Different people choose to protest in different ways. Will you help the people of House of Congo who are affected by genotype discrimination?
Level: 13
Start: Alphonse Ndala, Lounge, The House of Congo
Introduction
The plaza looks quite busy. A stage has been erected, heralding some sort of event. People are busy arranging chairs, connecting high-tech electrical equipment, and shouting at each other to get things done on time. Behind the stage is a large screen, currently displaying the message "Please stand by, we will begin soon!" on a background which is constantly changing color. As you look around, you're beckoned over to one of the few tables with a free chair.
Alphonse says Come, sit with us.
- "Sorry, I can't right now."
- Take a seat.
Sorry.:
Me Sorry, I can't right now.
Alphonse says That's okay. Sorry to bother you.
He bows his head slightly in apology, then goes back to watching the stage.
You have failed the "All Our Activisms" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Take a seat.:
As you take a seat, Alphonse smiles and turns to look at the stage again. The young Belter sitting next to him edges a bit closer to you.
The Belter says: Hey, you look like a new face. Can I get you a drink? It's now or never, the speeches are going to start soon.
You have accepted the "All Our Activisms" mission.
Next NPC: Barbecue Auto (They/them), Lounge, The House of Congo
- "What kind of speeches?"
- "Sure, I'll have a drink!"
- "You're Barbecue Auto They Them?"
"What kind of speeches?":
(Note: The option "What kind of speeches" will now be replaced by "Wait for the event to start" in other choices as well)
Me What kind of speeches?
Barbecue says A couple of people from the station wanted to share their experiences with genotype discrimination, given that it's Genotype Awareness Tenspan. …Well, it is here in House of Congo, I'm not sure anywhere else really cares.
- Wait for the event to start
- "Sure, I'll have a drink!"
- "You're Barbecue Auto They Them?"
You're Barbecue Auto They Them?:
Me You're Barbecue Auto They Them?
Barbecue says What? …Oh, yes, my pronouns! People in House of Congo often display their pronouns after their names. If you're talking about me, for example, please say "Barbecue is sitting next to me. They've got lovely purple eyes and their pin collection is second to none!"
- "What kind of speeches?"
- "Sure, I'll have a drink!"
Sure, I'll have a drink:
Me Sure, I'll have a drink!
Barbecue says Perfect! What are you in the mood for? If you like sweet things, I think you should try the Amoeba. If you want something simple and strong, go with a Jet Set. If you want a synthehol-free cocktail, I'd recommend the Chameleon.
- Pick the Chameleon.
- Pick the Jet Set.
- Pick the Amoeba.
- Decide not to drink.
Pick the Chameleon.:
You choose the Chameleon. Barbecue waves down someone with an apron, who takes your order and quickly comes back with a tall, narrow glass. The drink reminds you of a cross-section of a planet - red in the bottom, then brown, then green, topped off by a semi-transparent blue sky. It tastes like a journey through your youth.
- "So, what are these speeches about?"
Pick the Jet Set.:
You choose the Jet Set. Barbecue waves down someone with an apron, who takes your order and quickly comes back with a small glass. The drink itself is a plain, crystalline amber color, but the flavor profile is extensive and refined. Peat and ash dominate, but there are subtle flowery notes.
- "So, what are these speeches about?"
Pick the Amoeba.:
You choose the Amoeba. Barbecue waves down someone with an apron, who takes your order and quickly comes back with a strangely-shaped glass. The liquid inside keeps its multicolored layers, in shades of purple, green and blue. The drink is sweet but subtle, the ingredients hard to place but somehow comforting.
- "So, what are these speeches about?"
Decide not to drink:
You tell Barbecue you'd rather not drink after all.
Barbecue says No problem, <name>!
- "So, what are these speeches about?"
Wait for the event to start:
Less than a segment later, everything appears to be set up. There's a smattering of applause as a handful of people onstage bow, then take a seat. An old Mall slowly walks to the podium, her lined face slightly pained by the effort. The screen now displays the Mall's smiling face with the caption "Annabelle Lalande (She/her). House of Congo's longest serving engineer".
Listen to the speeches at the Caracal Plaza, the Lounge.
Next area: Lounge, The House of Congo
- Listen to Annabelle's speech
As the applause and cheering dies down, Annabelle greets her audience and jumps right into her speech.
Annabelle says If I tell you I'm an engineer, does that seem hard to believe? Well, it turns out that for many people, it is! It doesn't matter that I've been repairing pneumatic systems since I was eighteen cycles old, or that my work has been integral in increasing the efficiency of House of Congo's life support modules. Some people see a Mall and think… "Hey, I bet she's a miner!"
A wave of booing and cursing spreads across the crowd. As if reacting to the noise, the screen's background morphs into pulsating orange circles, perhaps signifying their discontent.
Annabelle says If you open up the Archive on your CORETECHS - a helpful source of information for all of us - you'll find Malls described as “lacking in mental acuity”. Am I lacking in mental acuity? Because my standardized Intelligence score claims otherwise!
People begin to cheer, but she cuts them off with a wave of her hand.
