A lonely scientist beckons you over. You get the feeling she needs a listening ear.
Level: 19
Start: Jada Perez, Bar, Cape Verde Stronghold
Introduction
As you look around the tavern, an older scientist beckons you to come closer, a tired smile on her lips. She is Dr. Jada Perez, your CORETECHS informs you, and she looks like she's already had a few drinks.
Jada says: Sorry if the other boffins have been giving you the cold shoulder. It's dreary for a bar, isn't it? Not that I can blame them, the station is always on edge. I haven't had a proper night of fun since… why, since the Viral and Microbial Conference of ‘152! I woke up the next morning with numb feet, a cinnamon aftertaste, two new collaborators and an answer to my formula. Who would have thought such a tiny change in pH would make all the difference?
She chuckles to herself.
Jada says: That would never happen nowadays. Presentations go at seven slides per segment, no time for questions, just head back to the lab when you’re done. What kind of conference is that?
She slams her fist on the table to accentuate her point.
- "Hear, hear!"
- Take this as your cue to leave.
Leave:
You take Jada slamming the table as your cue to leave.
You have failed the "Fool's Gold" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Hear:
Me: Hear, hear!
She laughs to herself, then goes back to her drink.
Jada says: Thank you for saying that. You understand, don't you? We all have to let loose sometimes, otherwise the pressure gets to you. And around here, every tenspan brings new rules, fewer freedoms… and more stress.
She continues drinking in silence. Eventually, she turns back to you.
Jada says: I was telling this kid, Sergio, that conferences are the perfect time to have a little fun. Everyone's together, away from their labs, with an excuse to let their guard down. Problem is, even if I'm in the conference committee, they're not letting me make any real changes, so I can't exactly spice things up aboveboard. …But maybe they won't pay a visitor much mind. What do you say? Could you find Sergio at the Academy and help us throw a real bash?
Meet Sergio at the university (Cape Verde Technical Academy).
You have accepted the "Fool's Gold" mission.
Next NPC: Sergio Gomes, University, Cape Verde Stronghold
- "Sergio?"
Me: Sergio?
Sergio says: Yes – you must be <name>, the one Jada messaged me about. Can we talk over there, though? I just don't want to, you know…
He trails off awkwardly and leads you both to a quiet break area. After a few failed attempts to sit somewhere inconspicuous, he compromises by standing behind a flowering plant, which unfortunately makes him stand out even more.
Sergio says: Jada's told you about the conference, right? She thinks everyone here is too wound up… and honestly, I feel the same way. I only started working here this cycle, but I'm feeling exhausted already. I don't know how anyone keeps this up! So when I heard Jada ranting about the good old days, I thought "that sounds like it might actually be fun"!
The voice he uses for his inner thoughts is strangely deep.
Sergio says: I've got the perfect idea, but they're watching Jada, and I think they might be watching me too. And maybe all of the University personnel. So, what I need you to do is get me some Liquid Gold. I've sent you the details to an anonymous account you can use for the payment, just do it quickly, alright? I'm sure you can find some in the commerce hub.
- "Liquid Gold, got it."
- "Wait, say that again?"
- "What's Liquid Gold?"
Wait:
Me: Wait-
Sergio is off before you can finish your sentence, waving at you as he rushes back to work.
Find "Liquid Gold" at the market (Cape Verde Commerce Hub).
Next area: Market, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Walk into a likely-looking retail unit.
You browse a few of the compact retail units until one catches your eye. While it mostly houses personal protective equipment, a small corner is dedicated to a collection of metallic doodads and colourful knick-knacks. As soon as you show interest, the owner offers you a wide smile.
He says: Welcome, friend, to Bart Van de Bock's Bric-a-Brac Stand! If you need protective equipment, it's available in all sizes, colours, and for all genotypes. I've also got some things that are a little more frivolous – you know, to add some entertainment to your containment!
- "I'm looking for Liquid Gold."
Me: I'm looking for Liquid Gold.
