A Freebooter couple needs to return to Daedalus for a family funeral. Help them navigate the stormy seas of visa applications through legal - or less than legal - means.
Level: 13
Start: Goetia – Caracal Elite (No Pronouns Please!), Security, The House of Congo
Introduction
The Security office is usually a quiet place, but as you step in, you hear a couple loudly pleading with an official, right in the middle of the premises. Goetia groans from a corner, then makes a show of putting on a massive pair of headphones, decorated with arcane-looking symbols.
Goetia says: Can't get any work done around here…
Eventually the security official walks away, leaving the couple standing in the middle of the room, looking distraught. The taller one wrings her hands in frustration, but the shorter one looks around the room, which by now has mostly been vacated.
The shorter one says: Excuse me, has anyone here purchased a visa before? Would you be able to help us out? We've got an emergency but no one here knows how to help us.
Your CORETECHS identifies the shorter woman as Calyx (She/her), while the taller one is Solace Almond (She/her).
You have accepted the "Hasta La Visa" mission.
Next NPC: Calyx (She/her), Security, The House of Congo
- "I think I can help with your visa problem."
- "You're Calyx… she her?"
- Avoid getting involved.
Avoid:
You don't want to get involved in whatever is going on, so you walk away from the station.
You have failed the "Hasta La Visa" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Calyx:
Me: You're Calyx… she her?
Calyx says: Yes? …Ah, must be your first time in House of Congo! Most people here list their pronouns in their CORETECHS name. It's the easiest way to make sure you get it right, and you don't even have to ask. In our case, She/her means you would say "She spends time with her wife." …For example.
Solace chuckles affectionately and gives Calyx's hand a squeeze.
Calyx says: Oh, but were you here to help us? We would really appreciate it!
Solace says: I'm not sure this is a good idea, Cay. …Who are you? What makes you qualified to help us?
Help:
Me: I think I can help with your visa problem.
Calyx says: Really? Thank you so much!
Solace says: I'm not sure this is a good idea, Cay. …Who are you? What makes you qualified to help us?
Solace stares at you, but as Calyx takes her hand, her expression softens.
Either choice continues:
- "I travel a lot. I'm sure I can help."
- "I've bought a few visas."
Travel:
Me: I travel a lot. I'm sure I can help.
Calyx says: I'm sure you can! Our situation is a bit complicated, but we'll work it out.
Visas:
Me: I've bought a few visas.
Calyx says: Hopefully you'll be able to help us, then! Our situation is a bit complicated, but I'm sure we can work it out.
Either choice continues:
Solace says: That's one way of putting it… Look, I need to get back to Daedalus for a funeral, but I can't figure out how to apply for a visa. I resigned my Consortium citizenship when I started living in House of Congo, so I can't just go back, but it's hard for 'booters like us to get visas. Even when we have family there, and it would only be a tenspan-long visit.
Calyx says: We've looked at the options we have, as Freebooters, but there's nothing that would get us there in time. It doesn't seem right, does it? There should be some way to visit when your family passes away… Do you think you could help us, <name>? We'd be happy to pay - what are savings for if not emergencies like these?
- "I'll help you."
- "Actually, I'm sorry, I can't help you."
Can't help:
Me: Actually, I'm sorry, I can't help you.
Calyx says: Oh. Right. I guess we'll find someone else…
You have failed the "Hasta La Visa" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Help:
Me: I'll help you.
Calyx says: Perfect! We rented a Serval room at the inn to work through the application - our apartment is really small and the Mesh connection can be unreliable. Meet us there, okay?
Meet with Solace and Calyx in their Guest Room.
Next NPC: Calyx (She/her), Hotel Rooms, The House of Congo
- Find Calyx and Solace's room.
With some help from the receptionist xynoid, Meta4, you make your way to Calyx and Solace's room. As soon as you knock the door is thrown open and you're ushered to a comfortable seat.
The room isn't big, but it sports a lot of useful equipment - various wired connections, an assortment of data pads, even a robot assistant. All of these are secured with anti-theft mechanisms, both physical and digital, to prevent 'booters with loose ideas of personal property from taking them. Calyx catches your eye with a small wave.
Calyx says: You'll probably need a few more details if you're going to help us. Last night, Solace's mother passed away. We, um…
Calyx takes a few units to compose herself. Solace is busy interacting with the robot, pointedly facing away from you.