Annabelle says Exactly, exactly! We know how things are, here in the House of Congo. We know that who you are, your individual strengths and weaknesses and all the effort you put in, are what's important. And I hope you'll keep fighting prejudices when you see them!
She steps back, looking tired, and is given a seat by a colleague who walks slowly to the front. The screen changes to the Patrician's face, captioned "Chromium Pistil (He/him). Newly arrived House of Congo citizen."
- Listen to Chromium's speech.
Chromium says "You're so kind. I admire your empathy." That's what I've been told all my life - when I help my family, when a friend needs to vent, when an acquaintance is surprised I notice their pain. I held on to those words, held on to something that made me proud.
The crowd is silent, expectant. The screen's background is now a pattern of storm clouds - expectant, unstable.
Chromium says But after my friend vents, I need to sit by myself and re-center, remind myself that expressing their frustrations has made them feel better… Even if it has made me feel worse. When I feel someone's pain as if it were my own, it makes me as upset as they are. And when this happens with almost every interaction…
There are a few murmurs along the crowd, but most people remain quiet.
Chromium says I am, in most ways, the quintessential Patrician. Many people envy that, desire my ability to put people at ease, to express myself accurately. They don't understand the toll it takes on me, or perhaps they don't care to understand. I'm just a Patrician, a "noble" Patrician with natural empathy. It has nothing to do with the fact that I'm a kind, caring person - it's just the way it is.
As he hangs his head, there are indignant murmurs and people raising hands to their hearts in sympathy. At first it looks like Chromium might continue talking, but he decides against it and takes a seat. In his place, a Colonist rises - "Abyssal Rhododendron (Xe/xir) - but call me Rhode, okay?"
- Listen to Rhode's speech.
Rhode says Thank you, Annabelle. Thank you, Chromium. As for myself - well, the whole miner comment doesn't seem that unusual for a Colonist either, right?
Small bubbles of laughter turn the screen into a field of yellow flowers, swaying in a breeze.
Rhode says Although usually it goes: "Hey, that bartender's actually really friendly. Xe really knows how to get a good conversation going, and xe's so easy to get along with!" Sure, they like me, but that comes as a surprise to them.
Xe pauses, giving everyone time to boo. The screen goes back to pulsating orange circles.
Rhode says These assumptions are everywhere! Annabelle brought another good point up - the CORETECHS Archives. I had a quick look earlier, and wouldn't you know it, it says some people derisively call Colonists "landlubbers"… Really, you're giving people an official slur to use? And, of course, we "lack charisma". Well, I'm sure everyone here agrees I've got more charisma than a politician convincing you to invest more credits in their campaign!
The laughs are stronger this time. Yellow flowers return, become tinged with green.
Rhode says It's the 200s, and some people still don’t know that the differences between individuals are greater than the differences between genotypes! It's everywhere - in people's off-hand comments, in the Archives, in job offers. Well, I say, it's about smoggin' time to change that!
The crowd erupts in cheers as Rhode waves. Xir speech done, xe sits back down. It's unclear if the event is done or not, but no one rises to the front of the stage. Eventually the screen turns off.
Barbecue says Wow… those were quite the speeches.
Talk to Barbecue about the speeches.
Next NPC: Barbecue Auto (They/them), Lounge, The House of Congo
- "Yeah, they really were something."
- Make a non-committal noise.
Yeah, they really were something:
Me Yeah, they really were something.
After a few units of silence, Alphonse excuses himself to sit with some friends from another table, who are happily requesting his presence. Barbecue holds a finger up as their eyes start glowing.
Make a non-committal noise.
You make a non-committal noise.
Alphonse excuses himself to sit with some friends from another table, who are happily requesting his presence. Barbecue holds a finger up as their eyes start glowing.
Either choice continuess:
Barbecue says Sorry, the speeches have really made me think… I need to check something quickly. Do you mind waiting? We can chat while I look, if you want.
- "How do you choose your names, as Freebooters?"
- "Rhode used… Xe?"
- Wait for them to finish.
- "How long have you lived here?"
"How do you choose your names, as Freebooters?"
Me How do you choose your names, as Freebooters?
Barbecue says Haha, that's hard to answer! Each of us has different reasons for choosing a name. For me, Auto came first. It's a good prefix - automatic, autonomous, autophagy, autotomize… I wanted Auto alongside a longer word, so I settled on Barbecue. It's some kind of food preparation they used to do on Earth - possibly involving smoke - but the sound of it appealed to me. Bar-be-cue.
- "Rhode used… Xe?"
- Wait for them to finish.
- "How long have you lived here?"
"Rhode used… Xe?":
Me Rhode used… Xe?
Barbecue says Yes, Rhode's pronouns are xe and xir. You know, "Xe is enjoying xir drink". It's not unusual here in House of Congo, and thanks to the 'booter mods, it's easy to share the pronouns we want with other people.
They point above their head, where it says "Barbecue Auto (They/them)".
- "How do you choose your names, as Freebooters?"
- Wait for them to finish.
- "How long have you lived here?"
"How long have you lived here?":
Me How long have you lived here?
