Bond Villain

A suspect device is found in the Ruins. Who planted it and why?

Level: 2
Start: Hennix, Ruins, Tau Station

Introduction

Your boots crunch Red Zones dirt as your ear picks through its noisy symphony. Air recycler fans grind unserviced bearings ahead. Further still, in the Wilds; the low thrum of an energy weapon in use. But also, nearby, something oddly joyful; the boisterous cackle of a playing child.

A young voice: Private Hennix, reporting for duty, Ser! Locked and loaded! Where the reds at?
You watch the solitary boy clamber debris as if in a Cirque Centauri theme park. He holds his hands as if clutching an imaginary rifle, which he frequently raises to unleash a spit-soaked salvo.

Hennix cries: Bam-bam-bam!! Take that, Protectorate scum!

• Warn Hennix to be careful.
• Leave him to his games.

Leave:

The boy is still engrossed in his vivid imagination. He seems no stranger to the bumps and bruises of childhood. Time in the Ruins is character-building - at any age. You leave him to it and continue on your way.

You have failed the "Bond Villain" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.

Warn Hennix to be careful:

Me: Careful. This isn't a playground. Where's your guardian?

But the boy, whom your CORETECHS identifies as Hennix, pauses only to reach a hand to his waist, before shaping it like a gun, pointed at you.

He shouts: Bam-bam-bam-bam! You're dead!

And then, with a childish giggle, he scampers off down the corridor, before bundling his little body through a hole in a damaged wall panel, below a sign that reads 'HAZARD RISK - KEEP OUT!'

• Leave him to his games.
• Follow him.

Leave:

The boy is still engrossed in his vivid imagination. He seems no stranger to the bumps and bruises of childhood. Time in the Ruins is character-building - at any age. You leave him to it and continue on your way.

You have failed the "Bond Villain" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.

Follow him:

You stoop and force yourself through the gap left by the missing wall panel, trying not to rip your sleeves on the metal's jagged edges. Somewhere ahead, Hennix shouts some more.

Hennix: Oh no- Protectorate sabotage detected! BOMB ALERT!!

You drag yourself out on the other side, into what looks like a disused services sub-station. Hennix is again in your sights, still absorbed in his militaristic game.

He cries: It's gonna blow! Hull breach imminent! Blue team; suit up and getcha breathers on! AAARGH!

As Hennix hollers, oblivious to your presence, something new announces itself to your senses. Something hot, acrid, and pungent, first in your nostrils. Then your throat. Wisps of grey-blue smoke waft up from where the boy stands. He emits a sharp yelp, which no longer sounds like he's playing.

He cries: Aaaargh! Ouchy—

You have accepted the "Bond Villain" mission.

• Check if Hennix is hurt

You rush to Hennix, who is now blowing frantically on a rapidly-blistering finger. Before you can examine it, he resumes his animated shouting.

Hennix screams: Burn victim. Med-evac! NOW!

He shunts his wounded finger into his mouth, charges past you and back into the half-lit corridor behind, still screaming at his imaginary Gaule enemies. As his cries recede, you look around the darkened chamber; evidently a one-time utilities hub from when the area housed an official population. Astringent fumes prick at your throat as you glance around.

Loose, disconnected cables litter the floor. To the side, there's the empty casing of a power distributor, long-since stripped for parts. On a caged plinth in the middle of it all sits a small black rod, labelled 'MESH NODE 147 - TAU STATION - SECTOR A'. A cloying black smoke rises from something at its base.

Next area: Ruins, Tau Station

• Examine the mesh node.

You step forward, gagging on fumes. On your CORETECHS, a red icon flashes with a large crossed-out 'M'. Under it; 'MESH SIGNAL STRENGTH WARNING'. Your eyes prick with the smoke but you squint to focus, identifying something at the node's base.

It's an electronic device; a black box, big as a ration pack, its casing covered in tiny LEDs that blink haywire, red and green. Thin coils of smoke weave out from it, and the whole thing radiates palpable heat.

• Try shutting down the device.
• Step away from the device.

Step away:

You take a few steps back, cover your mouth with a sleeve, and watch as more black smoke engulfs the device. A flame briefly spits out from it, before the various lights finally go out.