Calyx says: We need to visit Daedalus for the funeral, and to help Solace's father and brother. Her dad is… well, he's always had a bit of trouble doing things by himself, and her brother's too young to help. And, um, you can imagine being there is important for Solace as well.
Solace stops tinkering with the robot, but still won't face you.
- "I'm sorry for your loss."
- "I'll check the application process on the Mesh."
- "How far have you gotten with the application?"
Sorry:
Me: I'm sorry for your loss.
Solace says: Thanks. She was… very young.
- "I'll check the application process on the Mesh."
- "How far have you gotten with the application?"
- "What happened to your mother?"
Mother:
Me: What happened to your mother?
Solace says: I don't want to talk about it.
- "I'll check the application process on the Mesh."
- "How far have you gotten with the application?"
How far:
Me: How far have you gotten with the application?
Calyx says: Not far at all. We put together all the documentation they could want, but we're not sure where to send it.
Solace says: Check what I've just sent you, <name>. It's the only information we can find.
Mesh:
Me: I'll check the application process on the Mesh.
Calyx says: Thanks. I wasn't sure what to do, so let us know if you figure out how to apply.
Either choice continues:
From the Hotel Room, use your CORETECHS to help find the right application process.
Next area: Hotel Rooms, The House of Congo
- Check the Mesh.
You have a look at the official visa application page for the Consortium. Given their situation, you agree with Calyx that the most likely candidate is a Bereavement Short-Term Visa for Solace. Using the Spousal clause, the visa should extend to cover Calyx, since they're married. However, Freebooters don't appear to be eligible for this type of visa.
Calyx says: I tried using their automated help system, contacting their help desk, any way of asking if they could give the visa to 'booters, but no one helped us. If there's anything else you can think of trying…
She trails off, sounding hopeful.
- Pull some strings with Orson Xian, the governor of Barnard's Star Jump Gate. (presumably available only after completing "Keeping the Peace")
- "You could always get a fake visa."
- Hack their systems and label the application as high priority.
- Reach out to Cosmo and Gerold Jana, from the Amazon embassy. (presumable available only after completing "Hero’s Journey")
Orson Xian:
(Social check)
You dealt with Orson Xian, governor of Barnard's Star Jump Gate, as he attempted to keep the Bakker Inquest results classified. It's a long shot, but Orson has connections, and may be able to help - if you can convince him of your case. You craft an appeal, describing Calyx and Solace's situation and how much it would mean to them if they could be back home for the funeral.
Failure
Unfortunately, you don't get a response right away, and you're not sure how long you can afford to wait. It might be worth trying another way.
- Figure out another way.
You take a few units to figure out what your next step should be.
- "You could always get a fake visa."
- Hack their systems and label the application as high priority.
- Reach out to Cosmo and Gerold Jana, from the Amazon embassy.
Success
You get a very brief response. Orson Xian says he sent your case along to someone who might be able to help, and wishes you luck. You're not sure if it will work, but it seems worth waiting a segment or two to find out.
Cosmo and Gerold Jana:
(Social check)
You remember dealing with the old couple, Cosmo and Gerold Jana, who work at Amazon's Consortium embassy. They wanted your help to save Dederick Zeisel, and might be able to help you now in turn. You craft an appeal, describing Calyx and Solace's situation and how much it would mean to them if they could be back home for the funeral.
Failure
Unfortunately, you don't get a response right away, and you're not sure how long you can afford to wait. It might be worth trying another way.
- Figure out another way.
You take a few units to figure out what your next step should be.
- Pull some strings with Orson Xian, the governor of Barnard's Star Jump Gate.
- "You could always get a fake visa."
- Hack their systems and label the application as high priority.
Success
You quickly get a response. While they can't process your specific application, they've passed it onto someone they think will be able to help you. They can't guarantee it will work, but there's a good chance it might.
Fake visa:
Me: You could always get a fake visa.
Solace says: No. I know we're Freebooters, but that doesn't mean we want to do things illegally, especially not when visiting somewhere like Daedalus. If the Consortium finds out, they'll imprison us there.
Calyx says: It's a last-ditch effort at best. We have to try everything else.
Solace says: I'm not sure I'd use it, even as a last resort, Cay. I don't want to go with false documents.
Calyx says: I know, I know. …Sorry.
- Hack their systems and label the application as high priority.
- Reach out to Cosmo and Gerold Jana, from the Amazon embassy.