Barbecue says Not that long, just a couple of cycles… But it feels like home, more than anywhere else ever did.
- "How do you choose your names, as Freebooters?"
- "Rhode used… Xe?"
- Wait for them to finish.
Wait for them to finish.
It doesn't take much longer for Barbecue to finish. As their eyes become purple once more, they look back at the table, almost surprised at their unfinished drink. They pick it up again and take a sip.
Barbecue says I'm a Belter, so in many ways I have it easy. Sure, people think Belters are odd and kind of lanky, but that's usually the worst of it, even outside Congo. Since living here… Well, I admit I haven't given as much thought to genotype discrimination as I should have.
They pause to finish their drink, then look away from you.
Barbecue says I don't want to be complacent, not when there are others who need help, so I had a look at the Mesh. People around the station suggested lots of activities for Genotype Awareness Tenspan, but there are disagreements as to what we should do, so nothing's actually happened yet, but I… I want to sort something out. Would you help me?
- "I'm not sure…"
- "No."
- "Definitely! What were you thinking?"
"I'm not sure…":
Me I'm not sure…
Barbecue says I'll pay you and everything, <name>. Freebooters aren't an organized bunch, but we could rally people together, if we figure out what they want to do. As of today, there are five main activities proposed by members of the community - well, ideas of activities. It's all a bit vague, but if we add some more details, I could make a station-wide poll and find out how people feel.
They take a deep breath, and look at you expectantly.
Barbecue says While I set up the poll on the Mesh, I'll give you the names of people who proposed the activities, and you can get more details from them. I know you're not from here, but this is something I could use help with… if you're alright with that…
They look at you expectantly.
- "I'll do it."
- "I'd rather not."
No.
Me No.
Barbecue says Oh… Are you sure? I'll pay and everything. Let me just… let me run you through it. As of today, there are five main activities proposed by members of the community for Genotype Awareness Tenspan - well, ideas of activities. They're vague, but if we add some more details, I could make a station-wide poll and find out what most people would prefer to do.
They take a deep breath, and look at you expectantly.
Barbecue says While I set up the poll on the Mesh, I'll give you the names of people who proposed the activities, and you can get more details from them. I know you're not from here, but this is something I could use help with… Though I understand if you can't.
They look at you expectantly.
- "I'll do it."
- "No. Sorry, you're on your own."
Definitely! What were you thinking?
Me Definitely! What were you thinking?
Barbecue says Thank you so much, <name>! Freebooters aren't an organized bunch, but we could rally people together, if we figure out what they want to do. As of today, there are five main activities proposed by members of the community - well, ideas of activities. It's all a bit vague, but if we add some more details, I could make a station-wide poll and find out what most people would prefer.
They take a deep breath, and smile at you.
Barbecue says While I set up the poll on the Mesh, I'll give you the names of people who proposed the activities, and you can get more details from them. I know you're not from here, but this is something I could use help with… Oh, and I'm happy to pay for your time, since you're not a Congo resident.
They look at you expectantly.
- "I'll do it."
- "I'd rather not."
"I'd rather not.:
Me I'd rather not.
Barbecue says Are you sure? I meant what I said about paying you, and we'd be doing something good. You really can't…?
- "I'll do it."
- "No. Sorry, you're on your own."
"No. Sorry, you're on your own.":
Me No. Sorry, you're on your own.
Barbecue says Okay. …Well, If you do change your mind, I'll probably be here all tenspan, trying to work this out.
Barbecue turns away from you, their eyes glowing as they access their CORETECHS. You take that as your cue to leave.
You have failed the "All Our Activisms" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
I'll do it.
Me I'll do it.
Barbecue says Thank you so much, <name>! Your efforts are for a good cause! …Right, let me send you the details for our first person. Just find them and learn more about their proposal.
You receive a CORETECHS message with someone's name, location, and the name of their proposal - "Communicating Through Art".
Find out more about the first proposal from Abstract Cobra in the Wrecks.
Next NPC: Abstract Cobra (Ze/zir), the Wrecks, The House of Congo
- "Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?"
Me Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
Cobra holds up zir right hand, then keeps spray painting for a few units before turning back to you.
Cobra says Soz, just needed to wrap up. Genotype tenspan… Yep, I put in a proposal through the Congo community hub. Are you, like, an admin? What's your handle?
- Convince Cobra you're an administrator.
- Explain you're just here to help Barbecue.
Convince Cobra you're an administrator.
(Intelligence check)
You cobble together what you know from Barbecue's description, and pretend you're a new admin assigned to help with the Tenspan's events.
Explain you're just here to help Barbecue.:
(Social check)
You manage to explain why Barbecue wants a poll - to help people focus on a Genotype Tenspan event, and work together to make it happen.
Either choice continues:
Cobra says Right, right, gotcha. So, Communicating Through Art is, like, all about expressing how we feel through a visual medium, 'cuz that reaches people in a way that other stuff doesn't - it gets right to their core. Like, when I post an image of my work, it gets people to think.
Cobra points at the mural ze had been spray painting when you arrived.
