A prisoner is punished for breaching the Tanegashima Fleet's warrior code. Can you help fulfill her final wish?
Level: 11
Start: Martin Clarke, Brig, Hopkins' Legacy
Introduction
In his scruffy Lionhearts jacket, Martin Clarke patrols the Brig forecourt with the slow meander of a man who has spent more segments in the White Lady Bar than in his bed lately. Every few steps, he pauses to scratch his unkempt beard stubble and switch his rifle to the opposite shoulder. He passes the Brig's reception and the prisoner wing doors behind marked 'YASUTSUNA CORP PRISONERS' and 'OTHERS'.
Martin ambles a little further then halts. Two figures pass you at the Brig entrance, heading straight for him. Both are uniformed in the black and red of the Tanegashima Fleet. One, an armed guard, walks behind the other. The prisoner advances, head bowed, but in a uniform far more decorated than her guard. Her hands are tethered in a prisoner bind. Martin's hand taps his own forehead in swift salute.
Martin says: Brig warden Martin Clarke, Ser. At your service. A new prisoner I take it? One for the Yasutsuna wing? Er—
Martin's voice trails off into silence as he sees the prisoner's crisp fleet blazer. Two medals on her chest glint under the Brig strip-lights. The prisoner says nothing. Her guard breaks the silence.
He says: By order of Hopkins' Legacy governance decree, article seventy-four. The fleet's disciplinary court assigns you custody of this convict. Named Ita Kenji, of Admiral rank. On a short-term basis. Until the service of her capital sentence, for which she will be recalled to the Tonchō. Within the next tenspan. At ease, warden!
The guard spins and marches back the way he came, leaving the prisoner with Martin. After a short pause, the bemused warden remembers his duties and ushers her under the 'YASUTSUNA' entry arch. They disappear round the corner, and there's the hydraulic hiss of a cell door opening, then closing again. Martin returns to the forecourt alone. He slumps in the chair behind his reception desk.
You have accepted the "Moments of Truth" mission.
- Walk away.
- Ask Martin about what you just witnessed.
Walk away:
Martin slouches into his seat and settles in for what looks like a short bout of on-the-job napping. You leave him to it and continue on your way down the soft-lit corridors of Hopkins' Legacy.
You have failed the "Moments of Truth" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Ask Martin:
You approach the warden and ask him about what you saw. Martin's expression suggests little patience for strangers' chit chat.
Martin says: Heck knows! Do I look Tanegashima to you? I follow their orders, cos that's the Lionhearts' job here… But that's it. Go ask her yourself. It's visiting segment anyways.
Martin stifles a rumbling burp in his chest. He waves a hand towards the entry marked 'YASUSTSUNA', then slouches into his seat for what looks like a short bout of on-the-job napping.
Talk to the Tanegashima fleet prisoner in the Brig of Hopkins' Legacy.
Next area: Brig, Hopkins' Legacy
- Find the prisoner.
You leave Martin to his dozing and enter the wing for Yasutsuna and Tanegashima prisoners. There's a long corridor, lined by glass-fronted holding cells on both sides. Most are occupied by inmates sleeping or exercising in their cramped and boxy spaces.
The motorized swivel of a wall-mounted security camera follows you down the walkway. After a few paces, you reach a prisoner who isn't wearing the same grey jumpsuit as the rest.
Next NPC: Admiral Ita Kenji, Brig, Hopkins' Legacy
- Start a conversation with the prisoner.
Me: Hi. I'm <name>. I saw you just got transferred in.
Through the cell's glass front, the figure raises her eyes to meet yours. She responds by clasping her palms together for a polite bow.
She says: Kon'nichiwa <name>. I'm Admiral Ita Kenji.
The Admiral's voice emits from a small speaker at the top of the glass screen. Her tone is firm and reserved. She bows gently again, then lowers her hands back to her side.
- Ask Ita about the Tanegashima Fleet.
- Ask Ita about 'Kon'nichiwa'.
Kon'nichiwa:
Me: 'Kon'nichiwa'. Is that a fleet greeting?
The Admiral nods.
She says: Hai. Yes. An ancient word. Much older than the fleet. Even on old earth, our ancestors used it.
Ita forms her words precisely, each syllable measured by careful thought.
- Ask Ita about the Tanegashima Fleet.
Me: Do you serve in the fleet?
Ita pauses. She takes a slow breath, letting your question hang for a moment.