Whatever it is has partially melted, damaging itself in the process. You notice that the crossed-out 'M' in your CORETECHS disappears. In its place, there's the usual 'M' next to a green tick mark.

Try shutting down the device:
(Intelligence check)

Panic trills through your body as you tinker with the strange box, trying not to touch its casing with your bare hands. Fumes sting your eyes as you examine it closely, identifying a wireless power transmission aerial on one side. You bring your heel down on it with a crushing stomp.

The blinking lights go out instantly. After a few units, the smoke stops too, and your pulse slows again. The crossed-out 'M' in your CORETECHS disappears. In its place, there's the usual 'M' with a green tick again.

Either choice continues:

• Examine the smoldering remnants.

You poke at the remnants of the half-melted box with your boot. It looks homemade, with a cheap 3D-printed casing that's covered in LEDs and micro-antennae. Somehow, it seems to have disrupted the nearby Mesh node, at least for a while. Not to mention teaching Hennix an important safety lesson about playing in the Ruins.

Using a discarded ration wrapper to protect your hand, you scoop the dangerous gadget up off the floor, wondering what to do with it.

Find someone on Tau Station who can identify the device.

Next NPC: Norbert, Market, Tau Station

OR

Next NPC: Fellie Norbush, Port, Tau Station

Fellie:

• Approach Fellie for info.

Fellie is where you last left her, eagerly making eye contact with passers-by who mostly seem uninterested in CORETECHS upgrades. Fellie's enthusiasm doesn't waver though, and she beams a perfect Fellie-smile as you approach.

Fellie: <name>! What can I do for you?

She looks down at the half-burned junk in your hands.

She says: You've been… scavenging?

• Show Fellie what you found.

Fellie listens as you describe what happened in the Ruins. She examines the object in your hands from every angle.

She says: Weird… Your CORETECHS relies on the Mesh to send data. Same as your Amygchip. But we have great Mesh coverage on Tau Station. You can go a whole cycle here without seeing the signal strength warning…

She shakes her head.

She says: Hardware isn't my forte, sorry… But you know who's good with this? Norbert. Over in the Market. Maybe he can help?

You recall a previous meeting with Norbert, who seemed to know electronics better than most. As you leave to find him, Fellie waves you off with some words about an extraordinarily pleasant day.

Ask Norbert at the Market about the device you found.

Next NPC: Norbert, Market, Tau Station

• Approach Norbert.

Still carrying the flame-blackened box in your hands, you shuffle through the busy market, stopping under the 'Bits n Bots' shop sign as you recall Norbert's knowledge of all things technical. He's inside, squinting at a circuit board with a magnifying lens. His face brightens on seeing you.

Norbert says: Blimey, <name>, you're fast-becoming my best punter! What's up? Eleni got another dodgy bot?

He chuckles for a unit, until his gaze meets the half-melted black box in your hand. The smile becomes a scowl.

He says: I hope that's not what I think it is. We're a legit business here. I've no interest in prohibited items…

• "Prohibited? I didn't know, I swear."
• "Illegal? That makes sense. It's some kind of Mesh disruptor, right?"

Prohibited? I didn't know, I swear:

Me: Prohibited? I didn't know, I swear. I found it in the Ruins. Don't even know what it is…

Norbert says: Keep it that way. Less chance of ending up in the Brig!

Makes sense:

Me: Illegal? That makes sense. It's some kind of Mesh disruptor, right?

Norbert nods: Yeah, when it isn't doing other naughty stuff. Thing's probably loaded with enough malware to make a freebooter blush.

Either choice continues:

Norbert takes a couple of steps back, keen to keep a marked distance between himself and the heat-warped box in your hands. He starts on some sort of breathing exercises.

Norbert says: I-I- don't want it in here. Could lose my license… Oh stars! BREATHE NORBY, BREATHE MATEY…

• Persuade Norbert you only want some information.
• Offer Norbert 30 credits to tell you more about the device.
• "OK, I get it. I'll go. Forget I asked."

Go:

OK, I get it. I'll go. Forget I asked.

Norbert lets out a deep exhale as you turn and exit his shop.

You're back in the main market hall when an incoming message alert chimes on your CORETECHS. It's titled 'SECURITY SUMMONS'.

• Open the message.

