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File 160978058746.png - (954.41KB , 550x500 , tvd_000.png )
984843 No. 984843 ID: 11f77a

Potential NSFW. Death may occur here.
This is the quest where you play as everyone but a certain character. We’ll call that special character ‘the catalyst’. Whether you help them out or work against them is up to you. No metagaming would be nice. But we’ll see how the demo rolls.

Some Rules:
• In a room full of people (e.g. a police station office, gang of thugs), you’ll only roleplay as two characters at a time. If there’s a mob (e.g. zombies, hive of alien bugs), you can roleplay them as one entity (e.g. pillage, march down the street, run away from the kaiju, etc.).
• The game may immediately end when the catalyst either dies or achieves its goal. Or perhaps something else that comes along to give the story a proper resolution.

Let’s begin.
Expand all images
>>
No. 984844 ID: 11f77a
File 160978065213.png - (0.98MB , 550x500 , tvd_001.png )
984844

You are Nirrn Kruth. You run a convenience store in the district of Tar Zoa. You moved to this part of the city with your husband to settle down in retirement ten years back, bless his soul.

You always loved this cozy side of town. Sure, the district needs a bit of work with all the potholes and some buildings need some restoration/rejuvenation. But the neighborhood shows its 300-year history in the cracks that it could stand for another 300 years.

It is about the planet’s equivalent of 9’o-clock in the evening and it’s time to start cleaning up your station. You have a few employees around the store working the night shift.

What does Nirrn do to finish her shift?
>>
No. 984845 ID: 10c07d

Clean up real fast and go check in on the night shifters
>>
No. 984847 ID: c7fbfe

One of the employees came in feeling sick (or drunk)... but he used up all his day off hours and cant call off. (Hope im doing this right. If not, ignore this post)
>>
No. 984848 ID: e7c7d3

Put up the new sale stickers.
>>
No. 984850 ID: 3aa06e

Clean up her station. Once done if there's time to spare check on any small tasks that can get done before clocking out.
>>
No. 984851 ID: c7fbfe

Fill Slurpee dispenser
>>
No. 984852 ID: 46e8b7

Clean station. Check on the night shifters. Head back home.
>>
No. 984854 ID: d47474

clean up station, see if there are any last minute things that need to be taken care of, head home when it's time to clock out.
>>
No. 984855 ID: 9aaeef

Count the register money, put it in the safe and go home with hubby.
>>
No. 984857 ID: ce7b0a

I play Convenience Store Robbery in attack mode.
>>
No. 984859 ID: 5ec3f5

...are those real?
>>
No. 984862 ID: 19a984

So to clarify, is this a porn quest, or is this a regular quest but because we can do anything, it has the potential for NSFW? Just wondering how we should approach this. Also, will you tell us who the catalyst is or is it up to us to figure that out?

Clean up and pack up. Make sure the next shift manager is there.

>>984857
Then I play the off-duty cop browsing the candy.
>>
No. 984864 ID: 11f77a
File 160979332395.png - (965.52KB , 550x500 , tvd_002.png )
984864

>Clean station. Check on the night shifters.
Not that you are desperate to return home as soon as possible, there’s just no rush as there’s nothing important waiting for you--except refilling Nibbles’ bowl.

You check in on the night shifters. It’s Ordo and Nix tonight. That Gullusk is so incompetent--and came in drunk again. In fact he’s thirty-two minutes late. He heads towards the employee room to stash his backpack.

Nix is already sweeping and knows his stuff. He’s only been working for half-a-month.

“Alright, Nixie, I think it’s about time I head on out.” Nirrn announces ready to retire for the day in that static-like tweedle Huntoons speak.

“Sure thing, Miss K.!” responds the Icynth.

New Characters:
Ordo Mully (Gullusk) slogs through a vicious cycle of waking up late, going to work drunk, returning home to play videogames and take drugs, only to sleep late again.
Nix (Icynth) may be starting a new life in town but working from the bottom is better than no work at all. Despite this he’s comfortable in his living situation.

Continue with any prompts for anyone.
Ideas
Nirrn: Order somebody around.
Nirrn: Fill Slurpee dispenser.
Nirrn: Count money and store it in the safe.
Nix: Hmm, that spot needs some good sweeping.
Ordo: Take a hit before work to stay awake.

---
From the author:
>Is this a porn quest?
This quest is a regular quest—but there’s potential for a lot of things. If we end up in a strip club or any setting that will most definitely involve porn, then it makes sense to follow through with porn. It has potential to be NSFW not only by porn, but blood and gore as well.

>Will you tell us who the catalyst is?
Yes. Only time will tell when they show up.

>I play convenience store robbery/off-duty cop
Characters that are introduced in the scene by the author can be controlled. For now, no suggestors can make characters themselves and may play along what they’re given. Characters will be given a random name and quick background/personality.

>...are those real?
Yes. Those are real Huntoobies.
>>
No. 984866 ID: d47474

Nirrn:
Start by counting the money in the till, then order Ordo to refill the slurpee dispenser, and give Nix your number just incase something goes wrong tonight since while he's new he also seems to be the only guy capable of getting anything done around here tonight.

Nix:
get started on that sweeping just to get it out of the way

Ordo:
quick take that hit before someone comes to get you to actually do you job, then when they finally remember you exist do what they ask you but take your time on it to hopefully make the night go by quicker.
>>
No. 984867 ID: 5ec3f5

Nirrn count and store the money and hug Nix farewell before leaving.

Nix do what you do best.

Ordo put on the work clothes and hide the drugs.
>>
No. 984868 ID: e7c7d3

Ordo, forget the combo to the lock for your employee locker

Nix, clean up a big pile of scratch tickets that someone rudely left behind.

Nirrn, count your till and cash out
>>
No. 984869 ID: 5f0001

Nirrn: Count the tell.
>>
No. 984873 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Tell Nix he doesn’t have to call you “Ms. K” you’re not that old yet.

Nix: Continue your sweeping like a good boy.

Ordo: Fail to stay awake and fall asleep in the back.
>>
No. 984875 ID: 9aaeef

Nirnn, leave your number if there is a problem.
Nix, keep sweeping boy.
Ordo, drink coffee to stay awake, not hard drugs.
>>
No. 984877 ID: 46e8b7

>>984875
This.
>>
No. 984884 ID: 0fae41

Nix: Restock the shelves, starting at the top.
Ordo: Play videogames until a customer shows up.
>>
No. 984896 ID: 11f77a
File 160981181015.png - (961.43KB , 550x500 , tvd_003.png )
984896

“Ordo, you’re late again.” Nirrn shakes her head as he merely groans in response. He hobbles in the employee lounge and the door shuts behind. She faces Nix who starts to enter one aisle, sweeping scratch-off tickets people tend to simply discard on the floor. She’ll have to remember to thank Nix for his good work before leaving.
“You don’t need to call me Ms. K. I’m not that old yet.” She chuckles, opening the register to count. He salutes and retreats further back near the coolers.

A good minute rolls by with soft music in the speakers. She makes a mental note to leave a number in case things go wrong. Hardly anything happens, but Ordo might lose his mind someday.
>>
No. 984897 ID: 11f77a
File 160981188526.png - (845.81KB , 550x500 , tvd_004.png )
984897

A stranger walks in; odd-looking fellow but many aliens from vast cultures visit this planet. Actually, it’s a moon you’re all living on. Nevertheless his neck is long and ridged with chitin. And his yellow eyes stare daggers while he seems to take one passing gaze of the store inside. Yes, you figure he’s one of those Zephers from that desert planet--oh what was it called?

This stranger is the catalyst.

He wears a trench coat, looks like it has seen better days.

He sinks in the environment before he calmly walks his way towards Nirrn. You’ve seen many customers pass through the store and it’s always instinctive to say ‘good day’ or ask ‘how may I help you’. But tonight she almost forgets to say something.
>>
No. 984898 ID: 11f77a
File 160981194058.png - (657.35KB , 550x500 , tvd_005.png )
984898

“Excuse me...” he begins, although speaking a little under his breath to keep the conversation between him and Nirrn, “I’m looking for someone who may have been to your store in the past couple days. Do you think you could help me?”

>___
>>
No. 984899 ID: 0fae41

Nope, we were just closing. Come back tomorrow if you need a slurpee, mister!
>>
No. 984902 ID: 1d4e91

>>984898
"Well mister I can try, but i doubt i would remember any particular face unless they really stood out. Mind if I ask the nature of why you might be looking for this person?"
>>
No. 984903 ID: 46e8b7

>>984902
Yeah, a physical description might help us remember.
>>
No. 984904 ID: e85a08

Might as well humor him, but in way that indicates you think it's weird that he's wandering around looking for someone in the middle of the night.

"Um, sure."
>>
No. 984905 ID: e51896

Nirrn: might want to leave that number sooner rather than later.
Ask for a description. But also ask if he needs snacks or drinks, or this universe's equivalent of a slurpee. Gotta sell some stuff.

Nix: uh oh, this guy is spooky. But you're curious about what he wants. Good thing Nirrn has it covered. Hide in the aisle so he doesn't see you but listen in. Keep sweeping as well

Ordo: check your backpack to see what you smuggled in brought for lunch. Also forget about clocking in because you forgot your employee ID number
>>
No. 984906 ID: 5ec3f5

Open fire.
>>
No. 984907 ID: d47474

Nirrn:
maybe? If you can give me a name or a description I might be able to help.

Nix:
while cleaning take notice of the first customer of the night, maybe go see if Nirrn needs help since she is about to leave.

Ordo:
finish getting "ready" for your shift tonight and then head out to see what bullcrap they're going to have you doing tonight to earn you paycheck.
>>
No. 984908 ID: 10c07d

We should always help our customers! Reply hesitantly that you can try to help if you can.
>>
No. 984910 ID: 041c52

>>984898
“Oh, we see a lot of clients, any descriptions? Species, sex things like that?
>>
No. 984976 ID: 19a984

>>984898
Against store policy, sir. I would recommend approaching the police. Of course, if you are the police, show us a warrant and then we will happily show you our security footage. (say all of this like it is canned dialogue)
>>
No. 984979 ID: 094652

"My apologies, but breaching privacy for the cause of an unknown will destroy any hope I have of career advancement.

Do you want to speak to the manager, or will you show me your ID and badge? If you have the proper authorization I can bypass the former."
>>
No. 984986 ID: ce39da

Nirrn: Humor him, at least. Find out if you even have the information he wants before you decide whether to give it to him.

Ordo: Take that hit. Maybe forget to officially clock in.
>>
No. 984998 ID: 11f77a
File 160987789890.png - (0.96MB , 550x500 , tvd_006.png )
984998

“Well mister... I can try,” Nirrn hesitantly answers. It’s strange for someone to wander around looking for somebody in the middle of the night. “M-Mind if I ask the nature of why you might be looking for this person? If you give me a name or a description I might be able to help.”

Seems like there’s too much silence before he answers. He reaches into his coat. And gradually, he pulls out photos. Two mugshots of an icynth and a relicynth.

“You might need to be on the lookout for these dangerous men,” he resumes, “A relicynth about yay-high, and an icynth with a scar over his left eye. They’re wanted for murder. Innocent people, too.”
>>
No. 985000 ID: 11f77a
File 160987802153.png - (1.00MB , 550x500 , tvd_007.png )
985000

“They’re on the run and hopped planets. They came through the Silo* and may be here in the city. Any signs of their presence will be very helpful.”

>___
*The Silo: space elevator
Suggestions for Ordo are being considered/collected, not to worry.
>>
No. 985002 ID: e7c7d3

Nix, are there mirrors around the store ceiling? Check to see if the stranger is looking at make a break for the back door.

Nirrn, say you haven't seen the relicynth but this icynth...
>>
No. 985003 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Try not to look too surprised as you totally know who one of those people are. You aren’t going to sell out your favorite coworker so quickly however! “M-murder!?” Try muster up a response that does not imply you know Nix, but leads to you getting more info on the situation.

Nix: Try to hide in the bathroom and pray to whatever space god you worship that Nirrn doesn’t sell you out.

Ordo: Continue being a lazy bum in the breakroom.
>>
No. 985008 ID: 19a984

Nirrn: Say no, you haven't seen either of them, but while saying that, tap the pic of Nix and subtly point toward where he is.

Nix hasn't exactly worked here long enough to garner enough loyalty to lie for him. Especially if he is a criminal.
>>
No. 985009 ID: 19a984

>>985003
Nix has only been working here for a little bit. That is hardly long enough for him to become Nirrn's favorite. Hell, they are still in the trial period.
>>
No. 985010 ID: 5ec3f5

Nirrn: Act surprised at the mention of the murder and ask him if he's from the law enforcement, then tell him that you saw two customers just like that about half an hour ago and that when they left, they went in that direction.

By misleading him this way, he should be in a hurry to leave and thus won't have the time to check out the rest of the store.
>>
No. 985014 ID: 46e8b7

UUf. What a pain.

Nirrn: ask if he is the police, or a bunty hunter.

Nix: what ever you end up doing, do try not to hurt your employer.

Ordo: Just keep doing what you are doing my man.
>>
No. 985026 ID: abce79

Nirrn: ask to see his police badge

Nix: this >>985002

Ordo: check backpack
>>
No. 985030 ID: 46a721

Nix: try to leave by the back entrance if there is one. Killing an investigator that hasnt found you yet will just call more your way.

Ordo: Try to calm down your coworker....or I dunno, play the Nintendo Switch, if you feel like it.
>>
No. 985055 ID: 3aa06e

Nirrn: Ask questions, for the sake of stalling but also so you can gather information before making a final decision, pretend you're studying the photos as if you never saw Nix before. Questions such as "Who did they murder?" and "Are they working together?"

Nix: Easy on that trigger, find a way to leave unnoticed. Keep your employer out of the crossfire if you can. Consider how severe your crime was, was it enough to get a bounty hunter on your back?

Ordo: Stroll out of the break room with whatever form of entertainment you can keep hidden in your pockets. Nothing interesting happens in this no-where part of town anyway.
>>
No. 985059 ID: e85a08

Nirrn: Do this >>985008 then get out of there. Whoever's telling the truth, it's none of your business and there's no need to implicate yourself.
>>
No. 985062 ID: 2aa5f0

Nirrn:
take a closer look at the pictures and ask for the names of these two individuals.

Nix:
Try and sneak out the back while the guy is busy

Ordo:
Be oblivious to what's happening up front and keep carrying on like normal.
>>
No. 985064 ID: 11f77a
File 160990861793.png - (1.03MB , 550x500 , tvd_008.png )
985064

Fuuuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK! Okay. So you’re not really Nix, your real name is Fletch. Fucking shit. FUCK! They found you. That fucking zipper-neck sent some goon over to find you!

Yeah that deal went to shit real fast but it wasn’t your fault. Kind of. You just grabbed the money with Grutter and decided to just live new lives. Fucking stupid! Can’t believe that asshole brought you into this! You’re not afraid to kill your way out. Fuck! But Nirrn has been very kind to you. You’ll do your best to avoid her if bullets start flying.

The bathroom is on the way to the employee lounge. Same as the back exit which is further back. The customer will certainly see your ass scurrying down the hall. Only thing to do is waiting if that Huntoon sells you out or not.

Some notes:
Nix/Fletch took a bus to work, you have no ride.
The other exit is, of course, the store entrance.
>>
No. 985066 ID: 11f77a
File 160990867858.png - (654.03KB , 550x500 , tvd_009.png )
985066

Nirrn indeed recognizes the icynth in the photo. With some advantage having a hard-to-read face she tries not to... give anything away. There’s the sudden feeling striking your chest when that realization kicks in. “M-Murder?” you repeat to buy more time to conjure up a better response.

“Uh, I’m--sorry. Are you from law enforcement? Or police? Can I see your badge?”

There’s a pause. The Zepher looks at her, his stare never shifts away. It’s hard to read him at all as there isn’t a twitch from hearing her answer.

...

“You know him, don’t you?” he concludes. Like a sensible joke he sneers just ever so slightly from the corners of his mouth. He continues to softly speak between the both of you. “Is he here?”

He gently pulls out his gun without breaking his gaze. Without aiming (yet). A tinge of tease highlights his final words.

“Don’t lie.”
--
As far as Ordo goes--he began making a new fresh pot of coffee. Took a small hit of gray (drug) and is waiting for the machine to brew. He slaps his face to keep awake inside the employee lounge.
>>
No. 985067 ID: 19a984

>>985066
Nirrn: just point. There is nothing to gain out of hiding a criminal.
>>
No. 985069 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Nervously stammer and stumble over your words. You just want to go home at this point.

Fletch: Wait for the right moment to act.

Ordo: Come out from the employee lounge to tell Nirrn you think that shitty coffee machine is busted again.
>>
No. 985072 ID: e85a08

Nix/Fletch: If there's no way out, and you've already killed and got away with it once (sort of), you may as well shoot first while the goon's distracted.
>>
No. 985073 ID: 91160b

Nirrn: oh no!, he didnt show you his badge and is threatening you. He isn't with the police after all.

First, take slow deep breaths to calm yourself. Then stealthfully push the silent alarm button under the counter to call the police here secretly.
After that, lie to the Zepher and say you have to pull up the employee work schedule on a nearby computer or work schedule sheet to see what time or day Nix works next. Use this to bide some time for the police to get here

Fletch: got a phone? Text message Grutter and warn him of what happened using code words.

Ordo: trip out... or just burn yourself on the coffee pot by accident, screaming in pain, loud enough for everyone in the building to hear.
>>
No. 985076 ID: 91160b

(I oppose having Fletch shoot... at least not yet. Dont want to scare Nirrn)
>>
No. 985078 ID: 2aa5f0

Nirrn:
point to the one you don't know and say you've never seen him before in your life, then point to Nix and say he's an occasional regular that always stops to chat when you're not busy when he stops by. Never says much about himself but always seems eager to hear what you have to say. Push the silent alarm button while panic fidgeting.

Fletch:
wait for a good moment to try and take the guy out so you can make your escape.

Ordo:
finish heating up the coffee before grabbing a cup and then head out and let everyone else know you through a fresh pot on. As long as you make it at least look like you're doing something to help out everyone else they can't be to pissed at you.
>>
No. 985079 ID: 3aa06e

Nirrn: Calmly tell him that Nix was supposed to work the night shift. You haven’t seen him come in yet.

Nix:How good is your throwing arm? Do you think you can smash through the window with something solid and make it seem like you ran for it outside?

Ordo: Ready another hit, for whatever reason you think this might be a long night. Careful not to burn yourself on the coffee while you’re at it.
>>
No. 985097 ID: 46a721

Nirnn: Say that you have seen the one with the scar. He'd just started working here as a janitor, but had just ended his shift for today. You don't know his address and had obviously not done a background check.

Nix/Fletch: furtively make your way to the back entrance, the further away you are from snake-boy's gun, the better.

Ordo: Keep waiting for the cofee to brew. You are gonna need it.
>>
No. 985102 ID: 5ec3f5

Nirrn: Tell him that you have no duty to answer questions of anyone that's not from the law enforcement. In fact, it's better that you call them right away! Then proceed to do so and start telling them about the armed man that's threatening you.

By doing this, the zepher may be discouraged, or he may act up, which would alert Nix and Ordo and give them better odds to react.
>>
No. 985160 ID: 11f77a
File 161000136798.png - (807.84KB , 550x500 , tvd_010.png )
985160

>Do you think you can smash through the window...
There’s nothing heavy or sharp enough to break the glass. Well... there’s your gun. You don’t know if it works like in the movies where you can shoot the glass and ram against it.

You don’t have your phone on you either. It’s in the lounge in your locker. Nirrn was strict to not have phones on your person.

Nirrn stammers a bit. It’s one of those moments where you can’t do two things at once. Hard to think and talk at the same time--and she shifts her arm to reach the panic button.

“S-Sir. I-- uhm. Uh. I-I’ve seen the little one,” the Huntoon shudders in fear, “His name is Nix! H-He was supposed to come in but never did! That’s all, I swear!”

There’s a loud yell coming from the break room. Followed by cussing. It seems to be the signal. Something unleashes in Fletch and he fires three bullets into the stranger’s back.

BANG! BAM! BANG!
>>
No. 985161 ID: 11f77a
File 161000148054.png - (0.96MB , 550x500 , tvd_011.png )
985161

You know you’ve hit him. Nirrn screams. No exit wounds on her end. She drops behind the counter to hide. There’s a split second of the Zepher spinning to return fire. The icynth retreats with a wince. POOM POOM! A chunk of Fletch’s cover rips off. As well as nicked his ear.

“AGH! MOTHERFUCKER!”

• Nirrn is hiding behind the counter, whimpering.
• Fletch currently doesn’t know how ‘bad’ he’s got the Zepher. He hears quick footsteps--probably running for cover around the aisle. He didn't even grunt or yell when those bullets hit him square in the back.
• Ordo is thinking... ‘were those... were those gunshots or something?’ He pauses and listens for more--unhurried.
>>
No. 985162 ID: e7c7d3

Nirrn, hit the silent alarm!
>>
No. 985165 ID: e51896

Nirrn: you were reaching for the panic button. Did you push it? If not, press the silent alarm and stay under the counter.

Nix: Grab the Phucc Tunn -o- chips and spill the chips on the floor. That way, when you move away from that spot, and the Zepher steps on them later, you'll know where he is. Spill them around the corner of one of the aisles so he doesnt see the chips on the floor immediately.
Also, can you make a mental image of the floorplan of this store so we can think up a plan of action of where to move? And where can you hear the Zepher's footsteps currently?

Ordo: get your phone, this could lead to some good social media material. Imagine, you can go viral!
>>
No. 985166 ID: 2aa5f0

Nirrn:
keep your head down and hit that silent alarm.

Fletch:
guy probably has armor on, might want to try and aim for the more fleshy bits you can see in the future. Also find better cover.

Ordo:
this place got cameras? If so could you look at them to make sure the shop isn't getting robbed by a gun toting manic. Be safer then poking your head out into the store and getting shot.
>>
No. 985168 ID: 0b42a2

Nirrn: calm down, push the panic button, things will be fine.

Fletch: Say something bad about zephers while running away. Make him waste more bullets.

Ordo: A pot full of hot coffee can be a good weapon if things get bad.
>>
No. 985179 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Silent alarm!

Fletch: Stay hidden behind your cover, not much you can do in the situation.

Ordo: In a state of drug induced panic burst out of the employee lounge and throw the full coffee pot at the Zepher.
>>
No. 985768 ID: 11f77a
File 161077848775.png - (797.51KB , 550x500 , tvd_012.png )
985768

Nirrn frantically hits the panic button, tapping it as if it would make the police arrive faster. Nothing more on her mind than to wait this situation out.

Fletch dares to look around the corner facing the counter--a brief time to grab a Phucc Tunn –O- Chips to rip open and spread it all around the floor. Potato crisps everywhere in his immediate area in case the stranger might stalk in his area. He shifts his spot in accordance to where the stranger may be.

Guh, what the fuck am I doing?” he whines. Huddling with his gun shaking in his fist.

None of you can see where the Zepher is.
>>
No. 985769 ID: 11f77a
File 161077851437.png - (896.56KB , 550x500 , tvd_013.png )
985769

Current map of the convenience store.

•Nirrn is huddling under the counter. She has no line of sight.
•Fletch has moved around his cover based on his perception where the stranger may have gone to.
>>
No. 985773 ID: 35d83e

Nirrn: Try to calm down and look at the items around you, maybe something can be of aid.

Ordo: Take a *very* careful peek through the door.

Fletch: Hide behind the shelf closest to the back exit, ready to rush for it as soon as you hear the crunching of the guy stepping on the chips.
Also, you fired three shots, how many do you have left?
>>
No. 985778 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Slowly poke your head over the counter to see what’s going on.

Fletch: Convenience stores usually have those big mirror things on the ceiling right? Try to see if there’s one here you can use to spot the Zepher.

Ordo: it’s gotten strangely silent out there ever since you heard those bangs, you should probably see what’s going on.
>>
No. 985779 ID: 2aa5f0

Nirrn:
keep your head down

Fletch:
doesn't this store have those domed mirrors in the corners of the store to help the casher look down the aisles from the counter to make sure people aren't shoplifting? Could you use those to get a bead on your hunter... and if so watch out so he isn't pulling the same trick on you.

And if not move your ass as quick as you can towards storage and move up the aisle and towards the back exit. Just make sure you stop before you get out in the open and peek towards where you last saw the guy so you don't end up getting gunned down in the back while making a run for the exit.

Ordo:
uh, you got the phone number of any of your co-workers? Maybe give them a quick call and see if they're alright. This way you can see if it's safe without poking your head out of the doorway and into the sight of a crazed gunmen. And if it does prove to be nothing well then it's just work as usual.
>>
No. 985795 ID: 19b466

Are there any windows in the storage or in the lunge?
>>
No. 985823 ID: 15a025

Ordo: Stay in the lounge for now, you don't get paid enough to deal with gun fights.
>>
No. 985879 ID: dcf013

Fletch, you gotta get to Grutter so that you two can cover each other while making your way out through the back exit.
>>
No. 985902 ID: 094652

Nirrn: Drink something to calm your nerves.
Fletch: Kick the store rack over and run while he's distracted.
Ordo: Call as many people as you can.
>>
No. 985974 ID: da1170

Ordo: barge into the main room and loudly ask what's going on?
>>
No. 986108 ID: 11f77a
File 161137750034.png - (274.05KB , 550x500 , tvd_014.png )
986108

Grutter doesn’t work at the convenience store nor does he have a position in any job at all. He’s freelance; he does odd jobs on Krullgslist. Usually moving furniture for cheap credits. He has the van you two share.

There are no windows in the storage room, and neither in the lounge. Fletch hasn’t counted how many bullets he started with before going to work--which was a stupid move on his part. It surely wasn’t a full magazine as far as he remembers. What was that? Three shots so far?

There is a domed mirror on each corner of the store’s southern wall. Where Fletch is, he peeks around with his only eye, beads of sweat off his brow. Inching ever closer to have a good look.

And there he is. And the Zepher stares right back at him with just the slightest smirk. Like a cue to attack.
>>
No. 986110 ID: 11f77a
File 161137770578.png - (297.12KB , 550x500 , tvd_015.png )
986110

Fletch juts his head back before a bullet blasts another chunk of the shelf away--shredding into his right shoulder with a mist of blood.

“AAUOOW!”

Fucker was waiting for that! Son of a bitch!! Gotta... gotta think ahead of him. Two steps ahead. Fuck this hurtssssss

•Nirrn can’t find anything of aid. She keeps her head down almost paralyzed from fright.
•Ordo peeks and can’t see much from his angle at the Lounge Door. After the next gunshot he retreats and opts to wait for this to blow over. You don’t get paid enough to deal with gun fights.
>>
No. 986111 ID: b1b4f3

Fletch: consider surrendering.
>>
No. 986115 ID: e51896

Fletch: how sturdy are the shelves in the aisle? If it is possible, try pushing one of the shelves towards the zepher, causing it to tip the other shelves like dominoes until it falls on the zepher, or at least gives you a clear shot to shoot him when he runs out of the way!

Nirrn: the zepher isnt near your counter anymore. make a break for the exit. Retrieve ordo from the employee lounge on the way out, save his life and let him know what is going on despite not liking him too much.

Ordo: yep, definetly gunfires. You didnt piss off your drug dealer enough to send a hitman after you or something, did you? If not, then it should be safe enough to call the police without you yourself getting arrested as well.
>>
No. 986116 ID: 2aa5f0

Nirrn:
keep doing what you're doing, keeping your head down.

Fletch:
Uh, shoot out mirror, knock down the shelves and try hope the domino effect of them falling over will land on top of trechcoat, use the distraction to make a brake for the back exit. Pray.

Ordo:
Barricade yourself in the room, call cops. Hope everyone you kinda give a shit about are ok and that this will blow over soon.
>>
No. 986142 ID: dcf013

Oh, I thought Ordo was Grutter.

Fletch, try to lure the guy to you in a way that will allow you to escape.
>>
No. 986163 ID: 3aa06e

Nirrn: Is there a light switch you can use to shut off the lights so you (and Nix/Fletch) have a better chance of escape?

Fletch: Health check, how badly do you think he just screwed you up? Shoot out the mirror and loudly run towards the counter. Stop then crawl back quietly to your original position but stay low. Ideally you want to get towards the back where you have more rooms to hide in till the police arrive, or if you're lucky, the back exit you can use.

Ordo: You're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. Sure, if the police arrive you're safe from the gunman, but they'll find the drugs you brought. Not sure how long they'll keep you in the slammer for but you probably don't want to get caught with what you've got. And that's assuming this guy doesn't manage to barge into your room if you barricade it. Cautiously open the lounge door and see if you can get into storage for something useful that will help you escape (and maybe your fellow coworkers).
>>
No. 986198 ID: 4a04f9

Nirrn: faint from shock. Alternatively, remember the live shooter training videos your company made all of the store managers watch.
•Try to get out of the building as fast as possible
•If you can't get out, barricade yourself somewhere safe with Ordo if possible.
Remember that Nix has a gun and should be treated as just as much of a criminal as this other guy. Meaning run away from them and don't help either of them.

Ordo: Gtfo of dodge and call the cops. Then start filming from a safe distance so you can post this on the internet (or whatever the equivalent of the internet is in a spacefaring, interstellar, multispecies society).
>>
No. 986694 ID: 5a788d

Mirror's angled down. Go OVER the aisles.
>>
No. 986759 ID: 11f77a
File 161221181211.png - (222.76KB , 550x500 , tvd_016.png )
986759

Dammit! The adrenaline is running but it’s going to be hard to aim with this shoulder. There’s a queasy knot in his stomach and he may want to throw up later. But Fletch takes a deep breath, tenses up, and exhales to stave off that feeling.

No matter what, he absolutely must push the shelves over! He’s not really your average height to simply knock them down. With the shoulder blaring pain with every pulse in his heart--he must ignore and endure. One shove wouldn’t be enough--instead having to wobble the shelf back and forth. Each oscillation adds momentum to finally tip over.

You hear a domino effect coming from the other side too. The middle two shelves meet each other and slam accessories and snack bags onto the floor as they pivot into some makeshift tent.

‘Good,’ he thinks to himself as he realizes the Zepher was using the same move, ‘I’m thinking on the same level as him. But I must be better!’

•Nirrn is unable to turn out the lights for most of the switches are found near the office. She feels like she’s about to faint but keeps her head down. All that ruckus going on--her store is ruined!

•Ordo knows if the cops find out he’s been keeping drugs in his backpack he’s gonna be in a lot of trouble. He’s a bit strung out and swipes his backpack, shoving everything he took out back in--ready to leave. Fuck this night!
>>
No. 986760 ID: 094652

Nirrn: Rant at the two 'customers' for destroying your store without payment.
Fletch: Parkour over the other shelf and run towards the exit. And grab some snacks or water on your way out.
Ordo: Conveniently leave some of the stash on the table to distract the heat by framing the store as a drug front.
>>
No. 986761 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Press the panic button more, you want this over with!