She says: I did. For many cycles. On the Tonchō, mostly. That is all finished now.
Ita pauses to drink from a cup on the inner ledge of her cell. She sips it slowly, eyes closing as she does.
She asks: Water, Mizu… I never take it for granted. Without it, we could not be here… And now, tell me <name>. What do you seek here?
- Tell her you're just exploring Hopkins' Legacy.
- Tell her you're curious about the fleet.
Exploring:
Me: I just want to explore the station. Learn about what goes on here.
Ita nods, still sipping her water.
She says: We live in an interesting galaxy, there is much to learn… And I am glad to have a visitor. Not much time remains to me. And it is a shame to spend it alone.
Ita's brown eyes meet yours. She seems to welcome the conversation.
Fleet:
Me: I'm curious about the Tanegashima Fleet.
Ita nods, still sipping her water.
She says: Very well. Time spent helping others, is time well spent. Even if I do not have much of it left. What do you wish to know?
Ita's brown eyes meet yours. She seems to welcome the conversation, waiting for your next question.
Either choice continues:
- Ask Ita about her sentence.
- Ask her why she's here.
Why:
Me: How does a fleet Admiral end up in the Brig?
Ita shakes her head slowly but firmly.
Ita says: Not that. I won't discuss it. I felt my duty, and I acted. But it was a breach of our warrior code. It must be repaid…
- Ask Ita about her sentence.
Sentence:
Me: Did you get a capital sentence?
Ita flinches slightly at the question.
She says: Yes. That is my sentence. And it's mine to carry out. Alone. 'Seppuku' is how we call it. An ancient custom…
Even while discussing this, Ita's tone remains steady; controlled.
- Ask about 'Seppuku'.
- Condemn the sentence as uncivilized.
- Ask her if she's afraid.
Seppuku:
Me: What's Seppuku?
Ita says: Something very ancient. Hard for outsiders to understand. A death sentence. Those like me are expected to deliver it by our own hand.
Ita's tone is matter-of-fact and plain, jarring against the horror of her words.
- Condemn the sentence as uncivilized.
- Ask her if she's afraid.
Condemn:
Me: It sounds barbaric.
Ita shakes her head to disagree.
She says: Others often say this… But it is part of the fleet's warrior code. We choose to accept it. Why do you think we survived as an independent entity? Our conviction is feared in every system…
Ita taps her fingers to her temple, pointing at what's inside her head.
- Ask her if she's afraid.
Me: Are you afraid?
Ita replies quickly: I've seen many battles. The end doesn't frighten me.
Ita pauses, tapping a finger to her chin as she tries to recall something from memory.
She says: A small night storm blows. Saying 'falling is the essence of a flower'. Preceding those who hesitate… That's an old Tanegashima death poem. It helps in such moments.
Ita recites the verse again quietly to herself.
- Ask about the death poem.
Me: What's a death poem?
Ita says: Ancient Tanegashima custom. A record of final thoughts. To bring solace. Clarity. Peace.
Ita stammers, suddenly hesitant.
She says: A- Actually. I'd now like to ask you something. A favor. Help. It is the last thing I want from my time.
Ita continues: My mother died in this system, on the Jump Gate. In the Catastrophe. I'd like to know more of her final days. Maybe she left a death poem? If it exists, I would like to see it, before I run out of time…
- Ask for more info.
Me: Can you tell me anything more?
Ita's shoulders slump as she sits on the bed in her cell.
She says: I don't know much. Hakira Kenji, was her name. She worked for Yasutsuna corp. When the Catastrophe came, she was visiting the Jump Gate… I always thought I would go look for more information one day. Now, I won't have the chance.
Ita adds: What do you say, curious stranger? Will you make the trip for me?
- Reject Ita's request.
- Accept Ita's request.
Reject:
Me: I'm sorry. That's not something I can help with.
Ita nods and turns away. It is clearly not in her nature to beg. She closes her eyes and begins a meditation on her cell bed. You leave her and make your way out.
You have failed the "Moments of Truth" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Accept:
Me: OK. I'll see what I can do.
Ita says: Domo arigatō, <name>. Thank you. Please, don't delay. I'll be called for my sentence in a few days.
Ita bows deeply, three times in succession, before the warden's voice cracks through a loudspeaker to conclude the visiting segment. You bid Ita farewell and head back out.
Visit Barnard's Star Jump Gate. Search for information about Ita's mother, Hakira Kenji.
