A nervous visitor to the station is abandoned by his bodyguard. Will you step in to help?
Level: 13
Start: AGS Contractor 265, Interstellar Shuttles, L 726-8 Jump Gate
Introduction
Passing through the cacophonous sound mix of a busy Jump Gate's Port, your ears prick on detecting the unmistakable intonation of a raging squabble. Two voices, one deep and steady, one rasping and skittish, jab and deflect at each other in a tense verbal duel, apparently over some sort of payment. You cast a glance to see a straight-backed, well-armed soldier of unknown affiliation arguing pointedly with a short and stubby fellow. The altercation is reaching a climax.
The short one shouts: Money shmoney! How bout a little professionalism, eh?
The larger man, whose outfit suggests a mercenary of some sort, sucks in a sharp breath, readying a salvo of angry syllables on the tip of his tongue, before seemingly thinking better of it. He exhales slowly, then turns and walks away, heading back towards the Interstellar ticket terminals, shaking his head and muttering angrily. The stout chap shouts a few parting words, gradually losing gusto as the soldier disappears into the bustling crowd.
He hollers: Quit? More like… you're fired, pal! So, there! Shove that in your reactor pipe and smoke it! Ol' Wendell can look after himself…
Despite his shrill defiance, the squat Colonist seems perturbed by the turn of events, kicking an adjacent bulkhead in frustration before angrily tossing a small object in the direction of the retreating soldier. It skids to a halt a few steps from where you stand.
- Ignore it. Continue on your way.
- Pick it up.
Ignore:
You watch the small man scowl for another moment before leaving him to his problems amid the hustle and bustle of the Interstellar terminal.
You have failed the "Family Matters" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Pick it up:
You stoop to collect a small, hard-cased, rectangular item with a slate port at one end and a small LED display that reads 'BALANCE ERROR'. It's a credit chit of sorts, but the design is ever so slightly unusual. You turn it over, trying to catch more light from the ceiling tubes of the Interstellar lobby, when suddenly it's snatched out of your hand!
A voice says: My credit chit, you found it! Much obliged, Ser.
You turn to spot the scowling little man, stuffing the credit chit into his overall pocket. He still looks somewhat peeved, muttering inaudibly in the direction of the now absent soldier.
Find out what's bothering Wendell Briggs in Interstellar Shuttles on L 726-8 Jump Gate.
You have accepted the "Family Matters" mission.
Next NPC: Wendell Briggs, Interstellar Shuttles, L 726-8 Jump Gate
- Talk to Wendell.
Me: You're welcome… Say, that sounded like a heated debate you and your friend had—
Wendell interrupts: Friend? Me, and that… mercenary?! You're knocking on the wrong airlock, pal. Strictly business, is all it was. Or all it should've been, if he hadn't bailed out on me… Let me tell you, Armure Security Group sucks! Unprofessional. To the max! Am I right or am I right?
Wendell's ranting, in a less than dulcet voice, is somewhat grating. But he's clearly keen to let off a little steam, gradually contorting his small mouth into a grin as he warms to you.
- "They have a good reputation…"
- "You're not wrong."
Good reputation:
Me: They have a good reputation…
Wendell snorts: Fancy marketing is all that is, friend. What's that slogan they got? "Never off duty" Well take a look at my guy, looks like he's VERY off duty right now, no? And right when I needed him most… Bloody mercenaries!
Not wrong:
Me: You're not wrong, I'll say that much.
Wendell grins again: Glad you concur, friend. Never trust a mercenary, that's my advice!
Either choice continues:
Wendell shakes his head, flashing another gap-toothed grin at you. The shoddy state of his dentures suggests someone who's fallen on hard times. He gestures angrily again in the vague direction of his departed bodyguard.
Wendell adds: Not to mention his personality. I didn't hire him for chat but Jeeeez… Nuthin. Zilch. You'd get more out of a black hole! Rode in from Taungoo. Longest few days of my life!
- Ask Wendell about the purpose of his visit.
- Ask Wendell why his bodyguard quit.
Why quit:
Me: Your mercenary… The Armure guy. Why'd he quit?
Wendell replies: Why? A merc's only got one motive, pal. Loot! Goddamn gravy, that's all they care about… Must've got a better offer elsewhere! Course he don't say that… Finds an excuse, like it's all my fault. Says my chit's not valid payment! Ain't that funny, right when we're getting to the crux of the job? He didn't turn his nose up at my deposit back on Taungoo…
Wendell exhales noisily, in pantomime exaggerated annoyance.
- Suggest that Wendell tries an alternative bodyguard company.
- Ask Wendell about his unusual credit chit.
Suggest alternative:
Me: Can't you try another company? There's the Kestrel Minority, the Vangarian Guard, Athena…
Wendell shakes his head: Nope! That shmuckus blacklisted me as a non-paying client. I got a full ban… Dang! Came all the way from Taungoo, and now what? Maybe this was a bad idea…
Wendell looks exasperated and tired, but your questions seem to be perking him up somewhat. The more interest you show, the more he regards you with a curiously intense stare.
- Ask Wendell about his unusual credit chit.
- Ask Wendell about the purpose of his visit.
Credit chit:
(Social check)
Wendell looks exasperated and tired, but your questions seem to be perking him up somewhat. The more interest you show, the more he regards you with a curiously intense stare.
Me: It did look a little strange, that credit chit. Seemed like it had a bug or something…
After some delicate probing about the credit chit's unusual design, which Wendell evades with decreasing gusto, he eventually gives you a straight answer.
Wendell says: You're nosy, anyone ever tell you that? Look, I'm not doing too good right now. Hard times, ya get me? I paid Armure for the deposit, legit… But then, for today's fee-
Wendell turns his baggy, but empty, jumpsuit pockets inside out.
He continues: No more gravy. Hoped a fake chit would buy me a little time, til I had the funds again… But they were wise to it. If there's one thing a merc knows, it's money.
Wendell shrugs again. His stooped posture seeps resignation and despair, but your presence seems alleviate his mood a little. He regards you thoughtfully.
- Ask Wendell about the purpose of his visit.
Me: You mentioned Taungoo… That's quite a journey. What brings you here?