Hack their systems:
(Intelligence check)
The best way to get their visa through is to flag is as a high priority request - hopefully the application sorting function isn't heavily guarded. After two segments, you manage to access the automated sorting program, removing the 'Freebooter' tag and adding 'Ambassador', 'Urgent!' and 'Peacekeeping'. You tell Solace and Calyx to feign innocence if asked what happened - by then they'll have skipped the first few steps of the application process, ideally to the part that is managed by people rather than machines.
Calyx says: Wait, you hacked their systems? I, um… Well, I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures. Hopefully if this lets us talk to a person, we can explain why this is so important.
Any success continues:
- Wait with Solace and Calyx.
The room you're in is comfortable enough, but its furnishings are focused on digital endeavors. Calyx nips out and comes back with three steaming cups on a tray, courtesy of the receptionist Meta4, and Solace manages to locate a small folding table in a closet. The two sit on the bed, with the small table between you. Calyx fidgets with her shawl until Solace places a hand on hers.
- Wait to be contacted.
- "How did you choose your names?"
- "How did you two meet?"
- "About (She/her)…" (if you didn't ask earlier)
She/her:
Me: About (She/her)…
Solace says: You mean our pronouns? Most people in house of Congo list them in their CORETECHS name. It's the easiest way to make sure you get it right, and you don't even have to ask.
Calyx says: Even if you're not a Freebooter, you still have a personal description you broadcast to others. You could always add your pronouns there, if you'd like.
- Wait to be contacted.
- "How did you choose your names?"
- "How did you two meet?"
Meet:
Me: How did you two meet?
Solace says: We worked together in Tau Station, quite a few cycles ago now. I had just arrived from Daedalus and was taking any job that would pay, mostly in data analysis.
Calyx says: I was working on improving plant harvests at the time, and needed someone to help me parse through all the data I was collecting, so I ended up working with Solace. It was only for a cycle, but we stayed in touch afterwards, and, well…
Calyx trails off, a happy smile on her face.
- Wait to be contacted.
- "How did you choose your names?"
Names:
Me: How did you choose your names?
They look at each other, then smile.
Calyx says: It's been a while since someone asked us that. I kept bumping into mine - an extinct snail species, the glycocalyx layer on mammalian cells, the star-shaped part of a plant which holds up the petals… It sounded nice, and I like having "y" and "x" in my name. Makes it feel unique.
Solace says:Mine is more straight-forward. A sad sort of comfort, paired with the seed of a tree I wanted to grow into - tall, with pale pink flowers, and seeds that feed others.
Solace reaches for her cup, although it's still too hot, so she puts it back down.
- Wait to be contacted.
You don't have to wait for long before Solace holds up a hand and turns on her CORETECHS.
Solace says: Yes, of course.. …The information is correct as of when I sent it. …Hold on - could I let my partner Calyx listen as well?
Solace makes a complicated gestures with her hands. The small robot she had been using earlier lights up, and a voice starts coming through its speakers.
The voice says: Hello Calyx. I'm Manuel Herrera, the Consortium official assigned to your case. I was telling your partner Solace that I've received her application, and while it does not exactly fall into one of our categories, I should be able to help you.
Calyx and Solace smile widely, though Solace quickly does her best to regain a serious composure.
Calyx says: That's great! Thank you Manuel.
Manuel says: However, before I do that, I need proof that the two of your are in an official relationship. Are you able to submit that information?
Solace says: We already did. You have our marriage certificate which shows we've been married for eighteen cycles, proof of our joint apartment ownership here in House of Congo…
Manuel says: Yes, I've seen everything you've sent, but it's not enough. Do you have time- and location-stamped photos of the both of you throughout this time? Communication logs? Gifts and other proof of true sentiment? A list of witnesses we could get statements from?
Solace and Calyx look at each other, dumbfounded.
Calyx says: …But we need to see Solace's family soon. Do re really need to send you all of this right now?
Manuel says: I'm afraid so! Don't worry, once that's done, I can send your application onwards for approval!
The call ends, and the robot goes back to standby mode. The couple look at each other for a unit, then jump into action.
Solace says: Right, let's get everything in order. I'll deal with anything digital from here - the connection is better.
Calyx says: Okay. I'll head home and sort things out there - your help would be welcome, <name>. You can follow me or meet me there when you're ready - I'll send you the address.
Go to Calyx and Solace's apartment in the Ruins.
Next area: Ruins, The House of Congo
- Enter Calyx and Solace's residence.
You enter Calyx and Solace's residence to find everything in disarray.