Next area: Government Center, Barnard's Star Jump Gate
- Search for information about Hakira Kenji at the Government Center.
OR
Next area: Inn, Barnard's Star Jump Gate
- Search for information about Hakira Kenji at the Inn.
OR
Next area: Port, Barnard's Star Jump Gate
- Search for information about Hakira Kenji at the Port.
Inn:
In the Star Jumper Arms, you engage some older residents in conversation. They draw a blank on Hakira Kenji's name, but seem keen to share passed-down stories of the Catastrophe with you. There's plenty of woe and suffering, but little to help you in your search. You thank them and continue on.
Keep searching Barnard's Star Jump Gate for information about Ita's mother, Hakira Kenji.
Port:
You make inquiries at the Port about Hakira Kenji but, aside from a few off-topic opinions about the Tanegashima Fleet, you don't get much info. Nobody knows the name, or shows much interest in your quest. You decide to press on elsewhere.
Keep searching Barnard's Star Jump Gate for information about Ita's mother, Hakira Kenji.
Government Center:
You wait in line at the Government Center to log a query about Hakira Kenji. Eventually you're called to the counter where a Consortium staffer can only tell you there's no current resident by that name.
The staffer says: You know as well as we, Citizen, that Catastrophe casualty info rarely exists. You'll have to conduct your own inquiry. If the victim you're interested was Yasutsuna, might I suggest seeking out Ser Kaga Yoshi. He's a local resident, with Yasutsuna links. Perhaps he can help. His quarters are in the residences.
With that advice, the staffer dismisses you and calls forward the next waiting customer.
Find Kaga Yoshi in the Residences of Barnard's Star Jump Gate.
Next NPC: Kaga Yoshi, Residences, Barnard's Star Jump Gate
- See if Kaga Yoshi can help you find info about Ita's mother.
You approach the old man your CORETECHS identifies as Kaga Yoshi. But he's not keen to discuss Catastrophe victims, or even the Catastrophe itself.
Kaga says: I was raised not to speak of it. My own mother lived through it, didn't like us talking about it.
Kaga's eyes glaze over for a moment, lost in a memory.
Kaga says: Why dig it up? There's only sadness there… It doesn't help anyone.
Try to persuade Kaga Yoshi to speak to you about the Catastrophe.
- Explain to Kaga why you need his help.
(Social check)
Me: This Hakira, who died here in the Catastrophe… Her daughter, Ita, asked me to come. She's living her last days, and she wants to know what happened to her mother…
Your words stir Kaga somewhat. His features soften.
He says: I see. Sounds like Ita was one of the last Before babies. We're of a similar age. I was born just after the Cat…
Kaga continues: I'm not sure how to help. My mother, Ichika, also worked for Yasutsuna, and she survived the dark days here on the gate. But she never spoke to us about what happened… Aha!
Kaga exclaims with sudden excitement, then shuffles into his residence.
He shouts over: There's something you may wish to see. I found it a few cycles ago, after my own mother died. Her old holo-journal… From the period just after the Cat. It's the only place I ever heard her discuss what she went through… Aha! Yatta! Here it is!
Kaga reappears with a knackered old slate device, quite unlike today's models. You try to access it via your CORETECHS but the content has dozens of compatibility issues with your modern software.
Access Ichika's journal to learn about her Catastrophe experiences.
- Access the first holo-journal entry.
(Intelligence check)
You view the slate's contents via your CORETECHS link, browsing journal entry titles such as 'A TENSPAN ON CIRQUE C', 'YAS. CORP INTERVIEW' and 'EXPECTING!!'
You select one titled 'TRIP TO BS JUMP GATE' and then patch it into a codecs for salvaging older data formats from obsolescence. After a few units' wait, a media window initiates. It shows the head and shoulders of a young woman, with features similar to Kaga's. Playback begins.
Ichika says: Eurgh. Exhausted. Day one of the trade visit to the Jump Gate was a toughie… Many meetings. Zero sales. Better luck tomorrow I hope. All I want now is bed.
The recording ends. Your CORETECHS view dissolves away. Kaga is now sitting on a small bench by his residence, observing curiously.
- Decrypt the next journal entry.
(Intelligence check)
After a settings tweak you run the next entry. It's titled 'BS J. GATE - WEIRD?!' Ichika's shimmering holo-portrait returns.