As soon as he hears the words, Bart's friendly demeanour drops, as does his jaw. He barely manages to blurt out his next words.
Bart says: I wouldn't, I mean – what makes you think I'd sell something like that? Have you really come to Bart's Bric-a-Brac looking for something so… inappropriate?
- "Oh. I thought it was some kind of alcohol."
- "Isn't it food of some sort?"
- "I don't understand, what's Liquid Gold?"
Alcohol:
Me: Oh. I thought it was some kind of alcohol.
Bart seems to relax a little.
Bart says: A drink? Well… It could be, I suppose. Let me think…
Bart says: A trader low on credits paid me with a few bottles of gold flake absinthe, maybe that's what you're looking for. Let me ring you up. But please… don't call it Liquid Gold, alright?
You give him the anonymous account's details and receive half a dozen golden-labelled bottles in exchange.
Take "Liquid Gold" to Sergio at the university (Cape Verde Technical Academy).
Next NPC: Sergio Gomes, University, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Present the bottles to Sergio.
You present the golden-labelled bottles to Sergio.
Sergio says: Wait… what is this? Alcohol?
He shakes the bottle and watches the small golden flakes float down slowly.
Sergio says: Oh, I see. You thought I wanted drinks for the conference… No, I'm afraid I was being quite literal – Liquid Gold is just, well, gold in liquid form. Gold is a great conductor, you see, so I planned to use nanobots to deliver a microscopically thin gold wire which, when placed just right, would rewire the light systems to create…
Sergio says: You know what, it wasn't such a good plan. Yours is better – alcohol makes people loosen up, right? We'll just have to adjust and keep going.
- "Are you sure?"
Me: Are you sure?
Sergio says: Yes, definitely! Anyway, I have the next thing on your list. During a conference, junior scientists like myself present their work on virtual screens, hoping to catch senior researchers' eyes as they walk by. If we had some good special effects, something to really make our graphs stand out, it would make things much more interesting! I think there's open source CORETECHS software I could use, but I don't really know how it works, and I don't have time to figure it out while I plan the conference… Could you find a set of visual effects for me?
He starts to leave, then turns back to you.
Sergio says: h, I forgot to tell you this earlier, but we've set aside payment for your help! You deserve some compensation for all your fieldwork, after all. Keep it up!
Check the Mesh for CORETECHS visual effects (anywhere in Cape Verde).
Next area: Anywhere, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Check the Mesh for CORETECHS special effects.
You find open source software for CORETECHS, but nothing related to visual effects. Their software categories are confusing, and it's hard to parse, though you've made a little progress.
- Keep looking for CORETECHS special effects software.
While looking for the software, you find an online space for open source developers. You ask them if they might be able to help.
A friendly developer says: You're looking for CORETECHS VFX? Yeah, let me show you where to find them. Benevolent Dynamics has to approve anything related to CORETECHS, so not every good bit of software makes it through, but I'm sure you'll find something there.
A helpful developer says: It's actually pretty easy to hook it up to your real-life venue, then everyone's CORETECHS in the vicinity should be able to pick up and run the visual effects. Have a look at the manuals that come with the software.
An excited developer says: Oh, and if it works for your party, you can get my kaleidoscope of soothing smells and sounds too! I'm listed under the user SweetSahumerio16!
A tired developer says: Come on, Sweet, you don't need to plug your stuff every time…
Talk to Sergio at the university (Cape Verde Technical Academy).
Next NPC: Sergio Gomes, University, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Flag Sergio down.
You find Sergio and show him where to find the software, and how to enable visual effects on nearby CORETECHS.
Sergio says: Thank you <name>! With this, we should be able to add a nice flourish to our data, and to the afterparty… er, if such a thing were allowed, of course.
He makes a bit of a show of winking at you.
Sergio says: It's really interesting that CORETECHS can seamlessly integrate with programs around them, though. I wonder what kinds of research applications that might have… Oh, but I'm getting side-tracked. Thank you again! I'll make sure to immortalise your deeds in the digital conference booklet! …Well, only in the special thanks section, but your name will be alongside all of the Consortium's finest researchers.