Fletch and Ordo: Get the hell out of the store while you still can. The Zephyr will probably be a bit confused as to why the shelves didn’t fall all the way down, take that brief moment of distraction and use it to get out.
>>
No. 986763 ID: ce39da

Fletch: Throw a snack bag over the pile-up to make the Zepher react; even if he doesn't shoot it, it's still a second of distraction you can use to move to the other end of the aisle.

Ordo: You're gonna run into trouble if the cops catch you with the contraband outside; they gotta be here any second now! Are there any other lockers you can stuff it into? Not Nirn's or the new guy's - someone whom the cops can't immediately question. Failing that, dump the powder into the coffee and bury anything non-dissolvable in the trashcan. It's not ideal, but the goods will be hidden for the time being.
>>
No. 986768 ID: 2aa5f0

Nirrn:
this place is insured right?

Fletch:
quick question but from this >>984843 it looks like all the walls of this store are all windows right? Can you just shoot out the nearest window and escape through there?

Ordo:
out the back door you go.
>>
No. 986776 ID: 6e4236

Nirrn: Scream with abandon.

Ordo: Spill the cofee and scream with more abandon.

Fletch: climb up the shelves and shoot at the now coverless bad guy.
>>
No. 986783 ID: d3fc52

>>986759
Nirrn: Stay down and keep quiet. Continue to consider fainting.

Ordo: Toss the illegal contents of your bag into your vehicle if secure, otherwise hide it somewhere, then call the cops (cops may keep your bag as one of the many pieces of evidence). Alternatively, just take the goods and run.
First option is probably better though cuz you could become a suspect if you are seen fleeing the scene.
>>
No. 988938 ID: 11f77a
File 161411764662.png - (249.41KB , 550x500 , tvd_017.png )
988938

There’s no use in fighting this professional. Now could be the only chance to leave for the exit!

Dashing down the aisle Fletch swerves and sprints for the back. There’s a loud gunshot. The stranger has climbed to a higher vantage point.

The bullet spears through the icynth's back, a spackle of blood decorates the floor ahead of him. The surge of pain drops Fletch to his hands and knees within several feet of the exit door. There’s no gasp or yell--just a man trying to register a response. Don't give up... keep... stay... alive...

•Nirrn squeals from the gunshot. Her head is teetering from how thankful she is to have this store insured--and if she’s ever going to come out of this alive. She stays down.

•Before Ordo scrams, he’s concerned whether he’ll be caught with drugs or he should just stash them in a hiding spot. He's car is out in the front. He'll need to circle 'round to reach it. He feels he won’t get away without being a suspect either. The gullusk stuffs what contraband he has in a locker that isn’t marked by an employee’s name. In fact, all lockers are blank for anyone to use when free.
Ordo busts open the door to see Fletch writhing in pain.
>>
No. 988939 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Peak out from the side of the counter to see Fletch on the ground.

Fletch: Aim your gun at Ordo and threaten to shoot unless the Zepher lets you get away.

Ordo: Think about how much you regret not quitting this job last week.
>>
No. 988940 ID: 04d10e

Ordo: if he is close enough, quickly grab and drag Fletch into the lounge and shut the door, barring it with a table or something heavy. You may not like him that much, but you're not heartless enough to let him die.
>>
No. 988943 ID: e85a08

Fletch: Roll on your back and dump your mag while scooting with your knees towards the exit.
>>
No. 988945 ID: b1b4f3

>>988939
This. Fletch should reveal his true colors.
>>
No. 989001 ID: e51896

Fletch could threaten Ordo's life, but I do not think the Catalyst is an investigator or with the police, so I think he really wouldn't care about Ordo's life if Fletch held him hostage
>>
No. 989050 ID: ce39da

Fletch: Turn and shoot at the Zepher. Even if you don't hit, that should force him into cover.

Ordo: Uhhhhhh. UHHHHHHH. Don't think; drag your coworker into the lounge.
>>
No. 989055 ID: 041c52

>>988938
Shoot at his direction so he covers and you can exit thr store.

Ordo, hide the drugs.
>>
No. 989118 ID: c2745b

Ordo, hide the drugs, run, and call the cops. Don't help Fletch. Fletch is clearly not who you thought he was and you owe him nothing. Also if you help him, the other guy will probably fuck you up.
>>
No. 990082 ID: 15a025

Ordo: Ditch the drugs. If anyone asks, they were Fletch's.
>>
No. 993704 ID: 11f77a
File 161704367534.png - (263.93KB , 550x500 , tvd_018.png )
993704

Fletch crawls. He’s close to puking as he cringes to the overwhelming pain. His ears pick up the rubber soles of the mercenary’s boots tromping across the floor. The ichor yells something on par to a war cry as he turns and dumps his mag in the zepher’s direction.

“MOTHERFUCKEEEER!!!”

The roar warns his pursuer--but his dodge was not fast enough. Nicked in the shoulder, the zepher contains his pain to a grunt as he flips to his back against the adjacent corner wall.

Five shots and the pistol clicks.
>>
No. 993705 ID: 11f77a
File 161704437106.png - (200.80KB , 550x500 , tvd_019.png )
993705

Ordo regrets everything today. A bad combination of indecisiveness, being high on gray, tiredness, and now some fucking robbery is happening with your coworker bleeding out on the floor firing everything he’s got.

There’s only one reaction. The gullusk grabs Fletch by the collar and drags him inside the lounge. A blood trail smears around the doorway. He slams it shut with a chair lodged under the door handle.

“The fuck’s going on, Nix?!”
>>
No. 993706 ID: 11f77a
File 161704442646.png - (289.87KB , 550x500 , tvd_019map.png )
993706

Updated Map
>>
No. 993707 ID: b1b4f3

Ordo, get first aid.
Fletch, make up some bullshit so Ordo thinks you're the good guy. You've been lying so much, why stop now?
Nirrn, peek your head out since the shooting stopped. Plead with the guy to just leave in peace.
>>
No. 993708 ID: e7c7d3

Nirrn, leave through the front door and cry for help
>>
No. 993719 ID: 10c07d

>>993707
>>993708
Combination of these two. Also is there a window in the bathroom? It may be possible to escape through the bathroom window.
>>
No. 993752 ID: 2aa5f0

Ordo
Barricade door with all furniture in brake room, look for window.

Fletch
try not to bleed out... treat your wounds as much as able

Nirrn
now might be a good time to leave and get some help.
>>
No. 993783 ID: c31a2c

Nirrn: this guy is probably going to hold you hostage to pull your employees out. Run out the front door!

Ordo: call police. You hid the drugs, so it should be fine now

Fletch: pretty much >>993707
>>
No. 994061 ID: 3aa06e

Nirrn: Now is a good time to run out the front. These two will be fine hopefully, nothing you can really do. Unless you want to risk trying to disarm him but who knows what else he's packing.

Fletch: >>993707 Something like this. Maybe come up with a joke story like "Oh I stole his girlfriend and he came to settle things." or "I rear ended him by accident earlier today and he's out for blood." Might as well get a cheap laugh out of this.


Ordo: After barricading the door to the best you can keep your head down. This isn't a saferoom, unless you were specifically told that the employee lounge is made of the best bullet proof materials you are not out of the woods. A bullet could come through the walls.
>>
No. 995584 ID: 15a025

Nirrin: Now's a great time to escape.

Ordo: First aid for Nix. Worse comes to worse, we grab toilet paper or paper towels out of the bathroom.

Nix: Lie, explain this dude's a robber.
>>
No. 995708 ID: 11f77a
File 161818522184.png - (262.57KB , 550x500 , tvd_020.png )
995708

There are no windows in either bathroom (or in the lounge)--Fletch is clenching his wounds as blood pours. As if there really was anything to be thankful in this matter... there’s a first aid container. After Ordo uses the coffee table as a second barricade he runs to it. There are small tablets of medicine, ointment, and alcohol, bandages and some gauze; the gullusk swipes them up with small boxes of medicine tumbling onto the floor.

In the adrenaline that comes in hills and valleys--this time when everything slows down and his mind is blanking--Fletch has almost forgotten his fake name and takes a moment to improvise though choked breaths of blood.

“I-It’s just a robbery, maaaan. I don’ fuckin’ know... Shit’s goin’ postal. Fuck, this huuurts...”

Ordo doesn’t have time for an insight check. He fumbles to open a gauze packet and applies pressure to the wound. Fletch swears some more. “It’s alright, Nix. Stay with me. We’ll get out of here! The police should be here! We gotta stand our ground!”

The knob jumbles and the door crunches into the chair. ‘Thump, thud!’ Looks like it will hold the stranger back.
>>
No. 995711 ID: 11f77a
File 161818540411.png - (227.62KB , 550x500 , tvd_021.png )
995711

Nirrn frantically runs around the check-out counter and heads for the front; this man could use her as a hostage if she doesn’t leave immediately! Her store may be ruined but right now her life is all that matters. She wishes her late husband was here. Or her pet Nibbles.

At first there’s hope that she’ll leave unscathed. The huntoon is halfway until another two gunshots echo down the hall. She wasn't paying attention to what the stranger is doing now, hunting that poor boy.

The windows on the front door splatter in red. She almost doesn’t notice being hit--funny how that seems to be. But it’s the realization that kicks in and she drops to her knees--the momentum of running makes her fall forward onto her chest.
>>
No. 995719 ID: e51896

Nirrn: According to the map, are you near any of those items scattered on the floor? are any of them toxic on open wounds? if so, throw it at the gunman's gunwound.

Ordo: does any of your drugs happen to be pain killers? might want to offer it to Nix Otherwise, continue treating the wounds.

Fletch: Keep talking to Ordo, it is important to help you stay conscience.
>>
No. 995721 ID: 10c07d

Nirrn: Just play dead, that’s the only way I can see her getting out of this alive at this point.

Fletch: try to stay awake

Ordo: Look up how to treat a gunshot wound on your phone and call the police; assuming he has his phone with him. If you are calling the cops however make sure to flush any drugs you possibly might or might not have in your locker before they arrive.
>>
No. 995759 ID: 041c52

Nirrn: Don’t move, just wait until this is over.
Otro: Keep aiding Fletch
>>
No. 996023 ID: 9aaeef

Nirrn: Just stat down, wait for the police to arrive.
Fletch: Try not to pass out.
Ordo: If you see anything that can work as a weapon take it, just in case.
>>
No. 998043 ID: 11f77a
File 161958059384.png - (249.07KB , 550x500 , tvd_022.png )
998043

Nirrn tries to crawl--yet every breath and cringe pulses nothing but pain throughout her body. Playing dead would give her a better chance to live through this, she thinks. The huntoon goes limp, struggling to breathe as silently as possible. She doesn’t look back. But there’s her reflection in the glass door. The stranger is distant and faded. Yet something... something he has...

The room is growing dark. Or is it just the atmosphere of the night creeping in the room?

So hard... to tell...
>>
No. 998044 ID: 11f77a
File 161958069028.png - (253.95KB , 550x500 , tvd_023.png )
998044

Ordo looks through his bag, maybe some of his drugs could help. Yeah, a bit of gray could help numb some pain! Fletch is already smacking his face to stay in the zone--like he skipped caffeine during a 2:00 AM drive on a long, country road.

“Stay awake, man! Look--I got you something! Just chew on it, alright? Relax but don’t sleep! Stay with me!” Ordo holds the drug and practically shoves it under the ichorynth’s lip. It would take a minute but Fletch starts to feel better when the remedy dissolves on his tongue like a skittle. Maybe that’s the placebo part before it runs in his blood.

There’s a loud ‘CRUNCH’ that drops against the door. Terrifyingly heavy and metallic like slamming a mini-fridge on an old wooden floor. The furniture shakes and still holds together, thankfully.

Unthankfully, another metallic crunch pops the doorknob off! As if a battering ram was involved. The knob skips on the hard floor.
>>
No. 998045 ID: e7c7d3

Hide in some cupboards or lockers
>>
No. 998063 ID: e51896

Nirrn: have a vision(?) of your late husband... maybe his ghost either trying to call you to him... or trying to tell you to keep living.

Fletch: roll out of sight of the hole where the doorknob used to be with all your strength, get your gun ready to shoot if he walks in.

Ordo: grab a fire extinguisher, stand next to the right side of the door (your right) get ready to spray him in the face with it if he walks in (he's probably too tall to bonk him in the head)
>>
No. 998078 ID: 10c07d

>>998063
Do this but hide Fletch behind an over turned table. Also with the fire extinguisher go for the knees first, then the head. Use that cracked out strength Ordo!
>>
No. 998080 ID: 28ef8c

Ordo: arm yourself with the fire-extiguisher or any other blunt object you can find and be ready to hit as soon as that creature rears his body into the room.

Fletch: Out of bullets? Grab the hot coffee and be ready to poor onto the guy!

Nirrn: Don't fall asleep. Will yourself with all your strenght and Don't. Fall. Asleep.
>>
No. 998083 ID: 9aaeef

Well, you tried Ordo, run like a coward.
>>
No. 998678 ID: 15a025

Nirrin, do everything you can to stay awake.
>>
No. 999199 ID: 6c3e10

>>998043
>Yet something... something he has...

Oh fuck!!! I just realized! I think he has a bomb or grenade and is gonna throw it in the lounge through the doorhole!!

Ordo: grab Nix and get him in the bathroom pronto! If he throws a bomb, your best chance of survival is the bathroom!
>>
No. 1007898 ID: 11f77a
File 162896657463.png - (236.53KB , 550x500 , tvd_024.png )
1007898

There’s no place to escape but through the mercenary (or head back inside the single bathroom). Ordo feels trapped like a grunrat. He shoves Fletch near some overturned furniture to the right side of the room. The flimsy bench in the middle can make for some cover. “Just hide, man!” he yelps while looking around for, well, anything.

Fletch doesn’t have any bullets left in his gun. There may be a clip in his backpack, stuffed inside his locker. His perception of time (and movements) seem to drag from the drug’s effects. The gullusk yanks a hefty fire extinguisher from the wall. It’ll do. It has to. Just gotta time it right. Aim for the legs, Ordo--that dude’s head is probably too high to reach.

The stranger rams into the door with such strength that the chair goes flying without a doorknob to wedge underneath. The door swings open, scooting the rest of the blockade to his right. On his left arm is something flat like a riot shield, raised to protect his torso.

With a swing, Ordo aims the red cylinder low and clocks the stranger’s knee. The zepher barks out an ill-tempered growl and lurches down on one knee.
>>
No. 1007899 ID: 11f77a
File 162896680348.png - (319.14KB , 550x500 , tvd_025.png )
1007899

Before a second swing the stranger glares at Ordo with piercing yellow eyes, and his shield extends out like a third arm to throw the gullusk back. Ordo slams against the lockers with the wind knocked out of his lungs. But he still holds the extinguisher firmly.
>>
No. 1007902 ID: e51896

Ordo: spray the exitnquisher in his eyes so he doesn't see and shoot at you as you lie and tell this intruder he is too late, Nix already escaped through the window in the bathroom, then roll towards Nix's hiding place and hide with Nix as he tries to get his vision back from you spraying at him.

Fletch: whisper and let Ordo know about having bullets in your backpack and have him try to quickly and quietly retrieve and throw the backpack to him from the nearby locker when this intruder limps past you two towards the bathroom. (having Ordo drag you out of here might take too long and have him spot you) this guy's mobility should slower him down and give us the chance to do this as he heads towards the bathroom.

Nirrn: dream(?) of your dead husband
>>
No. 1007903 ID: eedbeb

ordo: try to tangle yourself into the intruders legs
>>
No. 1007963 ID: 894419

>>1007902
Seems like sound courses of action!
>>
No. 1008167 ID: 3aa06e

>>1007902
Can't think of a better plan so lets go with this.
>>
No. 1008202 ID: 11f77a
File 162925493460.png - (349.98KB , 550x500 , tvd_026.png )
1008202

Launched backwards in an arc, Ordo is slammed with his back into the lockers. He has landed on his heels but stumbles to keep up straight. His hand still holds onto the extinguisher.

Fletch is unable to whisper to Ordo, at least whisper quiet enough so the mercenary can’t hear—what with all the noise happening. He could try and crawl towards his locker.

“He’s already gone, asshole!” lies Ordo as he lifts the tube in attempt to blind the zepher with a cloud of chemicals--but the mercenary saw this action coming. The merc lifts his gun and fires once. A bullet sparks through the edge of the canister, coming out the other side and hits Ordo under his rib! In a matter of milliseconds the canister explodes!

A white cloud fills the lounge with chemicals turning the air cold and foggy. It’s almost hard to see. Ordo has dropped the extinguisher to clutch his wound. He groans and feels like dry heaving.
>>
No. 1008203 ID: 23716b

Only thing left to do at this point is play dead and wait for the police and hope he believed the lie long enough for them to arrive... unless he somehow hacked the system to disable the silent alarm before coming here, in which case, GG NO RE
>>
No. 1008204 ID: e7c7d3

>>1008203
yeah, play dead
>>
No. 1008207 ID: cdbcf8

>>1008202
OH GOOD GOD WHY CAN'T ANYTHING GO RIGHT FOR US??!!?

Nirrn: Start naming things that are your favorite color, whatever you do don't fall asleep on us girlfriend.

Nix: Crawl. Crawl out of that room like your life depends on it, which it does. Also grab the doorknob in case you need to bash the dude's brain in. Don't play dead because he WILL double tap.

Ordo: Huuuuuuuuuuuh play dead.
>>
No. 1008215 ID: bd9e9a

There’s no way the guy didn’t get caught in the blast of the extinguisher, it was right next to him. I mean it probably wouldn’t have done much but blind him for a second and we don’t have anyone that could take advantage of that right now so…

Everyone play dead, bout all they can do at this point.

Whelp that was fun while it lasted, better luck next time boys.
>>
No. 1008229 ID: cdbcf8

>>1008215
...No!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYzMYcUty6s
We aren't dead yet! That means we still have a shot at this! If we just push a little harder, live for a second longer. WE. WILL. MAKE. THIS!
>>
No. 1008243 ID: 11f77a
File 162932805380.png - (231.30KB , 550x500 , tvd_027.png )
1008243

Ordo sinks to the ground and keels over in a fetal position. Maybe if he pretends to be dead, the zepher won’t bother. It’s about all he could do. Maybe, just maybe the police will bust in and save the day.

Fletch starts crawling. High on drugs--his vision pulses. Back and forth the room is concave and convex. He realizes once against the floor that the extinguishing chemicals have yet to reach the tiles. He sees his pursuer’s boots cautiously walk. Trying to navigate with little progress. Following something. That zipper-neck must have a hard time seeing his own feet with a head close to the ceiling, though. Hold on a minute...

He’s trying to follow Fletch’s path of blood!

The ichorynth silently grabs the doorknob. Could he even reach the dude’s head if he attempts to strike?

The stranger gradually walks closer. The room will start to clear up soon.
>>
No. 1008266 ID: 055551

Dont throw it at his head, you cant see him. Instead, roll it under his feet, have him walk on it and trip on it.
>>
No. 1008287 ID: e51896

>>1008266
Probably the best we can do right now. Even if we throw it at his head, it's not going to cause much damage except let him know where we are from knowing where it was thrown at, and he is following our blood trail along with the mist dissipating quickly, so even if we try to escape, we're moving too slow.

so yeah, roll that doorknob under his foot to trip him up, maybe the one he is limping on after he was attacked by the fire extinguisher.

the only drawback is that he'll see us after he trips to the floor, but hopefully we'll get lucky like he'll drop his gun towards us, or land on his head and get knocked unconscious, or make him more immobile. something that will make it more difficult for him to kill Fletch's accomplice with his injuries from tripping if he kills Fletch.
>>
No. 1008317 ID: cdbcf8

>>1008243
Bash that fu*kers ankle!
>>
No. 1008412 ID: 8a444d

>>1008287
I see this the most likely plan to succed. That guy is tall so should have relative bad balance. Be careful with it's shield backpack though, he can still use it in the floor.
>>
No. 1008526 ID: 15a025

>>1008266
This.
>>
No. 1008801 ID: 11f77a
File 163002293818.png - (221.20KB , 550x500 , tvd_028.png )
1008801

Fletch notices that the stranger does have a slight limp from being hit with the extinguisher—and his height would work against maintaining balance.

He quietly aims as cautiously as a golfer readies a putt. Once the stranger lifts his foot it’s go time. The doorknob clack-clacks and rolls across the floor at a speed just perfect enough to lodge under his boot before the zepher could register what the hell that noise was.

Without any friction his foot slides forward and the stranger topples over. Fletch has already gotten up to rush over to the door.
>>
No. 1008802 ID: 11f77a
File 163002305331.png - (277.35KB , 550x500 , tvd_029.png )
1008802

Fletch is already halfway through when the stranger scoots himself onto his back. The haze has not faded enough for a clear line of sight when he raises his gun and fires, attempting to guess Fletch’s position from the sound of his footsteps.

‘POOM! POOM! click!

Misses. Chunks of the doorway are blasted off behind the ichorynth. With some help from the drug it’s bearable enough to keep going. He still limps and uses the wall as support.
>>
No. 1008803 ID: 3aa06e

Fletch get out of there through the back door and don't look back, no doubt he has another mag for his gun.

Ordo, maybe you should run for it too out there. Best not to be with your coworkers. Sticking together in this situation will get you all killed but splitting up means this gunman can only chase one of you down. Maybe the police are right outside?
>>
No. 1008804 ID: 7924dc

Hey, Nirrn is gone.
I guess a cleaner must have extracted her body while no one was around for the assassination to go smoothly and not leave evidence.
>>
No. 1008813 ID: 11f77a

>>1008804
I completely forgot to draw her in
>>
No. 1008816 ID: 7924dc

It'll be obvious if you take the exit. Hide in the bathroom
>>
No. 1008825 ID: e51896

>>1008816
No, won't work. He'll just follow the blood trail into the bathroom, then we'll be trapped.

The big guy needs to take time to get up, and reload, but if he is out of ammo, he'll probably start fighting us unnarmed, and we're in no condition to fight. He's probably not even going to bother reloading if he has extra ammo regardless to not waste time.

With that in mind, pick up a piece of the doorway that got blown off, preferably a sharp one that we can use as a weapon, then make your way to the door as quick as your body can handle without fainting. Listen for him, if he shows up, and has his gun, throw the piece of door at him, if he charges after you instead, use your door chunk as a melee weapon.

As for Ordo, keep playing dead. No need to lose another character after we tried to get Nirrn to escape... unless we want to use him as a distraction to sacrifice him in some way to waste the catalyst's time for Fletch to escape.
>>
No. 1008844 ID: 2aa5f0

>>1008813
it's GTA logic now, leave them alone long enough and they just turn into a chalk outline.
>>
No. 1008853 ID: 21ac40

Fighting is discarded unless we find a weapon (maybe Nirrn had something in the bar, but is far). Hidding is the best option but Nix would need some way to hid his blood trail first. Running is a hard bet, it only will work if the police come before the catalyst can catch Nix (which is not a lot of time).

The obvious choice is to risk and run for the door he is going right now. If Nix have the key of the door at hand it could make him win some precious seconds if he manage to close it behind him.

A less obvious option would be to try to use Nix's clothes to temporaly stop his bleeding enough time to hide while being careful to not step in the trail of blood. The problem is that if he hasn't opened the exit door first, then it will be obvious that he is hidding.

As the two options starts by going to the door, maybe Nix can decide on the run. If he ears the catalyst reload inside the room, he can try to hide because the chase will be very short. If the catalyst get's out the room, then it's running time.
>>
No. 1009333 ID: 11f77a
File 163063448959.png - (248.93KB , 550x500 , tvd_030.png )
1009333

Fletch busts out of the store. He thinks the stranger will definitely reload and give chase. In that case, Fletch won’t run in a straight line but turn immediately in one direction, and it’s pretty dark at this hour. Ichorynths are quite adept at maneuvering in the night. Zephcynths, eh, not so well as far as he knows.
He just needs to find a secluded spot, makeshift some tourniquets to stop the bleeding, and think what the hell he’s going to do next.

He has no ammo left in the pistol he carries. No phone, as he left it in his locker.

He does have his wallet; enough for bus fare and perhaps cough 450 credits to spare...
>>
No. 1009335 ID: 11f77a
File 163063513605.png - (224.43KB , 550x500 , tvd_031.png )
1009335

The fog has thinned. Ordo watches the stranger from the ground. The zephcynth makes an annoyed sigh--or maybe it was the pain in his leg from the bludgeoning and the fall. His riot shield moves; it’s attached to a metallic limb hidden under his trenchcoat.
It folds itself as if to become a cast for his injured leg--supporting it. He unloads the clip of his gun; rather than discard he keeps the empty clip in his pocket. Another is replaced. He doesn’t seem rushed to go after Fletch this very moment. A sudden mood change.

The stranger opens each locker, a majority of them empty so far. Ordo’s backpack was already out when he gave Fletch some drugs. He sneers when he uses his wounded arm.

“So.” the stranger calmly mutters. “You have offered yourselves to keep the rush alive...” Wait, was that to himself? What? Or to Ordo? He wasn’t looking at him in particular...

"Who was he to you?"
>>
No. 1009338 ID: e51896

"Coworker *cough* who needed help getting away from crazed gunman... *cough* hurts to talk..."
>>
No. 1009352 ID: 9cee9a

Ask who he is exactly, why even come here shooting up the place?
>>
No. 1009353 ID: 094652

"You... *hack* killed her, you phuk. She... wasn't in the... game *coughing fit*. If you even care about anything then shoot *sniff* me *coughing fit* and save her."
>>
No. 1009356 ID: 973ecd

>>1009353
Ordo didnt see nirrn get shot
>>
No. 1009464 ID: 15a025

Co-worker worth saving from some thug with a gun.
>>
No. 1009808 ID: 11f77a
File 163108413575.png - (121.33KB , 550x500 , tvd_032.png )
1009808

“W-What?” Ordo coughs. “What the fuck? *cough* He’s a coworker, man. Someone worth saving from... *cough cough* some thug with a gun!” The gullusk sits upright with a hand clenched to his wound, pressing just below his rib.

The stranger opens the locker that would presumably be Fletch’s. Just a chain of a few keys and a phone, along with some scraps of applications never quite filled out. His focus is away from Ordo, but he still replies without emotion. “Is that what you’re telling me? That it was for someone worth saving?”

The gullusk winces, “Man, who the fuck are you? Why? Why are you shooting up the place?”

The stranger gives no reply.
>>
No. 1009809 ID: 11f77a
File 163108416999.png - (240.02KB , 550x500 , tvd_033.png )
1009809

He takes the phone, and lets the ceiling light shine upon it. Patterns of smudges are across its glassy surface. With the press of a button a locked screen shows with a grid. “There’s nothing more here; the rush unfortunately continues. But after some... inconveniences to tie off.”

“L-Listen, man-- you don’t have to!”

He steps closer with his gun drawn.
>>
No. 1009810 ID: 11f77a
File 163108423968.png - (41.51KB , 550x500 , tvd_033_b.png )
1009810

“Can’t we just talk about this--?!"
>>
No. 1009811 ID: 11f77a
File 163108435274.png - (147.88KB , 550x500 , tvd_034.png )
1009811

You’re a chupian officer of the Port Echo PD. Before you could retire for the night the radio is calling for all police in the area to respond to a commotion in a store. Witnesses near the building claim to have heard firearm discharges--possibly the start of a gang war.

The radio blathers: police who are on the scene report shot civilians. Couple dead, even. Suggestions hint a killer could be on the run but no idea where they may have gone as of yet.

Your personal phone also bleeps a tune...

Also, suggest a female name for chupian cop: ___
>>
No. 1009812 ID: e7c7d3

Check your phone while you drive. No one says you can't!

How about the name... Farla
>>
No. 1009814 ID: 094652

Pull over, check your inventory. You are not going anywhere near a crazed trigger-happy gunman without a military-grade ballistic shield.

Your name is Farah Kel'viine.
>>
No. 1009846 ID: 8dddab

Cemmmmmbly is your name. And yes, people need to draw out the M in your name.

Idea: What if she secretly works for the same boss as the Catalyst and is helping him by being planted as a police officer to sneak fake evidence in the crime scene and hide evidence related to her boss and the catalyst? Would explain why the silent alarm didnt alert anyone.
>>
No. 1009973 ID: 1bf26e

>>1009811
Take a glance on that fancy nav computer if that’s what is in your cruiser to see where you are in relation to the crime scene. Then stop the vehicle completely to check your personal phone.

Also looks like you don’t have a partner with you. Is the PD low on staff or are you some sort of super cop who doesn’t need backup? Better not be one of those “one more day till I retire” cops. Those are always bad omens.

>>1009814
Farah sounds like a good name.
>>
No. 1010126 ID: 11f77a
File 163130096989.png - (184.70KB , 550x500 , tvd_035.png )
1010126

Farah has been on the force for several years, she aint retiring for a long, long time. And she aint a rookie either. She’s most familiar with the districts of Tar Zoa and Vaal Sol having grown up in that area. Usually she’d be assigned a partner but this is just a neighborly patrol. The navigator displays the crime scene which is in close proximity, as well as few other police who arrived. She’ll make a visit if anyone needs some extra help cordoning the vicinities.

As if the ringing of her personal phone was a signal to double check her inventory--she pats herself down. Badge, walkie, stun-gun, pistol, cuffs...

Well it aint a crime or anything if there’s a cop to supervise it--our chupian officer presses a button and activates the call. “Farah speaking.” She answers.
>>
No. 1010127 ID: 11f77a
File 163130105152.png - (252.78KB , 550x500 , tvd_036.png )
1010127

You’re her husband (who needs a name). “Farah, my darling! I hope you’re not too busy occupied with work! I thought I’d call ahead to see what you’d like for a dinner side. Feeling grain or a veg?”

“Also, our son got in your potted plants again. I tried to save as much as I could but your gorgeous cherry ambergosses are ruined...”
>>
No. 1010128 ID: 3b0217

Anjan

Ask your husband if he took pictures :3
>>
No. 1010130 ID: fd6146

Arjan and our son Mali will help on planting new flowers after veggy dinner.
>>
No. 1010145 ID: 365ef6

Jokingly scold Arjy for invoking old tropes about police who get called by family just before something bad happen.

Also grain and good luck with the little troublemaker.
>>
No. 1010165 ID: c92a02

Rictus. And darn, really? I was three days away from retiring and planting that flower in the garden for the orphanage we always wanted to start. I guess we'll have to think of a different first birthday gift for his new baby sister!
>>
No. 1010264 ID: 15a025

Let's have some veg. Trouble maker's gotta eat all of their dinner tonight now too.
>>
No. 1010830 ID: 11f77a
File 163190619677.png - (270.68KB , 550x500 , tvd_037.png )
1010830

Farah jests, “I thought we agreed it was bad luck to call before something bad, Anjan. Now I’ll find myself in an early retirement. And not the resting-on-the-Bolkor-Mountains kind of retirement.”