Wendell says: Well, you might not guess, cos I don't dress like the weirdo locals, but I lived here once, for a time. Left it all behind cycles ago, but now I'm here to pick something up, something I left behind. Maybe sell it on… Turn my fortunes around, even.
Wendell glances up as a pair of locals saunter past. Their idiosyncratic fashions prompt a baffled shake of his head, before he returns his increasingly-focused gaze to you.
- Ask Wendell why he needs a bodyguard for his visit.
- Ask Wendell what he's here to collect.
What to collect:
Me: So, this thing you're collecting… What is it?
Wendell says: Don't get too excited, s'only Ruins junk. Sorta like a… electro-radio, thingy-ma-bob. Some kinda receiver. Lotsa folk here got one, Ruins used to be full of em. Pretty, but useless, I think… Anyhow, lately I hear there's a market for em. Buyers are taking an interest. And I could use some funds…
Wendell turns to look in the direction of his absent bodyguard once more, but there're only passersby dressed in the typical faux old Earth garb which is so popular on this station.
He continues: Should've taken it back when I left but… well, back then I just wanted a clean break, yaknow?
- Ask Wendell why he needs a bodyguard for his visit.
- Wish Wendell luck and leave him to his task.
Why bodyguard:
Me: So, what's the danger? Why the bodyguard?
Wendell shudders and winces as he musters a response.
Wendell replies: How do I put it? I left here on er— bad terms with some people. Ex-wife, twins. Pretty sure they hate my guts. And I mean hate with the sort of um— let's call it 'passion', that only a 320 lb Mall can generate… So, picking up my stuff is… how can I say… a delicate matter. Best case scenario, I'm in and out and they're none the wiser. Worst case scenario… Well, that's where the bodyguard comes in.
You look Wendell up and down, imagining him face to face with an angry 320 lb Mall. It's not a favorable match-up for him. In the momentary silence, you realize Wendell is also looking you up and down, perhaps evaluating your own prospects in such a situation?
- Wish Wendell luck and leave him to his task.
- Ask Wendell why he's staring at you so intently.
Wish luck:
Me: Sounds like a tricky situation… Hope it works out for you. Bye Wendell.
You part company with the portly stranger, leaving him to mull his dilemma as you continue on your way.
You have failed the "Family Matters" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Why staring:
(Strength check)
Me: Have I got ration crumbs in my teeth or something? Why're you staring like that?
Wendell replies pensively: Well, I got an issue and you seem pretty interested in it, so… I got an idea.
Wendell is silent for a moment, stepping back to eye your physique. Somewhat oddly, he then tests your calves and biceps with a finger poke.
Wendell says: You've got some heft, I'll give ya that… So, why don't you be my bodyguard? Just while I go visit the old residence to pick up my stuff. If it comes to rough stuff, I don't reckon you'd take the twins, not both of em… But maybe you'd slow them down. That might be enough. Whaddya say?
- "I might be interested. Tell me more…"
- "Nope. Not interested."
Nope:
Me: Nope. Count me out. This doesn't sound like my sorta thing…
Wendell replies: Ah that's kinda cruel. Just as I was getting my hopes up… Eurgh. S'OK. Don't blame ya. I wouldn't help me either. I'll figure something out…
With that Wendell turns and trots off in the direction of the Residences, evidently keen to keep a low profile as he weaves along the corridor's less well-lit edge. Within units, he's vanished back into the murmuring hubbub of the Interstellar Shuttles terminal.
You have failed the "Family Matters" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Might be:
Me: I might be interested. Tell me more… Where exactly do you need to go?
Your response is clearly giving Wendell hope.
He replies keenly: Township of Little Earth. That's where we lived… I'm hoping they haven't moved since. Find the old digs, wait for wife and kids to go out, then slip in and get my… thingy. If we run into the fam at any point, well, that's where you come in. Stop em squishing my brains. I make it out, with my stuff, you get yourself 200 credits… Not much but s'all I can afford. Any more questions?
- "Are you gonna pay me with a fake credit chit too?"
- "I've heard enough. No more questions."
- "How do I know this isn't just theft?"
- "Tell me more about your family. Why are you on such bad terms?"
- "Tell me more about this gadget we're after."
Fake credit chit:
Me: Are you gonna pay me with a fake credit chit too?
Wendell gasps dramatically
He says: What do you take me for, <name>? I'm a normal guy having a tough time, not some cheating scammer! I was gonna settle up with Armure, just needed a little time is all…
Wendell takes a breath to compose himself.
Wendell continues: Look, you keep me safe and I'll pay. That's why I'm only offering 200… That much, I can actually afford. I swear. That put your mind at rest?
- "Tell me more about this gadget we're after."
- "How do I know this isn't just theft?"
- "I've heard enough. No more questions."
- "Tell me more about your family. Why are you on such bad terms?"
Gadget:
Me: Tell me more about this gadget we're after.
Wendell answers: Well, my pop pulled it outta the Ruins, cycles and cycles back. Always had it round the house since then. Never knew what it was but it looked pretty and we were poor… Ruins junk was all the decoration we could afford. Anyway, now I heard folks here been powering them back up, taking an interest… Even buying them for real sums. So, I figure I'd come for mine, since it turns out to be worth something…
- "How do I know this isn't just theft?"
- "Tell me more about your family. Why are you on such bad terms?"
- "I've heard enough. No more questions."
Family:
Me: Why are you on such bad terms with your family?
Wendell looks down at the regocrete floor, crunching a boot against the dust as he mulls the question.
He says: I left kinda… suddenly. Traumatic maybe, for them… But it was the only way. I couldn't take no more. They're Roswell kooks, y'kno? Like most of the locals here… All howdy doodly, guys & gals, fungi-apple pie for supper and swell daddy-O this n that. Gives me a shiver just thinking back on it.
- "Your family are Roswell weirdos? What's that mean?"
- "I've heard enough. No more questions."
- "How do I know this isn't just theft?"
Roswell weirdos:
Me: Roswell weirdos?
