Versed (IC Thread)

[Plue]

Angela Harris & Nova Pixels
Union City - Historical District, Lost Finds
Times: Midday

"If you don't have any cash on hand, I'd keep some of that on you. Call it a hunch, but I get the feeling Julie isn't going to be your only problem customer today. ...And that's gonna be a problem that won't resolve so nicely. It's unfortunate, but I can guarantee your line of work is going to offer you many a headache in the coming days, Angela Harris. Nova Pixels."

The cheerful sound of gachaing is all that fills the silence after the redhead leaves for a few moments. Long enough for the previous customer to leave all her senses. Amber eyes are torn away from her screens as she faces the purple haired woman. A sign of her seriousness that her fingers are no longer tapping away at the screen.

"Angela Harris. While knowledge of your last name may be within the limits of casual probability... to posses the name Pixels as well suggests concerted effort on their part."

There should be extremely few places that her full name could be found. Even early on when she had not... when she was still actively searching it had seldom been used. Nova was not the kind of fool who signed up for accounts with her real name.

Tapping the countertop where the bluette had left a crater.

"My frame would be significantly damaged by an equivalent force to what they were capable of exerting. Would you reconsider your restriction on preemptive active defenses indoors?"

[Elyrin]

Angela Harris
Union City - Historical District, Lost Finds
Times: Midday

Blugh.

The already-most-suspicious person had only just gotten more suspicious with her final words. Angela returned to her seat and let her head thud against the countertop as Nova gave an analysis.

Maybe I should have kicked them both out... or maybe that would have gotten both of them pissed instead.

"I feel like the use of force would only cause us more problems. You heard what she said about records disappearing, right? Normally I'd call bullshit on account of her being the least trustworthy person I've ever met, but then, least trustworthy person I've ever met." Angela turns her head to the side, resting her cheek on the counter to look towards Nova. "You think she brought blue hair in here to cause trouble intentionally, or was it just a happy coincidence? And while I'm on the topic of untrustworthy shit, that money isn't fake, is it?"

[Plue]

Nova Pixels
Union City - Historical District, Lost Finds
Times: Midday

Nova spares a sideways glance at her employer. Her response was quite outside expected parameters; these customers had quite the oversized impact.

"If they are activating my defenses then I believe it would be prudent to assume that the increase of problems will be of minor concern. Further, I would not be damaged so I find this outcome superior than the alternative."

It was hardly an aggressively stanced defense, and any casual observation should not find it threatening.

"Your modeling of standard human behavior is superior to mine; I doubt that blue is capable of the requirements for such a ploy either way."

Nova hums as she turns her attention to the money, both digital and physical.

"Within six sigma deviation from currency specifications: Either it is an unprovable counterfeit or legitimate. Likewise the charge has cleared into the store account."

"However, if they are capable of said record manipulation then similar manipulation of financial institutions records are likewise within their abilities."

[Sei]

Fairylark Icecomplex
Union City- On The Road, En Route to Historical District
Time: Midday

As far as new assignments go, your current situation is probably in the running for most vexing. A sudden reassignment, a lack of clarity regarding the matter, and even less elaboration as to what exactly your current mission is. While Elynah's words may have given you a general objective, more questions only arise as a result of scrutinizing them further. Like... just how involved your part in this "detective" work is supposed to be? And why does that detective work land you next to a member of STATS? One who, for some reason, came across your file at some point in the past... Why were you in particular picked for this sudden transfer and why does the size of your team not quite seem to match the size of the job? Things just aren't adding up right.

While you ponder all this, Louis remains silent behind the wheel.

You look over in his direction and stare intensely- watching for even the slightest reaction. Sadly, his eyes stay glued to the road any thoughts he may have remain in his head.

Your hand slowly reaches out to the radio, but the officer's hand quickly shoots over and swats your hand away.

"I told you not to touch."

Louis reminds you of ten minutes prior... and the silent drive continues.

Unable to get a grasp of the man's personality through conversation, you instead direct your attention to his vehicle of choice.

Unlike the other officers, Louis opts to drive his personal vehicle rather than your standard squad car. The vehicle itself is a relic of the past. Japanese make for a western audience. Early twenty-first century from the look of it. Excellent condition from the look of it... With only the bare minimum modifications done to comply with current traffic and pollution laws. Aside from that, it's practically a museum piece with all the ancient on-board computers and features your would expect. Honestly speaking, the car itself is the type of thing you would expect to come across on your old job. Even then, you doubt you'd run across something in half as good condition as this ride.

"Hey, Ice," With a sigh, Louis finally speaks up, "You familiar with the Xing Guan?"

Louis's eyes drift over towards you to gauge your reaction, before returning to the road ahead.

"I guess it'd be easier to refer to them as the Chinese mafia here in this city. On the street, they're referred to as one of the Great Powers influencing this city and are known to control most of the historical district. But what's not known to most is that they make quite a bit of money through their alleged human trafficking ring... While we don't necessarily have anything concrete we can pin them with, I've got a pretty good hunch that if there's anything in this city dealing with a slave trade, they're at the top of the list of people you wanna question."