“Well it’s hard to predict when you’re on a case, hon. It’s as if you’re telling me never to call you! I would be worried sick to my eyeballs if I couldn’t hear your voice until you come home!”

She hums, “I’m joking. And I say we’ll have veg tonight. That troublemaker’s gonna learn to like yakbeets sooner or later. I’m on my way to investigate an aftermath of a shootout and see if anyone needs assistance.” Farah keeps her eyes forward--patiently steering around the block. A few ambulances zoom past an intersection. “Oof, I’ll come home right after, though. Could be a little late. Don’t wait for me if it gets too dark. Sorry.”

Anjan scrolls through his phone, “Ah, it's fine. I’m going to send you a few pictures, though. A bit of motion blur but Mali is never gonna live this down when he’s older!”

“--ah show me later. I got my eyes on the road. We can teach Mali how to plant some new flowers tomorrow. Is there anything else, hon? I'm about to turn into the scene...”
>>
No. 1010834 ID: ce39da

"... Just wanted to say that I love you."
>>
No. 1010837 ID: 365ef6

>>1010834
This
>>
No. 1010847 ID: 6e4236

Are we still up for karaoke night tomorrow?
>>
No. 1010871 ID: bbf50d

"Just don't bite off more than you can chew, if it gets overwhelming, remember to take it easy. There is always a home here for you no matter what.
>>
No. 1010972 ID: 15a025

"Love ya, stay safe."
>>
No. 1011107 ID: 11f77a
File 163210889575.png - (265.34KB , 550x500 , tvd_038.png )
1011107

“Only that I love you, dear~”

That gives Farah a soft smile. “I love you too, Anjan.”

“Are we still up for karaoke night?”

“--Huh?”

“Tomorrow? I can hire our usual babysitter. I thought we could go down to Beekers Pub--”

“You have a way with goodbyes, you know that?”
>>
No. 1011108 ID: 11f77a
File 163210893020.png - (298.24KB , 550x500 , tvd_039.png )
1011108

Farah arrives. Dozens of cops already cordon the area and ward off curious pedestrians. The chupian parks, ducks under the yellow line, and walks towards the entrance. EMTs push a stretcher inside an ambulance, looks like a huntoon victim.

Analysts are taking pictures. Investigators have yet to arrive, it seems.
>>
No. 1011109 ID: 11f77a
File 163210908584.png - (305.80KB , 550x500 , tvd_040.png )
1011109

Approaching a group of policemen Farah sees a friend, Tark. Standing tall like a lighthouse the gard turns and notices her. He’s been on the force much longer than Farah--he’s practically the type who’d be two weeks from retirement. But he always seems to extend that deadline the more cases he piles on.

“Hey Farah.”

“Deputy. What happened?”

“Homicide. And attempted murder.”

“Culprits?”

“We don’t know yet. Civilians heard gunshots. One dead gullusk was found in the office and an unconscious huntoon was left in critical condition... it'd be a miracle if she survives the night. You were in the neighborhood I see...”

Continue with any prompts
>>
No. 1011122 ID: e51896

Tark: Since Farah was in the neighborhood and near the crime scene, ask if she got any kind of alert from the station of a silent alarm being activated.

Farah: say you did not hear orders about coming here.

Tark: ponder if the silent alarm was activated, and if not, why, and if it was, why the police station didn't report it to a police officer in the area (Farah). Your not going to accuse Farah of ignoring calls yet, she's a good officer and your friend. Consider looking into this silent alarm incident while ordering Farah looks for clues.
>>
No. 1011131 ID: 7f1c09

Tark: mission briefing! Tell Farah she'll look around the store and the place where the huntoon was unconcious for clues of what could of happened and the killer while you'll check the the alarm system for any signs of tampering at the cash register and office as well as info on the employees here and security footage in the office. After that, you'll both check the break room where the dead body was found,

Farah: ask to switch roles, with you checking the security footage and alarm system.
>>
No. 1011184 ID: 3aa06e

Tark: Mention the silent alarm, give a briefing on the injuries and wounds. Specifically, let Farah know what mess awaits her if she plans on looking at the gollusk. If you have a time on when the silent alarm was pulled and when police were called and then arrived give that too.

Farah: Check if this store had anything such as cameras to record events. See if there's a clock-in system to keep track of which employees were in, you have to notify the families of who won't be coming home. It'd also might let you know who is a suspect, this could have been an employee who went postal one late night.
>>
No. 1011193 ID: ce39da

Tark: Confirm what Farah knows; affirm that while you don't have all the answers yet, there does seem to be evidence of at least two gunmen - that this wasn't a one-sided shooting.

Farah: Notice the location of the crime and ask why the silent alarm wasn't triggered. Did the cashier not have time to press it?

Tark: Explain that he checked it, and if the blinking is any indication, it was indeed pressed. Why the silent alarm didn't reach dispatch - coincidence or conspiracy - is just one mystery that needs answering. You've called in a tech specialist to take a look already.

Farah: Ask if you can take your own look at the crime scene. That investigator, if he's coming, would likely appreciate the extra legwork on your part.
>>
No. 1011202 ID: 4e67d2

Tark: order your people around. Call forensics, call balistics, search if there are security cameras, look for foot and hand prints, do that funny thing where you blink your four eyes one at a time, comb the general area. It's time to catch a criminal.
>>
No. 1011580 ID: 15a025

Farah: Ask about possible motives for the homicide or murder? Did theft have anything involved with tonight? Anything reported as stolen?

Anjan: Brush up on your karaoke skills anyway.
>>
No. 1011792 ID: 11f77a
File 163280330005.png - (290.69KB , 550x500 , tvd_041.png )
1011792

Where Farah stands she turns her head and observes the area with a brief glance. She looks confused at first. “I haven’t heard any orders to come here when it was happening. Has the alarm even gone off?”

Tark nods, he seems to know how the deal works. “Yes. The silent alarm has been activated. But it doesn’t just buzz the nearest cop on the block. It sends a signal to the closest department and they have to dispatch some officers straight from the building. We can’t hope that ‘one would be in the area’ to call to action. And the response time is different in each city. Stack on top of that how... ‘motivated’ the officers are.”

“Motivated?! Criminals can just walk away with all that time? That’s... atrocious!”

“Kid, you’re forgetting this is the Tar Zoa District. It’s not your neighborly suburbia. Some of us are a diamond in the rough sure, but most have no drive to pick up the slack.
“Only a button is pressed. There’s no telling back at the station if it’s a robbery, break-in, or someone going postal. You just have to hold on for five or even ten minutes.
“It sucks, kid, but there can be bad eggs who covertly work with Hesphis Moss, and they can be bribed to delay a rescue if the Family are involved.

There’s a pause as that information sinks in. The gard takes a slow breath and continues. “You’d think that a killing from Moss’ gang would be a bit more… discrete I suppose. But it’s all speculation if I go on and on about that. We’ll need a thorough examination.”

The chupian opts to switch topics, “Well... what have we found so far?”

“I’ve only assessed the situation without touching anything. I had to direct the others where to cordon the area and make a few calls. There is an APB for anyone within several blocks who may look suspicious.”

“Any chance I can look inside?”

Tark makes a brief look of the parking lot. The ambulance speeds off with its siren warbling. “You’ll have to be quick about it. You can only look, not touch. Remain several feet from blood and damages. The forensics will be here any minute so...
“Grab your gloves. Put up some yellow tape. Look busy.”

“Got it.”
>>
No. 1011793 ID: 11f77a
File 163280350608.png - (290.45KB , 550x500 , tvd_042_map.png )
1011793

Inside is a train wreck. Aside from the pool of blood at the entrance, the shelves have toppled like dominoes on the right. Bags of food and toiletries are dumped and scattered all over the floor.

Farah hasn’t seen a place so much in chaos. “Nine Gods, what the hell happened?”

“Your guess is as good as mine...

Continue with any prompts
Ideas
• Check the office for camera footage
• Check for a clock-in system
• Speculate how it went down
• Examine destruction
• Put down some crime scene markers

>>
No. 1011820 ID: 16d082

I think we should check the office for evidence and security camera footage, if it’s still there
>>
No. 1011846 ID: 094652

Take some basic photographs with your phone, then set up crime scene markers near the blood.
>>
No. 1011858 ID: ce39da

Have evidence markers ready to go for whenever you notice something - start marking what you can now, then investigate once you run out of things to mark.

> EXHIBIT A: HUNTOON VICTIM'S BODY
Place this next to the blood pool out front.

FARAH: "Was this where the Huntoon was?"

TARK: Confirm, and make sure it's noted in the Exhibit's description - for lack of (or in addition to) an outline - what position her body was in; on her back vs. her front, where she was pointed, etc.

> EXHIBIT B: HUNTOON BLOOD POOL
This one goes right next to "A," representing the pool of blood itself. Tark ought to have been taking careful note of which drag marks were already there before the EMTs showed up to take her away.

> EXHIBIT C: TOPPLED SHELVES
Placed at the NE corner of the toppled shelves, to represent them.

TARK: "Only way they'd end up like this is if two people were pushing from both sides at once..." Farah would note that down.

> EXHIBIT D: SOUTH BLOOD SPLATTER
Placed at the splatter at the SE corner of the toppled shelves. It's actually Farah who notices the bit where the shelf was damaged, though it's Tark that notices the bullet hole opposite.

> EXHIBIT E: NORTH-EAST BLOOD SPLATTER
Placed at the splatter near the hallway entrance. Something got hit here, that's all you know. (Actually, they do ask themselves if that looks like one splatter or two.)

> EXHIBIT F: LOUNGE DRAG-MARKS
Placed right outside the lounge door. The path implies that a body was dragged in, then to a second spot (order unknown), then back out.

> EXHIBIT G: LOUNGE DOOR DAMAGE
Also placed outside the lounge door. The doorknob is missing, plus several bullet holes in the door and adjacent wall.

TARK: "I suggest we keep our passing through this door to a minimum until forensics shows up with the plastic oneseys."

> EXHIBIT H: HALLWAY BLOOD POOL
Placed at the blood pool in front of the office door.

FARAH: "Did an injured person stop here?"

> EXHIBIT I: EXITING BLOOD TRAIL
Placed at the trail leading to the rear exit.

Exhibit marker placement is then on pause because:
FARAH: "Someone went through this door while bleeding. Tark!"

TARK: "Right. Shit." Radio in that you have reason to believe there's another potential injured in the area. "Farah, I'm gonna take a look outside - I want you to hold down the fort."

FARAH: Go back and investigate the various scattered chips to take your mind off of your worries about Tark and this possible third victim - something about these two spills did intrigue you.
>>
No. 1014190 ID: 11f77a
File 163599398982.png - (235.10KB , 550x500 , tvd_042.png )
1014190

Tark pulls out a pocket-camera. He begins to lay down marks and snap photos. “The huntoon was here, face down and facing the door. She had an employee’s pin. Looked pretty late in her age, I don’t think she could hop over that counter after pressing the button. Had to run around it which was unfortunately the long way.” He points with the camera, “Entry wounds in the back; those could have been inflicted during her attempt to escape.”

The chupian looks around and spots the security camera in the corner. It would’ve captured anyone through the front door. Farah shimmies around the destruction and blood, careful not to step on any potential evidence. “I’m checking the office. I want a good look at our killer if he’s on tape.”

Tark nods, he’s still checking out the domino’d shelves. He mutters to himself, “Typical vandalism or... sending a message before a shootout erupted?” He shakes his head. He doesn’t quite believe his story--one can’t assume. The gard gradually patrols down the aisle.

Farah walks closer to the office. The smear of blood in the back hall rounds into the lounge. Someone was either crawling or dragged in there. There’s a small spatter of blood at the very bottom of the office door across from it.
>>
No. 1014191 ID: 11f77a
File 163599409237.png - (224.45KB , 550x500 , tvd_043.png )
1014191

Farah opens the office to find a deceased gullusk slouched in front of a monitor. The lights are off. The screen blares against his oily scales. There’s currently live feed on the other monitor and she can see Tark through the camera. The other camera is inside what looks to be a storage room.

Continue with any prompts
Updates will have characters perform two actions each
>>
No. 1014196 ID: e7c7d3

Farah: your obvious first priorities are the person/body. Check for a pulse. Maybe scan if that technology is there. Otherwise, a quick check to see if anything is going on in storage.

Tark: Check under the shelves to see if anything is trapped, otherwise head towards the coolers for clues
>>
No. 1014207 ID: ce39da

FARAH: Check for a pulse. If dead, call it out to your partner, then try to see if there's a recording.

TARK: Investigate the other side of the destruction; notice the bullet holes in the wall and the chunk that was taken out of the shelf by the time Farah reports the body. Come to think of it, two people would have to shove it from both sides at once for them to end up like that, and if it happened after the first shots were fired, then...
>>
No. 1014406 ID: 15a025

Farah: Check for a pulse first, tapes later.
>>
No. 1014412 ID: 3aa06e

Farah: Standard police procedure, check the guy for a pulse, sure Tark already said he was dead but it won't hurt to confirm and see if this system recorded anything.

Tark: Check around the shelving area. Maybe something was dropped in this ordeal. Any fancy tools you've got on yourself to help with the investigation or is that Forensics' specialty?
>>
No. 1014450 ID: 8fae7e

Farrah: Search/Examine the body

Tark: Search around the exits, see if you can get an angle on where the perp(s) may have gone. At least a direction to start a pursuit with.
>>
No. 1014558 ID: 11f77a
File 163643369342.png - (322.24KB , 550x500 , tvd_044.png )
1014558

The gullusk is long gone. Farah sees three bullet wounds, one in the stomach and the rest in the chest. With a flashlight there’s powder dusted on his shirt and pants. “I see the gullusk,” she calls out--and describes what she can find. The computer underneath the desk has been moved; its lid has been jostled open to access any hardware inside. “The computer looks tampered with. The case was opened. Dust patterns show it’s been dragged out. I’m afraid they were attempting to wipe out any recording.”

Tark checks beneath the shelves--nothing unusual trapped here. He responds, “So perhaps this aint a typical hit’and’run. The criminal may know how to cover their tracks--which means they’ve had some experience on their backs.”

The policewoman continues, “I only see two cameras on the monitor: the main entrance and the storage room.” She views the latter room and finds nothing out of the ordinary. Looks clean and untouched.
>>
No. 1014559 ID: 11f77a
File 163643409512.png - (290.38KB , 550x500 , tvd_045.png )
1014559

Tark circles the toppled shelving and eventually comes across the chunks of material blasted by firearms. He keeps circling, in fact. He tries to connect the dots and make some sense of what happened.

“For whatever the reason the suspect walked in--it became a firefight. The killer was blocking the entrance so there was some back and forth shooting. Hiding and peeking out to fire. I think they attempted to attack the other with the toppling of shelves.” He sees the broom and dustpan abandoned on the floor. “Possible it was an employee. Perhaps the gullusk recognized the shooter. Maybe the employee just ran out a different exit as the two fought. We’ve yet to know who else was working tonight. This piques a new question as well: how did he end up in that chair?”

There are no fancy forensic tools on either characters. Between the two they have badges, walkie, stun-gun, pistol, cuffs, pocket-camera, pen and notepad.

Continue with any prompts
>>
No. 1014568 ID: e7c7d3

Look out! There's a mini man behind you! No wait, that's the mirror.

Check behind the counter to see if anything is stolen there.

Farah take a quick look out the back door
>>
No. 1015058 ID: 15a025

Farah: Double check, does our "chair-men" here have any id on them we can check? Knowing who they are or if they've got any kind of record might shed some more light on tonight.
>>
No. 1015072 ID: 3aa06e

>>1015058
Good idea, try this.
>>
No. 1015259 ID: 11f77a
File 163702181557.png - (287.78KB , 550x500 , tvd_046.png )
1015259

Tark notices the mirror behind him. He doesn’t quite say anything about that--it only lingers in his mind for a brief moment.

He moves around the counter and doesn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. The stacks of merchandise are neat and untouched. The key is still in the slot of the cash register. With the press of a button the tray chimes out and all that money is right where it belongs. No one bothered to take it.

“Well, that’s something peculiar...” he mumbles.

--

Farah makes sure her plastic gloves are fastened tight before feeling for a wallet or some form of ID. Doesn’t feel like anything is in his pockets.

Still, there ought to be some information lying around in the desk drawers. The officer will eventually find some records of employees--applications and so forth. Including their addresses. The papers are just stacked on top of one another. She reads a list.

N(ame): Nix [No Surname] S(pecies): Ichorynth H(ire)-D(ate): (Date translates to a half-month ago) N: Grutter [No Surname] S: Relicynth H-D: Not Hired N: Keef Armoto S: Gullusk H-D: Not Hired N: Rike [No Surname] S: Cnidarian H-D: (Date translates to four months ago) N: Ordo Mully S: Gullusk H-D: (Date translates to four months ago)

The applications go back further for the whole year, with most applicants un-hired. Some documents are about food and stock orders that happen every three days.

Continue with any prompts
>>
No. 1015264 ID: 3328c7

Quick! Find a catalogue showing how many species there are and which ones have which names!

....Oh, and try to look for a way to contact those folks on the list or whatever.
>>
No. 1015291 ID: 3aa06e

Farah: Can't cut to conclusions, but Ordo is most definitely the dead gollusk in that chair...probably. To further narrow down the list of employees who were here check lockers they would store their belongings while on shift if there is such a place.

Tark: So this was no robbery, that much is clear. This place didn't have any connections or interest to the Family right? Establishing a motive might help find who is responsible for this. Check the storage, maybe you'll find a stack of "rent/insurance" money or a drug stash.
>>
No. 1015496 ID: 11f77a
File 163721274653.png - (290.61KB , 550x500 , tvd_047.png )
1015496

As far as Tark knows, there’s no prior knowledge of this place connecting with the Family.

Poor Ordo. Wonder what he’s done to deserve this grim ending. Nothing else to check here. Farah returns the papers in the drawers and exits the office. Maybe there’s a clock-in system in the locker room--as well as a clue to who else was working. Maybe something in the lockers. She reaches for a door handle but that seems to be missing...

On his way to the storage room Tark receives a transmission. He calls out to Farah. “Whatever you have left, make it quick. The investigators will be rounding the corner. I’ll step out and wait for them.”

Guess the storage will have to wait later. Tark steps outside.
>>
No. 1015498 ID: 11f77a
File 163721283281.png - (135.79KB , 550x500 , tvd_048.png )
1015498

The lockers are a mess. Some kind of white soot everywhere. Someone severely injured dragged themselves inside. Locker doors are open and Farah can see a few belongings in them--as well as a backpack zipped open.

Other things of note include a busted fire extinguisher; that certainly explains the powder. The clock-in system is by a plain table. And a doorknob with some door still attached to it. What the hell did that?

continue with any prompts
>>
No. 1015503 ID: ce39da

Farah: A ram of some kind, clearly, whether it be prepared or improvised. Someone tried to keep another person out. It didn't work.

Be careful not to track footprints through the blood or powder, BTW.

Check the clock-in system first, then the lockers. You're not the detective, but before they show up, you can at least determine which employees were present when everything went down.

Tark: Remember to stick to the facts, except for one point of potential urgency; you saw bloodstains near the rear exit, so you should probably report that an injured POI likely left that way.
>>
No. 1015518 ID: 8fae7e

Check the lockers, including the closed ones if you can get in. And check that thing under the table.

The blood splatter implies to me that wherever the body went, it had it's trail cleaned up after it. no way you bleed that much getting to one spot and dont bleed moving somewhere else without something happening.
>>
No. 1015842 ID: 11f77a
File 163763856174.png - (131.11KB , 550x500 , tvd_049.png )
1015842

>The thing under the table
Yeah, it’s kind of odd someone would have a convenient battering ram when robbing or shooting up a store. Beneath the table is the doorknob. Under the bench is some scrap left from the extinguisher--dunno what made that explode.

>Be careful not to track footprints through the blood or powder
Of course. Farah is able to shimmy around and avoid smearing anything. Her feet are in some shoe covers.

Farah checks the clock-in system first. Indeed there have been three recent tickets with a time. Nix clocking in at 7:06, Rike leaving at 8:56, and Ordo Mully arriving soon after at 9:32. Judging by the distress signal’s time, Ordo must’ve clocked in just before the shootout.

This Nix fellow hasn’t clocked out so he may have been present during all this. Explains the blood heading out the exit. We’ve got a POI who’s severely injured.

Inside one of the lockers is a lone pair of keys on top of a pile of standard papers explaining worker's rights. They have a tag on them designating a motel brand. Lunar Creek. In a rush Nix abandoned his belongings. The address on his application seems to match the motel.
--
Tark eventually meets with the real investigators and sticks to the facts, just like any other scene.
>>
No. 1015843 ID: 11f77a
File 163763859707.png - (169.26KB , 550x500 , tvd_050.png )
1015843

You’re some veterinarian. You work at an animal clinic and have examined all types of pets from across the galaxy. As a favor you were asked to help a poor fella this late in the night. Working late and at a moment’s notice is kinda your thing...
>>
No. 1015844 ID: 11f77a
File 163763877983.png - (250.07KB , 550x500 , tvd_051.png )
1015844

Seems to be a Daatuteph Ichorynth breed. Five feet, four inches. Possibly in its twenties. Someone’s been bullying this stray. Poor thing’s probably scared. Thing is pale as moonlight.

continue with any prompts
>>
No. 1015850 ID: c92a02

He must be pale because he's lost a lot of blood. Give him all the blood.
>>
No. 1015851 ID: e51896

Call animal shelter, tell em' you got another stray.
>>
No. 1015856 ID: a63e3f

This "stray" has definitely lost a lot of blood. Unfortunately, you do not have any blood of his type (or species,) so the best you could do is administer IV saline to get his blood volume up to prevent severe low blood pressure. In addition, drinking plenty of water and eating a solid meal would help him naturally recover his blood. (Unless he's got damaged guts, in which case he should not eat or drink anything and should get OMG-level IV antibiotics.) Unfortunately the vast majority of the food you have here would not be acceptable to him, but you can offer him water and whatever snacks were left in the kitchenet.

He's also gonna need a sling for that right arm to keep it steady to heal. You can probably rig something up from your supplies.

So, was the favor to call you in held by this "stray" or by a associate of the "stray?"
>>
No. 1015861 ID: 53560f

Attempt to gain it’s trust with some treats.
>>
No. 1015873 ID: e8169b

Test the mental faculties of the stray. Start by exchanging names. Did you identify any strange substances like drugs in the stray’s blood stream?
>>
No. 1016176 ID: 11f77a
File 163790078551.png - (222.95KB , 550x500 , tvd_052.png )
1016176

>Give him all the blood
Unfortunately you don’t carry ichorynth blood. Most of the time it’ll be gullusk or krullg hooligans who need your service and hopefully their blood type matches with the friends who drag them in. Still, the vet has used morphine and whatever antibiotics within reach. Not accurate enough to pick off every bit of bullet shrapnel, but can stich up a few holes and decontaminate. Saline is applied too.
You don’t have much for consumption; maybe the pet-jerky is safe to eat. Fletch didn’t seem to mind and starts chewing on one.

>Was the favor to call you in held by this stray?
He caught you just before the shop closed, pounding the exit door in the alley. Goddamn lucky no one was here to witness that. He knew about your services (somehow) and slapped a credit card down. No favors as you don’t recognize him, he never mentioned if he was with the Family either.

An emergency like this always pisses the xingast off, but it was your fault getting stuck under the Family. At least once a year, this kinda shit. The compensation is nice to pocket at least.

Fletch has sat up and could barely stay focused.

The vet comments, “Yeah, bud. You should lay down at home. In fact, you’re not fit to move anywhere for the rest of the week... Change your bandages and keep it dry every day. Drink water. Lots of it. I don’t know what drugs you’ve taken but you shouldn’t’ve been able to sit up straight with the amount of blood you’ve lost.
“I dunno who the fuck you are or how you got my number, but after this I don’t want to see your pug face in here again. You got someone to pick you up?”

You’re also Fletch. The ichorynth doesn’t know if he should stay a while longer or keep on the move.

continue with any prompts
Ideas
• how’d Fletch get his address anyway?
• what does Fletch reveal?
• how much should the vet charge?
• what both do now?
• will the zepher find them?

>>
No. 1016177 ID: e51896

Fletch asks for a phone and a bit of privacy, need to call Grutter and tell him the jig is up, the Zepher is coming for them and they need to escape.

The doctor hears this, gives the zepher a call. (He owes the Zepher's boss for keeping his operation under wraps.)
>>
No. 1016185 ID: 4fec8f

If I got it right Fletch is hidding from the Family. If he is here then is doing a hard bet using their own contacts.

Fletch should ask for a phone for help and I don't thinks he should reveal who he is for real. Thankfully the veterinarian doesn't seem to want to know.

The vet will probably calculate the cost of his treatment and note what he has used to resuply next time.
>>
No. 1016188 ID: 3aa06e

Fletch: Ask for a phone, cell or wire. You have to warn Grutter before the Zepher gets to him. Ask for some privacy.

Vet: Comply and do so, but remark that if people are going to be asking to use a phone you’ll start charging extra. Leave the room to take stock of what you used to help this stray.
>>
No. 1016310 ID: 15a025

Fletch: "Got your info from the same place I got my drugs. Gullusk dude said you're a great vet for confused strays like myself."
>>
No. 1016831 ID: 11f77a
File 163885017874.png - (159.02KB , 550x500 , tvd_053.png )
1016831

>Fletch is hiding from the Family [?]
You have bounced worlds--ditched Daatuteph with Grutter to Port Echo City, Cnidari. Your [previous] boss was a zephcynth like the mercenary after you. The ‘Family’ in this part of the city is some bigwig named Moss, who is a krullg. And you may have done an odd job with the krullgs to know a handful of ins-and-outs inside the Tar Zoa district. All this before the job at the convenience store.

“I... I just heard a thing or two from the same place I get my drugs. A gullusk dude said you take great care of... strays.”

The vet is calculating how much the treatment is, plus extra for the risky behavior. He doesn’t believe that statement at all but he won’t prod any further on that.

“Hey man,” Fletch whines, “You got a phone on ya? Or wire? I need to make a call...”

Now he wants to use your phone? Doesn’t this idiot know criminal etiquette? Like hell he’ll use your own carry-phone. People can track that stuff.

“That’ll be extra,” the vet sternly replies.

“Look man, I don’t have any more than what’s on that card! I can pay ya more later--I swear! I have the money--just not on me!”

The doctor is silent for a moment. He grabs the credits and temporarily leaves the room. This gives Fletch some time to stress over his life at this very moment. You don’t know how far behind the mercenary is.

He returns, “There’s a landline in that room. You have five minutes. You’re not getting picked up here, so choose a corner a few blocks down the street.” The xingast tosses an empty card in Fletch's lap. "After that, you're leaving the building. I need to restock."

continue with any prompts
Ideas
• What would Fletch even say?
• What if he can’t reach Grutter?
• Where can he be picked up?
• What (else) does the vet do in the meantime?
• Does the vet eavesdrop?

>>
No. 1016838 ID: 076735

Vet doesn't eavesdrop, eavesdropping is always a recipe for disaster.
>>
No. 1016854 ID: e7c7d3

Fletch, raid office supplies behind desk in petty frustration
>>
No. 1016927 ID: 3aa06e

Fletch, let Grutter know you were attacked at work by a hitman. You left your room key with the address back at work so the hitman may be heading to him. If he doesn't pick up, well it's every man for himself at that point. Avoid saying exact locations, never know who is listening.

Vet, don't eavesdrop. It's not your business to know what every stray is doing. Just get done restocking and get ready to go home. Just make sure the stray is out of the building and you can call this a day.
>>
No. 1016934 ID: e51896

I'm for the vet eavesdropping. I dont want to play all the characters going against the catalyst, and would like to at some point play a character that would help him, make things interesting.
>>
No. 1017131 ID: 15a025

Fletch: If you can't reach Grutter, call up taxi to pick up by a bank that happens to be close by. Either way, after the call "borrow" some doctor or patients clothes to fancy up yourself in. Either as a makeshift disguise, or at least something to keep yourself a little warmer from the cold of the night.

Vet: Eavesdrop. This dude is shady as the night. If anything, to at least know what you really just got dragged into.
>>
No. 1017259 ID: 11f77a
File 163942488433.png - (254.87KB , 550x500 , tvd_054.png )
1017259

Fletch takes the phone and starts dialing--trying to remember the numbers of both the motel and your friend’s. He’s known Grutter for a relatively short time but since the escape to Port Echo you’ve had to ditch your old phones and purchase burners. You dial the numbers and often check down the hall if that roswell is peeping. Sounds like he’s stocking up something in the back. The receiver plays a tune.
You also take this moment to look through the drawers behind the desk. You can see pretty well with a low light source, so identifying objects wouldn’t be a problem. Most of what you find are documents for pets anyway. C’mon, Grutter, pick the fuck up!

Grutter doesn’t pick up.

You leave a message at least. “Grutter, you fuck!” you hiss, “Answer the phone! We have to pack up and go! We’ve been found! Someone just tried to fuckin’ kill me and they’re after you too! He knows where you are! He has my phone—DON’T ANSWER IT. Oh, fuck this! I’ll try and find you!”
>>
No. 1017260 ID: 11f77a
File 163942491296.png - (255.94KB , 550x500 , tvd_055.png )
1017260

Angrily you slam the phone down. After a brief growl you try calling a taxi. As you redial you also find a small booklet shoved in the back of a drawer. It looks old and beaten with no labels. A quick flip describes ‘strays’ with first names. Ghur, Hrinn, Stobor, Virgil, Proot. They mostly sound krullghn as far as you know. Some of the names have multiple notes on their injuries with dates. They are often labeled under domestic species.
You manage to snag a taxi service to arrive a few blocks down. Hanging the phone you look for a nearby closet to ‘borrow’ some coats, if any. It’s getting colder and you need something that isn’t bloody.

The vet hears the creaking of a door and Fletch leaves the building.
>>
No. 1017261 ID: 11f77a
File 163942493495.png - (228.93KB , 550x500 , tvd_056.png )
1017261

You’re Tark again. The investigators have the crime scene in their hands and you’re opted to leave early. Farah went her separate way with the clues she has. You’ll probably head back to the office and wait for the night crew to take over. You would prefer to take a different route by the coast so you won’t see all those neon lights and tall blocks of concrete and barnacles. Maybe you’ll stop by the hospital and see if you can get any information from the doctors on the huntoon that’s been attacked.
This city never really sleeps either; some residents are nocturnal and simply pick up where the diurnals leave off. But there’s a pause between that shift--where no one is out at all. Where the roads are open. The noise in the air dulls like snow falling.