Wendell says: Yeah… Suki, my wife, signed up just after the twins were born… Goes by the name of Sandy now. Twins are Bobby and Sarah-Jane. Roswell Division through and through… Reckon aliens caused the Cat and they'll be back one day to finish the job… It was exhausting. I tried but… I couldn't do it no more. Had to get out…
Wendell seems a little downbeat recalling it all.He says: I don't really like talking bout it.
- "How do I know this isn't just theft?"
- "I've heard enough. No more questions."
Theft:
Me: This sounds a lot like theft…
Wendell rolls his eyes impatiently.
He says: That's just how it looks to you! But I'm just picking up what's mine. Listen, it's residence unit 77B, there's a spare key swipe under a hydroponic plant box out front, the entry door only opens three-quarters then jams, inside they got the ugliest and least comfortable furniture you ever sat your ass on… Dang, I lived there for twenty cycles! Is it so wrong to go back to pick up one thing I left?!
The diminutive fellow has a somewhat pleading look in his eye now.
He says: Either you trust me or you don't. Anything else you need to know?
- "I've heard enough. No more questions."
Me: I think I'm done with questions.
Wendell's demeanor brightens as you stand there, mulling everything you've heard from him.
He says: So, shall we go?
You hesitate for one final moment as Wendell, the keen-eyed, five-foot tall stranger, watches you expectantly.
- Change your mind and leave Wendell. Go to warn the family about his visit instead.
- Go with Wendell to collect the trinket from his old home.
- End involvement in the matter entirely.
EITHER
End involvement:
Me: Actually, now I think about it, maybe this isn't a good idea after all.
Wendell replies: Ah that's kinda cruel. You got my hopes up… Guess, I'm on my own.
With that Wendell turns and trots off in the direction of the Residences, evidently keen to keep a low profile as he weaves along the corridor's less well-lit edge. Within units, he's vanished back into the murmuring hubbub of the Interstellar Shuttles terminal.
You have failed the "Family Matters" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
OR
Go with Wendell:
You nod at Wendell and he motions for you to follow him as he trots off towards the Residences.
Middle 1
Follow Wendell to the Residences on L 726-8 Jump Gate. Protect him, if necessary, while he recovers the gadget from his former home.
Next NPC: Wendell Briggs, Residences, L 726-8 Jump Gate
- Follow Wendell to his former residence unit.
You progress down the strange corridors of the Little Earth Township. Here, the Roswell-division influenced trends take on bizarre forms. The metallic facade panels of most residence units have been partially painted with rows of 1-meter high, thick, vertical white lines, running from the ground up, creating the odd impression of a picket fence. Some units also have a metallic tin with a thin horizontal opening, on a pole next to the entrance, marked 'POST'. Their usage seems unclear. Decorative ornaments perhaps?
Occasionally you pass someone dressed in the outlandish garb typical of the Roswell division; garishly-colored slacks, polka-dot skirts, polo shirts and hair stiffened with gel so it looks almost carbon-fiber rigid. Wendell shivers somewhat on seeing them, but none align with the description he gave of his family as far as you can see.
Wendell mutters under his breath: Bloomin nutters… Yeesh, look at them.
You continue along the walkway, navigating the signage until you're eventually faced with a unit marked '77B', which has both the white fence-style painting on the facade and one of those metallic POST tins, also stamped with the word 'Briggs'. Wendell hangs back a few meters behind you, eyeing the scene cautiously. There's no sign of there being anybody home right now.
Wendell whispers: Looks like they're out. My luck's in for a change… Ready? In and out. Nice n quick.
- "Let's do it."
- "Actually, now I think about it, maybe this isn't a good idea after all."
Do it:
Me: OK, sure. Let's do it.
Wendell says: Right. Here goes.
Wendell reaches underneath a hydroponic plant by the residence's front door as he speaks, groping for something. When his hand comes back, he's holding a key swipe card.
Wendell says: And remember… You're here to protect ME, got it? If Sandy or the twins show up, keep em away from me…
Wendell swipes the card on the door and watches as it judders open, eventually jamming a little before it's fully open. He tosses the key swipe back to its hiding spot and steps inside.
Protect Wendell while he recovers his item from the Residences of L 726-8 Jump Gate.
- Follow him inside.
You step into a modest residential unit. Garishly-colored 'paper' from the station's faux-paper mill has been used to decorate the walls, giving the room a trippy and disorientating feel. The furniture is unusual, as if it's been hand-made, and badly to boot. It's clear that the family's tastes are not catered for with typical commercial trends, and so they've somewhat improvised their own solutions. Wendell pauses for a moment, glancing around.
He says: Y'know what? I don't miss this place one bit…
There's a kitchenette to the left and a lounge area, in the middle of which is a coffee table with a missing leg replaced by a strange piece of defunct-looking technology. Further off, through an open door, you can make out a bedroom and wash room. A strange static hiss is faintly audible, though you can't identify the source. It could be any one of the numerous half-broken appliances dotted around the place.
- Explore living room.
You explore the living room, at once fascinated and puzzled by the unusual color scheme and brightly patterned walls. On a shelf, there's some sort of contraption with a large flat disc resting on it and a toggle labelled '33 RPM' and '45 RPM'. Next to it is some sort of family photo.
- Look at the family photo.
- Press the 'ON' button on the strange contraption sitting on the shelf.
Photo:
You notice a family portrait on a small electronic image display pad on the counter. It shows a family of four big-boned Malls; mother, father - with an arm in some sort of medical sling, and two kids, boy and girl. Only the mother is smiling. The rest look thoroughly miserable. Wendell notices your gaze and seems angered by the image.
He says: That's what an angry Mall can do. And back then, I was a Mall too…
Wendell watches as your face contorts in confusion, glancing from the towering Mall father in the picture to the stout Colonist standing before you. He ignores it and resumes his commentary on the unhappy family photo.
Wendell continues: Only person smiling in that pic is the one who didn't know the truth 'bout my sling. See, three days prior, I walked out, or tried to, anyway… but Bobby and SJ caught up with me, before my shuttle. Didn't want me to leave, on account of Sandy… She wouldn't have taken it well. So, what does my loving daughter, SJ, do? She breaks ol' poppa's arm in four different places til I agree to come home. We tell Sandy I did it in the Gym, lies on top of violence, that's the sorta glue that held us together…
Wendell sighs and trails off. It's evident that this is not a happy homecoming for him.
