pair of the novelty glasses to disguise an accomplice as Vellanova, so that witnesses could see her departing the train alive. Cut the snakes in half and you have six squiggly lines, which could be disguised with paint... or metal from the model car or arrowhead to resemble Vellanova's spider leg design.

We need to warn her, first and foremost. She is not to be alone, until we find our quarry and... well, I don't know what we'll do actually. We have enough evidence to give an indication that he's up to no good, but not enough for proof.

I wonder if you're a secondary target? The arrowhead and model car platings could be used to approximate your head accessories as well. It would not surprise me if he knows you're on the train by now.

>>1024507

Y'know what, I'll back up the disguise idea. We don't have any details on who the portrait was of, but Vellanova is a famous model. The second pair of novelty glasses is also weird, but she does have circles on the side of her head the same size of her eyes. Honestly, the details really do add up if you look at it this way. Warn Vellanova, it may give her a real reason to support your investigation.

>>1024507
Plausible enough.

>>1024556
Oh I was just thinking the impostors would be wearing the glasses, to obscure most of their faces.

Check in the cargo car. Say there was a mixup with your luggage - it's true after all.

Supporting the disguise idea

>>1024595
The best lie is true