- Look around.
Their residence is quite small - you open a door and bump into Calyx, who is frantically pulling things out of drawers.
Calyx says: Sorry, I need a few units. Can you wait over there?
She points to the room you came from, so you sit down and look around while you wait. It's very cozy - artwork adorns the walls and there are a variety of soft rugs covering the hard floor. You even spot two live plants in a corner. Calyx follows your gaze and smiles before dropping a box on the table in front of you.
Calyx says: I took some cuttings from work - they don't grow as well as in the lab, but they've been doing better this cycle! …Right, we shouldn't get distracted. Solace is putting together our digital photos and communications - cycles and cycles of them - and I'm reaching out to friends who could be witnesses. Do you think you could take 3D scans of everything in this box? Hopefully they're "gifts that prove our true feelings"…
Scan the assorted gifts and tokens of affection.
- Scan the items in the box.
(Stamina check)
Failure
You take things out of the box and scan them, one by one. The scans take a few units each, and you need to get a few angles to make a 3D model. There are still a lot of things left in the box.
- Scan the items in the box.
Success
It's tiring work, but you take everything in the box and scan it with your CORETECHS camera. The gifts are varied - little wire sculptures, jewelry, two sets of weights, an empty sweet tin… Each of them is labelled: "Happy 62nd cycle, Cay!", "I was thinking of you today", "Sol, you're my sun", "Here's to ten more cycles together!"
As soon as you tell Calyx that you're done, she hands you a small box.
Calyx says: Thank you <name>! Do you think you could scan these as well, then get a 3D model of our apartment? Apparently if we live together it "strengthens our case"… I'm glad we do, though I don't like the implication that you have to coexist under the same roof to be a couple.
She shakes her head as she retreats to another room. You open the box and find what looks like an album of printed photos.
- Scan the photos.
(Stamina check)
The album starts with the latest photos and goes backwards in time. Around five cycles ago, all the photos show Calyx holding hands with someone else - a woman shorter than Solace, with neon purple hair and a wide smile. You keep going, and a few cycles before that, a younger Calyx has her arms around a tall, long-haired person. Calyx appears with different people every few photos, until you reach the end of the album.
The final entry isn't a photo, but a wedding invitation, although both names have been covered and replaced with "Calyx" and "Solace".
- Take scans of the apartment.
(Stamina check)
Thankfully the apartment isn't very large, so you're quickly done scanning. Shortly after you're done, Calyx wraps up her CORETECHS conversation and joins you in the small living room.
Calyx says: I think we should have five witnesses - they're not thrilled about talking to the Consortium, but they want to help us out. What about you?
- "Who was with you in the older photos?"
- "I scanned all of your photos."
Who:
Me: Who was with you in the older photos?
Calyx frowns for a second, then seems to understand.
Calyx says: Ah, right, I forgot! Solace used clones to change her body every few cycles. It's not cheap, but it's cheaper in House of Congo. …Sorry, maybe I should have scanned them myself. I love Solace in every way, and I'm so glad she can finally live in a body that matches her gender, and that really feels right for her, but those photos contain some tough memories. We had to leave the Consortium, everything and everyone we knew, become Freebooters…
Scanned:
Me: I scanned all of your photos.
Calyx says: Thank you, <name>. It's a little odd, going through them myself… As you probably noticed, Solace use clones to change her body every few cycles. It's not cheap, but it's cheaper in House of Congo. …I love Solace in every way, and I'm so glad she can finally live in a body that matches her gender, and that really feels right for her, but those photos contain some tough memories. We had to leave the Consortium, everything and everyone we knew, become Freebooters…
Either choice continues:
- "I understand."
Me: I understand.
Calyx says: Thank you. Solace doesn't mind talking about it, and I have her explicit permission to explain, but we've been here for so long that it's not come up in a while.
- "Should I send these to you now?"
Me: Should I send these to you now?
Calyx says: Yes, please!
You give Calyx the scans, she passes them along to Solace, then they're sent to Manuel. At the end of the chain, you sit and wait while Calyx puts everything away - but soon stops to receive a call.
Calyx says: …What? But we sent them everything, it's not like we're trying to hide… Ugh, this is the problem with Daedalus. Yes, just… I'll see what I can do. Love you.
Calyx sits down, looking defeated.
- "What happened?"
Me: What happened?