A troubling grin spreads across the man's face.

"And it just so happens that I have just the person in mind."

For a brief moment, you recall how Elynah jokingly assigned you to babysit Louis.

"Though what I don't understand is why trade people for historical pieces? If the objective is profit, why take the extra step collecting Known History instead of dealing in cash up front? Furthermore, where would you hide and store stuff that valuable without getting caught by law enforcement. Stashing a bunch of random junk in a warehouse would be one thing, but something tells me our target wouldn't be so rough with this particular merchandise."

Louis momentarily trails off into thought- fingers drumming the steering wheel.

"So, Ice, if you were our culprit, what would you do? Why go through the trouble of dealing with illegal payment you can't just wash away in the system? What would be the end goal?"

[Sei]

Elizabeth Chambers
Union City- Urban District, Greater Saints Hospital
Time: Midday

"As I said, Ms. Chambers, you're free to leave the hospital. So long as you have this armlet."

Mei moves to your aside and assists in fastening the cuff around your wrist. There's a heavy click, followed by a soft snap, and then the feeling of the armlet slowly squeezing your wrist to secure itself. Once in place, the cuff lights up with a small magical interface conveying an onslaught of information. Both Mei and Luke seem rather keen to see what is displayed, but you yourself are unable to decipher what is being conveyed.

"Everything appears to be within expected ranges," Mei quietly utters her thoughts, "I'll start the calibrations now. It should only take me a minute of two..."

As the professor starts to plug away at the magical interface, and odd sensation starts to creep up your arm originating from the device. For a moment, you can feel a violent surge race through your blood as if to attack the device. You feel dizzy and your head starts to throb. But before you can even liken the feeling to anything, it all subsides. The sensation vanishes without a trace, the voice in your head falls silent, and you're left feeling... good. Your head is unbelievably clear and your body feels like it just woke up from a full night of uninterrupted sleep.

"Ouroboros is online and functioning properly, Mr. President."

Mei speaks with a slight tinge of pride.

Likewise, Luke's face lights up with a beaming sense of achievement. He smiles rather innocently, but just as quickly brings his hand up to his chest and exhales to calm himself.

"So tell me, Ms. Chambers, how does it feel to have a body bolstered by arcane energy?"

You're unsure of how to answer the man's question. In fact, you're not even sure if the Ouroboros is necessarily working as intended. While it doesn't feel like your condition has quite been dealt with, something is different. If only slightly. It's almost like a persistent itch becoming mildly annoying. Your body still registers that it is undeniably sickly... But, it's like there's a foundation of strength now where there previously was none.

"Mr. President, I understand your excitement, but I kindly ask that you not get ahead of yourself. We've yet to see if the prototype can maintain a steady output. Much less if it can properly adjust to varying levels of strain."

Luke takes another deep breath and nods his head in agreement. Still, his smile does not fade. If anything, it only grows in warmth.

"You're right. But we can't deny that these initial results look good."

Mei smiles cooly once again- a slight tinge of color flushing her cheeks. Though she quickly collects herself and returns her attention to you.

"Once again, as of this moment, you're free to leave this hospital. Whether you choose to do so or not is entirely up to you. As head of this hospital, I'll see to the paperwork myself. As I said, I'll even assign you a personal escort, if you'd like."

"I understand that this may be sudden and overwhelming, Ms. Ch- Ms. El... But I- and all the people working at Metis- would be immensely happy if you used this technology to take back even a fraction of the life fate conspired to take away from you. Unfortunately, I can't advise you on how best to do so. I can't tell you how best to pick up the pieces. I can only offer my assistance."

Luke offers you a gentleman's bow as Mei stands and works her way over to the nearby desk.

"And you needn't worry about the Ouroboros. Because of the way it's designed, it'll allow for us to monitor both the device and your condition remotely. Furthermore, it'll provide you with a direct line to us- should you feel the need. It's also remarkably durable. But even if you were somehow able to break it, the value of the device pales in comparison to the person it's attached to."

[Sei]

Oliver Vandenberg
Union City- Business District, Kingsward Office
Time: Midday

Not satisfied with your response, Jessica clicks her teeth and groans.

"Goddammit... Why are the two of you so fucking useless?"

Jess berates you while offering the usual pissy glare and a long drag of her cigarette. After staring you dead in the eye for a few seconds, she averts her gaze and stares off into the distance. She's angry, but she hasn't lost focus. Setting you aside completely, you can see the gears turning in her head as she formulates a new strategy. If there's one bit of praise you can give her, it's that the girl is determined. Once she sets her eyes on a goal, she sees it through. It's just the fact that she could care about anyone else in the process.

"Figures though. Don't know why I was expecting you to weasel any more info outta him," Calming her tone, Jess flicks her cigarette away without so much as a care, "Fine. You do whatever you want. I'm gonna go around and do some digging. Go fuck a dumpster or something."