- Look at the mural.
The mural depicts a huge black sun eclipsing a small blue planet and a tiny red asteroid. They're surrounded by multi-colored clouds which, on a second glance, are shaped like laurel wreaths.
Cobra says An artist from Bordeaux would get this - obvi - but even København randos can see that small red equals Gaule, big blue equals Consy. And the black star is us.Cobra stops for a second, and scratches zir head.
Cobra says So, genotype-wise, I've got this idea for a large mural where, like, lots of people contribute. I could work on the Colonist corner, to show what my experiences are like, and then a Harsene would do something in their corner - paint, write, put a statue up, whatevs - and same for people of other genotypes who want to contribute. Then we would show our work to people across the universe! Anyway, that's what I've got.
You make a note of what Cobra said, and send it back to Barbecue, who thanks you for your work. You're pointed at the next person on your list, who proposed "Let's Get Their Data".
Talk to Okapi in the Gym.
Next NPC: Okapi (He/They), Gym, The House of Congo
- "Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?"
Me Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
Okapi says Yes, of course! Give me one unit…
As Okapi smiles at you, you think his iris-less eyes might be changing color, just like the lines down his arms and legs. They step off the exercise machine - or at least, what you assume is an exercise machine - and towel themselves off.
Okapi says Right, my proposal. The short version is, governments like the Consortium and Gaule often downplay incidents of discrimination - either by hiding them from the public eye, or generally minimizing them in their reporting. But I think if we get a hold of some of this data, we might be able to show people what things are really like.
- "By hacking and leaking information?"
- "How are you going to get a hold of this data?"
By hacking and leaking information?
Me By hacking and leaking information?
Okapi says Well, yes, to put it bluntly. As much as I'd love it if they willingly handed over their actual genotype discrimination reports, we all know they won't. Their systems aren't designed to be transparent or challenged by the people. Besides, we're 'booters, and something like this would have to come from within. But if the documents were leaked on the Mesh…
"How are you going to get a hold of this data?"
Me: How are you going to get a hold of this data?
Okapi says Well… As much as I'd love it if they willingly handed over their actual genotype discrimination reports, we all know they won't. Their systems aren't designed to be transparent or challenged by the people. Besides, we're 'booters, and something like this would have to come from within. But if the documents were somehow acquired, and they were leaked on the Mesh…
Either choice continues:
Okapi shrugs. As his limbs cool down, they regain a dark brown color that matches their eyes.
Okapi says I know plenty of hackers in Congo who would be able to do something like this, but I want to make sure other people agree with me first - that's why I made it an official suggestion. If this gets traction, we could put our heads together and figure out how to leak documents without negatively affecting the people we're trying to help.
You paraphrase Okapi's plan for Barbecue. Your next proposal inquiry will be "Networking For Understanding".
Find Radical Pepper in the Common Room - what passes for the Gov't Center.
Next NPC: Radical Pepper (They/them), Government Center, The House of Congo
- Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
Me Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
Pepper says YOU'RE INTERESTED IN MY PROPOSAL! OF COURSE, I CAN…
Pepper stops, looking a bit sheepish. They touch something on their throat and cough, before continuing at a more normal volume.
Pepper says Smoggin' hell, I keep forgetting to turn that thing off. Where was I… Right, so the other day my partners mentioned a few of the proposals for Genotype Awareness Week, but none of them were the sort of thing I wanted to do. So I thought: smog it, I'll just submit one myself!
They grin at you, looking pleased, and you notice a couple of silvery teeth.
Pepper says People assume my proposal is too weak to work, but we'll do it properly! We start with some solid petitions that get good traction, give them enough media presence, and make sure the message is unified and reaches people across every station. I know I'm just a shopkeeper, but how do you think I keep the smoggin' lights on back home, if not selling things to people? This is just another thing I know I can sell.
- "That's a good plan."
- "So you think this will work?"
That's a good plan.:
Me That's a good plan.
Pepper says Yes, that's what my partners said! Of course, we need to make sure we get the details right. People who know the law can look at the state of things and make suggestions and trajectories - the plan, essentially. I make sure we get that plan across in a way people will understand. Others will help it spread, will try to hold people accountable. And it would be nice if we made sure we're abiding by our own requests here in Congo!
So you think this will work?
Me So you think this will work?
Pepper says Of course! It's all in the details. People who know the law can look at the state of things and make suggestions and trajectories - the plan, essentially. I make sure we get that plan across in a way people will understand. Others will help it spread, will try to hold people accountable. And it would be nice if we made sure we're abiding by our own requests here in Congo!
Either choice continues:
You put a summary together for Barbecue and receive information on the next proposal, "Let's Blow It Up!"
Find Aether Graywolf in Career Advisory.
Next NPC: Aether Graywolf (Fae/faer), Career Advisory, The House of Congo
- Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
Me Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
The career attendant helping Aether looks almost relieved. Aether motions towards a few chairs on the other side of the room, and you sit facing each other. When fae speaks, it's very quietly, as though measuring faer words.
Aether says …What do you want to know?
- "What exactly are you proposing?"