You tend to linger at the road sign and think about how Tar Zoa can go fall in a sinkhole.
>>
No. 1017262 ID: 11f77a
File 163942507357.png - (274.30KB , 550x500 , tvd_057.png )
1017262

SKRATCH!

Son of a bitch! No one knows how to fucking drive in this city! You’re unsure if the driver noticed swiping your car, but they aint stopping. Actually, you can see the car correct itself in its lane. Didn’t quite get a catch of the driver; you were at a full stop looking at the dashboard. You get the nagging feeling that they cut in front of you for taking too long to move.

Your vehicle isn’t the most conspicuous police car but you have the siren lights and radio installed.

continue with any prompts

Also, some bookends
• Where does Fletch go next in the taxi? Back to the motel?
• Is there something the vet does that could affect the story later on? Call the Family for info? Turn Fletch in? Or just go home without any more involvement?

>>
No. 1017331 ID: ce39da

Vet: You aren't gonna turn the guy in outright and risk pissing off the family, but his behavior was strange and annoying. Call it in with the family, if only to complain about explaining proper appointment procedure to the mooks.

Fletch: Back to the motel! But uh... don't get out of the taxi if you see a car parked there that you don't recognize - just act like you named the wrong motel, take the first guess the driver makes.

Tark: Wow, that guy was really impatient. You may not be in Moss's pocket, but that doesn't mean you're above petty charges. Still, the guy's prolly in a hurry for a good reason - just tail him long enough to get his model and plate number to look up later so you can come back and ticket him when he's less indisposed.
>>
No. 1017442 ID: c92a02

Vet: Go home and be a family man.
Fletch heads to a bar to forget tonight.
Tark: Wee-woo. Turn the lights on and make this guy sweat.
>>
No. 1017450 ID: 3aa06e

Tark: Alright get those lights and siren on, this guy knew he hit you but is still going.

Fletch: Make sure to have the cab stop a distance away from the motel. If you have a suspicion someone might be keeping tabs on the place, get the hell out of there. Is Grutter the type to just not answer his phone?

Vet: Don't be direct, be vague when calling up the family. Say you heard some talk they are after a Grutter fellow, what did he do, etc. Just act like you're getting gossip.
>>
No. 1017768 ID: 15a025

Tark: Flash them lights, dude needs a cure for that mild road rage.

Fletch: Get a room at a different motel.
>>
No. 1018359 ID: 11f77a
File 164047586455.png - (220.82KB , 550x500 , tvd_058.png )
1018359

You don’t want to feel petty, especially at a time like this after an unsolved murder. Maybe this individual has an emergency? Or is out for a joy ride. Seems to be the latter.
Eh, screw it. You could use a distraction and the more you think about it, the more you’re sure they clearly knew what they were doing and ought to get a ticket for your fender bender.

You follow behind them for a while; they’re definitely pushing the speed limit. It’s a lone road but winding. You flip the sirens on and tail them for half a minute before their car slows and pulls over. As you’re both parked on the side, you write down the license number and car model. Maybe you give them several minutes to sweat out. ‘Common tactic to make them spill their guilt.
>>
No. 1018360 ID: 11f77a
File 164047600996.png - (199.99KB , 550x500 , tvd_059.png )
1018360

You walk around with the essentials. Ticket pad, handcuffs, handgun, taser and flashlight. You saunter on down to the driver’s side and shine a light on their window.

It rolls down with a zepher in the driver's seat. Something about their resting glare that always keeps people uneasy.

“Good evening... officer.”

. . .

• After what seems like 30 minutes, Fletch’s taxi arrives. He hunches down in the seat, on his way back to the motel.
• The vet decides to make a phone call...
>>
No. 1018362 ID: e51896

"Do you know why I pulled you over?"
>>
No. 1018367 ID: 3a06e7

Does the standard protocol say anything special in regards to dealing with zephers? Seems like a rather tall order for a single cop to deal with in case they turn hostile.

"License and registration."
>>
No. 1018368 ID: 3aa06e

>>1018362
He'll probably give a smart aleck answer but sure ask this. Be prepared with a comeback.

Now that I think about it, does this guy look like a local or off-worlder? Is there some special form of ticket you need to write up if he isn't from here, because what's stopping him from just taking your ticket and leaving off world forever?
>>
No. 1018383 ID: ce39da

>>1018367
Yeah, this line, followed by >>1018362, but add a 'sir' to the latter's start. (This is totally not an OOC decision based on putting the catalyst at ease that Tark has no clue who he is or what relevance he might have to anything.)
>>
No. 1018387 ID: ae9bd9

>>1018383
Seconding this, but say sir casually, like you are being polite, treating them as an equal rather than above or below you.
>>
No. 1018392 ID: 15a025

Mind if I have a look at your license and registration sir?
>>
No. 1018393 ID: c92a02

You need to keep his hands where you can see them at all times. Be subtle so as to not agitate the suspect.
Ask him for a high five. Up top - down low - too slow.
>>
No. 1018652 ID: 11f77a
File 164075354908.png - (186.55KB , 550x500 , tvd_060.png )
1018652

>Standard protocol […] in regards to zephers?
It’s situational. They teach you to choose your battles. Some days you just can’t arrest a fellow on the street due to size difference; or natural defensives. Even when compliant, some creatures don’t know their own strength.
There are special classes to deal with each species, but there are over 15 types that pass through Port Echo. A professional ichorynth officer may never take down a gard so easily. Zepherynths are just about the second tallest species recorded and are quite the match. But you’ve taken down a zepher or two hand-to-hand in your day. They are easy to anger--and intimidation is a huge part of their bargaining and culture. Just something you happen to know in mind...

>Local or off-worlder? Is there a special form of ticket […]?
Zepherynths are not native here. If they are temporary, they would have a card stating that--and if one gets in trouble they would be stopped at the Silo (space elevator) until they paid their fine.

Going with protocol, you open up with the usual. “License and registration. Do you know why I’ve pulled you over?” You glare at his hands, and they gradually return to the steering wheel without prompting.

“No, officer.” The zepher replies quietly. He’s not searching for his cards yet. His piercing yellow eyes lock on Tark.

You’re inclined to answer, “Hit and run. You’ve damaged an officer’s vehicle down by the intersection--”

“Was that what that was?” He slowly faces ahead to the windshield, “My apologies. I must’ve thought it was just a speed bump. Thought nothing of it. Sometimes the road can make you forget the trip is even happening in front of you. You forget if you’re running away or... chasing something.”

You cut him off with a firmer repeat, “License. And registration. Sir.”

The zepher looks back to Tark, teeth clicking down his neck. “But that’s what it is. Isn’t it? Whether you know it or not you are running towards a goal, but you’re always outrunning something else. It’s dangerous to be at a full stop these days--when everything moves so fast. Stall too long, then what you’re chasing is lost forever--or it’ll catch up and find you...”

That’s this guy about?

“We’re at a full stop now...” He says.
>>
No. 1018653 ID: cdabe3

Danger senses on now, keep an ear out for any odd noises and immediately ask to see his hands. Get your own weapon ready to draw in case he tries to shoot you and get ready to dodge away if you need to. Call for backup if you get the chance, I’ve got a very bad feeling about this.

Remain calm though and still ask for that license and registration.
>>
No. 1018656 ID: 6a8117

Note injury, tell him if he was speeding to get to the hospital, you'll help get him there pronto, he might not be in good condition to drive.

Bullet wound? Remember there were probably gunfire at the convenience store. Related?
>>
No. 1018674 ID: ae9bd9

>>1018656
Seconding this. Forget the ticket for now. We can't have someone bleed out over a ticket. Radio in an ambulance and grab your car's first aid kit.
>>
No. 1018686 ID: 3a06e7

>We’re at a full stop now...
...

It's possible that he's bullshitting, but that wound on him is telling you otherwise. Take that as a hint that he isn't going to cooperate with being kept here and that someone might be following him, putting both of you in immediate danger.

"You want to move? Then I'll be driving. Get out. And if you got any firearms, now would be the time to hand them over."

Be quick in escorting him to your car. Take off as soon as he's seated and hand him your first aid kit. "You know how to use these."
Also, tell him not to get any of his shitty blood on the seats while keeping one of your eyes on him at all times in case he tries anything funny.

You'll also need him to put on some handcuffs. Not sure what would be the best way to go about it.

While driving, message on a radio that you've encountered a possible crime victim (or a suspect, don't mention this), gun wounds, and that you're rushing him to a hospital. With that, he should know your intentions.
>>
No. 1018688 ID: e51896

Go to your car, request an ambulance, but also request backup. with the convenience store incident, and his gunshot wound, there could be a possibility that the two are related and we may have to ask about his injury.
>>
No. 1018777 ID: ae9bd9

>>1018688
We should ask for backup as well for the reasons you stated, but probably should hold off on questions until they are processed in the hospital (treatment is priority, plus if all goes well, they will be stripped down to a hospital gown which means they wouldn't have any weapons or armor on.)
>>
No. 1019153 ID: 15a025

Apologies, if you're in danger, do you need a police escort or an ambulance?
>>
No. 1019219 ID: 11f77a
File 164114245089.png - (210.81KB , 550x500 , tvd_061.png )
1019219

>Danger senses on now
>It’s possible that he’s bullshitting, but that wound on him is telling you otherwise.
You’ve witnessed regular joes act irregularly with injuries that make a surgeon dizzy. He’s composed and calm--although zepherynths may have a high pain threshold. But it was his words that sound unnatural. A threat? In the back of your mind you think of the convenience store. A hunch? Not many outside at this hour but suspects fleeing the scene. Could be something.

“Sir,” you pause as the flashlight shines on his left shoulder. Blood glistens on his trench coat, “I think you’re in need of first aid.” You forget about the ticket for now.

He clicks his teeth, “This is what we’re going to do... officer. I’m going to roll up the window... and drive off. And you’ll go back to your car to go home. In time this will seem like a strange dream, and there’ll be a point where you may forget about this entirely. But you’ll find solace that you went back on that road without ever finding out what would catch up to you.”

>Call for backup.
You may have two seconds--that’s not a lot to say if he chooses to react. You may have room for one action and you feel you have to make your next move carefully.

Sample Actions
• Draw weapon/Arrest
• “Step out of the car, please sir”
• Call for backup
• Call ambulance
• Run back to your car
• Let him go
• Resume questioning/call bluff

>>
No. 1019221 ID: ce39da

Okay, now this is incredibly suspicious - you'd bet money that he's guilty of something more serious than hit-and-run at this point (or at least aiming for it tonight).

At the same time, if he's done (or is going to do) something dangerous and highly illegal, then odds are good that he isn't bluffing. You should "let him go," being sure to call it in (including his heading) as soon as he speeds off or you're in your car, whichever comes first. Consider tailing him.
>>
No. 1019232 ID: f4aa6c

You might've considered letting him go if he offered to pay for the damages on the spot. Because even if you weren't an officer, he still damaged your car. But like this, straight up telling an officer what he should do? He's got guts, that's for sure.

At the same time, he's made it known that he isn't going to let you keep him here for another minute. For whatever reason that might be. You need to think of something to say that won't result in a high-speed police chase, with multiple people ending up dead. No one likes that.

"Sir, if you drive off, a police chase will ensue. I can, however, offer two other options.
The first one is to peacefully escort you to a hospital, which is the only lawful action with a priority over keeping you here until the charges for the hit and run are written out.
The second option is to escort you to some other location. However, you need to tell me what this location is first and also, once the drive is over, you'll additionally be charged with resisting arrest.
Please choose carefully."
>>
No. 1019245 ID: af2f11

>>1019221
Seconding this. Make sure to note the make and model, along with the plates. Probably shouldn't tail him for now so we can live long enough to give a better description of the perp.
>>
No. 1019285 ID: e51896

I'm sure you got him recorded in some ways (license plate, appearance.) Let him go, but report him after he drives off. He seems like a man with nothing to lose, and those kinds of people are the most dangerous for one guy to handle, especially Zephers
>>
No. 1019636 ID: 11f77a
File 164140312291.png - (163.96KB , 550x500 , tvd_062.png )
1019636

>Let him go, but report him after he drives off.
>Probably shouldn’t tail him [...] so we can live long enough to give a better description [...]
You are frozen in place. The only ‘correct’ answer goes against your oath to the badge. And the wrong answer could put many lives in danger; you can’t help but imagine a chain of events branching from this moment. He seems like a man with nothing to lose. Thugs can be gutsy to tell off a cop, but there are no guts from him. Having guts means taking a leap into uncertainty. And this zepher...

The words to give him a pass struggle to leave your tongue.

But the stranger sees that, and takes the initiative to speak. “I’m going to go now.” The zepher faces the road. The window slithers back up. His vehicle creeps with its tires slowly crunching dirt and gravel against the asphalt. You step back as he drives off without a hurry.
>>
No. 1019637 ID: 11f77a
File 164140316529.png - (189.34KB , 550x500 , tvd_063.png )
1019637

You move back inside your car; you need a minute to think about what just happened there. Once more you stare at the notes in your passenger seat: his license plate and model number. You pick up the radio trying to piece together what to say.

“Bazaar Twelve, code ten-sixty-six. Need a lookout for a Smutzcreek vehicle, license 617 hyphen GGH7, break--”

You haven’t felt a chill like this in a long, long time. There are many thoughts dancing on your mind; you can’t quite latch on one particular idea. Back and forth between work and life at home. Is this something to pursue further? Or to quit while you’re ahead? Will there be one last case or will you finally retire despite the city having unchanged when you began in the department?

You take time pondering on... anything. Tonight may have been a close call.
>>
No. 1019638 ID: 11f77a
File 164140321232.png - (193.79KB , 550x500 , tvd_064.png )
1019638

Man, that job was a bitch.

You’re Grutter. A relicynth who hopped planets with Fletch. While stealing a shit-ton of money from a deal gone wrong you’re forcing yourselves to lay low for a while. You two have rented a motel room for the time being--and you just returned with the only vehicle shared between the both of you.

Anyway, you came back from a freelance job of moving furniture for a young couple. Thought you could get some food on the way back.
>>
No. 1019640 ID: 11f77a
File 164140326569.png - (219.78KB , 550x500 , tvd_065.png )
1019640

Wait... did one of you fuckers forget to lock the goddamn door?
>>
No. 1019644 ID: e7c7d3

Sunnovabitch! Check to see if anyone stole your stash
>>
No. 1019647 ID: ce39da

Tark: Yeah, no, make sure you actually tell the squad what happened. Leave it to the guys working on the convenience store case to put together the same suspicions as you... and maybe add "threatened me with a weapon, I couldn't do anything until he drove off." Again, you aren't in some douchebag's pocket, but that doesn't mean you're above fibbing a little to cover your ass. You'd be shocked if the guy didn't have a weapon of some kind ready to pull out on you, anyway.

Grutter: Shit, if Fletch isn't already in there, someone could have made off with the money at any point. And Fletch doesn't get off-shift for a few hours, at least.

Wait, no. You guys are too careful to just leave the door unlocked. You need to call Fletch about this development (but notice the voice message first).
>>
No. 1019650 ID: 4248fe

Look up, there may be a prank up there.
>>
No. 1019677 ID: 3491a8

Tark: Things might seems equal as they were, but people doing what is right at least prevent things to go worse. Change is a slow creature.

Grutter: Strange... try to look using the window first. If you can't see nothing act discretly as if you go for a candy bar at the vending machine while you call your friend to confirm everything is ok.
>>
No. 1019861 ID: c205f9

Someone might be inside. Call the police. Or if you dont have a phone, knock on a neighbor's door, explain situation, and call the cops of a possible breakin.
>>
No. 1019868 ID: cdbcf8

...Hey you know who we haven't checked in on in awhile out neighbor let's do that we could have a little dinner and we could get to know each other while only looking though our window once and running away immediately!
>>
No. 1019965 ID: 3aa06e

Tark: There's no shame in backing down for the moment. The zepher could have easily drawn whatever weaponry he may have had faster than you could. Report the Zepher and the exchange you had. He might have drawn quicker than you. Say he may be a person of interest due the his bullet injuries and he was strangely refusing to see a doctor.

Don't think that just because you let one get away means you've failed as an officer. This situation could have turned ugly real quick, you're not able to do your job dead nor will you be able to inspire other non-corrupt officers to step up. Radio Farah to see where she is, she might have a run-in with the Zepher.

Grutter: Do you think the guys you stole from found you? Did you two ever discuss a plan in the event you were found? Better back up out of earshot of this door and warn Fletch via your phone. You have a gun?
>>
No. 1019975 ID: 15a025

I don't think either of you are careless enough to leave the door opened or unlocked, especially in a town like this. Book it out of there and try calling up Fletch.
>>
No. 1020239 ID: 11f77a
File 164193913180.png - (131.60KB , 550x500 , tvd_066.png )
1020239

>Call police / knock on a neighbor’s door
>Hey you know who we haven’t checked in on in a while? Our neighbor--let’s do that […]
Are you shittin’ me? Do you think getting the police involved in your escape with a briefcase full of credits is a good idea? Let alone some idiot neighbor asking about what you do for a living when you felt like dropping by to say howdy?!

>You need to call Fletch
>Fletch doesn’t get off-shift for a few hours
Right, phone. Uhhh... maybe you’re a bit forgetful after all. You remember driving off without your burner phone earlier today--so it should be inside somewhere. Fletch may have come home early (or gotten fired, that dumb dillo). Can’t believe that asshole brought you on the run with him.

>Check to see if anyone stole your stash
>I don’t think either of you are careless enough to leave the door open.
You're quite positive that you two are too careful and on the edge to leave that shit unlocked. Someone may have ganked your money! You take out your gun and creep inside.

You aim your weapon and look through all the rooms--which is about three. No scuffle--everything was as it was when you left (as far as you could tell). No furniture tipped over. No trash bins emptied. Fletch left shortly after you went on your own odd job. If anyone is waiting for you they would be in the bedroom. You prepare to shoot anyone you don’t recognize in their goddamn face. You search and you search; behind closets and shower curtains, nothing. No one.

But your stash!
>>
No. 1020240 ID: 11f77a
File 164193928620.png - (277.75KB , 550x500 , tvd_067.png )
1020240

You look behind the mini-fridge and you’re relieved the case has been untouched. All roughly 1.5 million credits in sleek plastic sticks. With the brief scare you’ve had you constantly feel like you’re going to throw up.

You think about the job before going on the run. Life was o-kay, you suppose. Daatuteph isn’t a friendly desert planet to live in. There are gaps in your memory on what happened during the deal with a rival gang--but after the shootout (with you two left standing) you decided to book it with the money.

prompts
You got your phone now.
What exactly happened at the deal gone wrong before your retreat to Port Echo?
What plans have you two discussed in the event of being found, or separated?
You’ve made a few friends while living in the city for a month. Maybe you could contact an underground service? A big gun? A new identity? Body guards? Next ticket out of this hellhole?
Should you ditch Fletch and run with the money?


• Tark ponders on his outlook of the situation. With reassurance that what he did was the right move, he starts reporting on his radio...
>>
No. 1020243 ID: e7c7d3

Contact Fletch, maybe think of a new place to lay low

Tark, maybe check to see if anything new popped up at the crime scene
>>
No. 1020245 ID: 3aa06e

Grutter: I guess check if you got message on your phone. Maybe Fletch came back shortly to grab something then remembered he left the damn door open.

>What exactly happened at the deal gone wrong before your retreat to Port Echo?
Curious about this, was it always the plan to double cross the parties involved and make it rich or did it just happen that both parties during the deal decided to kill each other and the gunfight left you and Fletch as the only witnesses and probably the scapegoats for why the deal went wrong?

>What plans have you two discussed in the event of being found, or separated?
Have you two ever considered cosmetic surgery possibly? Or at least some way to temporarily change the looks of your faces to be a little less unique. Not sure how unique you are compared to other relicynth in terms of appearance but if someone was going to track you two down it'd probably be Fletch who they would get to first. That scar is quite noticeable.

If you're ever found you'd just get some cosmetic surgery or temporarily change your faces then, pay the right people in bribes and leave for another place they wouldn't bother looking, perhaps making a temporary stop some place before moving again to further hide yours trail. Go to a frontier colony? Maybe a paradise world? Wherever the person you double-crossed doesn't have much reach. Pray your disguises shake up the trail.

If it ever comes down to it, you two should split the money and separate. Take different bus stations, space ports, whatever. Just split and get off world to other places but never tell the other where you are going. Just in case one of you gets caught you wouldn't be able to tell your captor where your partner went. Not the best plan but it's the only plan that ensures at least one of you get out alive to reap the rewards of the money. Just hope if they ever go after Fletch that he stalls and wastes as much of their time as possible that you'd be long gone. And if they ever go after you, do your best to lose them.

>Should you ditch Fletch and run with the money?
No. Plan relies on both of you having the money and resources to make it hell for your pursuers to catch you.

Tark: Report the Zepher and his behavior plus his refusal to get a doctor. Injury looked to be a gunshot. Possibly a person of interest in regards to the case. Then check the whereabouts of Farah.
>>
No. 1020303 ID: a2493c

>>1020240
(taking "prompt" at face value)
The deal wasn't a result of anything we did. One of the guys we were delivering the product to was on something. A bad batch of hallucinogens, some kind of stimulant, whatever it was about halfway through a pretty casual deal he flipped out and pulled a gun on one of his buddies.

The chaos after that was pretty hard to follow and you wound up booking it with the briefcase in the chaos.
>>
No. 1020324 ID: c92a02

>A third party raided the deal trying to steal the money or the drugs, you weren't really sure. Both sides accused the other of tipping them off, etc etc.
>In case of getting lost, meet up in the library on tenth street.
>Meat Packers Inc. is a bodyguard service, no questions asked. You could hire them to get you out of here with a fraction of the cash.
>>
No. 1020734 ID: 11f77a
File 164262175801.png - (272.69KB , 550x500 , tvd_068.png )
1020734

>Have you two ever considered cosmetic surgery?
Ya kidding? And mess up this handsome mug? Nah, aint gonna change your face like some witness protection snitch. Fletch could use a new eye but... he thinks the lady ichors dig the scar (but his sister sure loves gripping the relicynth horns, you know from first-hand experience).

>If it ever comes down to it, you should split the money and separate [...]
Yeah... perhaps that’s best sooner than later. Somewhere down the line you two must go separate ways--you’ve made it this far alive. And should never speak of where you are going.

You remember pieces on how it went down; a delivery of hallucinogens to one of the neighboring gangs back on Daatuteph. Five of you, five of them. Your boss owns lots of manufacturing stations mainly for bullet farms and gray--so to keep things steady the rival warlords made a small pact. But there was bitter tension.
Anyway, you don’t know what really started the firefight. The chaos made a sharp turn and you hit the deck as bullets flew. There are rumors of a third party breaking in. Or maybe just one guy high on the stuff had an itchy trigger finger. It was that moment you and Fletch wanted to get out of this hellhole planet. When the dust settled and you raised your heads from beneath the tables, everyone was dead. So you took the money and ran to the nearest port.

First you pick up your phone. There are three missed calls--two from Fletch and one from an unknown number. Regardless, the unknown number has left a message. You listen to it before contacting Fletch.

“Grutter, you fuck! [>>1017259]”

You remember the one discussion regarding your blown cover. Meet up at 10th Street Klerthy Library Center in case you are separated. You got in touch with some of the underground services and there’s a disappearing service called Meat Packers Inc.

Immediately you start packing your bag!

There’s a knock on your front door. You almost drop everything.
>>
No. 1020735 ID: cf3a79

Ignore packing, grab the dough and break out of the window. Don't stop for anything.
>>
No. 1020736 ID: 93ba79

How good are the windows exit-wise?
(careful though, this could also be a ploy to get you to expose yourself there)
>>
No. 1020738 ID: 0ee72b

Grab your gun, look for an alternate exit, but before leaving ask who it is in an old senile-sounding voice.
>>
No. 1020740 ID: e51896

If it was the enemy, they'd knock the door down. Answer it.
>>
No. 1020937 ID: e3eaff

you need to grab the money and scatter out the window *now*, take no chances.
>>
No. 1020963 ID: 3aa06e

If you door has one of those peep holes you can see to the outside use it to see who it is. If not look for any exit with the money in your hands.
>>
No. 1021020 ID: 15a025

Time to make an exit, out of the walls. Run!!!
>>
No. 1021062 ID: a2493c

>>1020734
window won't work, it's right next to the door. we'll be seen coming, get caught on the awkward height, and get domed.

no, we need to set up some kind of escape option. my crazy plan is we act like we're stumbling towards the door, scatter some glass while cursing a storm up to make them think we're a klutz but never answer the door, bait them into bursting in impatiently, let them get taken off guard by the glassfoot. THEN we run for it.
>>
No. 1021140 ID: 11f77a
File 164298915453.png - (181.77KB , 550x500 , tvd_069.png )
1021140

>Break out of the window
>Grab your gun, look for an alternate exit [...]
>You need to grab the money and scatter out the window *now*, take no chances.
There’s only one door to enter and exit. So the window will have to do. All you bring along is your briefcase--maybe a quick change of clothes first. Your gun sits between your belt. You slowly open the window and begin to sneak through.
Unfortunately you’re pretty close to the door. A chupian officer simply turns her head confused by the awkward exit. You briefly make eye contact.

Uh... sir? Is there a reason you’re climbing out of that window?

You control both Farah and Grutter. The clues from the convenience store have led her here. Grutter could try to outrun her. On fours, relicynths can scale any obstacle, up a cliff or over cars. But should he get in worse trouble than he is already? Fletch could be desperate for his help.
>>
No. 1021141 ID: 96c896

>>1021140
Claim to be stretching your calves.
>>
No. 1021142 ID: e51896

>>1021141
this.
>>
No. 1021143 ID: 204e01

>>1021141
Isometric Exercise!
>>
No. 1021145 ID: ce39da

>>1021141
>>1021143
GRUTTER: When this fails, run. There's no way you can get this police woman's help without implicating yourself and Fletch in the criminal activity that got you to this point.

FARAH: Give chase, but also call it in if you can do that while on the move.
>>
No. 1021150 ID: a2493c

>>1021140
"I'll be frank, I thought you were the dude I saw following me home earlier. Fucker was big and was giving off real 'does bad things in back-alleys' kinda vibes. Didn't really think through the escape plan here though, clearly."

Stalkers gonna stalk, even imaginary ones!
>>
No. 1021159 ID: 34dfce

>>1021140
Grutter:
Look dude, there is literally only one way out of this one. She is a cop, she knows you are up to something, and you need to get away with the money as fast as possible.
Just pull out your gun and cap her and then run like the fucking wind. Hotwire a vehicle if you can.
>>
No. 1021167 ID: 12eb7b

>>1021150

That's the most credible. I was hinking you could say that the peephole is broken but there is a posibility that she checks it.
>>
No. 1021169 ID: 93ba79

>>1021150
Ooh, I like this one indeed.
>>
No. 1021203 ID: f0726a

"stretching my claves....kidding, I thought you were following me."
>>
No. 1021401 ID: 11f77a
File 164324789269.png - (142.39KB , 550x500 , tvd_070.png )
1021401

Grutter concocts an excuse for the officer, “Uhh... uhm... just stretching my calves. Getting ready to run.”

Curious of the frank response, Farah raises her brow. “Oh? And running away from whom in particular?”

The relic drops the briefcase within the bedroom--he had yet to heave it over the windowsill, so he believes the officer doesn’t suspect a mysterious cache. “Glad you asked! I--well--for the past few days I’ve been networking and this part of the district gives me the creeps. I thought someone was stalking me; this fucker was big and giving off real ‘does bad things in back alleys’ kinda vibes. I thought you may have been him. Don’t you usually announce yourselves before knocking on the door?”

“I guess I wasn’t loud enough.” The chupian places her hands against her hips, “I’m Officer Farah from the PEPD. Why don’t you come around the door and I can ask you a few questions. I believe it’s important and a friend of yours could be in trouble.”

Let’s make some dialogue for Grutter and Farah, Farah may ask up to three questions--and you can have Grutter respond to some questions made by previous posts.
>>
No. 1021405 ID: 96c896

Grutter: give Farah a bunch of information that might help her find your stalker, refuse to give any information that might incriminate yourself.
>>
No. 1021442 ID: ce39da

FARAH QUESTION 1: Confirm the identity of [Grutter's alias], whether he knows an icynth named Nix, their relationship, just all the preliminary stuff should count as one "question," I think.

GRUTTER: This is basic stuff; confirm your fake name, and yes, you know Nix; he's your roommate, not too close, you met on the shuttle when you both moved to Port Echo around [honest date of arrival] - he offered to go double dutch when you complained about rent prices. (Exactly as rehearsed, in the event of someone getting curious about your relationship.)

FARAH QUESTION 2: "I see. I'm sorry to say that your roommate has become a person of interest in an armed assault against the convenience store where he works. Do you know if anyone would want to hurt him?"

GRUTTER: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh this is not something you rehearsed. Telling the truth would be BAD, but at the same time, both your hides could be in danger if you don't get the cops on your side... Aha! You know he was the intended target, at least, and conveying that to her without revealing too much should be perfectly doable!
FARAH: "... Sir?"
GRUTTER: "Ah- s-sorry! I was thinking about it. I dunno anyone in particular, but... I always got the feeling that Nix was... wary of something. Like, he'd look over his shoulder a lot, more'n most people, I think. Come to think of it, it'd started getting worse recently - he nearly shot through the ceiling when I got home from one of my jobs early. Kinda makes me wonder if someone really is out to get him, considering what you've told me..."

FARAH QUESTION 3 - THE STING: "I see... You seem a bit quick to bolt, yourself, [alias]. This 'danger' Nix seemed to be in - those wouldn't happen to be related, would they?"

I got nothing for GRUTTER's answer on this last one.
>>
No. 1021452 ID: e51896

>>1021442
I like the idea of Grutter freezing up at that last question to make him suspicious.
>>
No. 1021716 ID: 15a025

Farah: "A friend of yours is currently reported missing after an armed robbery at his work place tonight. Do you have any clue where he might be?"
>>
No. 1021965 ID: 11f77a
File 164368812795.png - (152.90KB , 550x500 , tvd_071.png )
1021965

Farah looks Grutter up and down as he approaches the doorway. She doesn’t know much about relics, to be honest. Just that they don’t journey far from Daatuteph. “You live here? What’s your name, sir?”

“Uhm, yeah it’s... Cobb. You said something about--erm, Nix? You said Nix?”

She tilts her head, “I didn’t say any name but... yes, he’s become a person of interest. He may have been involved in an armed assault at the convenience store where he works. Sounds like he hasn’t returned home, then.”

Grutter scritches his head with a long talon, “Mmmnope, he hasn’t. Sorry, lady. I’m not under arrest, am I?”

“...No. But we’re looking into the situation and figuring out who is responsible. How long have you known Nix, Mr. Cob? Is he the kind to... find trouble?”