More inane buzzing. Another fruitful conversation with the aggro blonde. Time well spent getting absolutely nowhere.

As Jessica begins to head off for the main downtown area, you idlily wonder what your next move should be. But, as you do, a sudden sensation halts you mid step. A bolt of electricity runs down your spine and spreads out full force throughout your limbs. Your mind shuts off and raw instinct takes control. There isn't enough time to contemplate the meaning. There's only one thing it can be. Danger.

You dive for Jessica's back and tackle her. In her surprise, you can feel her throw some obscenity into the air, but the words never reach your ears.

A massive wall of wind sweeps the two of you off your feet and hurls you forward before either of you hit the ground. Searing heat washes over your backs and a deafening sound pierces your eardrums. Your body hits the pavement with a sickening thud, skin scraping against the ground as friction brings you to a stop.

It was some kind of arcane attack. And a big one at that. Had you reacted even a second later, you'd likely be done for. However... Right now, that's the least of your concerns.

As the surrounding area is thrown into chaos by the explosion, you can only look on in horror as burning debris falls from the sky. The Kingwards office- and everything around it- has been blown to bits. Leaving only rubble, smoke, and fire in its place.

[Frantic Author]

Elizabeth Chambers
Union City- Urban District, Greater Saints Hospital
Time: Midday

At Luke's question, El felt like a voice that had once been loud had become very soft, and she curiously stared at the morbid looking thing now attached to her arm, feeling it with her fingers as she beheld the device that now seemingly controlled her fate in many ways.

The Betrayer.

El didn't think Luke looked like much of a betrayer, if you asked her privately. He just looked like a totally ordinary person, the kind of man she'd seen many times walking through the hospital, looking for loved ones or family members to say hello to. El hadn't had any of those for a while, so it felt... Nice.

It felt nice to have people who worried about you.

"It feels... different? Like I'm waking up for the first time in a really, really long time." the girl said, hopping out of her bed and only slightly wobbling on her feet as she stuck out her tongue and arms, proudly maintaining her balance.

She listened thoughtfully to what the two were discussing, biting her lip as she heard and looking down, swaying back and forth.

"I... I'd feel bad if I walked out of the hospital and just did whatever I wanted, Mister," El said quietly, staring at her toes and the half bandage on her right hand, "if you're willing to give me so many amazing things, then isn't it only right for me to try to help you out, doing the best I can? I don't want to be a burden..."

El shifted, clearly uncomfortable with how much these two were giving her, and asking for so little - just to live? Nothing else? Really?

"If what helps you best is for me to live, then I'll live! B-But I wouldn't say no to an escort of some kind... J-just to figure out what I'm doing! Like you know... Where I'm living, how to cook, things like that..."

The girl's face grew heated, as she admitted she had very little ability to accomplish basic tasks.

"A-actually never mind!" El said, her voice cracking a little bit as she looked up with a bright smile and a red face, "I-I can totally figure it out on my own! I'm like an adult, right? At least, in the eyes of the law..."

[Rafflesiac]

Fairylark Icecomplex
Union City- On The Road, En Route to Historical District
Time: Midday

Left without even some tunes to take her mind off the hydra of questions rampaging in her head, Fairylark stares out of the window, taking in the sights of Union City: telekinetics working alongside cranes on construction, the animated figure of Motivation Man telling people to JUST DO IT from a digital billboard, a smiling school bus on its way to the Mint for a field trip. She cracks her neck, stretches, and looks back into the antique car. This thing’s a work of art! I’m amazed the museum curators haven’t bought it off of Louis. Or stolen it from him. How’d he even get this? The (former?) Record Finder turns her attention to the antique owner-cum-driver, who’s content to navigate in silence, and stares.

Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

“Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.”

"Hey, Ice,"

“Yeah?”

"You familiar with the Xing Guan?"

Louis can practically see the question mark float up above Fairylark’s head. He exposits on a hitherto unknown aspect of Union City, and Fairylark furrows her brow.

“Okay, got it… Xing Guan… bad people.”

And then Louis grins wolfishly at the prospect of shaking down some unfortunate soul. Wait… Am I in the car with the actual bad guy here? Is this a bad habit of his? Is that why he needs ‘babysitting?’ The detective continues speaking, reaching a subject on which Fairylark at last has some clarity.

"So, Ice, if you were our culprit, what would you do? Why go through the trouble of dealing with illegal payment you can't just wash away in the system? What would be the end goal?"

“Hmm.” Fairylark taps her chin briefly. “Well, there’s the boring answers first. The perp expects a financial crash and wants bartering material, or they just want a collection. Then there’s the inverted answer: they’re only using Known History as a blind to take attention away from the specific people being trafficked. I really doubt that one, though; you’d be lucky to find even one person dealing with Known History who doesn’t care specifically about it. Which leads us to the most interesting answer.” She grins. “They’re searching for something specific. And they’re willing to risk it all to get it.”