Calyx says: Apparently to get a visa to Daedalus, they need to perform extra checks, to make sure that Solace really is who she says she is. We said in our initial application that Solace changes clones often, I really wish they had mentioned this back then…
She starts fidgeting with her shawl, twirling the edges around her fingers.
Calyx says: We've given them everything we they asked for, even things that are really personal, and now they say it could take another two tenspans to process our application? We won't get there before the funeral… It'll crush Solace and her dad.
Figure out how to help Solace and Calyx.
- "Give me Manuel's details. He's in charge of the application, so I'll convince him."
- "You could always get a fake visa." (if you didn't suggest it previously)
- "I think you need to reconsider getting a fake visa." (if you suggested it previously)
- "I'll fake a message from Manuel's boss."
Fake visa:
Me: You could always get a fake visa.
Calyx says: I tried asking Solace about it, but she doesn't want to do things illegally. If there's any chance she could end up imprisoned in the Consortium, especially Daedalus, she doesn't want to take the risk…
Calyx bites her lip and looks away from you. She's deep in thought for some time.
Calyx says: I think we should consider it, though. A fake visa from House of Congo could fool the Consortium, and it's clear that we won't get there in time by following the rules. Maybe if we cancel the application with Manuel, that would make him less suspicious - or is that a bad idea? I'm not sure.
Solace arrives while you're still working things out. Calyx tentatively explains that getting a fake visa could be a good idea, and while Solace doesn't look happy at the prospect, she at least doesn't shoot it down immediately. The two need some time to talk things through - they retreat to their bedroom and only come back a segment later.
Solace says: Alright. I'm not happy about it, but we should at least figure out how we would get a fake visa. Our friend Barium should be able to help us - he said to meet us at the Cat's Tooth so we could work out the details.
Reconsider:
Me: I think you need to reconsider getting a fake visa.
Calyx says: You heard Solace, she doesn't really want to go through with that. If there's any chance she could end up imprisoned in the Consortium, especially Daedalus…
Calyx bites her lip and looks away from you. She's deep in thought for some time.
Calyx says: A fake visa from House of Congo could fool them, but we've already started applying. We might have to cancel the application with Manuel - or would that make him more suspicious?
Solace arrives while you're still working things out. Calyx tentatively explains that getting a fake visa could be a good idea, and while Solace doesn't look happy at the prospect, she at least doesn't shoot it down immediately. The two need some time to talk things through - they retreat to their bedroom and only come back a segment later.
Solace says: Alright, let's try this. We have a friend called Barium who should be able to help us - he said to meet us at the Cat's Tooth so we could work out the details.
Either way continues:
Calyx says: Come with us, <name>. It's good to have another set of eyes, just in case. …Not that he would try to cheat us or anything! But it's good to make sure we've thought of everything.
Talk to Barium Theory at the Inn, the Cat's Tooth.
Next NPC: Barium Theory – Caracal Cyborg (He/him), Inn, The House of Congo
- Approach Barium Theory.
The three of you approach Barium Theory. As soon as he sees his friends, he turns off his various screens and pulls them in for a big hug.
Barium says: I've missed you two lovebirds! How's life these days? It's been at least a cycle since we met up!
Solace says: That's because you buried yourself in Caracal work, Baz. We're doing alright, with the exception of our current problem…
Barium says: It's a tough one, alright. Well, that's what I'm here for - helping you get things done when the official channels fail you. Which is all the time, really.
The three share a laugh, though it quickly fades. Barium sits you all down and starts going through his plan.
Barium says: Now, bad news first - you should probably only get one fake visa, it's a lot easier to pull off. I'm sorry Calyx, but you should stay.
Barium looks at the two of them in turn, but neither speaks, so he continues.
Barium says: I'll need some payment - I've got a contact who helps with the digital verification side, and she won't do it for free. Should be cheaper than the visa process, so at least there's that.
Solace says: Except our non-refundable application fee…
Barium says: Typical. …Anyway, that's all on your end - if you're happy, then it's up to me to get things sorted! Unless your friend here is planning to help?
- "Sure, I'll help."
- "Not really."
Not really:
Me: Not really.
Solace says: <name>'s done enough already. You can handle it, Barium.
Barium says: No problem! I'll let you know when everything is ready. Oh, but first, a word, <name>.
As Calyx and Solace head to the bar, Barium fixes you with a serious stare.
Barium says:Calyx is trusting - I bet she convinced Solace to get help from an outsider like you - but I'm not quick to believe people. If you spoil their plans, you'll answer to me. …That's all. Happy drinking.