- "This man in the photo is… you? You switched Genotypes?"
- Press the 'ON' button on the strange contraption sitting on the shelf.
Switched Genotypes:
The family portrait on the upper shelf is still holding your attention. You look at the strikingly tall but rather despondent-looking father.
Me: This is- … was you, once? You switched Genotypes? Why?
He replies: Look. Don't get all confused. I told you, this was my place… and this ain't theft. That, in the photo, IS… OK, was me, back then. Until I realized Bobby and SJ would never let me leave the normal way, no matter how much I hated the Division life. Only way they wouldn't follow me outta here was if I left in a body bag. So I did. Suicide pill and a secret clone is all it took. Well, that and a pretty huge loan, which I'm still paying off… And yeah, I switched up my Genotype too. I'll take all the masks I can get… Woke up on Taungoo, three foot shorter but finally free. Apart from the loan repayments…
Wendell sighs, checking the time hurriedly on his watch.
He continues: Don't look at me like that. Imagine your family sign up to some crazy cult, tell me how long you'd stand it… I tried, for plenty long enough. Anyway, I don't regret it. Not one bit. We're better off without each other… Now let's get what we came for and get outta here. Sounds like they got it hooked up somewhere…
Wendell turns and trots off into the bedroom behind, pausing every few steps to listen for the odd hum of low-level static noise in the background.
- Follow Wendell.
- "This is messed up, I'm leaving." End involvement in this affair.
Follow:
The odd hiss of static which you heard earlier is back now, louder and louder, as you approach the bedroom door. As Wendell opens it, you realize that this is no ordinary bedroom.
You step into a darkened room, entirely empty except for some sort of electronic object, with flashing indicators, and countless tubes and dials, sat on a desk in the middle. Hooked up to it, and surrounding on all sides, there are dozens and dozens of unusual receivers, their LED displays all indicating different frequencies, ranging from "30 MHz" to "300 GHz". The whole contraption positively throbs with the noise of static hiss and hum. A multitude of electric cables run from a covered vent to the side, providing the whole rig with power. Wendell regards it with awe.
Wendell says: There it is… My magic ticket. The hunk o' junk that's gonna clear my debts!
The multi-pitched static noise swells and subsides at seemingly random intervals, which then prompt intermittent bleeps and bloops from the unit on the table. Suddenly, Wendell throws himself at it, frantically pulling loose the multitude of connections which link to the central unit.
He mumbles to himself: S'all tangled… Humph… C'mon. One more… aaaaand done.
With the last cable disconnected, the static noise ceases and the room is suddenly silent. Wendell picks up the machine and tucks it under his arm with a gleeful grin. But before you can make your exit, there's a noise from the living space. Wendell emits a panicked gasp. Two voices approach! You glance quickly around the windowless room, with only one exit, leading to the living area.
Wendell implores: Oh sh—ucks! Time to earn your corn, <name>. Don't let em hurt me or I ain't paying!
- "You could try just talking to them? Maybe you'll reconcile?"
- Hide in the closet with Wendell!
Reconcile:
Me: You could try just talking to them? Maybe you'll reconcile?
Wendell looks at you in horror.
He hisses back: Are you outta your mind?! They'll pulverize me before I get a word out! Oh my— I can't believe I relied on an amateur—
Wendell cuts off, suddenly aware that the approaching voices are only a few steps away!
- Hide in the closet with Wendell!
Still with the clunky object tucked under his arm, you usher Wendell quickly into a clothes closet in the near wall of the room. You scramble in after him, quickly sliding the slatted door across as quietly and silently as you can. The space is dark and cramped and your footing is uncomfortable. How long can you hold this? A small amount of light enters the closet through the airing slats - just enough for you to see that Wendell is now sweating profusely.
One of the voices gets louder and nearer and, through the thin slats of the closet, you see the bedroom door open. A towering young woman enters, whom you recognize from the family photo; Wendell's daughter, only now a few cycles older. Her conversation with the person in the other room ends abruptly as she surveys the scene in the bedroom.
Next NPC: Sarah-Jane Briggs, Residences, L 726-8 Jump Gate
- Watch through the closet slats.
The woman hollers: Momma! It's g- gone… The Ear! We've been robbed!
Panicked, she rushes back into the other room. Wendell holds tightly onto the clunky apparatus in the darkness next to you.
He whispers: If— If they find us… You should— y'know… Remember what I hired ya for.
- "What's she talking about an Ear for? What IS that thing?"
- "You want me to hurt them?!"
Ear:
You demand to know more about the object that Wendell is still cradling in his stubby arms.
Me: What's she talking about an Ear for? What IS that thing?
As you speak, Wendell clutches it ever tighter. He hesitates for a unit before replying.
Wendell slowly whispers: Experimental Auditory Rig. EAR. Roswell wackos use em to listen for… a- aliens. Robert Lamb, the Roswell founder, built 'em way back. But nobody really even knows how they work… This is one of the biggest, one of Lamb's early prototypes… It's junk really. But, there's people that'll buy em- Listen, now's not the time, OK?!
Over in the other room, you can hear frantic banging as cupboards and drawers are checked for other missing items.
- "Who's Robert Lamb? Answer, unless you wanna be on your own here!"
- Make a dash for the vent.
Robert Lamb:
Me: Robert Lamb? Who's that? Tell me or I don't protect you.
Wendell looks exasperated by your questions and answers quickly, his voice quivering as snippets of the panicked discussion in the living area filter through. It sounds like Security are being called now.
Wendell says: Astronomer. Flare stars, that kinda thing. Posted here during the Cat. Whole Division thing was his doing… Said he found alien comms on the Mesh, right before. But nobody listened, at first. Then after Cat, whole bunch of people took an interest. That's Ros-Div. Lamb's dead now. But they still got the Ears he built so they can listen for aliens…
Suddenly, the angry voices get louder again and two figures enter the room now. Looks like the daughter and mother from the family photo. Wendell pants rapidly as the fear grips him. Through the slatted closet, you watch SJ and Sandy checking the disconnected wires in the middle of the room.