The message is short and to the point.

WE HAVE QUESTIONS. DON'T MAKE US FETCH YOU. REGARDS. CPT. VOLLMER.

You close your CORETECHS interface and consider the quickest route to Security.

Attend Security on Tau Station to see Cpt. Vollmer.

Persuade Norbert you only want some information:
(Social check)

You muster all the powers of persuasion at your disposal.

Me: Please, er- Norby. I only want some info… I'm not here to get you in trouble.

It seems to work. Norbert says nothing, but his stiff posture softens. He motions for you to join him behind the counter, hidden from the window to main Market walkway outside.

Norbert whispers: Fine, I'll oblige. Since you're a loyal customer n'all… See, a DoS-Bot is what we call it. 'Denial of Service' robot if you're not into the whole brevity thing. It has a micro-transmitter array…

Norbert points a finger at the singed casing.

He continues: Wireless power receiver, here. And inside, a chip running all kindsa naughty… More naughty than it can handle, by the looks of it. Overheated itself.

• "I found it on a Mesh node. In the Ruins."

Me: I found it on a Mesh node. In the Ruins.

Norbert scratches his scalp for a moment.

He says: That figures… Lil rascal was probably flooding it with data requests that got no return address. Then the node spends units 'n' units looking for something which can't be found, til it times out. If you repeat it enough times, the node could choke fast. In theory. In practice, well… Don't think anything's ever taken Mesh nodes down, apart from the Catastrophe. And even then, whole thing was back online soon after…

Norbert permits himself a chuckle.

He adds: A DoS attack is… like ordering a ton-load of beers down at the Oasis to a table number that don't exist. The waiter spends segments looking for it, gets so tired he can't serve the other customers… Understand?

Norbert speaks in hushed tones, all the while keeping one eye on the door.

Norbert says: Folk use these to attack all kindsa systems. Heck, even here, few cycles back, traders were targeting each others' online catalogs… Til Security intervened. See, these things are for undertaking highly Brig-worthy behavior. Steer clear, that's my advice. Get rid, quick. Cos I don't want it in my shop…

• "Last question. Why is someone doing this to a Mesh node?"
• Ask Norbert if he wants the DoS-Bot for parts.

Last question. Why is someone doing this to a Mesh node:

Me: Last question; why is someone doing this to a Mesh node?

Norbert shrugs: All kindsa folk out there, <name>. Some of them aren't as nice or as law-abiding as you and me. I wouldn't speculate as to what's inside their craniums…

He goes on: But if I had to guess… Well, the Mesh is a distributed network. When a node drops, traffic routes through others, that's why it's so resilient… But it still has limits. Take enough nodes down and the Mesh's immune system kicks in. It'll borrow processing power from any idle connected device. Pocket slates, 3D printers, heck even a toilet cleaner bot… A helping hand, in a time of need, y'understand? In return, those devices get Bonds.

Norbert pauses so you can catch up.

He adds: The Mesh bleeds Bonds when it's hurt. And so, some folks try to cut it, on purpose… 'Xept, it don't trigger from just a little cut. Takes something huge, like the Catastrophe do it. Still, folks get desperate and try the heist anyways… Now. get it outta here. Please.

• Take the DoS-Bot to Security.
• Ask Norbert if he wants the DoS-Bot for parts.
• Go dump the DoSBot in a waste compacter.

Ask Norbert if he wants the DoS-Bot for parts:

Me: You wanna take it off me, break it down for parts?

Norbert's mouth gapes in disbelief.

Norbert says: Nope. No way. Definitely not. Negative. Not in a zillion cycles. Was I not clear enough? Only place I want that thing is far away from my shop…

• Take the DoS-Bot to Security.
• Go dump the DoSBot in a waste compacter.

Take the DoS-Bot to Security:

You decide to hand this thing over to the authorities.

Visit Security on Tau Station to hand over the DoS-Bot.

Next NPC: Vollmer, Security, Tau Station

• Approach Captain Vollmer.

In the Security office, Captain Vollmer is hectoring a colleague as you enter.

Vollmer shouts: Twelve cameras offline in the Red Zones! All in the past tenspan! Perfectly normal, is it Cadet? Out of interest, how many WOULD need to go down before you alerted me? Twenty? A HUNDRED?!