Sergio says: There is, however, one last, tiny, little, minuscule thing left to do before I can pay you. The person who handles the anonymous joint account hasn't been replying to my coded messages, and I can't pop down to see her right now. Can you just check that everything's ready on her end? If she's got everything sorted, then we're good to go! Please, <name>?
He shuffles around awkwardly as he awaits your reply.
- "Ugh, more walking around Cape Verde…"
- "Sure! Can I come to the conference, too?"
- "…"
…:
You look at Sergio silently.
Sergio says: Right. Well, I have no other way of getting in touch with her, so I'm relying on your selflessness. Or maybe you're doing it for the credits? Look, I'll throw in a little extra. Just find the purple-haired lady working at the Cloning Vats and ask her if she's ready.
He gives you a little nod before running back to work.
Find the purple-haired lady at the Cape Verde Cloning Vats.
Next area: Clones, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Look for a purple-haired woman.
You spot a young woman with short, purple hair taking readings from a vat. As you approach her you notice she's talking to an older woman… whose hair is also purple. Your CORETECHS labels them as Aaminah Faez and Jacinta Kunig, though you never got a name from Sergio.
Jacinta says: I need the reports for vats ten through twenty, Aaminah. Send me the ionic potential data separately this time, we need to make sure their electrolyte balance is right.
Jacinta crosses her arms as she turns to you.
Jacinta says: …Can I help you?
Aaminah looks back and forth between the two of you. It's hard to figure out how to get your question across when you don't know who you're supposed to be talking to. Maybe you could say something only the right person would understand?
- "The Gold is secure, what is your status?"
- "Are things ready?"
- "Did you do the thing?"
Are things ready:
Are things ready?
Jacinta says: What things are you talking about? Who are you?
Aaminah, however, looks like she understands. She nods and mouths "yes" from behind Jacinta.
Jacinta says: I mean it – tell me what's going on! You're obviously too incompetent to be a spy, so what are the coded messages? Is this some kind of game?
- Say you want to speak privately, then explain what's happening.
- "Yes, it's just a CORETECHS game."
Privately:
You tell her you want to speak privately. She raises an eyebrow but shoos Aaminah away. Once you're alone, you explain Jada and Sergio's conference antics.
Jacinta says: Of course it had to be Jada! Her and her blatant disregard for the rules… I don't know why you went along with these little schemes, but I'll put an end to it now. No, wait… maybe it's best to let them have their fun.
She taps her lips with her index finger, seemingly lost in thought.
Jacinta says: As for you… Come to the University after the conference is over. I need to know what happened in more detail, but I don't have time right now. I could even see myself paying you for your time… if I find out anything of use.
She waves you away as she gets back to work. Aaminah is nowhere to be found.
Wait for the conference to end at the university (Cape Verde Technical Academy).
Next area: University, Cape Verde Stronghold
- Check if the conference is over.
You check to see when the conference might be over.
Unfortunately, you can't find any details. The person at the reception desk refuses to acknowledge there's a conference going on, and there aren't any researchers around, only a few potential students.
You go to the break area and sit next to the flowering plant as you figure out your next steps. There are no online records of the conference either… But you notice the University's security is much more lax than you'd expect. With a little effort, you could probably find the programme…
- Hack into the University systems.
(Intelligence check)
You hack into the University's systems.
According to the conference schedule, there are two simultaneous talks happening in rooms 320 and 321, which should be over in less than a segment. After that, the schedule says "Party in the canteen!", in bright red letters surrounded by cartoonish balloons. As you delve further into their systems, you notice both rooms and the canteen have live feeds active.
- Try the canteen live feed.
You hack into the canteen's live feed. The room is empty except for three people: Sergio, Jada and Aaminah. Sergio is tinkering with some kind of digital interface on the wall while Aaminah programs something on her CORETECHS. There are four robots standing idle, each waist-high and sporting a pair of metallic arms. Jada is sitting cross-legged in front of them, tying little bow ties to their cylindrical bodies and fitting their robotic hands into small white gloves.