The daughter says frantically: Don't worry momma, we'll catch em. We'll get it back… Y'know I heard another Ear was stolen from the next street last tenspan. Ever since Department Z took an interest in us, every chancer sees a cred sign on our stuff!
As the daughter talks, you watch the mother nervously approach the closet door, reaching a hand out gingerly to the handle.
The mother says: I- is there someone.. in there?!
She reaches out and then, suddenly, the door is open, creating the strangest of family reunions. Sandy and Sarah-Jane Briggs stand frozen in terror seeing you and the small man clutching their "Ear" next to you, entirely unaware that he is their one-time father and husband. Sarah-Jane lunges powerfully at him!
Sarah-Jane shouts: That ain't yours!
- Do nothing. Watch as Sarah-Jane batters Wendell to recover the "Ear".
- Try persuading Sarah-Jane to calm down.
- Step in. Pull Sarah-Jane off Wendell.
Step in:
(Strength check)
You watch as Sarah-Jane pummels the yelping thief in the ribs, until he rolls up into a ball on the ground. You wade into the fray, slapping your hands onto the back of Sarah-Jane's shoulders and pulling her backwards hard. She's a powerful woman, but somehow you manage to heave her backwards, enough to lift her weight off Wendell for a moment. He squirms free, away towards the corner of the room.
Suddenly, there's a lull. Everything seems to pause as Wendell, Sarah-Jane, Sandy and yourself catch your breath. You look around the room at the ragged and adrenaline-pumped Briggs family, your own thoughts racing.
- Reveal the truth about Wendell's secret clone.
- Snatch the Ear and make a run for it!
- Say nothing. Keep Wendell's secret.
Reveal truth:
Somewhat dramatically, you clear your throat and point a finger at Wendell, suddenly commanding the attention of all three variously bruised, confused and scared members of the unhappy Briggs family.
Me: There's something you should know… This man is Wendell Briggs. He's been living on Taungoo ever since his 'death' thanks to a secret clone. Changed his genotype, but it's him alright. I suspect he used a suicide pill…
But you don't get to finish your sentence. Sarah-Jane is pummeling Wendell hard again now, angrily crashing thudding blows against his chest. You're pretty sure you hear one of them give way with a loud crack. Wendell wasn't joking about getting a hostile reception.
Sandy says: Wha— No. It can't be… My Wendell?
You turn to see Sandy tottering dizzily as she tries to process the information and violence overload confronting her right now. Then, wordlessly, she collapses forward into the debris scattered all about the floor! Before you have time to check on her, the thud of boots and chatter of urgent voices is heard, as two Security agents burst into the room, clamoring orders at the chaotic scene.
- Comply with Security's orders.
A security guard says: Wendell Briggs. Back from the dead, huh? Come with us.
Wendell is pulled to his feet. He looks almost relieved as he's separated from Sarah-Jane by a Security guard. Security seem more relaxed about the whole affair once they realize it is essentially a family spat. Wendell's led away for questioning. Sarah-Jane stares at him intently, while simultaneously trying to revive her groggy mother from the ground.
Sandy says: SJ. It's you… I had… the strangest dream…
Sarah-Jane soothes her mother, still staring intently at the now empty doorway through which her father has been taken away.
Sarah-Jane says: So, he's alive… I shouldn't be surprised. Should've guessed. Only, it was easier, him being dead… What a scum-bag! He's the only person I ever met that'd stoop so low. His family ain't good enough for him, 'xept to steal from! No wonder aliens think humanity ain't no good…
Sandy interrupts: SJ, don't talk like that about your father!
A look of disbelief crosses Sarah-Jane's expression, before she apologizes to her mother. You wonder what the future holds for this unhappy family? Will Wendell be returning home? There's an awkward silence before another guard approaches.
He says: You're free to go, <name>. We're treating this as a family matter…
Then, turning to Sarah-Jane, he mutters something about Department Z. He packs up the clunky gadget, explaining that all of Lamb's original Ear devices are now to be stored in a secure facility, elsewhere on station. It's clear that however kooky the Division appear to be, external interest in their activities goes beyond only Wendell trying to make a few credits.
You have completed the "Family Matters" mission.
Keep secret:
(This basically leads to the same proceedings as Reveal truth, but you additionally are treated as an accomplice and land in the brig.)
You have completed the "Family Matters" mission.
OR
Warn Family:
Something about Wendell just doesn't sit right with you. Even if this gadget belongs to him, it sounds like he'd be going against his family's wishes by collecting it. You decide to warn them of his intentions. It's hard to be sure, but it feels like the right thing to do. Or perhaps, the less wrong thing.
You apologize to Wendell for the change of heart, make your excuses and leave him standing, somewhat dejected in the Interstellar terminal lobby. Before he can articulate his bafflement, you head off in search of his family to warn them of this odd fellow headed their way.
Middle 2
Find Wendell's family in the Residences of L 726-8 Jump Gate. Warn them about Wendell's visit.
Next area: Residences, L 726-8 Jump Gate
You progress down the strange corridors of the Little Earth Township. Here, the Roswell-division influenced trends take on bizarre forms. The metallic facade panels of most residence units have been partially painted with rows of 1-meter high, thick, vertical white lines, running from the ground up, creating the odd impression of a picket fence. Some units also have a metallic tin with a thin horizontal opening, on a pole next to the entrance, marked 'POST'. Their usage seems unclear. Decorative ornaments perhaps?
Occasionally you pass someone dressed in the outlandish garb typical of the Roswell division; garishly-colored slacks, polka-dot skirts, polo shirts and hair stiffened with gel so it looks almost carbon-fiber rigid. But none are so large as to fit the description Wendell gave of his family. You continue along the walkway, navigating the signage until you're eventually faced with a unit marked '77B', which has both the white fence-style painting on the facade and one of those metallic POST tins, also stamped; 'Briggs'.
- (Tap the pad on the door)
You tap the pad once, twice, three times. No answer. No noise from inside, apart from the standard hum of air recycler vents. Suddenly a booming voice from behind startles you.
The voice: Howdy, stranger! What can I do for ya?