Grutter has to remember his lines to divert suspicion. He avoids stammering so much. “Uh--I've known him for just... just a month! We met on the shuttle from Daatuteph. He offered to share a room when we talked about rent prices. I thought ‘why not’, you know. You ought to know those ichor types. Twitchy. Always looking over their shoulder. Trust me, I assumed nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe the paranoia got the best of him, heh, right? Yeah I--I don’t expect to stick around longer. I’m in-between jobs, so to speak. And to get away from stalkers. Yeah.”

She squints, “This stalker you keep mentioning. They wouldn’t happen to have an interest in Nix as well, per chance?
>>
No. 1021996 ID: e7c7d3

"Maybe to get closer to me?"
>>
No. 1022084 ID: cdabe3

Say you don’t know, you try to avoid crazy stalkers, not converse with them

Also ask how Nix was doing. Even if you haven’t known them long, it’d be good to know they’re alright, right?
>>
No. 1022103 ID: 11f77a
File 164383301979.png - (245.36KB , 550x500 , tvd_072.png )
1022103

Grutter scratches his head. “I, uh, guh... maybe to get closer to... me? I don’t know! I avoid them, not converse with them! Look, is Nix alright or not?”

“That, I don’t know the answer to. He’s M.I.A. and we’re on the search for him.”

She stares at him with stoic demeanor. She has made up her mind at this point. “Listen... I’m going to have to ask you to stay inside your room for the night. I’m going to call some officers over to keep an eye on you and the perimeter, and see if your roommate comes back. Or stalker. Or whoever. This is for your own safety and his. Any information of where Nix might be would be very helpful for us. Okay?”
The chupian walks backwards to her car, pointing a thumb back to her radio. “Don’t try anything... regrettable. Stay tight and we’ll get someone down to watch over you.”

Now you’re gonna get holed up! While Farah calls for backup, you need to make the decision to either comply and stay in one place, make a break and find your friend, or screw it: get out of the city without him. Your briefcase is beside you, ready to grab if you decide to leave.

Farah reaches her car parked in front of the stairs. She hears the radio chatter from Tark to all available officers. Something involving a suspicious zepher who drove off with an injury. The plate number and car model matches ownership to Ordo Mully. Now we got a ichorynth, a relicynth, and a zepherynth in this weird case. There’s an APB on this guy and no one has spotted the car since.

What are their actions?
>>
No. 1022172 ID: cdabe3

grutter: take the briefcase and start looking for ways to get out of the apartment without arousing suspicion. you don't have much time, and it sounds like all this shit is starting to roll your direction. we can decide whether to go after your friend or not later though, after we get away from the apartment

farah: keep an eye on the apartment to make sure the dude doesn't try and leave, he was acting pretty suspicious. also keep an eye out for anyone who may be coming to the apartment. it sounds like all this shit may be rolling your direction, and you need to be ready in case it turns violent. if armed and dangerous actors are converging on this apartment, you need to be ready to survive
>>
No. 1022181 ID: 57fc9c

Farah: Keep your eyes peeled for anyone that may approach the building.

Grutter: comply for now but check all the pathways out of there. Also, be sure to double-check you have your gun.
>>
No. 1022186 ID: 894419

>>1022172
+1
>>
No. 1022230 ID: 3aa06e

Grutter: >>1022172 not sure how else to say it but getting the police involved means potentially bribing some which is a no go. And they are not likely able to stop Fletch’s assassin or might even side with them. Wait for the right moment and leave.

Farah: I guess keep watch, there’s only one exit and entrance to this guy’s room. Keep an eye out for the supposed stalker or this Nix character while you wait for backup.
>>
No. 1022268 ID: 11f77a
File 164392928541.png - (258.67KB , 550x500 , tvd_073.png )
1022268

>Grutter: double-check […] your gun.
Yep, fastened right in the belt of your pants, concealed by your only suit you managed to get out of Daatuteph.

>look for ways out of the apartment without suspicion
Well there’s only two ways. The door and the windows. There’s no basement or ventilation shaft or shovel to dig out of this one. She’s at her car, looking around for pedestrians. The nocturnals are starting to leave their homes for work. This is perhaps the only time to catch her off guard and instantly leave.

Yeah, gonna need a few over to--HEY! STOP!”

Grutter has already slipped around the corner after exiting the front door. His arms are extended and he’s galloping like a four-legged spider. The briefcase handle is secured between his teeth as he attempts to lose the chupian.

How should Grutter get away? Relics can be very acrobatic and will climb without a problem.
How could Farah catch him? He has a slight head start. She has a taser-gun; she also has a pistol but firing it would look bad, at the moment. As an officer for several years she also knows most of the district’s streets to guess where he may be heading.
>>
No. 1022270 ID: e7c7d3

Grutter, don't take obvious paths. You can quickly scale fences so use that to your advantage

Farah, give a quick note on the radio that you're in pursuit of a suspicious individual. Give a quick chase and use the taser at the first opportunity. If that fails, return to car and report his appearance. You're probably not going to catch him on foot no matter what
>>
No. 1022281 ID: 96c896

>>1022270
Yeah this pretty much.
>>
No. 1022509 ID: 15a025

Farah: Radio it in asap, "Relic identifying as Cobb fleeing from Nix's home carry briefcase." Have Your taser on the ready and give chase by all means possible.

Grutter "Cobb": Seems your best bet might be to lead the officer down a weird alley way and scale all the walls you can and have to. Should be an easy way to lose her.
>>
No. 1022514 ID: d4f5b5

Grutte take a path familiar with also if you're running into a area with a trash or broken glass use that to slow her down she is running around barefoot for some reason.
Farah call for backup and give a detailed description on him, tgen chase after him while giving constent updates.
>>
No. 1022793 ID: 11f77a
File 164435727349.png - (259.97KB , 550x500 , tvd_074.png )
1022793

Since the convenience store shootout, there has been a lot more police patrolling the district. So it’s likely some will quickly respond to Farah’s help.

“He’s on the run! Northwest down Deulling Ave! I’m in pursuit!”

She drops the car radio and chases the runaway. She brandishes her taser gun, charged to a safe level to immobilize any citizen. Grutter knows not to take obvious paths; alleys can help him sprint faster but Farah could aim better down a narrow path. He could hop the fences through backyards to keep obstacles in the way but it’ll slow him down. Backup could arrive to block him.

Farah can try to fire her taser but the reload time is long and difficult when running. She must make her shot count. If she chooses to fire now--there may be a 45% chance it’ll succeed. Otherwise she will keep running to get closer. Run or shoot.

The results will have Farah act first before Grutter chooses his route to escape.

Ultimately, due to the gimmick of playing all characters except one, it's up to you to how you'd like most situations to turn out. You want Farah to succeed every time? You want to know what Grutter's gonna do about seeing Fletch? You can play both sides or keep either character having the upper hand.
>>
No. 1022796 ID: e7c7d3

Farah shoot! Grutter take the fences

I'm thinking the shot will miss and Grutter will get away
>>
No. 1022805 ID: 34dfce

>>1022793
Grutter: if the cop follows you through some doglegs and starts gaining on you, grab your gun and blindly fire a few shots in their general direction and then turn down another alley. Should make them take cover.
>>
No. 1022810 ID: fd6146

Grutter: No shooting, only parkour and kicking up clouds of dirt.
>>
No. 1022811 ID: 3aa06e

Grutter: Don't shoot her, keep running. You've got mobility. Use the alley and chuck whatever you pass by in her path.

Farah: Give chase. Don't fire yet, keep at pace with him if you can.
>>
No. 1022813 ID: a2493c

shooting means paperwork and a guilty conscience, this dude's just a street tough with some info we need. Unless we have less-lethals or a tazer, we put that shit away and use our hands.
>>
No. 1022818 ID: f2b4b9

… guys, she has a taser, lol

Catch up to the fleeing guy and shoot him with your less-than-lethal taser >:D
>>
No. 1023039 ID: 11f77a
File 164452863826.png - (122.02KB , 550x500 , tvd_075.png )
1023039

rolled 65 = 65

He’s sprinting down the alley; Farah thinks 45% is a good enough chance to fire the taser. The chupian lines up her shot—

With 45% chance the almighty rng dice will need to land a number between 1 and 45 for success!
>>
No. 1023040 ID: 11f77a
File 164452872895.png - (243.28KB , 550x500 , tvd_076a.png )
1023040

Grutter is almost torn between which routes to take but he swiftly crawls down the path to increase the distance between him and his pursuer! Maybe he can swerve around some doglegs and keep out of her line of sight.

A ‘pop’ is heard and the relicynth winces. Some kind of small projectile pings his suitcase and he heel-turns into another alley. “Crap crap crap!” he mutters. But he feels the risk was worth it. Like a cesta, his hand scoops up rubbish and casts it behind in case she’s still on the move.

Farah can continue to chase Grutter but it may be fruitless. Grutter will be able to avoid the cops from closing in his position at this speed.

What more could either do before the current scene ends and we jump back to Fletch?
>>
No. 1023043 ID: 094652

Farah continues onward, getting herself lost but hot on the clues.
Grutter manages to lose Farah but finds something disturbing in the sewers.
>>
No. 1023047 ID: 894419

>>1023043
Oh I like this
>>
No. 1023309 ID: 15a025

Farah continues to pursue Grutter, but eventually she loses him. Ultimately, returning to the apartment room and look for clues and hope the other returns home.

Grutter manages to get away. However, his escape route shows him a more unsettling sight to handle.
>>
No. 1023493 ID: 11f77a
File 164489363280.png - (154.92KB , 550x500 , tvd_077.png )
1023493

Farah runs after Grutter, but once the alleys split into several intersections it’s much harder to guess where the relicynth has gone. Police cars pull up and block the exits but there’s no suspect to cuff.

Still, the case is slowly piecing together. Maybe someone is after them both, and they could be gone by morning.

Farah leans to her radio, “Tark, you’re going to have to add an APB on the relicynth. I’m going to ask the motel manager and the neighbors about this odd bunch...”
--
Grutter has found his way down into the sewers. He comes across something mildly disturbing.
>>
No. 1023494 ID: 11f77a
File 164489371232.png - (248.05KB , 550x500 , tvd_078.png )
1023494

You’re Fletch again. You hailed a cab and now you’re on the way to the Klerthy Library Center. You don’t know how long you’ll wait there, but you’ll be desperate for some cash to disappear if Grutter is a no-show.
You also play the driver who is (possibly) just an average cnidarian citizen getting by. The name’s Groop. Not really worthy of a last name. Cnidarians are expendable like that.

As Fletch, you don’t quite know how to pay for the ride when it’s over. The numbers at the dashboard tick upwards into the double digits for the fee. You have your gun (with zero bullets), at least. What’s a feeble jellyfish gonna do with a gun pointed at him? Ah, you’re just stressing out at the moment hoping Grutter got the message. Guy better not run off with the dough...

“You know, I don’t think the library is even open at these hours,” says Groop. He’s been trying to chit-chat for a while.

“Its... I just need to return a book through the slot before it’s overdue. You can just drop me off at the corner of the block. I-I have a friend around there for the night.”
>>
No. 1023495 ID: 11f77a
File 164489376067.png - (222.73KB , 550x500 , tvd_079.png )
1023495

“HEY! What’s the--?!”

A car cuts you off with a screech of the wheels. You honk your horn to teach ‘em. But they immediately start slowing down. You almost rear-end them as you slam the brakes. Any chance to maneuver out of their way is denied as they swerve to block you.

“What the hell’s going on here, jerkwads?!”

Fletch and Groop jolt forward. Someone just rear-ended the both of them. The ichorynth looks front and back to see the cab wedged between vehicles. The doors open and multiple krullgs in suits get out.
>>
No. 1023496 ID: 11f77a
File 164489383657.png - (280.98KB , 550x500 , tvd_080.png )
1023496

You’re a krullghn mobster named Stobor, from the Mosses. You and your goons step out to take an ichor for a joy ride. A birdie told you that someone has been posing as a member of your Family--or something. All Stobor guesstimates is:
a. some punks are in big trouble. Maybe they tried to wrong the Family and are on the run by using their resources.
b. aaaaand that’s it. You’re gonna squeeze whatever you can out of them.

A lot of characters to play. Stobor has no intention to kill Fletch... at this time. Fletch is outnumbered and the goons (which you also play) would likely ignore Groop cowering in his seat.
>>
No. 1023500 ID: 8fae7e

Goons: Spread out and cover the angles for your boss. Be vigilant while he has a talk with the wimp. Also make sure to pat the wimp and the Groop so there ain't no surprises.
>>
No. 1023534 ID: a2493c

>>1023494
groop watches too many action movies.
groop is s flighty lad.
groop is an adrenaline junkie.


groop laughs like a fucking lunatic and floors it.
>>
No. 1023541 ID: d50bdd

Fletch flees the scene while everyone else dances to Anyway You Want It, which blares from the cars' radios on full blast.
>>
No. 1023542 ID: 3aa06e

Goons: One of Stober's crew will go to the driver's side of Groop's car and will pound the roof of the car once to make an audible sound to further intimidate the driver and passenger. Just in case one of them had thoughts of doing something bold. Signal to the driver to roll the window done but do not specify the window on the driver's side or passenger's.

Stober: Let your henchmen secure the angles and antagonize the driver and passenger a little. People under pressure tend to be more forthcoming with answers. You're just here for answers but you won't skip the opportunity to flex the family's influence and power. At best this is just a newcomer who used Family resources thinking they can pull a fast one, a little scare will set them straight.

Fletch: Previous experience is coming back. You've been part of scare tactics like this multiple times. Some went smoothly and the victim just when home probably with one eye open while they slept but other times it went violent. The only difference here is that you're on the receiving end. Better figure something out to make this go smoothly and quickly.
>>
No. 1023576 ID: 34dfce

>>1023542
>specifically Goons + Stobor
Do this, but then open up the driver side door and give the driver a way out. The family is fair, and they were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Make sure to give the driver your card and tell them to call so they can be reimbursed for the car. Once the driver leaves, hows about you and the boys all get in and take it for a little spin? Stobor drives, one goon rides shotgun, two more sit on either side of the punk in the back seat. Any extra goons can drive the first cars along behind you.

Groop:Once they hand you the card and let you go, [b]bolt.[b]
>>
No. 1023578 ID: 34dfce

Fletch: That gun is going to be a big fucking problem. Idk how you should get rid of it or hide it, but you must realize that you can't use it to bluff, and things are going to get worse once you get frisked.
>>
No. 1024073 ID: 15a025

Fletch- Guns gotta go, mafia is certainly going to think your some dangerous punk out at night with that. Start rolling with your story you gave the taxi driver and add onto it. You're not some dangerous punk, you're a well educated ichor diplomat. The nice looking clothes you, "borrowed" should help sell the look.

Groop- Snaps at Fletch. Groop's tired of touting around mafia targets or shady people. Demand for insurance info and compensation.

Stobor- Listen to the "diplomat"'s story. Then join in with the others on teaching a new meaning of the phrase "time to hit the books." Then after his lesson, see if this dude might be worth holding for ransom? Surely a diplomat's safe return has gotta be worth a couple digits? Or perhaps, not so safe return.
>>
No. 1024656 ID: 11f77a
File 164582211565.png - (202.84KB , 550x500 , tvd_081.png )
1024656

“Come on! Bring ‘em here quick! Move before the nocks* come out!”

>take [the taxi] for a little spin
It would be a blaring suspicion to host a parade like that. Best to just leave the taxi alone and drag Fletch out.
The goons immediately surround the car. There’s about six armed with pistols; they keep them concealed. One krullg approaches the driver side and pounds the roof with a fist to intimidate Groop.

“The wrong move will turn you to jelly, ya hear? You see nothing.”

Fletch has lots of experience with these kind of scare tactics. Most of these tactics end with the victim terrified shitless, yet live for another day. When your old boss wanted someone dead the whole car would be pumped full of holes like a colander. Figure it’s the same for every gang. That means if you’re on your best behavior you’ll just get beaten up and thrown out of the car when Stobor is finished talking with you.
One goon opens your door and seizes your arm while another covertly aims his gun to discourage any funny business. It wasn’t long until they find your pistol as they pat you down. A swift removal and they push you towards the car in front of the taxi.

“Let go of me! I’m not some street punk! I’m... a well-educated ichorynth diplomat!”

“Forward. Now!”

Stobor creeps into the car again, Fletch and the two goons follow. The rest of the party reverses and hop in their vehicles. All in a minute the exchange happens and the Mosses are gone.

Groop is left with the crickets.

*nocks: nocturnal citizens
>>
No. 1024657 ID: 11f77a
File 164582226569.png - (291.52KB , 550x500 , tvd_082.png )
1024657

Fletch is cramped between two chitinous thugs whose shoulders feel like concrete. Stobor sits across from the rascal playing with his rings.

He takes a good look at the ichorynth. No one says a word. You just hear the hum of the road beneath you.

As before, Stobor wants to know what this guy is all about. The vet mentioned the ichor’s wounds and what he overheard in Fletch’s message to Grutter [>>1017259]. Fletch will just need to improvise (or perhaps give the truth).
--
You can play both characters or focus on one. You can have a character respond to other people’s suggestions and build an ongoing conversation.
>>
No. 1024667 ID: 094652

>>1024657
Stobor: "I'm a man of few words. Stab him in the legs."
Fletch: Piss all over the limo.
>>
No. 1024669 ID: 96c896

Fletch: immediately fold to threats of violence and spill the beans.
>>
No. 1024835 ID: 15a025

Stobor: "Time is a valuable asset, so let's cut to chase here ya pincushion."

One of the goons brandishes a knife and quickly jabs Fletch in the leg with it. Stobor then pulls out his own knife and holds it at Fletch's face.

Stobor: "Start talking if you'd like to keep having a functional eye."
>>
No. 1024845 ID: 3aa06e

Stober: Gauge what type of person this guy is. Ask something that he will most likely lie about that you know the truth to. First ease him into the conversation, introduce yourself. "Hello, I'm Stober and you are?" Pause for him to give you a name. Then move on. "Some time ago you visited a doctor friend of ours for a check up." Wait for him to respond. He'll either give away that he has injuries from a gun fight or he'll go along with the lie you crafted conveniently for him, that's when you really get him.

Fletch: That doctor was a snitch. Giving half truths might keep these guys off you. Continue using your fake name. "I might have visited a doctor for a check up. What business is that to you?"

Goons: Keep guard and let your boss ask the questions. Only act when the ichor needs a little "convincing" if signaled by your boss.
>>
No. 1024889 ID: 8fae7e

Groop: maybe call the cops?

Stober: interrogating him is a foregone conclusion. But you should make sure youre heading somewhere secure. Do you have a secure spot to take this guy and keep him locked up? Tell the driver to head there.
>>
No. 1024890 ID: 8fae7e

Groop: maybe call the cops?

Stober: interrogating him is a foregone conclusion. But you should make sure youre heading somewhere secure. Do you have a secure spot to take this guy and keep him locked up? Tell the driver to head there.
>>
No. 1025540 ID: 11f77a
File 164662115824.png - (186.08KB , 550x500 , tvd_083.png )
1025540

>[Does Stobor] have a secure spot to take this guy [...]?
There are several places to go for a private conversation. A butcher shop, for instance. In fact his crew knows to start heading towards such a hideout.
He stops playing with his rings after gauging this ichorynth’s looks, particularly the scar over his eye. What did this guy call himself? Some diplomat? Yeah, sure... we’ll see about that...
“A diplomat, you say. So, you like talking? We can talk! And I’m not in the mood to repeat myself because frankly, this is a short ride and I want to know everything I can before we reach the butchers.”

Fletch itches the bridge of his nose. Stobor resumes: “You visited one of our... physicians for a little patch up. Yes? That far we can be on the same page.”
(Fletch rigidly nods)
“Now, I don’t recognize you. No flattery, but you’ve got a memorable face. But somehow you would need to be... involved in our ring. Which is strange for a well-educated diplomat to find himself in. So. I will ask and I hope I get to only ask once. Why did you visit my doctor?”

Fletch rubs his nose a bit before answering, “Isn’t there some... doctor-patient confidentiality? What business it of yours I needed a quick check-up?”
>>
No. 1025542 ID: 11f77a
File 164662137740.png - (306.45KB , 550x500 , tvd_084.png )
1025542

Stobor nods, “You know, I like to think I am a man of a few words.” He shoots a glance to his posse, “Stab him in the legs.”

One goon flicks a switchblade and jots it in Fletch’s thigh! He predictably screeches and the other goon clamps his snout shut, muffling through his hand. The knife sticks perpendicular to his leg.
Stobor leans about a foot away from Fletch. “Everythiiiiing!. It. is. entirely. my. business! when you’re stealing resources!! from the Mosses!!! Unless you want to be an ichorynth pincushion you’ll tell me what your fucking reason was to stumble in our turf! By way of example: are you one of Kras’ men?!”

“NO!”

“I can believe that! I may have been brought up to hate the guy but Kras would never employ you sandrats! Are you Kroller’s?”

“N--NOOO! hnngh…

“Then spit it out! Before you piss yourself... I swear to god if you can’t give me a straight answer before your blood stains the seat I’ll turn your body into a barnacle farm!”

Fletch will just spill the beans at this point, “I’m just a guy! I’m just a fucking guy! I came from Daatuteph to start a new life! I got to work with a few of your boys and I know a few things, dumb things! Stuff like a doctor who won’t ask questions! I paid him with my own money! I dunno! I didn’t think I’d need him until some asshole tried murdering me!”

“Who? One of ours? You owe us money? You trippin’ us?!”

“I-I-I don’t know who! He wasn’t a krullg, he wasn’t yours! He’s a zepher!”

Fletch could try and stop there, but Stobor could keep stabbing him for more answers. What more could Fletch share--and what more would Stobor want to learn?

Choose three
Share/no share?
• Talk about your friend Grutter
• Ask to stop by the Lunar Creek Motel
• Ask to use their phone to contact Grutter
• Talk about why you ran from Daatuteph
• [Suggest] a story how you got the vet’s address.
• Describe the zepher in more detail.
• Mention your old boss, a different zepher who is a desert warlord.
• Mention the money you stole.
• Ask for protection.
• Ask to drop you off at a certain library.
• Beg for your life and cry.
• Mention Meat Packers Inc.
• [Other] >___

>>
No. 1025547 ID: 094652

"I have something they want, okay?! Something valuable! But it's chump change to you, it's not worth going to war over! I just... I finally have enough dough to flock off to some third-world planet and retire in obscurity, and then that @#$%ing Zephyr starts killing people over one goddamn shipment and now that poor lady is dead and it's all my fault... sob..."
>>
No. 1025550 ID: 3aa06e

Fletch: Do NOT mention the money you stole, most likely these guys will follow you to Grutter, kill you both and take the money.

Share:
-Mention your boss old boss, the botched deal, and the cyber-hitman who attacked you and your co-worker's at the store. Leave out Grutter and the money. Tell the story of the deal from your point of view, how things went wrong. Spin it to make it sound more important than it was so they don't suspect the money you stole. Since the deal went south the blame was put on you. Which explains why your boss sent a hitman with augments after you. He showed no mercy to your co-workers who tried running away.

Oh and feel free to allow the trauma to show a little...or a lot actually. Nirrn and Ordo are most likely dead, anyone who is as much as on speaking terms with you will be dead. Your sister is probably dead or worse. Yet you're still alive, and Grutter is as well but how long do you think he's going to last?

Stober: Ok you at least got to know who this guy is. He's done some crime before so that explains how he knew who to contact. Though maybe there should be an official sign over every family resource that says "Reserved for the Mosses". Anyways, does the name of his old boss ring a bell? Does it sound in character for a guy like him to send a cyber-hitman who clearly didn't care about collateral damage after this runt? There has to be more, what exactly was the deal?

You might ease up just a little, this guy's been through one hell of a day and he might just completely break down. People breaking down into tears might have been funny the first dozen times it has happened but now it's just gotten old and uncomfortable to watch. Also people who are mentally broken don't exactly answer questions clearly.
>>
No. 1025556 ID: 1697a9

Fletch: Say that you ditched your old gang in Daatuthep and you don't really know why this guy is chasing you specifically.
Tell Stobor you have money to pay for protection.

Strobor: Ask why he left his gang and how it is he has money and why he should be protected.

Fletch again: Say you decided to ditch them when most of them got killed by rivals or deserted as well and you have money saved up from working with them and that you can really make it worth their while for killing this one assassin guy.
>>
No. 1025558 ID: a2493c

>>1025542
Don't mention money. do mention getting attacked by a psychotic and that you have too shady a history to go to cops or talk to a regular doc.
>>
No. 1025607 ID: ce39da

FLETCH: You can run your mouth about your assailant, the attack, and how you learned the vet's location from some guys at Meat Packers Inc. (the (accidental) lie by omission being it was actually Grutter who got that info) and maybe break down after that. You don't have the mental composure for anything more than the most pressing facts of tonight's events, and oh my god why did you think you were ready to play this cool, these are completely different guys from your old family and you've never actually been through this kind of interrogation yourself anyway.

STOBOR: Okay, this guy has had a bit of a day already (especially considering the vet seriously undersold the dude's injuries, if you're hearing his blubbering right), and has officially exceeded the stress threshold for actually giving useful and coherent info - going harder on him won't produce results. This is when your marks generally get to see your "good anti-cop" side. Do make it clear that this guy is in deep shit, but definitely not "sleeping with the fishes" deep. The Mosses can be full of forgiveness, especially under such extenuating circumstances, if you know how to show your gratitude going forward.
>>
No. 1025619 ID: 1359f1

>>1025607
Good old "Favor debt" time?
>>
No. 1025625 ID: 34dfce

>>1025542
Fletch: Don't mention the money

Stobor, twist the knife and threaten to cut a digit off.

Fletch: Tell them about the money, and Grutter, and your old boss, and beg for your life and cry.
>>
No. 1026077 ID: 15a025

>Share
Describe the zepher in more detail.
Ask to drop you off at a certain library.
>>
No. 1026809 ID: 11f77a
File 164782771747.png - (199.33KB , 550x500 , tvd_085.png )
1026809

>Mention: Your old boss
>Mention: Botched deal
>Mention: The bounty hunter
Stobor leans back, Fletch is about to remove the knife but he’s stopped by one of Stobor’s lackeys.
“Nah, don’t pull it out, you’ll bleed faster and get it all over. Just, uh, ignore it. Now... I’m glad we’re getting somewhere,” he starts easing off the threats for now. Looks like this ichor has been through a hell of a day. “So, who is this guy you worked for? You screw the wrong dame or something so he’s after you? Is he gonna be shootin’ up our territory to get to you? Huh?”
Fletch almost begins sobbing. There’s something genuine in that; he didn’t have to force a tear for this one. But he blurts, “My boss huff my FORMER boss was a zepherynth named Enriq Yeager.”

Oooh fuck—“ Stobor chortles.

“You know him?”

“YOU worked under Yeager? Fuck. He’s a prick. Moss has done some interplanetary dealings with him here and there before the zipper amassed his own army. I aint ever seen him, only heard the stories of his victims. The hell have you done to piss him off?”

>Leave out Grutter and the money
Fletch takes a moment to breathe, trying to stomach the pain. “Well, me and a couple guys were supposed to settle a feud. It was one of those trades that could dissolve and meld a rival territory into Yeager’s control. An ungodly amount of b-bullets and... guns for drugs, or fuel, or... slaves. But all factions have an inherited hate to one other, like the families that run this city--so you get it. Anyway--some punks would rather die than merge. The two parties thought it was a setup and a firefight happened! When the dust settled I was the only one left alive!--
“I carried out my orders to terrorize the roads under Yeager for years. I made the decision to run. Grabbed what I could. Hopped the next flight to this moon. Maybe they’ll think I’ve died. Ya know?--
“Well he’s sent some guy after me! Yeager must’ve thought I was responsible! This zepher comes in my workplace and just started killing people! And now that poor lady is dead and--and it’s all my fault!” Fletch hides his face in his hands, “He was a hitman with... weird augments. He hid a riot shield under his coat--I think? I shot him in the back but that didn’t faze him. It was weird, and it happened so fast! He showed no mercy--everyone in that store is dead! Who knows who else has indirectly died because of me?“
>>
No. 1026810 ID: 11f77a
File 164782786184.png - (210.64KB , 550x500 , tvd_086.png )
1026810

He describes the encounter. How calculated the hitman was. Piercing yellow eyes. A typical zepher makes his presence known and would be decked out in armor and guns in some frenzy. Not this one--he was silent, calm and collected.

The more he explains the more Stobor changes his amused demeanor into one of intrigue. He waves a hand to quiet Fletch down, “Whoa whoa whoa. Mate. If you’re describing who I think you’re describing... you might be doubly fucked. Hard. The mate after you sounds like none other than The Vitruvian.”

Stobor’s goons cringe a bit.

“Who?”
>>
No. 1026811 ID: 11f77a
File 164782800760.png - (242.56KB , 550x500 , tvd_087.png )
1026811

“Let me ask you this. You’ve heard of HURON, right?”

“Yeah. It’s a black market... I think.”

“If you need something done with skill and it’s also illegal, you hire someone from HURON. Yeager could’ve hired any run-of-the-mill jerkoff to kill you, or send you back home where he can cut you to pieces and feed you to his Rath-Fleeches as you watch. But he didn’t. He may have hired the motherfucking Vitruvian of all people—“
“--Which means Yeager spent some fuck-you money to have a relentless one-man-army blow your brains out. This zepher is a creature of consequence. An inevitable. A personification of doom. Those who delay his hunt trade their lives for its continuance. And if you ever think that you have the upper-hand in a fight--he pulls out a new trick. I heard that he strives to be the perfect killer and the augments from the imortans got to his brain; now he’s more robot than mortal with no empathy or conscience.”


>Groop: maybe call the cops?

>>
No. 1026812 ID: 11f77a
File 164782902164.png - (251.75KB , 550x500 , tvd_088.png )
1026812

“Maybe he hasn’t had enough of that vulgar rush* you guys go on about. Something snapped within him out there in the desert and he’s looking to satiate his hunger. Or he’s been blessed by the ‘desert moth’ to be her psychopomp or some shit.
“But that’s only if it’s The Vitruvian. But know this: you are given a mark you can’t wash off. And he will follow you to the ends of the Third Arm** until you are wiped from existence.
“Maybe Yeager is petty enough to send a guy like that to kill one, weasely goon like you. I dunno, but that’s quite the overkill. You sure you’re tellin’ me the whole story, guy?”

Stobor can try to prod for more--or Fletch can keep on talking.

*Vulgar Rush: frenzied unorthodox rite of passage that involves madmaxing across Daatuteph. You will find glory or become one with the tire marks.
**Third Arm: The arm of the spiral galaxy the main planets reside.