Ichika says: Day six, and this thankless trip is turning weird. The station's on the fritz. Random systems failures, like all the time. People are spooked. Nobody wants to talk about sales meetings…
Ichika lets out a weary sigh.
She continues: Which means, we did no sales again. Well, almost none. The new girl, Kir, made a few. Beginner's luck. Tsk. Apart from her and me, everyone else is going to try Amazon instead.
The recording ends, and you're back in the residences courtyard, where Kaga sips his tea patiently.
Kaga says: Useful, I hope? I used to watch it a lot, when I first found it. Not so much now. I'm glad someone else is interested. Maybe it will help you in your search. Please, continue.
- Continue with the next entry.
(Intelligence check)
The next entry is titled, 'BARNARD'S STAR JG. HELL.' In it, Ichika's face is bruised and dark circles shadow her eyes. She sobs for a moment, then speaks.
Ichika says: We were in the cargo unit. Kir and I. The system fail alarm went again, but this time back-ups didn't kick in… There was a fire. We hid, in a rescue chamber. Number 61. We-
Ichika sobs again, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. The image blurs slightly in parts where the codec can't salvage corrupted bytes.
She continues: We waited but nobody came. Outside the rescue room, the sector had no power, no pressure, no- nothing… We waited as long as we could. While the air lasted.
The recording ends. Kaga sees the twinkle of the CORETECHS UI disappear from your retina and uses the opportunity to speak.
Kaga says: It was hard to watch for me. Some of it. I do not want to remember her in pain. Please, continue.
You return to the slate's contents, hoping you'll uncover something useful which can help Ita. There is only one more file.
- Continue. Decrypt the last entry.
(Intelligence check)
The last entry is titled, 'KIR'. You open it up. Ichika's image flickers into view again. Her cheeks are wet from tears.
Ichika speaks: There was only one vac suit. Kir told me to take it and bring help… She wasn't scared, not like me… And… I never saw her again. They found the rescue room empty. The airlock was o- o— open-
Ichika breaks into sobs again. The entry ends. Kaga approaches, taking the old slate from your hands.
Kaga says: It helped me in a way. To see this. At least I knew, why she never wanted to speak of it. Why she felt such guilt for surviving. Because others didn't. And now I hope it helps you somehow. Maybe this 'Kir' is the Hakira you seek? Maybe the rescue room holds answers? I have never wanted to see it myself, but I imagine it's somewhere in the Ashes.
Kaga murmurs pensively. You thank him for his assistance.
Visit the Ruins on Barnard's Star Jump Gate to continue your search for information about Ita's mother, Hakira Kenji.
Next area: Ruins, Barnard's Star Jump Gate
- Search the Ruins for rescue room 61.
You're wandering the Ashes in search of rescue chamber 61 when a CORETECHS call from Martin Clarke interrupts.
- Answer the call.
You accept the call and Martin Clarke's face - still unshaven - appears in your CORETECHS view.
Martin says: Listen, <name>. I'm not usually a message boy but she's a high-ranking prisoner and, well… Here it is, plain and simple: hurry up. I've heard they're calling her back to the Tonchō soon. Tomorrow, maybe. She don't have long, which means you don't have long. Got it?
Me: OK. Got it.
The call cuts off. You quicken the pace, checking the flame-warped bulkheads for clues to the whereabouts of rescue chamber 61, if anything even remains of it.
Find the remains of rescue room 61 in the Ruins on Barnard's Star Jump Gate.
- Search the Ruins.
(Stamina check)
Segments slip by but finally your perseverance pays off. On a blast-mangled bulkhead you read off a list of emergency shelters in this sector. 'Rescue chamber 61' is on it. You're close.
- Continue the search.
(Stamina check)
After some time, a labelled airlock door comes into view. Faded white lettering is printed on it; 'RESCUE CHAMBER 61'. You try opening it, but the door's automatic mechanisms were stripped for working parts long ago. The control pad is unresponsive.
- Force the door open.
(Strength check)
Stepping back, you take a short run up and barge it with all your weight. It clangs open. You step into a small pod, typical of the shelters required by Consortium station regulations in the Before.
It still has the eerie markers of its one-time inhabitants. A shelf-bed jut from each side wall. Opposite, small clumps of disintegrating ration wrappers form dusty mounds. As you look around, another CORETECHS call alert flashes.
- Answer the call.
The call connects and a shimmering torso comes into focus on your retinal display. It's Ita. She bows gently.