- "You want to… blow something up?"
"What exactly are you proposing?"
Me What exactly are you proposing?
"You want to… blow something up?"
Me "You want to… blow something up?"
Either choice continues:
With faer wolf mask, it's hard to gauge Aether's reaction, but faer voice sounds smug.
Aether says Words are all well and good, but some people won't listen until you slam them right in the face. …Though as much as I'd like to punch those Consortium bigots, what I'm advocating in this case is attacking their ships.
Fae seems to judge your reaction negatively, and crosses faer arms.
Aether says You don't think it's the right way to do things? Well, unless you're a resident, you don't get to decide. And even if you are, I can just get a group of friends at the Jump Gate to help me out. I know people.
- Deduce the main purpose of Aether's actions.
- Convince Aether to explain why this necessary.
Deduce the main purpose of Aether's actions.
(Intelligence check)
You ask Aether if the main goal of their plan is to get people to stop and take notice - after they do, you can start talking about genotype awareness.
Aether says That's right! No one needs to be in the ships at the time or anything. We'll just choose a handful of official ships passing through, trash them, then explain that we don't want casualties, but we need to make them listen when we say not everyone is being treated equally.
Convince Aether to explain why this necessary
(Social check)
You convince Aether you truly want to understand faer plan, and fae eventually opens up.
Aether says Look, I'm not saying there has to be anyone in the ships. We choose a handful of official Consortium or Gaule ships passing through and trash them. We make it clear that no one was harmed, but we want them to listen when we say not everyone is being treated equally.
Either choice continues:
Aether leans back on faer chair and makes a hand gesture, as though giving this speech straight to a camera.
Aether says If you want to stop by our system, you need to do better for all genotypes. Take a long, hard look at the way you represent people in the media, in official publications… talk to the people in House of Congo who flee your systems, and you'll find out what you can do to change.
You write up Aether's points and send a report to Barbecue. There's only one proposal left, titled "Economic Disincentives".
Find Meta4 in the Guest Rooms.
Next NPC: Meta4, Guest Rooms, The House of Congo
- Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
Me Can I ask about your Genotype Awareness Tenspan proposal?
Meta4 says Of course - I am excited to see someone taking an interest. What did you want to know?
- "Give me a quick overview of your proposal."
- "Everything. What kind of economic disincentives? What's their purpose?"
Give me a quick overview of your proposal.
Me Give me a quick overview of your proposal.
Meta4 says Of course. I have gathered data that leads me to believe negligence and a lack of assistance can do immense harm, and I have found a potential way to rectify that. By causing economic loss to those who uphold the status quo, we will make them stop and reconsider their actions. By distributing that wealth to those who have suffered from genotype discrimination, we return some balance to the situation.
Meta4 gives you a few units to process their words. Their skin swirls, changing colors in a soothing fashion.
Meta4 says In short, I propose redistribution of funds as a way to increase awareness and begin making reparations for those who suffer. Please note that this proposal may require illegal actions.
Everything. What kind of economic disincentives? What's their purpose?
Me Everything. What kind of economic disincentives? What's their purpose?
Meta4 says Ah, of course, allow me to explain. From my analysis, if those who uphold the status quo - to their benefit - are negatively affected by an issue, they are more likely to advocate change. However, we must find a way to do that which will not otherwise harm them, and an economic setback could be one way of doing so.
Meta4 gives you a few units to process their words. Their skin swirls, changing colors in a soothing fashion.
Meta4 says As a xynoid, it is imperative that I only advocate avenues of protest that will not harm humans… But I have gathered enough data to understand that negligence and a lack of assistance can also do immense harm. While it may be crude, illegally redistributing funds from certain officials and companies - those with disproportionate amounts of power - to people who have suffered from genotype discrimination serves two purposes.
They hold up two blue-and-purple fingers.
Meta4 says First, it gives reparations to those who have suffered from genotype discrimination, with funds gathered from those who have benefited from their exploitation. Second, it will increase awareness without physical harm, leading to positive change.
Either choice continues:
- "Thank you for your time."
- "Could you do something illegal like that?"
Thank you for your time.
Me Thank you for your time.
Meta4 bows in response. You write your final report for Barbecue, who asks you to meet them at the Plaza to discuss the state of the poll.
"Could you do something illegal like that?"
Me Could you do something illegal like that?
Meta4 says That would be somewhat of a gray area. If I am told not to, then I cannot. As a Freebooter citizen, there are few things strictly prohibited by our code of conduct. Personally, while I am not comfortable carrying out what the Consortium and Gaule would call illegal actions, I am willing to create a plan that others may choose to follow.
You thank Meta4 and make your final report for Barbecue, who asks you to meet them at the Plaza to discuss the state of the poll.
Talk to Barbecue in Caracal Plaza, the Lounge.
Next NPC: Barbecue Auto (They/them), Lounge, The House of Congo
- Meet up with Barbecue.
The plaza is quieter now. A few people are carting away the last remnants of the stage - mainly metal beams - and a few stragglers are still drinking, eating and chatting. Barbecue is at the same table where you left them, interacting with their CORETECHS, although they turn it off as you approach.