If you got Norbert's help:

The cadet grovels an apology and scampers off, as Vollmer turns to face you. He raises a quizzical brow as you place the DoS-Bot on the reception counter of Security office's foyer.

Vollmer says: Right. Go on then. Explain. And don't waste my time… I'm not in the mood.

If Security summoned you:

The cadet grovels an apology and scampers off, as Vollmer turns to face you. He raises a quizzical brow as he spots the blackened box in your hands.

Vollmer says: We've been watching you. <name>, hawking dangerous items around the Market. Thankfully those cameras remain operational. Now. Explain. And don't waste my time… I'm not in the mood.

Either way continues:

• Tell Vollmer what you found in the Ruins.

Vollmer's eyes widen as you explain where you found the strange device.

He says: But that's— we've no footage for that sector! Those cams are all down. This is orchestrated sabotage of lifeline infrastructure!

Vollmer tries to reassert a commanding posture but his voice is rattled. He turns back to you and beckons you in closer, clearly keen to share something of a delicate nature.

• Listen to what Vollmer has to say.

Vollmer takes a moment to choose his words.

Vollmer says: My job's not easy, <name>. It don't pay what people think it does. But I still turn up, every day. Why? Cos I hate chaos, goddammit. I hate it… People deserve order. Peace. Law. And right now, someone's messing with that. It's not you, fine, but you're mixed up in it. So now you can help.

The cadet reappears to hand Vollmer a glass of water. The Captain waves him away, before resuming.

He says: He's useless. Should be at the Wayfairer, pouring drinks, not here. We've got twelve cams offline in the Ruins, and now this. A DoS-Bot trying to take Mesh nodes down… I need to go check it out for myself. And you're coming with me.

• "OK, I'll help. What's the plan?"
• "Do I have any other options?"
• "A what? DoS-Bot?" (only if you didn't get Norbert to tell you)

Dos-Bot:

Me: A what? DoS-Bot?

Vollmer: Yeah. Denial of Service Bot. That's how it disrupts the Mesh signal, overloading the node with bogus requests til it stops being able to do its job. Look, I don't have time for a cyber-crime lesson right now. We need to get moving.

• "OK, I'll help. What's the plan?"
• "Do I have any other options?"

Other options:

Me: Do I have any other options?.

Vollmer checks the time on a large GCT display over his shoulder.

He says: Absolutely not. You're under watch for now. So that means, either the Brig, until I can be absolutely sure it's safe to let you go - or accompany me to the Ruins. Now.

Vollmer opens his palms and shrugs, waiting for your response.

• "OK, I'll help. What's the plan?"

Me: I guess I can do that. What's the plan?

Vollmer starts fastening up his armored vest, preparing to leave.

Vollmer shrugs: I've got a hunch there are more of these bots in the Ruins. Let's check all the nodes where the security cams are down. Ready?

• "OK. I'm ready. Let's go."
• "More info before we go would be nice."

More info before we go would be nice:

Me: More info before we go would be nice.

Vollmer is still gathering his equipment. From a cabinet behind he takes some hand restrainers and an ammo box.

He says: What do you want to know?

• "Anything else you can tell me about the Mesh nodes?"
• "Is this dangerous? Who would do something like this?"

Anything else you can tell me about the Mesh nodes:

Me: Anything else you can tell me about the Mesh nodes?

Vollmer replies: Yeah. Air and water systems, amygchip syncs, pretty much everything round here uses them. We got a coupla hundred or so and if they all go down at the same time we'll have ourselves a nice little mini-catastrophe. Enough info for you?

As he speaks, Vollmer puts on his field belt, complete with both short and ranged weapons. He pulls his jacket on over it.

• "OK. I'm ready. Let's go."
• "Is this dangerous? Who would do something like this?"

Is this dangerous? Who would do something like this:

Me: Is this dangerous? Who would do something like this?

Vollmer pauses a unit.

He says: You're safe with me… Freebooter vandals? Gaule secret service? Bored kids. Whoever it is, I want em in my Brig A-S-A-Goddamn-P!

• "OK. I'm ready. Let's go."

OK. I'm ready. Let's go:

Me: I'm ready. Let's go.