You turn to see a burly woman towering over you, wearing some kind of faux-gingham dress and ridiculously impractical high-heeled shoes. Her thick brown hair is wrapped around a series of cylindrical rollers giving her a strikingly odd appearance.
She adds: What's the matter? Aliens got your tongue? I didn't mean to startle ya honey… Don't be shy.
Sarah-Jane winks at you playfully. Though powerfully-built, her demeanor doesn't suggest menace. In fact, she may well be the friendliest person you've met in quite a while.
She continues: Come on in, the Briggs' door is always open for strangers. Both human and er— otherwise, ha! I gotta get dinner on before momma gets home. Sorry, how rude of me - I'm Sarah-Jane Briggs!
Next NPC: Sarah-Jane Briggs, Residences, L 726-8 Jump Gate
Sarah-Jane reaches behind a hydroponic plant for a swipe-key, opens the door, and ushers you in after her.
She says: Please, come in. Can't have people saying we're bad hosts now, can we?
She laughs, somewhat perfunctorily, as you step into a modest residential unit. Garishly-colored 'paper' from the station's faux-paper mill has been used to decorate the walls, giving the room a trippy but cheerful feel; a practice reportedly common on old Earth, a long time ago. The furniture is unusual, as if it's been hand-made, and badly to boot. It's clear that the family's tastes are not catered for with typical commercial trends, and so they've somewhat improvised their own solutions.
There's a kitchenette to the left and a lounge area, in the middle of which is a coffee table with a missing leg replaced by a strange piece of defunct-looking technology. A few other decrepit-looking gadgets are visible around the room. You wonder if one of them is Wendell's old receiver "thingy". Further off, through an open door, you can make out a bedroom and wash room. A strange static hiss is faintly audible, though you can't identify the source. It could be any one of the numerous half-broken appliances dotted around the place.
Warn Sarah-Jane in the Residences of L726-8 Jump Gate about Wendell's intentions.
Me: Thanks for inviting me in. I'm <name>.
Sarah-Jane smiles again, though by now it's starting to feel seem more of a muscle tic than anything else. These people's friendliness is looking more like a duty than an instinct already. It must be an odd thing to live with, day-to-day.
Sarah-Jane beckons you to a seat around the coffee table, placing a small plate of off-putting goop down on the table, with two spoons sticking out of it.
She says: Welcome <name>. I can see from your get-up that you ain't a local. You're not by any chance… an alien are ya? Ha ha, oh silly me, don't answer that. I can see perfectly well that you're 100% human! Here, home-made cookie-dough? Or perhaps some music?
Sarah-Jane laughs nervously as she points out another odd electronic contraption, this time on a shelf to the side. It appears to be some sort circular plate, on which a large flat, black disc has been placed. A small mechanical arm with a needle hangs poised an inch above the disc's black surface.
- (Ask to hear the music)
Me: I'd love to hear a little of your music.
Sarah-Jane says cheerfully: Oh fantastic! One-moment… Ever hear of Billy Lee Riley? He's popular round here…
She springs to her feet, suddenly reminding you once again of her towering size as she fiddles with the contraption on the shelf. She presses a switch labeled '45 RPM' and the plate on which the flat black disc rests starts to spin. Sarah-Jane lowers the needle-arm so it's in contact with the disc. It makes an odd scratching noise, but little else. The only audible noise remains a low-level ambient static of the residential unit's aging appliances.
Then, with a quick dip into her CORETECHS interface, an up-tempo ditty starts blaring from the room's wall speaker. You can't quite tell if the spinning disc is more of a visual ornament or if it has anything to do with the actual music, but the jittery-voiced singer blares on regardless.
The singer hollers: Flyin' saucer rock and roll, flyin' saucer rock and roll! Well the little green men, they were real hep-cats… Rockin' and a-rollin' to the crazy flats… They brought out a sax and they started to blow!
The music trundles on as Sarah-Jane returns to her seat, humming along and bobbing her head, but eyeing you curiously all the while.
- (Ask her about aliens)
Me: You sure seem keen on er— aliens?
Sarah-Jane's eyes widen as you say the word.
She replies: Well of course now! We're Division people here at the gate. Always ready. If aliens show up here, we'll show 'em what friendly looks like. Peaceful co-existence, that's what we're all about here. Now, what can I do for ya, friend?
- (Ask about the Roswell Division)
Me: I'm not from around here. I'd like to know more about the Roswell Division.
Sarah-Jane replies: Gee. Where to start? Well… See, we reckon the Catastrophe ain't as confusing as people make out. Revenge job. is what it was. See, back on old Earth, humanity messed up the first contact with aliens. Gave em a bad welcome. Put em in a lab and poked em with scalpels. Can ya just imagine it? Visitors from a distant galaxy… And we stick em in a test tube and poke em with sticks!
Sarah-Jane pauses for breath, shoveling a few scoops of the grey cookie-dough mixture down at the same time.
She continues: So, little green fellas get the message. Loud and clear. Humanity ain't friendly. So, their buddies, back on their home planet get to work… Cycles n cycles pass, til they're good and ready and then… Well, you don't need me to tell ya. Catastrophe. Payback. Now, see Roswellers wanna make sure third contact goes a lot better. Start afresh. Peaceful-like. Neighborly co-existence… So, we do right by visitors. That all you came here to ask?
- (Tell her about Wendell)
You decide it's time to reveal the motivation for your visit. After a deep breath, you recount your earlier experiences with Wendell.
Me: Actually, it might sound silly but… I'm here to warn you. Your dad's in the Port. No offense but he's a shifty fella… Wanted a bodyguard so he could break in, while you were out. Steal some sorta Ruins junk trinket… I didn't like the sound of it. Thought you should know.
Sarah-Jane seems somewhat taken aback. Her smile briefly wavers as she ponders your words. The cheerful facade falls away and she becomes rather serious.
Sarah-Jane says: An impostor, I suspect… with designs on our Ear. I'll report this right away. We've a hotline now… The Mayor is very concerned. Another of the Division's Ears was stolen last tenspan…
Sarah-Jane's eyes glaze over, the tiny luminous traces of her CORETECHS interface subtly visible on her corneas. She concentrates for a moment on her virtual errand, before eventually refocusing attention back to you.