He motions for you to leave, then returns his attention to his screens.
Sure:
Me: Sure, I'll help.
Barium says: Great! I hate working on my own, it's so boring. Now, you two go get a drink while we get to work.
Solace says: Isn't there something we can do to help?
Barium says: Nah, it'll be better if you two relax and keep an eye on your CORETECHS. This is pretty straight-forward stuff.
Solace and Calyx head to the bar while the two of you talk strategy. Barium has enough contacts who can help, but he needs to put the pieces together and make sure everything will pass the Consortium's strict checks.
Barium says: I'll do the actual cracking - no offense, I've got lots of experience and I don't know you - and you check my work. I'll send you the visa along with a few official Consortium ones, and you let me know if I missed anything. Take your time, please. If even one thing is out of place, it's Solace who will have to deal with the consequences.
Help Barium make Solace's fake visa.
- Meticulously examine all the visas.
(Intelligence check)
You go through every aspect of the visa - each field, scan and biometric sample. You point out possible inconsistencies to Barium, who double-checks them and fixes what needs fixing.
Barium says: That should do it. I'm sending it along now, and assuming it all works out, Solace should get it within a few segments. Why don't you let her know?
He motions for you to leave, focusing his attention fully on his task.
Either choice continues:
Find Solace and Calyx at the Bar.
Next area: Bar, The House of Congo
- Sit with Solace and Calyx.
You take a seat next to Solace and Calyx - but as soon as you do, you notice something is wrong. They're both talking in frustrated whispers, their drinks barely touched.
Calyx says: <name>… Here, let me just read this to you, it'll be easier. "There have been numerous incidents of attacks, all targeting people who have amygchips and clones, in Daedalus. While the sentiment is not surprising, these attacks are much more brazen than one would expect. While these violent acts have not been condoned by Promethean spokespeople, neither have they been condemned, at least not yet."
Solace sighs and mutters something about Smogging Prometheans as she goes for her drink.
Calyx says: "Authorities recommend that all travel to Daedalus be delayed, especially for those who have used clones. Activist groups are calling for the Consortium to remove information on cloning preference from official documentation, such as IDs and visas, as they could be used to identify future assault targets." Well, we told Barium to avoid putting your clone status on the visa…
Solace says: Yes, but everyone back home will be able to see I'm in a completely different body. They knew me from before.
Convince:
(Social check)
Me: Give me Manuel's details. He's in charge of the application, so I'll convince him.
Calyx says: Do you really think… I mean, alright, I guess it can't hurt.
Calyx doesn't look too hopeful, but she sends you Manuel's information anyway. You can't call him directly - perhaps as a security measure - but you record an impassioned plea. You emphasize Solace's dad, who needs his daughter now more than ever, along with the universal pain of death. You remind him that all the witnesses and evidence will prove what Solace has already told him, and that it's frankly disrespectful to ask for so much evidence, then delay the process on a technicality.
By the time you finish, Solace has made her way back from the Cat's Cradle, and she falls heavily onto the seat next to Calyx. Before you have time to explain what you did, Solace receives a message from Manuel.
Solace says: Apparently we need to send them a couple more documents to prove that these really are extenuating circumstances, but if we do, he can use an expedited procedure. "Pending approval, this will allow you to receive your Bereavement Short-Term Visa, plus Spousal extension, within thirty segments"!
Calyx says: Yes! Aaaaah I'm so glad…
- "Congratulations!"
Me: Congratulations!
Solace says: Thank you. I'll go send him those documents now…
The two smile at each other, embrace tightly, then Solace goes back to their bedroom to deal with the paperwork. Calyx is biting her lip, but looking relieved.
Calyx says: I know I shouldn't count my lizards until they've hatched, but this could be the last of it. …Hey <name>, once we're finished here, why don't we all go get a drink? We have to wait until tomorrow anyway, and the bar is always a nice distraction. …We'll give you your credits while we're there as well. You've been a great help!
Fake a message:
(Intelligence check)
Me: I'll fake a message from Manuel's boss. I'm sure someone above him can order him to push it through.
Calyx says: I don't know if that's the best idea. I mean, I know the whole system is stacked against us, and we probably should use everything at our disposal, but… Well, I don't know. If you think you can do it, maybe it's worth a try.