Vollmer's jaw tenses. Teeth clench and his nostrils flare.

He says: Game face on. Roll out.

Meet Vollmer at the Ruins on Tau Station to investigate Mesh node interference.

Next NPC: Cpt. Vollmer, Ruins, Tau Station

• Follow Vollmer into the Ruins.

As you approach the Ruins, Vollmer halts and scowls, distracted by his CORETECHS.

He says: You getting that? Mesh signal warning?

You nod; your own CORETECHS shows the same message. Vollmer pulls out a pocket slate with a map of the Ruins on it.

He says: Cams are offline in these two sectors… I'll take one, you do the other. Check Mesh nodes for more of these things. You find something; you let me know.

Vollmer turns and trots down a corridor bound for his sector, leaving you alone.

Search the Ruins for more evidence of Mesh sabotage.

Next area: Ruins, Tau Station

• Search for the Ruins.

Alone, you pick your way through the disorder of Tau Station's Red Zones, entering a large chamber with a collapsed ceiling. You look up, into an opening which has damaged several floors above. Twisted metal beams hang over the void, broken off by something long ago. Higher still, the faint echo of children's voices at play echoes about. You can't be sure, but it sounds like Hennix's is one of them, hollering something about 'blues' and 'reds', from some unseen location above.

This time you have more pressing concerns than child-minding. You leave them to it, continuing with your task. The ground level debris in this section includes a snack rehydrator machine. Its display blinks erratically, 'WATER SOURCE DISCONNECTED'. Above it you spot one of the cameras which Vollmer indicated was offline.

• Examine the camera.

The camera is high on a back wall. You climb the snack rehydrator to take a look. Somewhere in the distance, there's the usual howl of air currents caused by uneven pressure, masking the sounds of fighting in the Wilds. You focus on the camera.

It's still powered, but a strange black gunk covers the glassy, half-domed lens cover. As you shine a light at it, Vollmer calls.

• Answer the call.

Vollmer's voice comes through in slightly broken bursts.

He says: Black gunk, right? Like a-- res-in. All the power connections are fine. That's why we didn't get the ala--rm when they went offline... But they've been blinded by some-ing. And th- Mesh nodes are play-ing up too. Th-- signal is disrupted here...

Your CORETECHS shows a patchy Mesh signal, as the call quality fluctuates, just enough to be noticeable.

Vollmer continues: Some-thing's up, for sure— Keep - look-ing.

Your CORETECHS interface blinks with a 'CALL ENDED' notification.

Keep searching the Ruins for more evidence.

• Continue searching the Ruins.

The air smells uncirculated and damp in these half-forgotten corridors. Exploring another one, you stop before an open doorway. Through it, a torch beam thrusts about in the dark, accompanied by the mutterings of an agitated voice.

Next NPC: Solana Stryke, Ruins, Tau Station

• Look inside.

Inside, a green-haired woman in a tatty jumpsuit jabbers to herself in bursts, checking her pocket slate. Though your Mesh signal is patchy, your CORETECHS still manages to ID her as Solana Stryke.

Solana mutters: Curios and curioser! Hmm— Still online. Tough little cookie. Next. What's next?

She stands in front of a Mesh node, around which a multitude of DoSBots are arranged, covering every bit of spare floor space. Their combined LED blinks, alternating red and green, create an incessant visual cacophony, all prompting gasps, mutterings, and head-shakes from Solana.

She says: Cut deeper, that's what! To see further, inside it all…

She bends to scoop another DoSBot from a bag at her feet, then connects it to the others; her back still turned from you.

• Contact Vollmer on your CORETECHS.
• Observe her.
• Confront her.

Observe her:

You remain silently motionless, trying to decipher her odd mutterings.

She says: Patience, patience… Time for a new trick.

She taps away at her pocket slate for a moment, prompting the LED light pattern on the DoSBot to alter its frequency and sequencing. The woman stares at it for a unit, then turns back to her slate, pensive.

• Contact Vollmer on your CORETECHS.
• Confront her.
• Stay hidden. Keep observing her.

Stay hidden. Keep observing her:

She glances again at the slate and scowls, humming a tune.

She says: Exploring without maps, you and me, find treasure but watch the traps, in the wilds we are free—

She's interrupted by the shriek of an unseen child. It sounds oddly familiar.