She says: There. I logged it. The sooner Security can collect this impostor, the better…
Find out more about the "impostor" you reported to Sarah-Jane.
- (Ask about the Ear)
Me: Ear? What is that?
Sarah-Jane replies: Oh, yeah I forgot you're not from round here. Experimental Auditory Rig. EAR. They're the machines we use to listen for other life forms… Robert Lamb, Roswell founder, built 'em way back. Most of em were scavenged outta the Ruins cycles and cycles ago. Wendell's poppa dug this one out, long time ago. Pretty much the only useful thing Wendell left us. We don't fully know how they work but we're doing our best with em… Ours is one of the biggest. We reckon it's one of Lamb's early prototypes.
- (Ask about Robert Lamb)
Me: Robert Lamb? Who's that?
Sarah-Jane continues to entertain your questions with a seemingly endless supply of goodwill and patience, as dictated by the Division's policy of mandatory friendliness and hospitality. It must be exhausting being a Roswell member.
She replies: He was a flare star astronomer, posted her during the Catastrophe. He's the one who found traces of alien comms on the Mesh and tried to warn people… But nobody listened and, well after, they weren't there any more… but a few people started to believe him anyway. That was the start of Ros-Div. Lamb's dead now but we still got the Ears he built to listen for when they come back…
- (Ask more about the "impostor")
Me: This guy said he was Wendell Briggs. What makes you think he's an impostor?
Sarah-Jane says: Gee. There's a question… It's not that I doubt my dad would steal from us… He done plenty of that back when I was younger. But… he died 'bout fifteen cycles ago.
Your face must reflexively contort into a sympathetic expression because Sarah-Jane notices it, and then waves a hand dismissively.
Sarah-Jane says: Don't feel bad. I don't… Momma took it badly but me and Bobby were glad. That man never did one good thing for us. Just got us in trouble with the Community, over and over. He wasn't a Rosweller, couldn't get on board with it… We're lucky third contact never came when he was here, he probably woulda robbed the visitors the unit they set foot in the system! Not that my momma could see it. She loved him til the end. Still does…
- (Ask about family photo)
You notice a family portrait on a small electronic image display pad on the counter. It shows a family of four big-boned Malls; mother, father - with an arm in some sort of medical sling, and two kids, boy and girl, one of whom looks like an adolescent Sarah-Jane. Only the mother is smiling. The rest look thoroughly miserable.
Me: That him, then? Sure looks different from the fellow I met…
Sarah-Jane nods: Yep, that's him. See, the thing momma didn't know in that photo, is that three days prior, Wendell actually ran out on us, but I found his note. Caught up with him before his shuttle and… Well, I look out for momma. She wouldn't have taken it well… So I made Wendell er-… understand he better come home. Didn't tell momma nothing after, just that Wendell broke his wrist in the Gym instead… She believed it, like every other lie he ever told her. And still, she was never happier than when that low-life was around…
There's an undercurrent of anger in Sarah-Jane's voice as she speaks about her father. She's doing her best to maintain a pleasant air, but it's not easy. She taps the family photo with a chunky forefinger.
She continues: Wendell tried it again once, few Cycles later. Momma was distraught. But Bobby caught up with him, just the same. Brought him back. Then, couple of cycles later, Wendell died… Poor and cloneless. The end. So… That guy in the Port may be a thieving chancer… But he ain't Wendell.
- "Do you know who this impostor might be?"
- Ask about Sarah-Jane's mother.
Ask about mother:
Me: And your mother, she's in the Division too?
Sarah-Jane nods.
She says: Oh yeah. Big time. Saved her life pretty much. Before she found the Division, it was tough for her… She'd have Cat dreams every night, anxious, scary ones, 'bout Cat coming again. Y'know the sort? Lotsa people get em…
You nod politely, waiting for Sarah-Jane to continue.
She adds: Division was the best thing to ever happen to her. Finally she understood why everything was how it was… It was a relief. But Wendell was never on board. She needed him and she needed the Division, 'xept him the Div did NOT get along. He didn't buy into it… But it's all in the past now.
She trails off and then shrugs.
- "Do you know who this impostor might be?"
Me: So, who do you think this guy is? He seemed to know plenty about you guys…
Sarah-Jane scoffs: A diligent thief by the sounds of it. They tend to be more committed when they think there's serious money to be made. Our Ear is one of the strongest in the township, so I'm not surprised he's targeting us. But I ain't worried. Security will get him.
- Ask to see the Briggs' "Ear".
Me: So, could I see your "Ear"?
Sarah-Jane says: Sure. I mean, you came all this way to warn me. Least I can do is show ya what all the fuss is about. Follow me, we keep it in the back.
Sarah-Jane rises and beckons for you to follow her to a room at the rear of their residence. The odd hiss of static which you heard earlier is back now, louder and louder, as you approach the bedroom door. As Sarah-Jane opens it, you realize that this is no ordinary bedroom.
You step into a darkened room, entirely empty except for some sort of electronic object, with flashing indicators, and countless tubes and dials, sat on a desk in the middle. Hooked up to it, and surrounding on all sides, there are dozens and dozens of unusual receivers, their LED displays all indicating different frequencies, ranging from "30 MHz" to "300 GHz". The whole contraption positively throbs with the noise of static hiss and hum. A multitude of electric cables run from a covered vent to the side, providing the whole rig with power. Sarah-Jane regards it with awe.
- "So, this is how you listen for aliens?"
Me: So, this is how you listen for aliens?
Sarah-Jane nods: Yup. Not found anything yet but… Fingers crossed, if we've set it up right, then one day we'll make contact…
You gaze upon the endless wires of this bizarre network of interconnected devices, all hooked up to what looks like a piece of decrepit and barely-functioning Ruins junk in the middle of it all. The multi-pitched static swells and subsides at seemingly random intervals, which then prompt intermittent bleeps and bloops from the Ear unit on the table. Suddenly, there's a noise from the living room again and a female voice calls out.
A voice calls: SJ you home? That you?
Sarah-Jane perks up, then hastens back towards the living room, whispering to you as she goes.