Barbecue says Thank you, <name>! I have a much better idea of what these events might be like, and I've already created the poll and promoted it around the station.
- "How's it looking?"
- "Wow, you work fast."
How's it looking?
Me How's it looking?
Barbecue says It's a mixed bag. I'm beginning to see a few issues which might need ironing out.
Wow, you work fast.
Me Wow, you work fast.
Barbecue says Haha, thanks! I'm glad it's up quickly - I'm beginning to see a few issues which might need ironing out.
Either choice continues:
- "What's wrong?"
Me What's wrong?
Barbecue rests their face on their palm and takes a long breath.
Barbecue says The poll is up and running, and preliminary results show that all options have a similar number of votes. That means we've got some well thought-out ideas, but I'm not sure we'll be able to agree on one or two that work for most people. I guess it was a bit naïve to hope that would happen. The second issue is with Aether's proposal to "blow things up". It's got votes, but plenty of people left comments saying the risk of injuring people was too high.
They turn to the Caracal, the ship repurposed into House of Congo's main inn and bar. It's hard to tell if they're looking at it, or just lost in thought.
Barbecue says As the person who put up the poll, I should be a moderator of sorts. Do these comments warrant removing Aether's proposal? It would also give more votes to redistribute, which could make one of the other four options stand out… But if I leave it and it wins, that means it's a polarizing option, but one we should consider.
- "I think you should leave Aether's option in."
- "I think you should remove Aether's proposal."
I think you should leave Aether's option in.
Me I think you should leave Aether's option in.
Barbecue says Really? Well… I'll have to think about it. Perhaps if I flag some people's concerns, I could leave it in…
"I think you should remove Aether's proposal."
Me I think you should remove Aether's proposal.
Barbecue says Yeah, maybe, though I'm worried about transparency. Maybe I can leave it in, but clearly flag people's concerns…
Either choice continues:
- "…So, does that mean we're done?"
- "What's next?"
"…So, does that mean we're done?"
Me …So, does that mean we're done?
Barbecue says I'm not done yet, but you could be. I'm leaving the poll up for another day or two, but in the meantime, I was hoping to help with one of the proposals. I'm just feeling a bit restless, and watching the results isn't helping - I'd rather do something in the meantime. You could join me, but you don't have to. You've already done plenty.
What's next?
Me What's next?
Barbecue says That's a good question. I'm leaving the poll up for another day or two, but in the meantime, I was hoping to help with one of the proposals. I'm just feeling a bit restless, and watching the results isn't helping - I'd rather do something in the meantime. You could join me, if you'd like?
Either choice continues:
- "Sure, let's do something to help!"
- "No, I'm done."
Done:
Me: No, I'm done.
Barbecue says: Alright. Thank you for what you've done so far, <name>! I'll send you a message when the poll is done, and I'll make sure to get your payment sorted by then as well. If you have nowhere else to go, I suggest you wait at the Caracal - it's got pretty good Mesh reception.
"Sure, let's do something to help!"
Me Sure, let's do something to help.
Barbecue joins their hands together in delight.
Barbecue says I was hoping you would say that! Since we know who submitted the proposals, we can ask one of them what a good first step would be. Who would you like to approach?
- "Let's help Okapi leak documents."
- "Let's help Pepper get traction for petitions."
- "Let's help Aether blow things up."
- "Let's help with Meta4's financial disruption plan."
- "Let's help with Cobra's artwork mural."
"Let's help Aether blow things up."
Me Let's help Aether blow things up.
Barbecue says I, um… I'm sorry, <name>, but I think I'd need to be sure before helping with something like that. I've left it in the poll, but I don't know that I'd want to do it myself. Maybe if it wins the vote, we can think about it… For now, could we do something else, though?
- "Let's help Okapi leak documents."
- "Let's help Pepper get traction for petitions."
- "Let's help with Meta4's financial disruption plan."
- "Let's help with Cobra's artwork mural."
Let's help Okapi leak documents.
Me Let's help Okapi leak documents.
Barbecue says That's as good a place to start as any. I'm going to flag these comments first, but I'll meet you there, okay?
Help out Okapi in the Gym.
Next NPC: Okapi (He/They), Gym, The House of Congo
- Talk to Okapi.
As you approach Okapi, Barbecue runs up to you.
Barbecue says Just in time! Okapi, is it? I know the polls haven't finished yet, but is there something we could do to help?
Okapi says I'd rather not start until I know enough people like my approach. …That said, there are some things we could set up before then. Do you think you could check the Mesh for news reports that look like cover-ups, or events which didn't get as much coverage as they should?
Barbecue assures him you two can help and finds you a quiet bench to sit. They access their CORETECHS and begin searching for potential cover-up targets.
Access the Mesh through the Training Area to find cover-ups.
- Use logic to find discrepancies in news reports.
(Intelligence check)
You find a news report describing what could have been an incident of genotype discrimination - however, due various non-disclosure agreements, very little was shared with the public. If someone could hack into the company's systems and find the original complaint was mishandled, it might be worth leaking.