Choose two

• How do you kill him?!
• Can I speak to your boss? Maybe he'll calm my boss down...
• Decide to mention Grutter or the money now.
• Ask for protection. Or to kill this dude! You'll pay it off, you swear!
• Ask to stop by the Lunar Creek Motel
• Ask to use their phone [to contact Grutter]
• Ask to drop you off at a certain library.
• Mention Meat Packers Inc.
• Immediately kick Fletch out of the car.
• [Other] >___

>>
No. 1026816 ID: e7c7d3

Get help to kill this guy, you've got the money!
So stop by the motel to get it
>>
No. 1026817 ID: 34dfce

>>1026812
Mention Grutter and money.
>>
No. 1026883 ID: 1c6255

>>1026817
Don't mention Grutter, only mention the money.
>>
No. 1026919 ID: 3aa06e

Fletch: Mention the money but in your defense had you known it would have caused this much trouble you would have just dropped the cash. Of course it definitely wasn't out of greed. It was to have enough to start a new life. Don't mention Grutter, unless Grutter has some level of importance to your boss you haven't mentioned. Request to meet at the specific library you and Grutter were supposed to meet at. Under the guise of meeting your "smuggler" to make you disappear again.
>>
No. 1026926 ID: 094652

Fletch: "No, even with the good loot I scavenged off all those dead colleagues - Snarko's platinum tungsten slingers, Jay's Bengal-Leather Jacket, a few packs of the surviving Scraff packs for the road - none of it is worth spending, like, millions of credits on hiring a legend. Oh gods, one of those kids must've been his family-"

Stobor: "Well, that's it. I'm done listening to you."
Tear the switchblade out of Fletch's leg with a gruesome gutting.
"Break his arms. It's obvious that you've crossed the line with Yeager. Maybe that deal wasn't going as badly as you say it was until you managed to screw things up. Maybe you made off with all the drugs and money unseen and the two sides went to blows in the chaos- yeah, you probably did. Maybe he thinks you learned something that could blow his entire empire into the stratosphere. Maybe he's paranoid you'd somehow consider trusting the incompetent cops in this town with witness protection. Maybe you're a criminal mastermind in the making. Or maybe you really are just a two-bit, cowardly, insufferable toady who's just won the cosmos' monthly lottery in ass-@#$%ery. But I do know one thing about you. You're not going to be the reason the Vitruvian bursts through my compound and caves my skull in by using my own son as a flail. As of right now, I have decided I'd rather kill you than trust you. Only reason I don't is because the Vitruvian might have orders to kill anyone who doesn't give Yeager the satisfaction. Alright boys, we string him up right outside The Chips and John, let Yeager know his little pickup is packed and waiting."
>You're going to let one of our paying businesses get killed?!
"I was going to rat those sick freaks out in two months anyway. Nobody mutilates a little girl in front of my face and gets away with it."

Fletch: Whimper.

Stobor: "... Present company excluded, I suppose."
>>
No. 1026946 ID: e7ba66

Ack, don’t tell him you have all of that money! Maybe just tell him that you have 750k credits instead? Wait in fact, how much are these credits worth? Like how much would one need to buy a car, or a gun, or a nice house on the prairie? Knowing how much they’re worth to someone would be good so we don’t accidentally shortchange someone.
>>
No. 1027398 ID: 15a025

Fletch: You need to stop for a second and assess your assets, skills, and knowledge. Don't even mention the money to these guys until you got it in hand again.
Ask-
> • How do you kill him?!
> • Ask for protection. Or to kill this dude! You'll pay it off, you swear!

See if you can't gauge if what your previous experience as a "diplomat" for Yeager is worth anything to these guys.

Stobor: This situation is quickly getting more and more heated. If The Vitruvian is after this little shit, you don't not want to get in the way of his Vulgar Rush and cheat him out of his target. Start pressing him harder here, there's gotta be more to the story than snuffing out some screw up deserter? He's gotta be higher up the ladder to warrant sending a hitman like this.
>>
No. 1027694 ID: 11f77a
File 164868776785.png - (246.68KB , 550x500 , tvd_089.png )
1027694

>Mention: Money
>Don’t mention Grutter, unless [he] has some level of importance to your boss [...]
You and Grutter both were at the deal when the firefight broke out. He’s sure Yeager put a hit on both your asses. Hopefully Grutter got your message in time before the Vitruvian reaches him. You’re not sure he’s currently waiting for you.

>Maybe just tell him that you have [fewer] credits instead?
“W-Well,” Fletch stammers with terror in his gut as Stobor describes the Vitruvian’s reputation. “M-Maybe I left out a few... minor details on my escape.
Stobor only waits. The glaring from all three krullgs works like a charm to keep Fletch under pressure.
“Money was involved in the trade-off, you see. And when everyone was dead I may have taken the briefcase to start a new life.” cough “Just aboooout... 750... thousand... ish.”
“Listen, if I knew it would cause so much trouble I’d’ve left the money! But I need to get out of this city, man! I promise you: you won’t ever hear from me again, that’s for sure! I-I could pay you to help me out of here! I don’t have it on me at the moment but an associate of mine has it. I’m meeting a smuggler at Klerthy Library--he's waiting for me right now! The sooner I’m out of this car the sooner we’re all safe! I can pay ya to look out for me or even kill the guy! Please! I have to get out!”
>>
No. 1027695 ID: 11f77a
File 164868790275.png - (194.90KB , 550x500 , tvd_090.png )
1027695

>How much are these credits worth?
750,000 is a lot. Perhaps more than one thug under Moss would ever see all at once--or in their life. The top gangsters under Moss see 60k cred on a good year. Stobor makes a good living, sure, but damn--if only a briefcase of 750k landed in his lap.

Saaaay, in a way... it has.

Stobor contains his stoic demeanor. The game has changed with the situation at hand. But you’re not about to let this troublemaker catch a ride for free. You may not believe him 100% but what matters is how much damage the Vitruvian would cause the more you hold Fletch.
He could use the little sandrat as bait. You wouldn’t want the Vitruvian to burst through your compound and decimate your people for this insufferable toady. Outright shooting Fletch dead may bring the wrath of Yeager for stealing his kill as well. Perhaps you can yank the money off his hands and give him up.
“That’s sure a lot of money to carry in your pocket, even for an ichor. I can see why you showed up on Yeager’s radar.” Stobor ponders, but his decision could already have been made up, “We could... arrange something to get you out of Port Echo, it may cost ya--but I'm sure you got that part handled. You’ll probably be gone by tomorrow morning!”

“One of you, get this guy some gauze.” It feels numb now, but yanking the switchblade right out makes Fletch yelp again.

Stobor tells his driver to circle back to the Library. Any closing prompts before we switch back to Grutter?
>>
No. 1027717 ID: e5709d

He's lying. Big deals round up to a million, maybe five. But you have bigger issues at hand...

"Where the heck did Yeager get three quarters of an executive's pay?"
>>
No. 1027718 ID: 798908

>>1027717
depends on the haggling and amount, it's still a pretty round number. No odd dollar amounts, sounds about right for a full briefcase of big bills. Doubtful he's lying, but if he is, it seems like a fair lie.
>>
No. 1027776 ID: f2320a

>>1026812
his body looks so fucked up is that a mask over another species or is he like d chimera a Frankenstein cyborg?
>>
No. 1027779 ID: f38941

>>1027776
Yeah, they said he does have cybernetics attached to him.
>>
No. 1028645 ID: 3aa06e

Fletch is probably lying but that's understandable. Take him to he meeting spot while you negotiate a trade for his safe passage. Fletch should know smuggling someone costs money, but you're not going to completely take all his money. Just enough to pay for the service you and your guards provide here.
>>
No. 1028652 ID: 11f77a
File 164946141696.png - (259.33KB , 550x500 , tvd_091.png )
1028652

>He’s lying. Big deals round up to a million, maybe five.
Yeah, Stobor feels something aint right here. But we’ll see once we meet up with Fletch’s smuggler.

---

Grutter has arrived at the Library. Every time he sees headlights he ducks in the bushes. It’s cold and you’re soaking a little from the sewers. But your money is safe and you’re not leaving the city without Fletch--unless you have a good feeling he’s dead for sure... Hmm...

Oh look! A car has pulled up. Not in front of the building either--sort of around a fire exit where you linger. It looks kind of fancy in the planetlight. And it’s not alone; a second fancy car idles nearby, further down the block.

You have your briefcase of credits and your pistol, as well as your silverhand (your prosthetic hand) which you need to operate your gun. It’s already attached to your arm.

The car remains still for a while...
>>
No. 1028653 ID: e5709d

Stop hiding in the bushes. Just walk into the library as if you needed to look up business stuff.

Also, why does your city even have a library? Is it all-digital?
>>
No. 1028654 ID: 344f1d

sneak away, keep out of line of sight of the car, find an alley where you'll be able to see when/if the car leaves
>>
No. 1028712 ID: 15a025

Probably best to stay out of the car's sight. See if the library has a back entrance?
>>
No. 1028983 ID: 11f77a
File 164973651936.png - (190.80KB , 550x500 , tvd_092.png )
1028983

>Why does your city even have a library? Is it all-digital?
You dunno how it is on other worlds. There are barely any libraries in Daatuteph (let alone books), so that’s the only frame of reference you have.

>See if the library has a back entrance?
>Just walk into the library as if you needed to look up business stuff.
Regardless, Grutter sneaks around acting like he has business stuff to attend to inside. Yep, nothing to attract attention here. Maybe on the way to the door he can just leave the block entirely.

The relic reaches the door but the knob doesn’t budge. Hmm. He jostles it some more and it’s clear the place has probably closed for the night.

--

So, uh, is that him?” says Stobor. Fletch looks over to watch Grutter fail to open the door.
>>
No. 1029033 ID: e7c7d3

From this distance it could be anybody
>>
No. 1029088 ID: c92a02

Y-yah. that's him, that's the guy. I don't see the money though.
Goons: Get out of the car and approach. Menacingly.
>>
No. 1029498 ID: 3aa06e

Fletch: Yep that's your man who is definitely handling your stash and will assist you with disappearing.

Stober: Bring Fletch out with you and your guys so this "smuggler" doesn't get spooked.
>>
No. 1029500 ID: 15a025

Fletch: "Hard to see, Think that's him?"
Strober: Send the goons anyway. Even if it ain't him, he might know something either way.
>>
No. 1030034 ID: 11f77a
File 165067186950.png - (282.82KB , 550x500 , tvd_093.png )
1030034

“Y-Yah. That’s him, that’s the guy. I-I don’t see the money though. I mean... it could be another relic dude—"

Stobor snaps his fingers. His goons nod and step out the car. His men in the other ride take that as a signal and step out as well. Before Grutter could check his six, he’s already blocked with four krullgs marching menacingly in his direction.

“Oh--uhm...” Grutter gulps, “Gotta return a book--”

“You’re coming with us. Quietly.” Says the head-hench. He doesn’t draw his gun, but the other three make it known they’re armed with a hand resting against their holsters. “We have someone who’s a little worried sick about you.” There’s a brief nod in Fletch’s direction--which Grutter spots a peek of the ichor’s recognizable mug, albeit like a nervous Chihuahua in the car window.

“Kurts... check the bushes.“

“Ah, wait! Uh... I... will get my stuff.” Grutter ducks a bit and his out-stretched hand curls around the briefcase. The relic is nudged by two of the thugs towards the car immediately after.
>>
No. 1030035 ID: 11f77a
File 165067207617.png - (291.20KB , 550x500 , tvd_094.png )
1030035

Grutter is shoved right next to Fletch. He can see how much his friend has been through the grinder; he’s paler than he remembers. But they both look at each other with a wince as the briefcase is plopped right in the middle.

“You must be Fletch’s... smuggler,” begins Stobor whether he believes that or not, “Good, good. I’ll make the introductions quick. Your buddy here is in a heap of trouble, yes? I’m Stobor--I work for the Mosses. And on behalf of the Mosses we agreed to help you... disappear! Your friend is quite the negotiator! There’ll be a small fee BUT given the situation at hand I would take that deal.”

Stobor notices the relic’s grip tighten around the briefcase’s handle. Grutter looks at his friend and back to the krullg who announces himself. “It sounds like my... uh, client has made the deal already to get this far.”

The car begins to move out of the alley.

Choose two

• [Fletch] Talk about your terrible night.
• [Grutter] Mention the cops are looking all over.
• [Fletch/Grutter] Discuss a plan of action.
• [Fletch/Grutter] What should we do about the Vitruvian?
• [Fletch/Grutter] Ask to head towards Meat Packers Inc.
• [Fletch/Grutter] Ask Stobor for contacts outside the city.
• [Stobor] Inquire about the briefcase.
• [Stobor] Take them to a different hideout for the ransom idea.
• [Stobor] Question Grutter about himself: threateningly or not.
• [Other] >___

>>
No. 1030048 ID: e5709d

Stobor: Open the briefcase in the direction of the two stooges, wait for any traps to trigger, and then count the money.
"... times, 5, 6, 7... 2. You lied to me, Fletch."
>>
No. 1030053 ID: e7c7d3

F/G: discuss a plan
Grutter, mention the cops
>>
No. 1030158 ID: 15a025

[Fletch/Grutter] Discuss a plan of action.
You're in this neck deep now. Time to use this money to invest in your hopeful futures.


Stober: Remind these two low lives you could easily hold them up for a ransom should they decide to back out. You're getting some cash out of this one way or another.
>>
No. 1030345 ID: 3aa06e

Grutter: Mention the police are onto you when you were acquiring Fletch's stash from his hideout.

Both Fletch and Grutter: Discuss plan, a quick rundown of who is after you and the basics to getting off world without leaving a trail. Of course don't forget who you're paying here for some extra help.
>>
No. 1030773 ID: 11f77a
File 165126256888.png - (277.09KB , 550x500 , tvd_095.png )
1030773

>mention the cops
You’re back on the road, and Grutter needed to share this before they venture deeper into the city: “Listen, uh, we might need to take a few alternate routes. I barely dodged the police and they’re on the look for us.”

“You’re hot, huh?” says Stobor, “Could be a lil’ extra given these circumstances. But don’t you worry! While the cops may turn a blind eye when they notice our rides we can certainly take a detour--and be sure to not use the same roads we traveled to get here.” The krullg knocks on the privacy window between him and the driver. “Yo! We’re heading to Murks Street! Take some detours and lose the eye of the police. Let the others split and meet us there.”

Your ride shifts a bit to redirect a new course. The following vehicle splits away down another road. Stobor finally has a good look at both the miscreants. He finds Grutter oddly asymmetrical with one long arm spilling out of his sleeve. “Those are some strange hands there. What’s the deal with that? Your other arm looks fine.”
Grutter answers, “Relicynths just have long hands. We can fold them back and use a silverhand to grip simple objects.”
“A silverhand--?”
“It’s what we call our prosthetic hands. Operated by our inner-most thumb.” He wiggles one.
“How do you relics wipe your ass without ‘em?”
Both krullgs have a laugh as Grutter keeps his eyes focused on the one across from him. “Very carefully...” They laugh some more.

“Can you... give us a moment?” asks Fletch, hunching a bit to whisper to Grutter. Both turn away.

>A quick rundown of who is after you.
>Discuss a plan of action. Time to use this money to invest in your hopeful futures.
Fletch hisses as quietly as possible. “Alright, Grutter. I think it’s time we split ways. Once we reach Meat Packers we’ll split our money and just take separate vans to different parts of the world. Or even the universe if you manage to hop a ship out of here. We shouldn’t even be on the same celestial object. I don’t care where you go, and you shouldn’t care about me--
--That’s the other thing though; the guy who’s chasing us is some ultimate badass. A zepherynth merc called The Vitruvian was hired by Yeager--straight from HURON and we’re brushing on the edge of death here.”

“Fucking hell.”

“It’s just by happenstance that I got the attention of the Mosses. Whatever the cost, we’re both getting out of here with our lives.”
>>
No. 1030774 ID: 11f77a
File 165126279514.png - (171.21KB , 550x500 , tvd_096.png )
1030774

Stobor is relaxed in his seat. He looks at Grutter, eyes trailing down the relic’s long arm to the long talons that clutch the handle of the briefcase. “Holding onto that pretty tightly, there.”
Grutter and Fletch rightfully look anxious. If anything, Grutter’s grip fastens tighter. Only the ichor speaks next, “Well... no shit, right? You know the story.”

Nodding, Stobor continues, “I’d like to think that we can all be on the same level of trust here. In fact, the way this exchange works is: you’re gonna have to pay up front a... minor inconvenience fee--plus the visit at the doctors. You don’t expect a freebie to use up our resources--even dragging Moss’ boys to snatch you from that cabbie, do ya? How do I know you’re not just lying until you get the first chance of freedom? Could be your laundry in there for all I know. In short, I want a look in that briefcase. 750k in credits, you said?”
Grutter gulps, but keeps a straight face. “Yeah sure and we... trust you won’t kick us out of a moving vehicle when you hold it in your pincers.”

Stobor chuckles, “Exactly, friendo. It seems to me that I’m holding a lot of the cards right now. If I were anyone else, one can easily hold you two up for ransom if you decide to back out. Imagine Don Moss or even his brat son Virgil hanging you by your toenails like wedding cans on the back of a newlywed’s car.”
The krullg chuckles at that, “Hell. That’s what we should call it! A Daatuteph wedding! Ha HA!” Stobor nudges his henchman, “Gurchu! Write that one down--

--In any case... how 'bout you hand it over.

A) Hand briefcase
B) Keep it, double down
C) >___
>>
No. 1030777 ID: 34dfce

>>1030774
>Whatever the cost, we’re both getting out of here with our lives.
Obviously A.
>>
No. 1030779 ID: e5709d

Grutter: "Yeah, no. I get why you've been nice, especially after you stabbed my friend. You don't want me to trigger the bomb hidden on the second layer. I'll just show you the money, give you a big chunk now, and then hold onto the only thing stopping you from gutting us both."
Stobor: "Tell you what, it'll cost you 10,000 credits per minute you hold onto that case."
Grutter: "Screw you. 500K credits for the full smuggling - if you can get both of us out alive, and minus medical expenses. If either of us dies you only keep 250K credits, the rest goes to charity. If we both die, the bomb goes off."
Stobor: "What, you got some kind of suicidal AI the size of a gerbil scanning your biometrics every millisecond?"
Grutter: "That was what the other 250K credits were spent on. A cool million credits meant specifically to murder a legend. It's dumb, but diligent."
Stobor: "...600."
Fletch: "Uh, guys?"
Grutter: "600 credits? Deal."
Stobor: "Not in the mood for jokes. 650K credits, you hold onto the damn case, you keep the crazy AI, I promise to donate 200K credits to charity (publicly) if either of you die, final offer."
Grutter: "Ngh... deal."
Fletch: "Guys?!"
Goon 1: "Uh, boss? We both see it!"
Stobor: "WHAT?!"
Goon 1: "... Holy feces."
>>
No. 1030804 ID: e7c7d3

Hand it over
>>
No. 1030833 ID: 93072d

Compromise. Open the briefcase, let him see what's inside, then fork over a stack of bills. See if he likes it.

Strobor: Ask a couple more stacks for the fees.
>>
No. 1031091 ID: c92a02

They don't have a reason to help you if the money isn't real, nor do they have a reason to help you if the money is theirs. The money is already good as theirs.
A.
>>
No. 1031157 ID: 3aa06e

Keep your hands on the breifcase handle but show them what's inside.
>>
No. 1031454 ID: 11f77a
File 165189041467.png - (229.15KB , 550x500 , tvd_097.png )
1031454

Stobor shows a tad impatience; he takes advantage of the silence to keep talking. “Tell you what, it’ll cost you 10,000 per minute you hold onto that case.”

The ichorynth scoffs at him. “Oh, screw you! We’d be driving in circles forever!”

Grutter furrows his brows. He lays the briefcase upon his lap. “Alright, guys. We can make a compromise. How about I just show you the money from over here? I don’t care how much you’ll charge--but for being nice to my friend, despite stabbing him earlier, we have the means to pay what’s due.”
He rolls the combination lock and opens the briefcase to face the krullgs. The plastic stacks of credits glare with a pale platinum sheen that make the mobsters sit up straight.
“Your math must be on par with a grobe-squid because that can’t possibly be 750,000 credits in there! Gotta be one-mil. At least!”

“I may have downplayed my situation...” says Fletch as he grabs a stack and tosses it at Stobor to examine closely, “So what’s the damn cost already? Get this shit over with!”

“Relax. I won’t dick ya over. First off it’s 25,000 for the doctor after the abrupt appointment and putting his well-being at risk. And dragging me an’ my guys all the way to find you without letting a goodie-two-shoes cop bat an eye in the first place is 120k! I’ll just round that and the doctors up to a total of 150-thou just for that alone before I even get to the safe travels out of the city!”

Fletch takes a bundle of credit stacks—ready to just pelt them in frustration. “Fine! Sure! Arms out!”

“Hold on, you asshole! I aint gonna step out the car with credits slipping through my arms! Just wait til we get to the destination first!”

“BOSS!”

“WHAT?!”
>>
No. 1031455 ID: 11f77a
File 165189054766.png - (321.14KB , 550x500 , tvd_098.png )
1031455

A flash of light.

Tires screeching to halt... or speed up. You don't know which.
>>
No. 1031458 ID: 11f77a
File 165189075363.png - (160.72KB , 550x500 , tvd_099.png )
1031458

But darkness rolls over.

The only lights are the flashes in your eyeballs. You're all tossed around covering your heads. You bombard into each other. Broken glass pelts your skin, or shell or exoskeleton or whatever the hell you all have.
>>
No. 1031460 ID: 11f77a
File 165189123760.png - (239.92KB , 550x500 , tvd_100.png )
1031460

...
...
...
.

> Who wakes up first? What do you do?
• Fletch
• Grutter
• Stobor
• Henchman
• Driver

>>
No. 1031461 ID: c92a02

The driver. You know where you keep that shotgun under the seat, for emergencies...
>>
No. 1031469 ID: e51896

Driver or Stobor

If it's The Vitruvian, we might need to call backup, this guy is a pretty big deal... maybe if we're lucky and the others find out the loot we'll be scoring, Moss might send Crater to protect us... unlikely tho, Crater is usually with Moss protecting him... (tho a Crater vs Vitruvian fight sounds pretty badass, not gonna lie...)
>>
No. 1031482 ID: 34dfce

>>1031469
Seconding Driver or Stobor.

Also, if it is the Vitruvian, both know not to get in their way. Just let them take the two and the money and that is it. Can't stop a force of nature.

--

Anyway, if it is not the Vitruvian, when they wake up, they should grab a gun and try to make it to cover. Drag away some of the henchmen too if possible (loyalty, protect your own, plus force of numbers). Then grab the money. They aren't down (monetarily) at this point, so they shouldn't try too hard to keep the money. It is a lot, but idk if it is worth dying over (it is different for Fletch and Grutter since they are already invested).
>>
No. 1031485 ID: e5709d

Henchman.

They awaken, grouchy and wounded, but their demeanor quickly changes with the low emotional resistance of their stupidity. A stack of credits is within reach, and they quickly pocket it. Grabbing a few extra credit stacks lying around, they go over to Stobor and try to wake him up. He'll take most of the cash but that's the cost of having someone smart enough to get out of this alive.
>>
No. 1031487 ID: dccdd0

Driver
>>
No. 1031538 ID: 15a025

The driver wakes up first. You don't know what the hell that was, but you sure as hell aren't letting that happen again. The driver pulls out their big guns.
>>
No. 1031545 ID: 373112

Fletch because he is our protagonist and we love him.
>>
No. 1032026 ID: 11f77a
File 165239399386.png - (295.47KB , 550x500 , tvd_101.png )
1032026

You’re currently the driver. Thanks to your seatbelt you weren’t tumbling around like a clothesdryer and you only hit your head against the airbag. The chitin absorbed the rest of the shock.
You knock against the privacy window.
“Hey! Hey is anyone alive back there?”
You think you heard some groaning and shuffling but you shake your head and unbuckle yourself.
Everything’s upside-down as you instinctively reach for your shotgun, conveniently placed beneath the seat. This car aint going anywhere, so you’re going to defend your boss as he and your men make a getaway, or backup arrives. You cock your gun and start crawling.

You crawl from the wreckage through a shattered window. A head-turn and you spot a strange figure not quite in the street light--defined only by its silhouette to be a zepher. It’s holding something--which you would assume to be a weapon. He doesn’t call out if everyone’s okay like a good law-abiding citizen.
>>
No. 1032027 ID: 11f77a
File 165239436748.png - (287.82KB , 550x500 , tvd_102.png )
1032027

The zepher storms ahead carrying a riot shield somehow. Two, actually. His main arms aim a machine gun, and another pair of limbs flick around to guard his body. At the first sign of movement he fires in your direction.

POOMPOOM! POW! PWANG! Asphalt kicks up. Sparks flare up against the car's chassis. A few bullets blast the headrest of the driver’s seat. For the moment you have enough cover to avoid getting hit. You blindfire a blast of shotgun pellets. More or less cover fire. You weren’t exactly peeking your head out.

The rest of you will eventually come to. You hear gunshots and the pelting of bullets. The Driver yells "Get the fuck up! Someone's coming right at us!"

The game is on. You can play as any character.
Driver • Henchman • Stobor • Fletch • Grutter
>>
No. 1032035 ID: 2b9093

Get back in the vehicle and try to revive your.....what's the mafia term for colleagues?
Try to revive your bada-bings.

And above all DON'T let your clothes be damaged!
>>
No. 1032042 ID: 2bcc35

Stay in cover and return fire hopefully the rest of the crew gets up and helps before he gets to close. Depending on how bulletproof that shield is the best you can hope for is to slow him down
This hitman is either insane or stupid to do a full on assault in the middle of a street. Someones going to hear and see then call the cops.
>>
No. 1032048 ID: 8fae7e

Gotta flank him. With a shotgun you can't have a very good chance of winging his feet, which hopefully would be uncovered by the riot shield. Cover fire yourself, see if you can spot any good cover near you, and use yourself as bait so the people in the car can get themselves together and give you back up.
>>
No. 1032056 ID: 11f77a

You can react as any character(s), I made it too vague the first time around.
>>
No. 1032273 ID: 15a025

Henchmen: You ain't letting no street thug pump lead into the boss! Get Strober to safety and behind cover. Arm yoursleves with whatever you got and protect the good man with your lives.

Fletch and Grutter: Your lives in the mafia's hands now. Scramble to cover, ask if any of the henchmen got extra firearms.
>>
No. 1032458 ID: a70d43

>>1032027
Stobor: realize who is firing at you and try to bargain. Offer the two he wants along with the money.
>>
No. 1033036 ID: 11f77a
File 165310470624.png - (280.18KB , 550x500 , tvd_103.png )
1033036

Inside, the rest of the group tries to reorient and grab their guns. Stobor and his hench already have their piece. Grutter whips out his own pistol--and Fletch is left without a weapon at all.
“Yo! Someone give me a gun!”
Stobor scoffs and the henchman briefly pockets a stack of credits. “You’re gonna have to sit tight, ichor. Malfor, what the fuck is happening?!”
The driver blasts his shotgun for more cover fire so everyone gets their shit ready, but the damn zipperneck remains hunching behind his riot shields with a slow side walk. He returns fire with bullet holes significantly inching closer to the driver.

“It’s the guy! It’s him! The zepher! Flank him! Somebody flank him!”
>>
No. 1033037 ID: 11f77a
File 165310483393.png - (186.57KB , 550x500 , tvd_103map.png )
1033037

It’ll be a little difficult to flank at the moment. There’s a roadway sound barrier that stretches north and southward. There’s open road and a field to the left--not much cover there but it’s a bit dark.

Your current positions:
>Stobor has total cover in the car. He has: gun.
>Henchman has total cover in the car. He has: gun.
>Grutter has total cover in the car. Look! More gun.
>Fletch has total cover in the car. No gun. He collects credits that have fallen out of the briefcase.
>Driver has half cover. And a shotty.

The Vitruvian inches closer.
>>
No. 1033045 ID: 8fae7e

Fletch: Look for your chance to escape with the cash.

Grutter, Stober and Henchman: You're gonna want to prep for this. When there's a lull in firing all three of you get out and run and flank in different directions. He can't guard all his angles. You'll have to get out of cover, but it's better than sitting and waiting to die.

Driver: Provide cover so he can't shoot them.
>>
No. 1033046 ID: e5709d

>Fight
SCREW THAT! Grab some cash and run into the woods!
>>
No. 1033048 ID: b8d303

Anyone trying to flank him out in the open is basically suicidal and unless anybody has a gun with armour piercing capability the only thing i can think of in this situation is to make a retreat to a more favorable position and call for backup.
Judging by his poor accuracy he cant accurately shoot and fully protect himself at the same time.
Driver get into cover and keep providing cover fire.
Henchman backup the Driver
Everyone else make a run for it down the street using the other parked cars as cover.
Once clear Stobor call for back up.
>>
No. 1033050 ID: 96c896

Someone should go to one of the parked cars and hotwire it, then use it to smash the hitman, or flank him.
>>
No. 1033179 ID: 3aa06e

Driver: Provide covering fire to keep him from aiming.

Henchman: Move to take covering behind one of the parked cars and cover the driver when he needs to reload.

Stober: Move to the furthest parked car.

Fletch and Grutter: Follow and see if the parked car can be quickly hotwired. We'll see from there.

Maybe shoot out the street lights to darken the road if we have to make a full retreat on foot.
>>
No. 1033180 ID: 15a025

Driver: Continue giving cover and fire shots to put pressure on this giant bug.

Grutter: Shoot out the street lights in front of you, if you can. Make it harder for the enemy to see you. Then fall back with the others.

Fletch, Strober, and Henchmen: Fall back to the cars behind you. Surely one of you could get a car rolling.
>>
No. 1033454 ID: 11f77a
File 165341524861.png - (259.29KB , 550x500 , tvd_104.png )
1033454

“The fuck do we do?!” cries Fletch, now hugging the suitcase for dear life.
“We’ll have to stand our ground.” Stobor peeks and catches a glimpse of The Vitruvian’s getup. “We can flank him easy. He’s got two shields and there are five of us. Well... four of us with guns.”
“No! Fuck that! We gotta run into the woods! Flanking him out in the open is suicidal, man! He’s got four arms! One for each of us!”
The driver is loading shells as the hench fires his pistol.
Grutter is hesitant to agree and peers through the rear window. “Staying isn’t any better. There’s a sound barrier, but it looks like it ends at a parking space due south. Running our best option right now.”
Time is ticking, Stobor would immediately concede. “Huuurgh, alright. We can make an escape that way. We can hijack one of those cars. Does anyone know how to hotwire one?”
Fletch and Grutter look at one another, but they feel there’s a chance. “Yeah we could figure something out. Skippers are somewhat makeshift back in Daatuteph.”
“Well it aint a dune buggy! You’ll have to try!”
>>
No. 1033455 ID: 11f77a
File 165341532081.png - (276.62KB , 550x500 , tvd_105.png )
1033455

“Gurchu! Malfor! Cover my ass. We’re getting’ outta here!”
Stobor, Grutter and Fletch crawl from the wreckage and wait for the signal.
“Now!” orders the mobster before their feet pick up.