A child shouts: Enemy sighted! Gaule operative in range- POW! P-P-POW POW!

You spin to see Hennix emptying his imaginary rifle in your direction, finishing off his spit-strewn salvo with a satisfied chuckle, before charging away again down the adjoining corridor. When you turn around again, the intense stare of the green-haired woman locks onto yours.

She shouts: A Ruins rat… There's nothing for you here! Don't make me draw my weapon. Now, away with you! Shoo! Go ferret for nano-wire in the Wrecks instead. I've work to do. AWAY!

Contact Volmer:

You contact Vollmer on your CORETECHS, sending your position with a message to hurry. Then, after closing the tool's visual overlay and returning focus back to your surroundings, you find your presence is no longer a secret.

She exclaims: A Ruins rat… There's nothing for you here! Don't make me draw my weapon. Now, away with you! Shoo! Go ferret for nano-wire in the Wrecks instead. I've work to do. AWAY!

Either way continues:

• "I'm not here for nano-wire."
• "Your work isn't exactly legal."

Your work isn't exactly legal:

Me: Your work isn't exactly legal. Station infrastructure is Consortium property.

Solana replies: Consortium property?! Oh, stars alive, your intellect is parsecs behind… My research would be beyond you, even if I wanted to explain. Which I don't. And won't. Now whizz off!

She watches you keenly, awaiting a response.

I'm not here for nano-wire:

Me: I'm not here for nano-wire.

She says: Is that so? Hmm. Then what?

She mulls over your words, watching you keenly.

Either choice continues:

• "You got a Benevolent Dynamics ID to go with that BeDyne uniform?"
• "What are you doing with the Mesh node?"
• "What do you know about the offline cams in this sector?"

ID:

Me: You got a BeDyne ID to go with that uniform?

Solana closes her chest armor over to conceal the faded 'BeDyne' logo on her old jumpsuit.

Solana says: Maybe I just like wearing it… Now it's my turn to ask a question. You got a Security badge to go with your tedious questions?

She growls, baring ration-greyed teeth. Then she stoops to start collecting some of her things into a satchel, all while keeping one eye trained on you.

• "What are you doing with the Mesh node?"
• "What do you know about the offline cams in this sector?"

Offline cams:

Me: Know anything about all the offline cams in this sector?

Solana's eyes narrow and she turns to face you fully, sliding her slate into her pocket. You have her full attention.

Solana: You're in the red zones, Ser. What isn't offline round here? Now go. Plenty of trash for you to to scavenge in the other sectors.

The DoSBots continue their incessant flickering, casting strange shadows across the augmentation embedded across Solana's left eye. From the other, an olivine green pupil holds you in its unblinking gaze.

• "What are you doing with the Mesh node?"

Me: What are you doing with the Mesh node?

Solana answers: Listen here, scav. This research is of no interest to you. Consider this your final warning.

There's a steeliness to Solana's voice, with no hint of fear.

• "I'm interested in your research."

Me: I'm interested in your research.

Solana releases a long, resigned sigh.

She says: It's MY research. And it's private. You know, some of my equipment was stolen recently. From a location nearby. I'm starting to think you had something to do with it…

You squint in the gloaming light as she speaks, examining her features. A dark scar runs from forehead and down one cheek. Around one eye, the glint of metal suggests ocular augmentations. In her mouth, metallic fittings sit in rows alongside the last remains of her enamel collection. She continues to speak, but with suddenly softer tone.

Solana says: Forgive me. Experience taught me to keep my guard up… Too much, it seems. I welcome your interest. Working alone is fiddlesome and frustrating. You're a scholar too? Perhaps you can offer some insights on my work… Hate to admit it but, I'm somewhat stuck. Here, take a look.

As she speaks, her pupil glazes over in the familiar fashion of a CORETECHS overlay being accessed. Right after, your own CORETECHS alerts you to an incoming file from Solana Stryke. It's titled: 'RESULTS & DATA'.

• Open it.

You open the file. Nothing happens but you see, through the digital overlay, that in the room before you Solana is smiling.