Sarah-Jane whispers: Momma's home. Wait here, I'll go explain… She's gonna like you, I think. But don't mention about that guy saying he was Wendell. No need to upset her…
Sarah-Jane's voice trails off and she disappears back into the living room, leaving you alone with the hissing contraption. It seems strange to think that anyone could believe such a makeshift pile of scavenged circuits and tubes could hold the key to making contact with a non Earth-originating life form, let alone save humanity from a second Catastrophe.
- Examine the machine itself.
- Examine the various cables and wires.
Examine cables and wires:
The various cables, ranging in color and thickness, all seem to be running through a large vent grill in the corner of the room. As your eyes trace the wires along the floor of the room, up the wall, and into the metallic grill panel on the wall, you're startled by something else there. A pair of eyes, looking back at your through the grill vent!
Suddenly, the vent's clips click open, and the cover is discarded to the ground. From within the dark hole beyond emerges a short and podgy chap, clumsily extracting his body from the uncomfortable tubing via which he's arrived. It's Wendell!
He snorts: Look who it is, eh? We meet again, friend. Now, as I understood it earlier, you weren't interested in helping me… and yet here you are, sniffing round my stuff nonetheless…
Wendell's voice comes out tense and forceful, but hushed nonetheless. He eyes the door to the living space nervously as he starts disconnecting the bleeping gadget on the table from its multitude of sensors and external receivers.
- "Wendell Briggs is dead… Who the hell are you?!"
Me: Wendell Briggs is dead… Who the hell are you?!
Wendell hisses pointing at the door: Wendell Briggs is dead to them. And that's how it's gonna stay, OK, pal? But dead ain't always dead, y'know? And this here trinket IS mine, so you got no business interfering. Not all clone registrations are public, ya get me? Now stay back!
- Do nothing. Let Wendell take the "Ear" device.
- "You had a secret clone! Just to escape your family?!"
- Stop Wendell taking the "Ear" device.
Secret clone:
Me: You had a secret clone? Just to escape your family?
Wendell emits a slightly deranged chuckle as his efforts to disconnect the machine are slowed by a tangled cable.
He says: Tried the normal way first. Didn't work. So I got inventive… None of your business, though is it? We're better off without each other. Me on Taungoo. Them, Roswelling away here at the gate… Now, get outta my way.
- Do nothing. Let Wendell take the "Ear" device.
- Stop Wendell taking the "Ear" device.
Stop Wendell:
You step forward as Wendell rips as cables frantically, glancing quickly at the door after each one. But as he disconnects the last one, the low-level static suddenly stops and, for the first time in a long time in this residence, there's true silence. You seize the moment and lunge at the device, clamping your hands down over it.
Me: Nope. Think again!
Wendell snarls, then snatches at the device, sending you both sliding to the floor amid a plethora of tangled cables and discarded receivers, crashing loudly as you tumble.
After a short tussle, you both freeze, as suddenly, the door's open again and two women appear. Sarah-Jane on the left and an older version of her on the right, evidently Sandy, her mother. They stare in stunned silence at the sticky little intruder in the middle of the room, who has both hands wrapped around the Ear device.
Sandy says: Who- What's— SJ, what's happening?
Sarah-Jane, setting eyes on the intruder, leaps ferociously at him, clubbing him hard with a balled fist! Her size and power is no match for his.
Sarah-Jane says: It's the thief, momma! Call Security!
- Intervene to stop Sarah-Jane battering Wendell.
- Watch as Sarah-Jane batters Wendell.
Watch:
You watch as Sarah-Jane pummels the yelping thief in the ribs, until he rolls up into a ball on the ground. It's clear that Wendell must've switched his Genotype via his secret clone, as Sarah-Jane seems not to recognize him whatsoever as she rains punches down on him.
- Reveal the truth about Wendell's secret clone.
- Say nothing. Keep Wendell's secret.
Reveal truth:
Somewhat dramatically, you clear your throat and point a finger at Wendell, suddenly commanding the attention of all three variously bruised, confused and scared members of the unhappy Briggs family.
Me: There's something you should know… This man is Wendell Briggs. He's been living on Taungoo ever since his 'death' thanks to a secret clone. Changed his genotype, but it's him alright. I suspect he used a suicide pill…
But you don't get to finish your sentence. Sarah-Jane is pummeling Wendell hard again now, angrily crashing thudding blows against his chest. You're pretty sure you hear one of them give way with a loud crack. Wendell wasn't joking about getting a hostile reception.
Sandy says: Wha— No. It can't be… My Wendell?
You turn to see Sandy tottering dizzily as she tries to process the information and violence overload confronting her right now. Then, wordlessly, she collapses forward into the debris scattered all about the floor! Before you have time to check on her, the thud of boots and chatter of urgent voices is heard, as two Security agents burst into the room, clamoring orders at the chaotic scene.
- Comply with Security's orders.
A security guard says: Wendell Briggs. Back from the dead, huh? Come with us.
Wendell is pulled to his feet. He looks almost relieved as he's led away by a Security guard, away from Sarah-Jane's still-balled up fists. She stares at him intently, while simultaneously trying to revive her groggy mother from the ground.
Sandy says: SJ. It's you… I had… the strangest dream…
Sarah-Jane soothes her mother, still staring intently at the now empty doorway through which her father has been taken away.
Sarah-Jane says: So, he's alive… I shouldn't be surprised. Should've guessed. Only, it was easier, him being dead… What a scum-bag! He's the only person I ever met that'd stoop so low. His family ain't good enough for him, except to steal from! No wonder aliens think humanity ain't no good…
Sandy interrupts: SJ, don't talk like that about your father!
A look of disbelief crosses Sarah-Jane's expression, before she apologizes to her mother. You wonder what the future holds for this unhappy family? Will Wendell be returning home? There's an awkward silence before another guard approaches, saying that Department Z have been in touch, expressing gratitude for the safe retention of the Ear device. You're rewarded with a small token for your help.
You have received 150.00 credits.
The guard packs up the clunky gadget, explaining that all of Lamb's original Ear devices are now to be stored in a secure facility, elsewhere on station. It's clear that however kooky the Division appear to be, external interest in their activities goes beyond only Wendell trying to make a few credits.
You have completed the "Family Matters" mission.
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