The driver and henchman provide cover-fire as the trio runs to the nearest parked car. The henchman is only hitting the broad side of the riot shields as the assailant advances.
The Vitruvian was waiting for the driver’s head to pop up and a flurry of lead turns the lobster into gorm cheese. There’s a wet popping sound behind Fletch and he winces.

“Fucking shit...” murmurs the henchman as he ducks back under.
>>
No. 1033456 ID: 11f77a
File 165341552342.png - (188.92KB , 550x500 , tvd_105map.png )
1033456

Current positions:
>Henchman has partial cover by the flipped car.
>Stobor, Fletch, and Grutter have used their movement speed for the round. They have reached the first parked car.
>>
No. 1033469 ID: f42bc8

Well, if these guys have the tactical know-how...

Hench: Hunker down, single shot blindfire to suppress. Might not be able to kill this guy, but he can slow him enough to hotwire the car and flee. Yell for cover fire if he has to reload or if the car is hotwired.
Fletch: Hotwire the car, of course.
Everybody else: Overwatch, pin this fucker like a cushion if he attempts to go around the overturned vehicle.
>>
No. 1033504 ID: 8fae7e

Hey, did anyone like, call this in? For backup? Someone should, so if this ends up in a stalling game you still have reinforcements.
>>
No. 1033513 ID: e51896

I say we hotwire the second car instead of the first to get more distance. He's probably expecting us to take the first car, and the front window is in shooting range by the time we finish hotwiring it.

But before we more to the second car, why not first turn on the brights on the first car's headlights and attempt to blind the asshole while he is distracted with the henchman? As for who? Ehhh, maybe Stober.
>>
No. 1033528 ID: a6d73c

>>1033513
Gotta downvote this. If you consider things from the opposing side's angle, the second car would come into visibility before the first car if they go around the side that driver's corpse is. Plus it'd waste time while Fletch moves.
That said, it would be a good idea to have Fletch hide below the dashboard while he hotwires.

>>1033504
Stobor could, though the police have probably at least gotten calls about the gunfire.

Ultimately, we cannot be sure which path the hostile will take around the car, but as long as hench is aware which side they take, perhaps by listening for their footsteps, hench will have a shot at flanking them from the rear side.

If they move towards driver's corpse, hench could head around the right side of the vehicle to flank them while everybody else besides Fletch targets the front side.
If they move towards hench himself, hench could move to driver's corpse (optionally grabbing driver's gun, it seemed to have more firepower), and get ready to flank from that side. If that occurs, Stobor should join Grutter behind the vehicle, and hench can move to flank once the target is pinned by everybody else besides Fletch.
>>
No. 1033950 ID: 11f77a
File 165385759731.png - (244.04KB , 550x500 , tvd_106.png )
1033950

Grutter bashes a window so Fletch can unlock and hotwire the car. The ichor instantly goes to work. It’s not a model he’s familiar with but he can make a best guess; the skippers and other dune-scalping cars on Daatuteph were imported--so alien tech is not a stretch to figure out. He rips the dashboard cover apart to access the wires beneath. The briefcase remains in the passenger seat but nonetheless within reach.

>Hey, did anyone like, call this in? For backup?
Stobor would want to call for backup, but with the alerted police and the time it’ll take for more Mosses to help, the attempt would be fruitless and either the Vitruvian kills them all, or they're running for their lives elsewhere.
If chased, he’d find a hideout with men waiting with lots of guns.
>>
No. 1033953 ID: 11f77a
File 165385782729.png - (282.15KB , 550x500 , tvd_107.png )
1033953

The hench hunkers down behind the flipped car and waits for the Vitruvian to step to either side. It’ll be a constant game of keep-away until he can flank the zepher.
As you wait, there are sounds of metal on metal, heavy clunks on each side of the vehicle you hide behind. On its back, the car teeters and nudges into the henchman.

“Shit... what’s he trying to--?”

With a powerful shove, the Vitruvian uses his metallic limbs to slide the car ahead of him. Hench is unable to break from the path and is smashed between his car and the getaway vehicle. He croaks with a crushed chest and lets his weapon go.

Fletch feels a large nudge without a view of what’s going on. “What the hell was that?!”
>>
No. 1033956 ID: 11f77a
File 165385824812.png - (178.24KB , 550x500 , tvd_107map.png )
1033956

Current positions:
>Stoborand Grutter await their next action, witnessing in horror the Hench being crushed.
Fletch will need to spend three actions, two if you don't plan to steer.
>Apply power to ignition
>Start the car engine
>Unlock the steering wheel
>>
No. 1034000 ID: 75d1c4

Well. The ability to single-handedly flip a vehicle does change the tactical situation for the worse. I had previously considered running this guy over with a car, but that suddenly seems like a way to be killed.

Fletch might be okay as he is, but he might not. If the hostile notices the busted window, Fletch is screwed if he stays still. Otherwise, the car probably has the horsepower to push the other car out of the way, giving at least him a way to flee. Also a possibility is that 2 rounds might be before the hostile gets close enough to notice the busted window, but it's hard to say. Still, if the car does get moving, he could get enough distance to fix the steering, and get out of there. Alternately, Grutter could alert him, and they could attempt to all flee as a group. I'm not sure which would be the better way to go especially since from a meta perspective, it looks like if Fletch and Grutter die, the hostile has accomplished their goals.

Either way, it does seem like for whoever is fleeing, they mostly have cover for the time being. The parked cars provide cover all the way to the parking lot below, where the can use the sound barrier for cover, then hop from cover to cover on the right side of the cars in the lot itself. The big issue with this, though, is the stretch from the second parked car to the lot. I don't know if the hostile can easily get past the light on the right side of the car, mostly because it's unclear how much of an obstacle it is, but if he goes that way, there's no cover from the second parked car to the corner of the sound barrier, which would make whoever goes that way easy targets. On the other hand, if the hostile does not go that way, the parked cars provide good cover, so long as the people fleeing don't pop their heads up. It's not ideal, but I don't see a better way to deal with the cruddy cards we now have.
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No. 1034013 ID: e54389

Inspiration has just struck me hard!
Two things.
First, the hostile has held his shields high so far. Secondly, the car that was just moved is overturned, which means the both the left and right side of the car have an open lower area. These facts combined give a way to make things much easier for our group.
In short, if Grutter ducks down, he probably has a clear shot at the hostile's legs. Shooting those would slow the hostile considerably, making escape far more likely for all involved.
>>
No. 1034354 ID: 15a025

Not sure if we can make it out of this alive. We could certainly try to make one explosive effort to get out of this though.

Grutter, shoot the gas tank. Get that explosive liquid leaking and run like hell.

Strober- Certainly classy mobster like yourself carries a lighter. Get that thing going and lets blow up that crashed car.

Fletch- Start booking it.
>>
No. 1034360 ID: b5cf15

>>1034354
I’m liking this idea
>>
No. 1034367 ID: da40bf

Silly question, how late is it here? Because if it's late enough to be dark out, there's a simple, practical solution to this.

Shoot out the closest lights, use the cover of darkness to flee, or at least get distance.
>>
No. 1034368 ID: 9b127b

Blowing up the car seems like a solid plan.

best case scenario he's either injured or stunned enough for Grutter and Fetch to get away, and for the city to bring in the serious guns to at least distract this psycho for a while

worst case scenario you die, but that's what the bastard wants anyways so there's nothing to lose
>>
No. 1034444 ID: be3197

On one hand, you guys are making like, 3 assumptions too many about blowing up the vehicle.
We don't know if Echoverse vehicles use internal combustion engines - they could be electrical. Heck, we don't even know if they have a fossil fuel equivalent, given that the origins of our fossil fuels goes back to the dinosaurs. IF they are not electrical...
We don't know if these vehicles have safety features that would stop an explosion before it starts. A vehicle that explodes in car accidents is just bad design in general. IF they lack those sorts of features...
We can't be sure that the vehicle will explode. It might just catch on fire at a slow rate, regardless.

On the other hand, if you are right about it blowing up, it might just be what's needed in this scenario...
>>
No. 1034517 ID: 11f77a
File 165456715725.png - (293.25KB , 550x500 , tvd_108.png )
1034517

Grutter wasn’t expecting the zepher to straight up shove the car across the way. With every assumption you make of this guy, he seems to subvert it. Seems almost unfair. But with an extra set of cybernetic arms it’s not too much of a surprise he can make unexpected extraordinary feats. He doesn’t seem to be in the mood to go around cars and bullets, this juggernaut must strike fear in a lot of his bounties by simply moving forward without delay. Seeing him with your own eyes, it’s a wonder Fletch managed to escape the first time.
Grutter only has a moment’s notice to process his next move. Because the henchman was crushed by the overturned vehicle, his gaze remains on the flipped car. And good thing too, for his eyes follow the undercarriage to the exposed gas tank.
He immediately opens the driver side to see his buddy finally apply power to the vehicle. An explosion could take them all out, so they’ll need to cover some distance before he shoots it.
“Forget the car! Grab the suitcase and fucking book it!”
“But I just got it working—“

The Vitruvian’s robotic arms slam on the top of the flipped car. His body is hoisted up like Doc Ock. To be sure he wasn’t an easy target the zepher sprays some bullets across the horizon. The windshield shatters: Fletch is completely safe under the dashboard. Grutter had partial cover from the opened car door, but a stray bullet nicks his shoulder. Stobor was split between three decisions. His mind is on the lights above--darkness could be his ally; he also feels the need to run because it’s not like he’s the main target; but he doesn’t want to be exposed to be shot so he may consider keeping his aim ahead. The krullg expected The Vitruvian to go around and is instead shot in the gut during the bullet spree. He cringes from the pain but remains on his feet.

“Right fucking now, Fletch! It’s not fucking going anywhere!” Grutter reaches a long arm out to grab and throw Fletch out of the car. The briefcase is again in the ichor’s hands as all three of them scurry to the next car for cover when it’s clear.
>>
No. 1034518 ID: 11f77a
File 165456728063.png - (176.12KB , 550x500 , tvd_108map.png )
1034518

All three characters take their movement speed to get far enough away to avoid the worst of the blast--albeit any debris that may fly in their direction. Grutter will remain silent about his current strategy so the Vitruvian wouldn’t realize his plan.

Current positions:
>Grutter can stick to the plan on taking the shot on the gas tank.
>Fletch and Stobor await their next action.
>>
No. 1034534 ID: 525fc0

...I've clearly been thinking too much like this is a conventional tactical squad engagement against a hostile that just has a trick or two up their sleeve. Perhaps it'd be better to view this from the other side.

Looking at the situation that way, the hostile has very good reason to be confident now. We've been pushed back to our last cover before open ground, and even that cover is minimal while he has such a high angle. If we shoot back? He just uses his shields to deflect the shots, and guns us down as we pop up. If we fall back? He guns us down while we're exposed. If we stay put where we are? He advances, and guns us down with ease. All conventional tactical scenarios lead to an easy victory for the hostile, and that's even before we consider if he has further tricks up his sleeve, like tossing a vehicle at the group. Clearly, conventional will not do here.

Seeing as how there is indeed a gas tank, attempting to blow up the car is worth a shot, and it's now or never because the hostile will probably continue to advance.
That said, whether it explodes or fails to, we need to have further plans in place. Shooting out the light and falling back has risks. For all we know, he's got nightvision cybernetics in his eyes, and even if he doesn't, full auto fire has a chance to hit regardless. However, we have to take some risks because this guy advances like a Persian immortal. Staying still is suicide. In addition, the stuff in Fletch's briefcase seemed pretty tough, so he could probably use it as an improvised shield while he attempts to get to the next cover with everyone else, the roadway barrier wall. I suspect the hostile's next move will be to just climb over or bust through the wall, but that's a problem for the future. Assuming this ragtag band survives.

Grutter: Attempt to blow up vehicle
Stobor: Shoot out street lamp
Fletch: Put the briefcase behind your back, and get ready to dash
After that, everybody rush to get behind the parking lot wall, or at least as close you have the ability to.
>>
No. 1035028 ID: 11f77a
File 165526611756.png - (277.16KB , 550x500 , tvd_109.png )
1035028

Grutter reloads his pistol and hugs against the car. “Stobor, I need you to kill those lights!”
“Why? So we can’t see what we’re shooting at? It’s no fucking use either way--he can’t be stopped by conventional means! He could have night vision goggles! We need to run! You idiots are gonna have to take your chances!”
“Nevermind! But I need you to keep him distracted!”
“You about to run off before me? Nooo way! I’d shoot your ankles myself!”
“I aint running yet! You’re just gonna have to trust me on this!!!”

The Vitruvian stomps forward, seeking advantage in scope on top of the car they just abandoned. Bullets pepper in a line across the windshield until it breaks entirely. Grutter and Stobor cringe in their spot as glass and mirror chunks shatter around their heads. Fletch huddles behind the vehicle entirely, waiting for a break in gunfire.
Grutter turns to his friend, “Fletch, you gotta go! Escape into the woods; I’ll be right behind ya! (If this works, I mean.) Otherwise... I’ve given you some distance at least.” The relicynth turns and opens fire, aiming for the end of the flipped vehicle. Stray bullets ricochet off the steel carapace until one punctures the tank.

The zepher has a moment to realize something’s amiss. The krullg’s bullets don’t faze him one bit, sure. It was all a random pattern, frantic when one’s life is coming to its end. But the relic’s shots have a much wider interval--one of focus...
He looks over his shoulder in time for the gas to ignite--
>>
No. 1035029 ID: 11f77a
File 165526672494.png - (201.77KB , 550x500 , tvd_110.png )
1035029

Farah speeds as fast as she could to the scene of disturbance! A lot of people are reporting echoes of gunshots in the area. She’s determined to catch up with all this nonsense with a squad right behind her.

As she zooms over the bridge she witnesses an explosion!

"My goddess... what is going on with this city?"
>>
No. 1035032 ID: e51896

uhhhhh... just keep driving away, Farah. This is too much for you to handle, especially on your own. You got a husbando and son after all.
>>
No. 1035033 ID: 273c18

>>1035029
Better call for backup, firefighters, and probably emergency medical personnel.
>>
No. 1035034 ID: b7d216

...That was a bigger explosion than I expected. Almost looks like it blew a hole in the wall. Did Stobor have explosives inside that vehicle?

Well, real tough to say what happened with Fletch and the others.
In fact, that might be somewhere else given that the parking lot seems way further off than it was on the tactical map. Would be quite a ridiculous coincidence, though, so I'll just go with something not being quite to scale.
If they're still alive and we still have the ability to command Fletch & co., the obvious choices are
1) Make sure he's dead and GTFO
2) Hope that he's dead, GTFO, and leave the mess to the authorities
Given that they're all criminals, they'll probably go with 2.
Of course, with Stobor bleeding out of a gut wound, it'd make sense for Fletch and Grutter to ask themselves if they trust Stobor enough to get him fixed up. In fact, without him they're both effectively off the radar of the Mosses...

The good officer, on the other hand, now has a mess to deal with. Fire and rescue's gonna have to be called, and the area cordoned. Of course, that may dilute her manpower too much to safely investigate the gunshots, so she'll have to call in additional backup. Worst of all, she'll have to deal with that scourge of any public employee. She'll have reams and reams of paperwork in her future.
>>
No. 1035051 ID: e5709d

Stobor: Continue firing. "Finish Fletch's job!"
Fletch: Set the forest on fire.
Grubber: Hotwire the car. "You're not the boss of me, ssob!"
Farah: Call for backup, get out of the car, and use your phone to scope the situation.
>>
No. 1035281 ID: 11f77a
File 165552287841.png - (229.65KB , 550x500 , tvd_111.png )
1035281

Farah arrives on the scene accompanied by police. Paramedics and firefighters have been notified and would arrive soon after. She helps cordon the area and makes a clear path to the wreckage for the firemen.

There is a crashed vehicle ahead of the explosion. The license plate matches Ordo’s stolen car--so the convenience store killer was here when it happened. Bullet casings litter the ground leading up to the fire. A dead krullg lies partway with a hole in the noggin. Car paint has scuffed the asphalt and the blackened remains of the chassis looks it’s been flipped. It’s hard to tell what model is in the fiery heap with melted plastic and scorched metal.
The flames are being doused. Farah finally has a moment to step back and look at the entire picture...

That taxi driver described an ichorynth carried away by a team of krullgs--the dead one is wearing a formal suit and near him lays a loaded shotgun. Could be them. Could be part of a gang, or family. Now they may be mixed up in all this.

A yell from her officers.

“Farah! What d’ja make of this?”
>>
No. 1035283 ID: 11f77a
File 165552319071.png - (261.55KB , 550x500 , tvd_112.png )
1035283

The chupian officer joins the other policeman. Beneath some car debris are splintered parts of a machine gun.
A sheet of metal is found lodged in the road barrier. A weird contraption is attached to it with some kind of dripping fluid.

“Enough force to blow a car door through brick. Would you ever believe a sight like that? Although I have seen wood planks jutting through sidewalks during hurricane season. Those winds are fierce.”

Farah has a bit more concern than the other officer.
“I don’t think... that’s a door. You wouldn’t happen to know if anyone's seen a visitor from Daatuteph, would you? Dead or... escaping the scene...”
>>
No. 1035284 ID: 11f77a
File 165552336316.png - (305.69KB , 550x500 , tvd_113.png )
1035284

Farah looks around. There are only three directions to flee the scene: south, west of the explosion, or north. And she hasn't run into anyone coming from the north.
There are several trails of blood that follow along the road barrier. They all lead down into the parking lot--and over a chain-link fence to escape into the woods.

Another trail passes through a gate. The lock’s been smashed... as well as the gate itself...

“Ho, boy. I’m gonna need a search team.”
>>
No. 1035285 ID: 11f77a
File 165552350683.png - (216.78KB , 550x500 , tvd_114.png )
1035285

Fletch, Grutter, and Stobor run in the dark forest. Ichorynths are known for their darkvision better than the others--thus Fletch leads with the briefcase in hand. There’s no aim to where they go, just far away from this place.
Stobor is only hanging back because of his sore gut. He knows he’s bleeding fast and will only get worse if he continues to exert himself, and the boys are getting a little further away. But one thing’s for sure--they will pay for all this damage done. Aint no way the krullg walks this off empty-handed.
>>
No. 1035286 ID: 11f77a
File 165552389477.png - (139.31KB , 550x500 , tvd_115.png )
1035286

They reach a pond. It’s when the krullg finally speaks up.
“Now hold on just a minute, guys!! hrrk Wait up! cough! Just to catch... our breath!”
Neither of them checked to see if the zipperneck is a charred carapace--but they didn’t want to be around when the cops arrived. Grutter’s shoulder begins to feel numb from the gunshot wound now that there’s a moment to ponder their situation. He shoots a look at Stobor:
“We can’t linger any longer. Where-ever you think we should go next I will only say: forget it! No place is safe in this city! And you aint following us on the next train out of here so we’re going to split. Here.”
Stobor scoffs and points a finger at them.
“Listen here, cretin! You aint parting ways without owing me for getting you this far! You think this is out of kindness?! Hesphis Moss will throw me in a grinder if I just cut my loss and let you two go! Yeager expects you to be face-down in the hot asphalt this morning!--
--That’s not the end of it, you know! He will send more after you, he’s that arrogant! You know that better than me--you worked for that deranged motherfucker! Once he finds out you blew up The Vitruvian, of all people, he’ll have the entirety of HURON sent down from orbit!
--You know what? Why the fuck do I even ramble about what's gonna happen to you two? Give me my fucking money!"

Stobor makes a gesture to show his gun tucked under his belt. Grutter still grips his pistol as well.

How do they settle this?

• [Fletch/Grutter] Simple. We just get this negotiation over with.
• [Fletch/Grutter] Start running again, ditch the guy. You could probably lose him. Probably.
• [Grutter] Shoot Stobor already, he’s just slowing you guys down. Get the Mosses off your backs and cut any link.
• [Stobor] Hold them at gunpoint, demand half or all money.
• [Stobor] Shoot them anyway. You’re that hot-headed. News of their death may prevent future hassle to your Family.
• [Other] >___

>>
No. 1035292 ID: e5709d

Fletch: "We'll pay you a big cut for your limo and your hired help getting toasted, but we're not trusting you an inch further. Just go home, while you still have one."
Grutter: "Look at yourself in the damn lake. You say we're going to have the HURON gunning for our heads, ready to nuke us because our boss is spiteful enough to ruin himself just to ensure we'll never have anything good in our lives... and you're still trying to take our tagged money? Because your Mossy Bossy will be disappointed?
You're hooked to this life, Stobor, in the worst possible way. They force-fed you caviar to get normalized to conspicuous indulgence. You don't want to be posh and fancy and idle, your gunplay proves otherwise. But you act like you do and you step all over us ants because you think it's perfectly normal.
You are, and have always been, their Pavlov pet. A million dollars? Nothing but a sack of hay to hide their disgusting behaviors behind monetary greed. Slaves are their true wealth, their true obsession. Only reason we sucked at this job is because we don't learn obedience well."
>>
No. 1035296 ID: edecd5

Were this a movie, this'd probably be the climax, or getting close to the climax.

Allow me to suggest some dialogue to rachet up the tension of it all.

"Seriously? If we hadn't blown up that car, the zipper would have blown you full of holes!"

"He wouldn't have been after me if it weren't for you two! Hell, if it weren't for me, Fletch wouldn't have gotten fixed up at all!"

"So, what, you going to shoot us? Alert the cops to where we are? That'll end well. With that wound, there's not a chance in Ndepteph's guts you shake 'em off."

"Yeah, so unfortunate you shot me in the gut, and I shot you in self-defense. Did you forget? I'm with the Mosses! The family has damn good lawyers!"

"With the shoulder wound, we've got the same story you do!"

"You really think the Mosses will stand for you shooting one of theirs? You want Moss AND Yeager after your hides? You'd be better off shooting yourselves in the head!"
[I'd like to note this would be the perfect line for Stobor's head to get blown off. Regardless of who fired.]

At this point, the only option lost is running. As if that was ever actually an option, muzzle velocity is faster than anybody alive, but I digress.
One thing that's for sure, they're not handing over all of the credits. Getaway money is sorely needed.

If Stobor dies and they evade the cops, the Mosses are a non-issue. So, that's probably what they'll go with if Stobor demands it all.
However... if they hand over half... it'd be sooooo veeeeeery awful if the two faked their deaths and Yeager somehow got word that the Mosses now have his credits... oh soooooo veeeeery awful.
>>
No. 1035307 ID: 9b127b

Fletch: Give Stobor some money, he DID help you, and his men did provide a good meatshield.

Stobor: take whatever money you're given, you're out numbered and injured.

Grutter: Shoot Stobor if he starts demanding everything.

there isn't time for a long argument, either the Vitruvian or the Cops will be here soon, no reason to die so close to the finish line from petty bickering
>>
No. 1035340 ID: c0bd54

Stobor: Demand half the money.
Fletch: Agree but point out Stobor is in no state to carry it.
>>
No. 1035370 ID: 15a025

>>1035340
Oooh I love this, totally agree. Strober is in no shape to carry all that loot.

Grutter- Point out that shooting us is fucking stupid right. The cops are certainly hearing it, and they're going to catch whoever's ass, faster than our injured bodies can out run them.
>>
No. 1035402 ID: ca5be9

>>1035340
This.
>>
No. 1035818 ID: 11f77a
File 165602700541.png - (134.80KB , 550x500 , tvd_116.png )
1035818

Grutter is aggravated with this soft-shelled brat. Stobor slings subtle threats that the path ahead is one you can never rest. And ripping this guy off would get both Yeager and Moss barreling after you.
Fletch throws his arms in the air. “Are you serious? You chose to take us along for the ride to ‘help us out’. You made a risk just for this little side-hustle! Feels like a job you had to run by Moss first! Given the situation, if we hadn’t blown up your car we’d be all full of holes!”
Stobor retorts, “I wouldn’t have been on Yeager’s radar until you took your first steps at the vet. Why couldn’t you have stayed on your shithole planet and not bring your matters here?!? You’re leaving a path of destruction, bucko. Your situation is hopeless--I'm just earning my dues and saving face while I have the option!”
The relicynth scoffs, “Oh how smart you are to take initiative. ‘Hey, kid! You’re going to die soon so can I have your trading cards?’ What--? You’re going to steal as much as you can because your biggest concern is a surrogate father figure disappointed in you?”
- “Oh this is more than... sticking up to a boss, chopsticks. I could explain to Hesphis that two jerkwads have decided to make an ass out of the family--that they ought to make peace with the sea floor. Or! I could tell a different story that the boys unfortunately died in a crossfire but at least there’s some compensation out of the wreckage. Any leads to your next stop could turn cold. I’ll definitely be reprimanded (no doubt about it), humiliated either way. But I’ve been through worse. And you’ve got enough on your plate... So shut your mouths and pile those credits up!”

Fletch holds up the briefcase with an irritated sigh.
“Fine. Fine, you bottom feeder. You get your fucking cut. What’s this, for a limo and your hired help? Hospital bill? Sure, take your damn credits. Four-hundred thousand should cover everything.”
“No. Half.”
“Half? Are you fucking joking?!”
“You’re taking what we give you!” Grutter puts his foot down, “More than enough for the damage the bounty hunter caused. Now enough talk! The cops will be here any minute!”
>>
No. 1035819 ID: 11f77a
File 165602703475.png - (231.56KB , 550x500 , tvd_117.png )
1035819

Stobor grimaces; there’s neither a nod nor decline. Fletch carefully walks on over, fiddling with the case. “Arms out. You better hope you can carry all this.”
The krullg briefly ponders, “I can use my suit like a bag. It’s ruined, anyway.”
“Well you got the cash to buy a better one,” Grutter quips.
Stobor looks at the relicynth. And his shoulder rolls to remove an arm from the sleeve--he swipes it around his body like a matador. Just before it floats to the ground the gun is in his hand.

Grutter spies it, and draws his piece at the same time. Both fire at one another. Stobor gets Grutter in the ribs--but the relic empties the last of his magazine into the krullg. The mobster cringes and faceplants into the pond with a flat splash. Still.
Grutter kneels and slips into the water as well--but he has the strength to keep his head above the water.

“GAAK! RhRRRRGH!”
>>
No. 1035820 ID: 11f77a
File 165602723935.png - (293.30KB , 550x500 , tvd_118.png )
1035820

Fletch immediately comes to his aid, taking his arm to help. “Oh fuck! Grutter! Are you okay? Ooah—shit!”
“I’m fine! Blugh... C’mon. Help me up, Fletch... I may hunch a bit but I can still walk fine. Come on.”

Only a moment to breathe, thinking of the next move. Obviously to run. But what measures?
-
His eyes yellow in the darkness of the woods, The Vitruvian limps into the moonlight. Mangled, his right side is scorched. One of his robotic arms is missing--the other sparks and twitches behind him like a folded wing.
The boys turn to see the zepher.

“No..."
"No. No. No. NO!!!”

The Vitruvian stands three yards away. Other than the riot shield, he has no other weapons; the rifle is missing. His eyes look at Stobor’s floating body and he sneers.

...

...

“You could run. Probably will.”

...

He looks to Fletch.
“Your friend won’t have a chance to keep up with you. Not long anyway. If you two split--then I’ll be going after him first. You’ll have your head start, sure... but easy to follow. I’ll be on your heels by tomorrow.
>>
No. 1035829 ID: e5709d

>>1035820
"What do you want."
>>
No. 1035831 ID: c1fc43

There's two ways this could go.

First up.
Grutter: "Fletch, go."
Fletch: "What?"
Grutter: "There's only one way I get out of this alive. The cops obviously heard the shots. Besides, the only way I get fixed up is if I get to a hospital. I play the victim, I might avoid jail. I take any of the credits with Yeager's stamp, they'll know. Now GO!"
Fletch: "...Fucking hell, you better not die..."

The other way is to roll the dice. This guy's a cyborg, obviously full of metal. Heavy dense metal. Metal that could cause him to, say, sink to the bottom of a lake. Even if he can breathe underwater, he can't catch them from the bottom of the lake. He could leave to get a ranged weapon of some type, but that would effectively let both escape. Still a dice roll though, because this guy is quite unconventional. He's good at doing unexpected stuff.

Oh wait, there is a third choice. Stobor's gun still has ammo.
>>
No. 1035836 ID: 273c18

Lure him into the mud. Then use both guns to put him down. He only has ONE shield now.
>>
No. 1035854 ID: c1d4af

He says you'll be easy to follow, but when did we ever take this guy's advice on anything?

Run on all fours, man! Pain is just weakness leaving the body!

Let's run back to the populated and be as loud as possible when this cyborg genius decides to follow us in the open.
>>
No. 1035960 ID: 15a025

We could run, but then he'll still be after us. He may even come back repaired and stronger.

Grab whatever weaponry you can get, and start running to muddy area, this should hopefully slow him down. If you can team up, hopefully you can get some shots past his shield and end this. If not, you may be running from him till you're out of breath.
>>
No. 1036143 ID: dccdd0

Yeah..., dont listen to this guy. By the looks of it he's in worst condition. Stay together, grab the guns and run towards an populated area. Dont bother wasting your ammo on him, he still has that shield and the gun fire will only alert the police.
>>
No. 1036293 ID: 11f77a
File 165638498886.png - (202.53KB , 550x500 , tvd_119.png )
1036293

>Run towards a populated area
You don’t know how deep in the forest you are, and how much further you'd need to travel. The surefire way to population is back where you came--but you’ll have to get through the zepher.

>Use both guns to put him down.
>Stobor’s gun still has ammo.
Stobor has fallen in the pond; his gun may have sunk too far in--and it would be difficult to find in the muddy water at dark.
“What... what do you want?” Grutter mutters.

The vitruvian takes a few steps forward.
“It’s what my client wants. You know what he wants.”

Fletch yells out.
“We didn’t do it!!!”
The Vitruvian slowly stops, intrigued by the ichor’s outburst.
“What happened was not our fault! Yeager can have his money! He can have it back--just leave us alone! We wanted to get out of that life!” he whispers, “You don’t have to do this.”

“I’m not the one to talk about that to.”

Grutter lifts his arm, aiming his gun at the zepher. But he recalls emptying his mag into Stobor. His silverhand trembles--then drops the pistol willingly and rolls his sleeve up. Revealing his folded left arm, it has room to extend out freely. He hisses to his partner.
“Fletch, go. Just get out of here.”
“What?”
“Get your legs moving... and run.”
“He just wants me to run!”
“It’s the end for me, boyo. But I’ll at least try to bring that bastard down.”
“Not like this! Since when would I take advice from him? Just look at him. He’ll never be in worse condition.”
--
Combat initiated: A little different this time. Designate exactly where you intend to hit the Vitruvian (on the head, sweep the leg, for example).