And then, in your CORETECHS, hundreds of new windows flood your digital overlay. You barely have a chance to see the contents of one before another opens on top. Most play audio, or video, creating a cacophony of white noise. TauLife infomercials. Galactic Destinations adverts for Cirque Centauri holidays. Music that sounds like the top 100 from the past ten cycles all playing at once. It's unpleasant and disturbing, and Solana seems to be enjoying your discomfort as you rush to close it all down.

• "What is this?!"

What is this:

Me: What is this?!

Your discomfort seems to be the confirmation Solana is looking for. She smirks to herself while gathering up some of her things from the floor.

She says: I warned you. Now, out of my way, shoo!

If you didn't contact Vollmer:

• Contact Vollmer on your CORETECHS.

While closing the countless unwanted windows in your CORETECHS you send Vollmer your location info and a message to hurry.

Solana says: If it isn't one thing, it's another! Never-ending. Meddling. Impossible to get anything done!

There's a harshness to her voice, hoarse with fury as she packs up her things and readies to leave.

Either way continues:

• Shout for Vollmer to hurry.

Me: VOOLLMMMEEERRRRR!! IN HERE!!

The words are barely out of your mouth when Solana scoops up her satchel and moves quickly for the exit; a green-grey blur, boots thudding, kicking up regocrete dust.

• Stop her!

(Strength check)

You close the cacophony of your CORETECHS for now and switch attention back your immediate surroundings, shunting your weight hard at Solana, catching her just enough. She stumbles, dropping her satchel in the middle of the room. She pauses, hesitating between it and the doorway behind.

• Grab her satchel.

(Agility check)

You lunge at the bag, sending it across the floor, spilling out all manner of electronic trinkets.

She shrieks: MY EQUIPMENT!! YOU— VACUUM HEAD!

She hesitates for a unit, rage-demented eyes calculating her options. Then she crouches, scoops a fistful and tosses it. Regocrete dust fills your eyes and mouth.

• Call out to Vollmer.

Still half-blind with the pain, your shout reverberates around the derelict chambers and dusty walkways of the Red Zones. By the time Vollmer appears, Solana is long gone.

Next NPC: Cpt. Vollmer, Ruins, Tau Station

• Show Vollmer the remnants of Solana's activities.

Vollmer glances around the chamber, eyes bulging at the sight of the DoSBot array, LEDs pulsing with relentless regularity. He stoops to fiddle with the connections on some sort of hub unit in the middle and then, finally, the lights go dark.

Vollmer says: Wireless power transmitter. Off now.

As he looks around, you re-open your CORETECHS quickly to finish closing down all the torrent of annoying windows that Solana tricked you into opening.

He asks: What happened here?!

• Tell Vollmer about Solana Stryke.

Vollmer listens intently as you tell him about the encounter, urging him to dispatch officers immediately. His expression darkens as you mention the name. He steps away to issue orders into his lapel mic for a moment, before rejoining you.

He says: I've issued the warrant. They're searching… Maybe we'll find her before she disappears. Maybe. Solana Stryke is a fake handle though, a generic person unknown for cyber-crime cases… Name comes from a story, some legend from the dark days. About a girl who flees the aftermath by disappearing into the Mesh.

He clatters one of the DoSBots with a violent kick.

Vollmer says: Goddamn anarchists and punks everywhere! Hackers and thieves pulling at the threads, every day. One generation on from the Catastrophe and they already act like chaos doesn't cost lives…

He exhales deeply to compose himself. Once. Twice. Three times. Then he stoops to examine the disarray of electronics scattered across the floor.

Vollmer says: You did well, <name>. This is valuable evidence. We just don't know what the crime is yet… Hopefully one our patrols picks her up and we can start figuring it out.

Vollmer extends a handshake in the eerie silence which has returned to the Ruins. Then he dips into his pocket and hands you a credit chit.

He says: Here. A drink on me. You did more than the average citizen would… I'll be in touch if there's anything else you can do for us on this.

You have received 35.00 credits.

His footsteps crunch red zones grit as he walks off, barking orders into a lapel mic before disappearing round a corridor bend.

You have completed the "Bond Villain" mission.

Chronicle Summary

Everybody's got an angle, seems like. Solana Stryke, hacker and bond researcher/connoisseur with a masterful mind of the criminal variety. She got away, but she is on my radar.

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