Jada says: There's three drinks per person of the regular stuff, but this – this bottle is reserved for when the party gets good. Can you program them so that in ten segments, everyone who's still here gets served a shot? Hehehe… it may not be the same liquor from '152, but it sure as smog will have a similar effect!
Aaminah says: I can do that. Do we really need to dress them up, though? It feels a bit…
Jada says: Don't say unnecessary! It's all about making things interesting.
Aaminah shrugs.
Aaminah says: Hm… Well, I'm mostly here for the music. You got everything I sent, right Sergio? The music program and the virtual celebrity dancers?
Jada says: The WHAT dancers?
Sergio says: Yes, sorry, I'm just coordinating them with the visual effects. Once I enable the system we should all be seeing them in our CORETECHS…
A few units later, Jada and Sergio start laughing while Aaminah looks around in amazement.
- Turn on the AR filter.
You turn on the AR filter.
All of a sudden, the austere, white-and-blue canteen transforms into a magical scene. Sergio's visual effects are more than just lights – the three are now standing inside a huge pagoda in the middle of a beach. Two suns are setting, one red, the other golden-orange, as a few feathered creatures fly in lazy circles.
The music program starts, blasting upbeat music that a virtual DJ insists is the "Top 50", though you're not sure which cycle it refers to. Soon the dancers appear, one at a time, and start shuffling around each other. Aaminah quickly offers her hand to a smiling Belter woman and the two start dancing, keeping pace with the music.
Jada says: Come on, then, get ready to serve our guests!
The robots acknowledge her orders, grabbing trays of drinks not a moment too soon – attendees from the finished talks start streaming in, each enjoying a moment of surprise once their CORETECHS adapts to the virtual environment.
You stay and watch for a while, until your system warns you one of the other live feeds is acting strangely.
- Examine room 321's feed.
You examine the feed for room 321.
It quickly becomes clear that someone is looping the feed's video footage, but they've neglected to do the same for their sound.
A mysterious voice says: —but they're further ahead than they claimed on their automatic navigation. …Yes. …Right. They're probably still tinkering with the design, but I would bet my mods they could use it on automated systems just as well as manned ones. …Of course, it's the Consortium. Wait, I may have forgotten to—
The voice cuts away. The live audio feed now picks up looping ambient noise.
- Go find Jacinta.
You find Jacinta in the reception. She quickly finishes her drink and motions for you to come closer.
Jacinta says: We can talk here, it doesn't make a difference who overhears. So, Jada and Sergio, Aaliyah and a few others as well… I always hope people will see reason, but no, they won't have any of it!
She slams her fist on the reception desk.
Jacinta says: I get it, everyone wants to have a bit of fun, but we're dealing with dangerous pathogens, contaminants, biological hazards… Someone has to keep an eye on things and make sure people are being careful. But what does Jada do? She uses an outsider to smuggle materials and technology into the University! Does she even realise the kind of danger she put us all in? What if you were Gaule spy, or a Freebooter? What could you have smuggled in then?
- Tell Jacinta about the voice in room 321.
- Don't mention the voice from room 321.
Tell:
You tell Jacinta about the voice in room 321.
Jacinta says: What?! You hacked-
Jacinta stops mid-sentence and drags you to a quieter corner.
Jacinta says: You managed to hack into the conference feed? And you overheard… Of course, as soon as we let your guard down this happens! This is exactly the sort of thing I said would happen. Right, I'll have to get the security team to check the footage. We'll figure out who it was and what they want. And you, <name>, don't tell anyone. Here, I'll send you some credits. It's only fair for Jada's research budget to cover the mess she made…
You have received 850.00 credits.
After you receive the credits, she busies herself on her CORETECHS and motions for you to leave.
You have completed the "Fool's Gold" mission.
Notes
- "Sahumerio" is the Spanish word for incense.
<— Return to Missions