Calyx gives you what little information she has on Manuel. It takes some time, but you manage to find messages between Manuel's team, including his boss. You craft a short note implying that there's been a wave of complaints from Consortium citizens that have families in Freebooter stations. You claim they're pushing your hand, and you tell Manuel to approve this visa as a concession.
By the time you finish sending your message, Solace is back from the Cat's Cradle, and she falls heavily onto the seat next to Calyx. Before you have time to explain what you did, Solace receives a message from Manuel.
Solace says: …Yes! "Thank you for your application. Our expedited procedure is now in effect, and you can expect your Bereavement Short-Term Visa, plus Spousal extension, within thirty segments."
- "Congratulations!"
Me: Congratulations!
Solace says: Thank you.
Calyx says: Yes, thank you <name>! Ah, I'm so relieved… I suppose I shouldn't count my lizards until they've hatched, but hopefully this is the last of it. We'll be there soon, Sol.
The two smile at each other, then embrace tightly. It's possibly Calyx is crying, but you can't quite tell, as she quickly buries her face in Solace's hair. Eventually they part.
Solace says: Let's get a drink. We might not hear back until tomorrow, and I don't want to pace around the house until then.
Calyx says: Yeah, I'd rather you not wear a groove in the floor… Come on, <name>, let's get a drink. We'll sort out your payment there.
Both choices continue:
Go for a drink at the Bar, the Cat's Tooth.
- Grab a drink with Solace and Calyx.
You grab a table with Solace and Calyx. The menu is full of drinks which sound strangely interesting, making it hard to choose. While you read, you notice Calyx looks much more tired than before. Solace seems to be taking over in her stead.
Solace says: If you're not sure what to get, the bartender might be able to help. The cocktails are great, but there are some interesting beers as well - the people running the algae farms sometimes use extra vats to brew something close to actual alcohol… Or so they say. It might just be synthehol with a funny taste and good marketing. What about you, Cay?
You both notice Calyx checking her CORETECHS, and biting her nails. Solace touches her shoulder.
Solace says: Hey, what is it?
Calyx says: I, um… I'll just read, it'll be easier. "There have been numerous incidents of attacks targeting people with amygchips and clones in Daedalus. While the sentiment is not surprising, these attacks are much more brazen than expected. These violent acts have not been condoned by Promethean spokespeople, but neither have they been condemned."
Solace says: Smogging Prometheans…
Calyx says: "Authorities recommend that all travel to Daedalus be delayed, especially for those with clones. Activist groups are calling for the Consortium to remove information on cloning preference from official documentation, such as IDs and visas, as they could be used to identify future assault targets."
Solace says: Yeah. Not to mention the fact that everyone back home will be able to see I'm in a completely different body…
All paths continue:
They hold hands in silence, until Calyx seems to remember something.
Calyx says: Sorry, this has turned out to be… quite a stressful situation. I mean, more so than it was.
- Stay quiet.
- "What are you going to do?"
- "You should attend the funeral anyway."
- "It's too dangerous to go to Daedalus now."
What are you going to do:
Me: What are you going to do?
Solace says: I don't know. First, we'll wait for the visa. Then, I'll think about it… Though I'm tempted to go.
Calyx doesn't look happy with the decision, but she keeps her thoughts to herself.
Stay quiet:
You stay quiet. It's a very personal moment, and they have very personal decisions to make.
Too dangerous:
Me: It's too dangerous to go to Daedalus now.
Calyx says: I think so too…
Solace says: I'm not so sure. I have a clone here in House of Congo, and I need to be with my family… It's not an easy decision, but I might still go.
Calyx doesn't look happy with the prospect, but she doesn't say anything else. payment now.
Attend:
Me: You should attend the funeral anyway.
Solace says: I do want to be with my family, and going to the funeral would give me closure… Things with my mother were not exactly great. I would like to go, but I need to think it through.
Calyx doesn't look happy with the prospect, but she keeps her thoughts to herself.
All choices continue:
Calyx says: Anyway, you helped us out <name>, however things turned out. I'll transfer your payment now.
- "Good luck."
Me: Good luck.
Solace says: Thanks. We'll need it…
Calyx says: I've transferred you as many credits as we could spare. You really helped us out - I'm glad we could keep everything above board.
While they both look defeated, they offer you a kind smile. Perhaps things will work out for them.
You have received 1,300.00 credits.
You have completed the "Hasta La Visa" mission.
Notes
- Presumably Calyx's final text changes, and the reward decreases, if you engaged in illegal activity (hacking, fake visa, etc.)
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