Of course... there is still the option to just go back to running.
>>
No. 1036294 ID: 273c18

Nah, just die like the good little DM-dogtoy you are.
>>
No. 1036319 ID: dccdd0

Grutter, if you really intend to fight then keep in mind that he still has another cybernetic arm and shield that could could easily kill you if you're not careful. His right eyeball destroyed, while is right arm and possibly his right leg are probably weakspots, Try to stay within his blindside and attack his right leg with a kick.
Fletch, don't abandon your injured friend stay and help fight.
>>
No. 1036438 ID: e08a6f

Fletch: milk is coming out of that guy's torso. Stick your hand there and let's see what other stuff we can pull out.
>>
No. 1036448 ID: 54a5ca

Fletch and Grutter double team this half-dead asshole and attack his injured side. Knock him to the ground and drown him in the water.
>>
No. 1036458 ID: 273c18

Ok nobody else wants to rebel against the author, so I'll suggest again to lure him into the mud. Even without a gun, that's advantageous terrain, especially since his center of gravity is severely off-balance. Lacking one shield means the other one isn't there to compensate!

I don't think he's going to respond to pain, since if he could feel pain he wouldn't be still standing with those wounds. Hitting him won't do anything, though maaaaybe yanking something out of his leaky cybernetics might do something? Eh, even if you yank out his guts he'll probably keep going, because he's like, full of combat drugs or something at the moment.
Throw mud in his eye. Trip him, especially so he falls to his left (his heavy side). That'll pin his useful limbs for a moment. Then grab a pointy stick, and shove it into his empty eyesocket. You could use the empty gun as a bludgeon to try to knock him out if you're feeling lucky.
>>
No. 1036461 ID: bb45d0

Oh no, fighting's last resort for if they wind up cornered. What they have to remember is that they don't have to kill this guy immediately, they can get help from the cops if they hide the credits and stall for as long as it takes. Like, they could toss the briefcase in the lake, and get them afterwards. Sure, this guy is directly between those two and the cops, but they don't have to go the direct route. Once he's dealt with, they can make up whatever would show the two as victims.
Stobor's gun may not have panned out, but there are other options.
Here's one, use Stobor's body as a flotation device so the two can jointly swim across the pond. Disgusting and morbid to be sure, but it's got better odds than a battle.
Failing that, the "go through the mud" idea would help to stall. Especially if they go around the pond. Should they do so, the hostile is no longer in the path to the cops.
Splitting up may help if either of the previous two options partially fails. One goes to the cops, the other escapes with the credits. Or just escapes if the credits got hid. Or one could go get the cops while the other stalls by fleeing in a way that winds up going 360 degrees to nowhere.
Loud cries for help would be a thing they could do in all of those.
Worst case scenario, they somehow get cornered, well... Human weak spots are the eyes, neck, groin, and joints. Of those, eyes and joints seem to be biologically close enough. Get the eye, and the fight gets way harder for the hostile. Stay to the blind side if you have the ability to do so, it'll quite literally make assaults harder to see.
>>
No. 1036736 ID: 11f77a
File 165672727044.png - (227.20KB , 550x500 , tvd_120.png )
1036736

Grutter prepares his first strike. He knows the zepher still has a heavy cybernetic arm that could crush him if he isn’t careful. It’s clear the shield is his only weapon and would use it as such--so the best counter may be to force him to use as intended: defensively.
The relic attacks in an obvious pattern, perhaps to bait his opponent to keep blocking without any room to swing. It doesn’t do much damage, sturdy as it is. But his talons are made of stern stuff as well. A few light scratches here and there.

The boys assumed correctly, he barely flinches when Grutter’s talons hook across his singed leg. Nerves could be shot--or he could be on some strong painkiller. But he feels the pull, the trip. The Vitruvian is brought down to a knee, his shield dives into the soft ground to keep his entire body from falling over.
As the zepher maintains balance--Fletch has the courage to tackle him into the shallow end of the pond.
>>
No. 1036737 ID: 11f77a
File 165672737009.png - (216.74KB , 550x500 , tvd_121.png )
1036737

Fletch gets some of that torso-sludge on his hands and suit. It doesn’t ‘feel’ like blood, if that makes sense. It’s not runny at all. It’s like a tar or grease.

Before anything else, the zepher makes his response: Fletch is a light enough creature to be tossed aside. He heaves the ichorynth off and into the deeper end with a heavy splash. The bounty hunter lugs his body up to focus his attention to Grutter again.

Designate your next attack against the Vitruvian.
>>
No. 1036766 ID: ffa1c0

So the sparky cybernetic got wet, but failed to zap the zip? Dang.
On the plus side, that tar or grease or whatever is not in the second image. Water either washes away or dilutes it, and he just got a whole bunch through the torso holes and possibly the eye hole. Whatever that stuff is (lubricant, maybe?), it's probably used by the cybernetics, so what's left of his cybernetics are probably no longer fully functional. Emphasis on fully, they probably still work fine for now.

Other notes:
Looks like Fletch dropped the briefcase. Might work as an improvised throwing weapon or shield.
Despite probably having the strength to crush Fletch's windpipe, as evidenced by throwing him into the pond, he opted to, well, throw him into the pond. Either he was worried it would leave an opening, or he really would like to avoid a 2 on 1, preferring to focus on 1 hostile.
He's strong, but grappling still works due to his heaviness, seeing as how unbalancing the legs made him use his shield to compensate.

Hey, wait a second... he's in the pond. Does that mean he's no longer directly in the path toward the cops? Toss dirt in his eye, and flee to the well-armed officers who are far better equipped to deal with this!
>>
No. 1036883 ID: 15a025

Fletch, sneak under water and do everything you can to pull on his legs and get him down under.
>>
No. 1036977 ID: 3aa06e

Time to put some dirt in his eye.
>>
No. 1036982 ID: 273c18

Mud goes in eyeball, but don't run away. Try to break his joints, or at least get him down in the mud again.
>>
No. 1036983 ID: 12b116

>>1036883
Trying to drown him isn't a bad idea but at this point we really need to make some noise to alert the cops if we want to keep them alive
>>
No. 1037065 ID: adc37c

>>1036983
this
>>
No. 1037308 ID: 11f77a
File 165721815891.png - (262.04KB , 550x500 , tvd_122.png )
1037308

>cybernetics
Noticing he wasn’t shocked in the water with the cybernetics he has, there must be countermeasures or insulated systems to prevent those problems. This gear isn’t makeshift like most technology in Daatuteph--it seems to be much higher quality stuff; It’s nothing you’d find on your home planet. And seeing he’s from HURON, this is some intricate machinery off-world.
With the short glimpse you had of his torso, it wasn’t a big gaping hole to his organs. If you could compare to working on a car it looks like a... filtration system? There were frills and something cylindrical within. It was too quick before you were tossed over.

>Attack: Legs
Fletch tries catching up; he hugs the vitruvian’s legs in attempt to bring him under the water.
With a scowl the zepher certainly won’t be taken advantage by his legs again, and his riot shield swings to bash Fletch’s snout. Blood trickles out the ichorynth’s nose as he stumbles backwards into some reeds.

>Make: Some Noise
You figure someone ought to hear the brawl. You oblige to yell and ham things up a bit in case officers are on the search.

>Toss: Dirt
“Hey zipper-neck! It’s me you want, right?!”
Grutter hastily scoops up a wad of mud and chucks it at the zepher’s face when he glares back. A direct his to the left side of his face that makes him recoil and shake his head. It was quite an annoyance for him; he instinctively attempts to wipe it off--splashing some pond water on his face while trudging through the shin-high level of pondwater.

Designate your next attack
>>
No. 1037310 ID: 8c9f91

He's temporarily blinded. This'll probably be the best shot we have to do serious damage.

Grutter: Go for the eye. Scratch, poke, slice, do whatever it takes to make him completely blind.
Fletch: Distract. Watch out for the cyber-arm of course, but if you occupy the hostile, the odds of successfully removing his vision go up.
>>
No. 1037311 ID: e5709d

And be careful; he may have some obscure cybersensors that can give him partial sight even if you claw his remaining eye out. He hasn't made it this far as a reaper by being easily blinded.
>>
No. 1037370 ID: dffb75

Grutter attack the head. Try to rip off his antennas and stab out his remaining eye.
Fletch attack from behind and kick him in the testicles/whatever he has down there. That might put him to the ground.
>>
No. 1037425 ID: c00327

Go for the riot shield to use it against him. Not sure how exactly tho. I guess you could push/pull/twist it in such a way that the guy would lose his balance and fall in the water, and then you could run.
>>
No. 1037537 ID: 15a025

Grutter's best equipped here to stab and gouge this dude's eyes out. Hopefully we can blind him, maybe even rip off his antennas.

Fletch: Dude's stomach is bare and exposed. Use them claws of yours and try to dig into his stomach. Hopefully that'll further damage and slow him down.
>>
No. 1038478 ID: 11f77a
File 165816296783.png - (228.88KB , 550x500 , tvd_123.png )
1038478

Grutter gallops to the distracted hunter. He uses the shield to leap upwards and attack the zepher’s face.
Feeling his weight on the shield, the robotic arm swerves--the relicynth hooks a hand around the neck like a pole to segue into an awkward piggyback. His nails dig into the exoskeleton of the vitruvian’s throat.
The zepher hunches and rolls his shoulders to try and throw Grutter off; it’s a rodeo as the shield attempts to swat him. Grutter leans to the right to avoid the haymaker; he regrips on the vitruvian’s head with nails digging into softer skin, bloodletting and hoping to scuff up his opponent's vision.
>>
No. 1038479 ID: 11f77a
File 165816317381.png - (231.03KB , 550x500 , tvd_124.png )
1038479

The Vitruvian responds predictably, but there’s enough thrashing for his shield to wedge under Grutter. His hands grab his thin wrists and he flips him over.

Forced off, the relicynth’s nails cut deeply as they rip the bounty hunter’s flesh, cutting across his eyebrow and cheek bones. Blood pours down the left side of his face with the mud still staining him.

With his hold on Grutter’s wrist, the zepher slams his robotic arm down and smashes across two nails, breaking them.

“AAAAUGH Fuck you! You bastard!!”

Designate your next attack
>>
No. 1038482 ID: e5709d

Kick the ports on his midsection! Don't worry about your limbs, you can get shiny cybernetics if you live!
>>
No. 1038503 ID: 15c72a

Fletch, pick up those nails. They are now shivs. Use them to stab this guy. In the eyesocket, preferably.
>>
No. 1038505 ID: 3aa06e

>>1038503
This, Fletch aim for the eye. Approach from the back but watch out for his right hand. Ideally with him tangling with both of you Grutter should be able to escape so you can either finish this or run assuming he's blinded.
>>
No. 1038558 ID: dabe38

Drat, objective failed for now. His vision is still covered, but also still can be used if uncovered.
On the upside, that head wound proves that he bleeds, and whatever bleeds can die. For all the vaunted cybernetics, there are still vulnerabilities and vitals that could prove lethal. Plus, the blood from the wound should impair his vision even if he removes the mud.

Oh, I guess we're out of the lake, too. Figures, water might have dampened the shield strike, though it also would have brought up the issue of drowning...

Grutter: Get away from grapple range for a second. He'll either attempt to find where you're located or go back to getting rid of the mud. Either way, there will be an opening for a second run at the eye.
Fletch: Everybody else has the right sort of idea with a shiv or dual shivs. Getting the eye would be a good target of opportunity, but with the hostile's temporary loss of vision Fletch is effectively an RPG rogue with stealth on and a perfect shot at a backstab for critical damage. Perhaps the best spot would be the spinal cord at the top of the torso, to avoid the exoskeleton further up, but also the cybernetics below. On success, this would paralyze. On failure, the hostile's strengths and weaknesses get a little revealed.
>>
No. 1038728 ID: 899c9f

Bite the hand that grabs you!
>>
No. 1038766 ID: 11f77a
File 165837468787.png - (260.88KB , 550x500 , tvd_125.png )
1038766

>Kick the ports on his midsection!
>I guess we’re out of the lake, too.
The fight is still a few steps from the pond. You watch him bleed over you--and anything that bleeds can die. First you need to make some distance...
Grutter uses both feet to kick into the metallic sternum of the zepher—with enough hard jabs it manages to bend one of the cylinder attachments and makes the Vitruvian take a few steps back. There’s a brief, sharp noise like the release of air under pressure--and more of that tarry substance sputters from the creases of the cylindrical module. The zepher inhales, a wheeze like something caught in his lungs, but spits whatever’s out.

>Fletch, pick up those nails
>Aim for the eye. Approach from the back.
Fletch attempts to swipe and stab for the eye again. The vitruvian’s height alone makes the attack tricky, and after the previous attack on his face he keeps his head high and away. Like the leg sweep, he’d deny the same tactic twice. Catching glimpses of the ichorynth in his peripherals he thrusts an arm to block the hand wielding the clipped talon.
The Vitruvian promptly thrusts his knee into Fletch’s gut, forcing him to dry heave before a second strike to throw Fletch backwards.

Designate your next attack
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No. 1038823 ID: 1075e3

Farah: taser to the neck.
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No. 1038893 ID: 5b1723

See? Spinal cord was a better target for Fletch.
Problem is, it's too late now since the eye mud's gone and Fletch is no longer behind the hostile.
>Port damage
Huh, wheezing is unusual. Wonder if the cybernetics are acting as life support to a degree.

Getting low on dirty tricks to use, but there's one for this scenario.
Obviously, throwing mud at the eye will fail. He knows to be ready for it, and that shield will easily block a wad of mud. Which means if he raises his shield to his high-up head to do just that, his legs will be completely undefended.
Several options to follow that up.
1) Go between legs to get behind, then shiv the spinal cord below the cybernetics but above the hips to paralyze the legs.
2) Shivs go into knees.
3) Grapple legs
Option 2 seems best, because success would screw up the hostile's ability to purse, therefore allowing the two to flee.
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No. 1038932 ID: 15c72a

>stabbing the eye didn't work because we tried that before
So we can only attack a bodypart once? What kind of horseshit is that?!

Whatever, stab him in the kidneys.
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No. 1038940 ID: dccdd0

At this point I can't tell if this fight is supposed to be winnable. If he is the "catalyst" then he has higher plot armor then us.

I guess at this point we should consider a retreat until we find a way to elude him off world have a better sure fire way to kill.

Grutter stab then dude in the leg or foot to slow him down and whlie Fletch grabs the money. Then both of you make a run for it.
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No. 1038946 ID: 899c9f

Give those antennae a good yank. Aim for the base, it's hard to miss.
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No. 1038952 ID: 3aa06e

Grutter, break one of his arms. You guys are getting grabbed too much. Grab a hold of his right arm and apply pressure to the elbow to stretch the joint till it breaks. Use your body weight if you're not strong enough.
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No. 1039057 ID: 15a025

Our options are running low here. I feel at this rate we're not making it out alive.

The only thing I can think of is pulling off a cross up on this dude.
Grutter, try to use that acrobatic strength of yours to jump to the other side of this dude. We need to pin him between the two of you as best as possible. He seems to be conditioned that we're going for his head, so it should grab his attention enough to give Fletch time.

Fletch: Use Grutter's short distraction to get those shivs. If his back is turned and focused on Grutter, go for his spinal cord. If he's facing you still, go for the legs and hope Grutter can back you up.

If we can launch an attack from both front and behind, we might be able to land some significant damage. He can't focus on both sides at once.
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No. 1039336 ID: 11f77a
File 165888573522.png - (276.08KB , 550x500 , tvd_126.png )
1039336

“Get away from him!!”

Before the Vitruvian stomps after Fletch, Grutter lunges and grabs his right arm in attempt to break it. In their current position, the boys flank the zepher--dividing his attention. Grutter tries to stay behind him as he spins, pressure applying to hopefully pop his elbow.
In the struggle, the Vitruvian shifts his arm down to loosen Grutter’s hold, and juts an elbow back up to an uppercut against the jaw. In the disorienting blow, his hands snap to Grutter’s temples.

From behind, Fletch plunges the relicynth’s talon into his back to strike a kidney. The zepher makes a guttural yell and retorts.
The mechanical arm of the Vitruvian releases its heavy riot shield. The metal slate thuds against the loose, marshy grass. The arm’s three-pronged digits branch out and grab Fletch by the throat. Gradually, he lifts him off his feet.

We are done here...
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No. 1039337 ID: 11f77a
File 165888580014.png - (226.51KB , 550x500 , tvd_127.png )
1039337

The Vitruvian head-butts Grutter with a loud pop. The relicynth fumbles with weak eyelids as the zepher maintains a grip on his collarbone for another series of punches. Fletch struggles to reverse the grapple on his throat, barely able to breathe and watching his friend diminish strength.

Grutter falls backwards into the pond.

“I commend you, relic.” he grumbles with phlegm in his lungs. “You’ve been on the vulgar rush before, I see that. Tonight you offered to keep the rush alive. No one ever reaches the end of its treacherous roads. The desert moth... still waits.”

“No! gruugh--Noooo!” Fletch hollers with a hoarse throat.
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No. 1039338 ID: 11f77a
File 165888593895.png - (285.94KB , 550x500 , tvd_128.png )
1039338

The Vitruvian grabs Grutter by the scruff of his outfit and dunks him under. The weight of the bounty hunter makes it difficult to squirm out from beneath. Grutter’s claws sprout and swipe from the water, yet the effort is fruitless--even if a claw digs into a shoulder.

How had everything before gone so fast? Why now, does the world crawl in your final minute? You remember the vulgar rush when you were younger. There were stories of the horrors involved--but a rite of passage that juveniles make for themselves. Yet you once went down the same path as your neighborhood friends seeking a name. It is a treacherous road. But like many, you can only go so far before settling where you stop. One cannot return to their old lives, and you joined Yeager’s armada. You killed under his orders. Met Fletch along the way, sharing similar circumstances. Everyone you worked with still carries the guilt on their shoulders--only the most maddening creatures can detach themselves from reality after the vulgar rush. Someone like Yeager.
Maybe you deserve this--you definitely weren’t a saint. Especially under Yeager.

You think of the arid planet that was your home and its vast, unending wastelands. Canyons and pillars that were once the beds of great oceans. And now you feel the water. The water that soothes the bruises. The water that cleans you.
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No. 1039339 ID: 11f77a
File 165888604428.png - (154.58KB , 550x500 , tvd_129.png )
1039339

The police try to pinpoint the origin of gunshots in the forest. It has been several minutes since a party has departed. On her way, Farah hears some commotion and splashing around.

She had not come alone in the forest--there are several search teams scouting the wood, the closest officer would only be about 50 meters away looking in another direction.

Farah sees through the dark branches and comes across the pond...
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No. 1039340 ID: 15c72a

Farah: Yell at him "POLICE! Get your hands in the air!" while training your gun on him and getting close enough for a good shot.

Fletch: he's still got that nail in him. Kick it deeper. You can also try kicking at the joints of the arm carrying you.
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No. 1039341 ID: e5709d

Fletch: "He... *gaurk* killed... Nirrn. KILL... *HORGH*"
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No. 1039342 ID: 99c1a0

>even if a claw digs into a shoulder.
Obviously - after all, the proper target would be the wrist to force the grip to release. Duh.

So, it appears that the hostile isn't keeping Fletch very far away from himself. Perhaps if the hostile were to turn away to, maybe, see who's yelling at them, Fletch would have a shot to kick the face. Extra points if he finishes off the eye.
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No. 1039559 ID: 15a025

Fletch: "I'm not going to let you drown him!"
Do whatever you can with your free limbs. Beat on him, kick him. Anything.

Farah- That ichornyth's life seems to be in immediate danger. Don't alert the assailant of your presence, try and use your gun and shoot the metallic limb off to free them.
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No. 1039630 ID: 11f77a
File 165929684252.png - (307.06KB , 550x500 , tvd_130.png )
1039630

“POLICE!”

Farah raises her gun, training her sights on the zepher who gradually rears his head up following the sound of her voice.

“Drop everything and put your hands up where I can see them!” she orders. She shines her light to see a half-burnt bleeding mess. At first the chupian couldn’t figure what the hell she was looking at. What was clear was an ichorynth currently being strangled by some mechanical arm, and noise of a recent struggle in the pond.

The Vitruvian turns his neck with sharp yellow eyes locking on Farah. He looks pale and sick. He rises from the pond. How a creature could even stand, looking like that, she thinks. Tark has described his thousand-yard stare; it’s unmistakable. This could be the zepher he had to let go. Who knew all the chaos that followed after.

“This is outside of you, chupian.” he stifles to breathe steadily with whatever composure he has, “You don’t know what you’re stepping into.”

Fletch grunts out his words, teeth clutching. “Don’t lis’sen to him! H-He... killed her--! ghrrk Killed N-Nirrn! S-Stop him!” He’s struggling to kick at the Vitruvian, but he is helpless like one would present a pet by the scruff. "My friend... he's drowning!"
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No. 1039647 ID: b0b5f8

Was that a threat?
Give him ONE chance to step away from the puddle and his victims. If he fails to take it, you'll have to take the shot.
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No. 1039648 ID: e5709d

Farrah: "Last chance. Release your hostages. Let me arrest them.
Or I will invoke my right to kill threats to civilians.
3... 2... 1."
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No. 1039669 ID: 12b116

shoot this fucker if he so much as twitches at you, he's extremely dangerous
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No. 1039712 ID: 0d00ee

Tell him he’s surrounded. There’s teams of police all around. One shot would alert the dogs on him
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No. 1039913 ID: 8a5496

Put a hole in the other half of the cybernetics attachment. Both as a warning, and to assist the drowning guy.
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No. 1039919 ID: 11f77a
File 165955671033.png - (246.45KB , 550x500 , tvd_131.png )
1039919

She attempts to reason. “You’re about to be surrounded. Release your hostages--let me arrest them!”
The Vitruvian huffs a bit--there’s slight effort to inhale from his damaged carapace. “It’s not my choice to spare them.”
“You don’t have to do this!”
“Hmmgh.” He almost suppresses the slightest smirk; the attempt forces him to contain a bloody cough. “This was their doing. They decided their fates.”
Farah casts her arm back in the direction of the road. “Fates? Is that how you justify killing the lady at the store?! Or the gullusk? Was all that destruction necessary... for this?!”
“They contributed to pave more road for these two.”
“Contributed?! That makes zero sense! You can’t make that an excuse!”
“That isn’t an excuse. That’s just what it is.”

She stifles to even come with an answer. Her immediate thought was that he has spoken like a true psychopath. In his own world and rules.
He senses her hesitation: “It's time to keep moving...”
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No. 1039920 ID: 11f77a
File 165955683470.png - (258.03KB , 550x500 , tvd_132.png )
1039920

Fletch kept struggling throughout the conversation, swinging his legs until he gets enough momentum to stomp on the talon.
“Fffuck you!”
Pain surges in the zepher’s lower back; he flinches from the kick as well and growls. The talon pierces through the other side.
In an instant Farah shoots at the mechanical arm instead of his torso; bullets spark against its steel and a few wedge in its wiry innards. The arm malfunctions, the grip is easier to pry out of and the ichor is let go. Fletch faceplants on the soft and muddy ground and rolls away.

Gunfire alerts nearby officers. The light from their torches flicker through dense trees with confused yelling on what’s going on.
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No. 1039921 ID: 11f77a
File 165955692539.png - (177.11KB , 550x500 , tvd_133.png )
1039921

A handful of police emerge from the foliage and shine on the Vitruvian in the center, who slouches on his knees in some fugue expression from the blood loss. He faces the pond and ignores everything around him, something churning in his mind. With a slow exhale his eyelid closes and he keels over from the heavy weight of exhaustion.

Fletch has scrambled to drag Grutter’s limp body out from the pond. The police already hound them as Fletch attempts to resuscitate. Not a lot of drowning happens on Daatuteph, he hopes he knows what he’s doing. At first he’s forced aside to keep his hands up, but Farah is able to put her coworkers at ease once the zepher is accounted for.
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No. 1039922 ID: 11f77a
File 165955715408.gif - (652.26KB , 550x500 , tvd_133b.gif )
1039922

“Someone call an EMT over here! We have injured people!"

"Go! Go!”

"Start pressing his chest!"

"Sir! There's another--!"

...
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No. 1039932 ID: 11f77a
File 165956323105.png - (239.43KB , 550x500 , tvd_134.png )
1039932

Anjan comfortably watches the tube.

It’s late. Mali is finally asleep. You’d probably be in bed too but you’d rather be up when your wife returns. Plus it’s a classic movie that’s broadcasting on those oldies channels. Something about the Tripod War a few centuries back. Interesting stuff.
You’ve been eatin’ a bowl of rice-berries when you hear her come in. Even when you can’t see her from your spot you can assure it's her from the usual sounds of her routine: jangling of keys into a basket, scuffing of feet into a mat, and just her long sigh after a workload.
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No. 1039934 ID: e7c7d3

Turn on the lights. Time for a happy greeting and hug!
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No. 1039935 ID: 8e5a95

Hug her, apologize for staying up late to wait for her. Ask if she's still good for karaoke tomorrow, maybe she and you can sing a naked colors song when we go there.
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No. 1039951 ID: 2cb437

Well, it appears all that's left is to fabricate a cover story for the cops. Get a lawyer before saying a word, though.

Fletch shot at the Zepher on camera, seemingly without provocation, no getting around that one.
However, given the Zepher's actions, there should be legal mitigating factors. Fletch could say he heard of the Zepher by reputation, so was well aware his life was threatened.

Shifting gears, Grutter's "stalker" was Stobor or one of his henchmen, though they never found out his motive. Fleeing from the law was because he was afraid Stobor bribed the cop.

Stobor must have figured out Fletch had ties to Grutter, so grabbed Fletch to get to his pal. Semi-fortunately, the Zepher got to them before Stobor could get them to a safehouse to do whatever mobsters do.

Fleeing the gunfight that ensued, they hid out in the park, though not before noticing Stobor grabbing a briefcase. He still had it when he attempted to off them to eliminate witnesses. Semi-fortunately, he only shot once before the Zepher got Stobor, emptying his mag. Out of ammo, the Zepher attempted to off them with his bare hands. He almost had them until the cops showed up.

Should be the basics. Slight hole if any cameras caught Grutter with the briefcase, but it's generic enough that could pass it off as being identical.

Play up the sob story if the cops push. "Oh, we're not proud of what we did, but we wanted to leave all that behind! We just wanted a peaceful life, to let the paranoia of our previous lives subside and we'd leave behind all vestiges once it did! Who knows how long that will be now!" Softie judges eat up lies of that type, even from hardened criminals that show no sign of ever reforming.
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No. 1040001 ID: 18c052

>>1039935
Oh yeah, in response, Farah playfully teases Anjan by implying that Anjan wants her and him to strip while singing a Naked Colors song at karoke, leaving Anjan embarrassed, trying to explain he just likes their music. A good laugh is had.

Farah says the arrest she made was kind of a big deal, so much so, it has to be kept confidential for now, so she cant talk much about it. But one thing is for certain, she does NOT want public recognition for the arrest, for her family's sake.
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No. 1040060 ID: a3629a

Comfort her, busy day. Hope she doesn't come injured or something.
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No. 1040113 ID: 11f77a
File 165967811227.png - (190.68KB , 550x500 , tvd_135.png )
1040113

Anjan creeps up from his sofa and softly walks to the hallway. She’s facing away--a perfect moment to slide up for a hug as she hangs her coat.
It was flawless.
“Honeeeeey, you’re home.” He says, “I haven’t even noticed the time and I can’t believe how late it is--even for me!” A kiss to her cheek. “Will you be busy tomorrow?”

There are strange things that happen while on duty. Strange in a silly way, a peculiar way. Stories of minor offenses and foolishness from the common citizen which makes a great laugh with the boys. Tonight’s case was... undefinable. In that short time she spoke to the Vitruvian, with what Tark has heard earlier, the universe feels a little more complicated to explain.

In his light embrace she turns in his arms with her nose bunting his. “I may skip work tomorrow and stay home. I feel I might sleep in for the morning. I’m so fatigued right now after driving all over the city.” A yawn. “I’m heading straight for bed. Is Mali alright?”
“Oh he’s fine. He’s been asleep for several hours. Say, I took the time to download some music on the app for karaoke. Naked Colors is kind of the rage nowadays.”
“Oh, they’re that pop duo, right? I haven’t been paying attention to anything on the radio--I won’t know the words. We can stick to music from Alp Daga.”
“It’s a duet, though! You can just mumble when the words come on the screen!”

She has no energy to talk; she has left it at the door. “We’ll see about tomorrow then. I’m too tired to think. You can finish watching whatever you were--”
“Oh no! I wasn’t... it’s just a documentary. Let me turn it off. I’ll meet you in our bedroom.”
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No. 1040114 ID: 11f77a
File 165967818427.png - (201.43KB , 550x500 , tvd_136.png )
1040114

You make a sweep of the living room. TV off. Crumbs under the rug. Future-you will deal with that. Bowl straight in the sink. Future-you will deal with that, too. You tip-toe up the stairs to not rouse your child across the parents’ bedroom.

She’s in her nightgown, flattening the sheets before sitting down. “I think Tark is finally retiring.”
“Deputy Tark? The tall guy?”
“Yeah, he mentioned something like that for weeks. But tonight it sounded like he meant it.”
“Good for him, then. I smell a promotion though~”
“Tch, Deputy Farah? That’s a long way away. I’m fine writing tickets.”
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No. 1040116 ID: e51896

Well, it's already been several years since she joined the force, so you'll never know...

But agree that writing tickets is for the best, if it means she won't be staying out late as a deputy. The family is happy just the way things are now.

Nothing more to say, but give each other a kiss goodnight.
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No. 1040123 ID: a7c21f

>>1040116
Seconded, this said it better than me.
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No. 1040170 ID: 11f77a
File 165975607065.png - (220.84KB , 550x500 , tvd_137.png )
1040170

“Well it’s been several years. You’re bound to step up.” Anjan slips under the covers, nesting himself next to his wife. She looks like she hasn’t lied down in 30 hours or so; she sinks into her pillow and stares at the ceiling.
“Hnngh... I’m just not in a rush is what I meant. I know I brought it up but, I don’t want to linger on work anymore.”

Anjan fastens the sheets to cover her.

“I love you Farah.”
“I love you too, Anjan.”

They smooch goodnight~
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No. 1040171 ID: 11f77a
File 165975619406.png - (4.62MB , 1564x1563 , tvd_final.png )
1040171

At last, we reach the END of THE VITRUVIAN

Thank you for participating in the demo.

A more conclusive epilogue could happen in the future.
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