- Find evidence of biased sampling in statistical reports.
(Intelligence check)
By comparing various reports and surveys with their corresponding area's census data, you start to see how very selective, biased samples can be used to skew results. As you start finding more and more connections between certain online survey providers and negligence, Okapi comes up to both of you and asks how things are going.
Barbecue says I've only found one thing, but it feels like it's the tip of the iceberg… Should we send everything to you for now? I'm pretty beat.
Okapi says Of course, it would be a great help. You should probably rest - it sounds like you've been busy.
Barbecue agrees, and struggles to stifle a yawn while they wait for you to send your own findings to Okapi.
Barbecue says It has been a long day. …<name>, why don't I contact you when the poll's a little further along? We need to pace ourselves, there's at least a tenspan's worth of work to be done, so let's make sure we're rested! If you have nowhere else to go, I suggest you wait at the Caracal - it's got pretty good Mesh reception.
"Let's help Pepper get traction for petitions."
Me Let's help Pepper get traction for petitions.
Barbecue says That's as good a place to start as any. I'm going to flag these comments first, but I'll meet you there, okay?
Help out Pepper in the Common Room (Gov't Center).
Next NPC: Radical Pepper (They/them), Government Center, The House of Congo
- Talk to Pepper.
As you approach, Pepper is already giving out instructions to various people - clearly you weren't the only ones trying to help. As Barbecue catches up, Pepper finally notices you. They wave you over and are about to talk, before they realize their mistake and turn off their voice amplifier.
Pepper says <name>, you're back, and you brought a friend!
Barbecue says We thought we'd help you out, though I see you've got it covered.
Pepper says Not at all, we're just laying some groundwork! There's a lot that needs to be done, and plenty of people who want to help. How about I send you both our proposal information, and you get the word out through the Mesh? Start with Congo citizens, we'll only expand once we're ready.
Access the Mesh through the Gov't Center and spread the word.
- Post information in official House of Congo venues.
(Social check)
You try to explain Pepper's plan in a way that will make it sound appealing to people, then find various official sites in the Mesh to post your message. With that out of the way, you look for other places people might digitally congregate.
- Find other places to post your message.
(Social check)
You find a few corners of the Mesh where people seem receptive to your cause. As they also begin to spread your message, more and more people seem keen on helping. As you reply to a few messages, Pepper comes up to you and gives you both a thumbs-up.
Pepper says I didn't realize you were both so good at this! I might have to employ you, at this rate! You should probably take a break, though. I've got lots of help, and you need to pace yourselves. Besides - ah, smogging hell, another one? Sorry, I need to deal with this… YOU! YES, YOU! THAT'S NOT THE MESSAGE WE'RE TRYING TO SEND!
As Pepper goes to scold an over-eager helper, Barbecue gets up and stretches.
Barbecue says It's true that I could use a bit of rest… Why don't I contact you when the poll's a little further along? There's a lot to do, no need to push ourselves too far on day one. If you have nowhere else to go, I suggest you wait at the Caracal - it's got pretty good Mesh reception.
"Let's help with Meta4's financial disruption plan."
Me Let's help with Meta4's financial disruption plan.
Barbecue says That's as good a place to start as any. I'm going to flag these comments first, but I'll meet you there, okay?
Help out Meta4 in the Guest Rooms.
Next NPC: Meta4, Guest Rooms, The House of Congo
- Talk to Meta4.
As you approach Meta4, Barbecue runs up to you.
Barbecue says Just in time! Hey, Meta4, is it? I know the polls haven't finished yet, but is there something we could do to help?
Meta4 says I would prefer to act only when I have ascertained that enough people in House of Congo find my actions agreeable. …However, I can see the benefits of preparing for our approach, should our citizens approve of it. In that light, I would appreciate additional input on my plan of action. May I send it to you both?
Barbecue says Yes, of course! We'll check it for you.
You receive a document from Meta4 via your CORETECHS.
Next area: Guest Rooms, The House of Congo
- Go through Meta4's proposal.
You manage to get through the first half of Meta4's proposal - the reasoning for a financial approach. While most of it is sounds sensible, some of the assumptions about Consortium and Gaule officials don't feel quite right. You take notes, make a few suggestions, and prepare yourself to read through another few thousand words.
- Check the second half of Meta4's proposal.
The second half of the proposal involves exactly how Meta4 thinks you should approach the redistribution of funds. It's complicated, but you manage to follow the plan through to the end. There are one or two points they hadn't considered, which you highlight.
Meta4 says Thank you. I have read both of your notes, and they're extremely useful. In addition, while you were working I was contacted by other people who wanted to help. It seems there may be some support for this route after all.
Barbecue says I should hope so, it's a good plan! A bit dry, as far as reading goes, but a good plan. …Oof, I'm beat, though. <name>, why don't I contact you when the poll's a little further along? We've done plenty for now, it would be good to get some rest, then see how things are shaping up. If you have nowhere else to go, I suggest you wait at the Caracal - it's just around the corner, and it's got pretty good Mesh reception.
"Let's help with Cobra's artwork mural."
Me Let's help with Cobra's artwork mural.
Barbecue says That sounds good! I'm going to flag these comments first, but I'll meet you there, okay?
Help out Abstract Cobra in the Wrecks.
Next NPC: Abstract Cobra (Ze/zir), the Wrecks, The House of Congo
- Talk to Cobra.
As you approach Cobra, Barbecue runs up to you.
Barbecue says Just in time! Hey, Abstract Cobra, is it? I know the polls haven't finished yet, but is there something we could do to help? Maybe get you some supplies, or clear out a space for the mural…
Cobra says You wanna help? Awesomesauce! I found somewhere we could use, but I didn't get enough painting or sculpting supplies. If I give you a list, can you get them for me? There's a little market stall near here that should have everything I need, you just need to lug it over. Thanks, peeps!
Ze sends Barbecue a list of supplies, and they lead the way through the Cat's Bowels. The "market stall" Cobra suggested is little more than a person with crates upon crates of art supplies - tins of paint, synthetic clay, wire loops and assorted tools. They have everything you need, though. Once Barbecue has paid and you distribute the supplies onto a trolley, you notice there's too much for just one trip.
Barbecue says Guess we'll have to come back. Alright, let's do this!
Carry supplies back to Cobra.
- Transport the first batch of supplies.
(Strength check)
You bring the first batch of supplies to Cobra, who thanks you and starts sorting them into ordered sections. Other people are trying to get zir attention - it's possible as more people pay attention to the poll, more will come to help. You go back to the "stall" with Barbecue and load up two trolleys.
- Bring the last of the supplies.
(Strength check)
You manage to bring the last of the supplies to Cobra. Ze is now organizing a dozen helpers, next to a stretch of wall that has been painted light gray. Barbecue takes you aside, away from the bustle.
Barbecue says Whew, I'm beat… Let's leave them to sort things out for now. Actually, why don't we take a break until the poll's a little further along? We need to pace ourselves, there's at least a tenspan's worth of work to be done! If you have nowhere else to go, I suggest you wait at the Caracal - it's got pretty good Mesh reception.
All paths continue:
Go to the Caracal Inn and wait for Barbecue to call you.
Next area: Inn, The House of Congo
- Answer a CORETECHS call from Barbecue.
You answer a CORETECHS call from Barbecue, sooner than you expected. They seem out of breath and in a hurry.
Barbecue says It's wrong, <name>, it's all wrong…
- "What's wrong?"
Me What's wrong?
Barbecue says I just… Have a look at the news, <name>.
- Check the news on your CORETECHS.
It doesn't take long for you to find what Barbecue must have been talking about: "Anonymous House of Congo Hacker Threatens Benevolent Dynamics". The video opens with an image of a white caracal on a dark gray background.
A synthesized voice says My eyes were opened thanks to the words of Chromium, Rhododendron and Annabelle. Their struggles helped me realize we should be doing so much more than we currently are… And I want to start by hitting those who claim to be impartial, who claim to benefit all of humanity, but clearly help some more than others - Benevolent Dynamics. Soon you will regret your actions, but for now, be afraid of the dark…
The news then shows short clips from the speeches you saw earlier, for Genotype Awareness Tenspan. The video focuses on Annabelle and Rhode's mentions of biases in the CORETECHS: the Archive's assumptions about different genotypes and use of slurs.
A news anchor says Threats from House of Congo, or any stations in the Sirius A system, are frequent enough not to worry our panel of experts - likely a novice hacker who can't follow through. The vague threats and imagery of a caracal are honestly uninspired. However, one of our sources claims to have been in Orwell Stronghold earlier today, and noticed that right after the threat was made, there was a power outage throughout the station. Romy, over to you.
Romy says Thank you, Camilla. It's likely nothing to be concerned about - I spoke to Benevolent Dynamics representatives who remind me that they have many fail-safe systems and backup power sources. They see threats like these from time to time, as unlikely as it seems, and the power outage was actually caused by a researcher who got a little carried away with their experiment!
Camilla says That does tend to happen in Orwell Stronghold! Thank you, Romy. Now, on a lighter note, the new fashion season is starting - I hope you're ready to dust your old faux-fur sandals!
As the news winds down, you receive a message from Barbecue.
- Open Barbecue's message.
Barbecue's message reads:
"I'm sorry, <name>, I think I'm going to step back for a bit. I used to work in Orwell, before I came here - I have friends there. I know it's probably just a hoax, or like they said, a hacker who can't follow through… But I'm worried the poll might end up being associated with whatever happens, so it might be best to hold off for a bit."
"…Is that right, though? Maybe I should make sure we do something else, so people don't assume this person represents all of House of Congo. I just… I need some time to think. This has become bigger than the little poll I started."
"Thank you, though. When I figure out what to do, I'll get in touch again. In the meantime, have a few credits for helping me out. Working with you was fun, you know? Maybe we can do more together again. -BBQ"
If you did more to help:
You have received 1,000.00 credits.
If you didn't:
You have received 820.00 credits.
You have completed the "All Our Activisms" mission.
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