Ita says: <name>, it is time. I have been summoned. It is now a matter of segments, not days. Tell me, did you find anything?
There's a sombre silence as Ita awaits your response.
- "I need more time. "
- "Nothing yet. But I'm close on something."
Close:
Me: Nothing yet. But I'm close on something. A resident here told me how his mother survived the Catastrophe with the help of a Yasutsuna colleague, called 'Kir'… It could have been your mother. I can't be sure yet.
Ita nods. It's hard to tell if her expression is hopeful or despondent.
She says: Very well. Please hurry. In case we don't speak again… I want to thank you for trying. No matter what happens.
Ita bows again, before a voice over her shoulder distracts her.
She says: I must go. There are preparations to make for my sentence…
The call ends and your retinal overlay dissolves to reveal the insides of the rescue chamber once more.
Search the rescue chamber where 'Kir' and Ichika sheltered during the Catastrophe.
- Search the rescue room.
(Stamina check)
Your hands are soon filthy from sifting through debris. In the supplies safe, the shelves are labelled 'vac suits', 'rations', 'meds & CO2 filters'. All are empty.
Below this you spot a few discarded items covered in grime. You blow away the top layer and pick through what appear to be personal effects. Most of it seems to be Yasutsuna corp. sales material. There's a branded slate sleeve with the 'Y-corp' logo, and a small-black projector cube with a lens and a button on one side.
- Press the button.
You press your thumb to the button. The chamber brightens as a small 3D image of two young women appears, projected from the lens. One of them is Ichika. Together, they alternate turns delivering some sort of sales pitch.
Ichika's holo-figure says: Greetings, dear clients. Yasutsuna corporation values your custom. I'm Ichika Yoshi, senior sales lead for Barnard's Star system—
Ichika's image flickers with some parts becoming cuboid and distorted. A small error message flashes briefly before the playback continues. The other woman, silent until now, continues.
The other holo-figure says: And I'm Hakira Kenji. But you can call me 'Kir'. I'm a junior sales rep for this system. This is actually my first sales trip since maternity leave, so bear with me, haha! We're here to demo a new product line. Cutting-edge techno— tech— t-t-t-t- nology -t-t-t-
The image glitches badly now, with Hakira caught in a loop. You turn it off. Despite the error, the few units of the sales pitch that survived are enough to be sure that Kir is Hakira. You slip the box into your satchel and hurry towards the Port.
Return to the Brig on Hopkins' Legacy. Show Ita your findings.
Next NPC: Admiral Ita Kenji, Brig, Hopkins' Legacy
- Approach Ita.
You rush through the brig foyer. Martin Clarke is behind the reception desk where you last left him. You can't be sure whether he's moved or even washed since then. He certainly hasn't shaved. He barely notices you, preoccupied instead with something to the side.
Your gaze finds Ita, emerging from the Yasutsuna wing, led by the guard who brought her a few days ago. As they near, she mutters to him. He stops, then nods.
The guard says: Granted. You have a quarter-segment, Admiral. No more.
The guard steps aside, giving Ita space to approach you. She wears her Admiral's uniform still, with intricate black and red markings sewn down the sleeves.
- Tell Ita what you discovered about her mother.
You try to explain quickly, under the watching eye of the impatient guard. Ita listens as you recount how her mother was working with Ichika on the Jump Gate, not long after Ita was born. And how, when the Catastrophe trapped them, it was Hakira who wanted Ichika to take the only vac suit. Ita listens intently with a series of small nods.
Ita says: It is more than I hoped for. Thank you. To know this, brings me… Some sort of peace.
Me: There's one more thing…
Slowly - so as not to alarm the watchful guard - you reach into your satchel and take out the small projector cube you found in the Ruins of the Jump Gate. You press the button and the sales pitch playback begins. Ita watches, transfixed, as her mother and Ichika go through their lines. When it reaches the glitch, you re-start it. By the time it finishes again, Ita is quietly sobbing.
She says: I had only difficult days. For many tenspans now. Today also. But this is different feeling… Relief. Thank you. I will cherish it for the few segments I have left…
The guard emits an audible throat-clear and mumbles something about the time.
- Bid Ita farewell.
- Ask Ita about her crime before she leaves.
Crime:
Me: Can I ask something before you go? What was your crime?
Ita's teary smile morphs into something else. She mouths a silent 'no' and shakes her head, before turning back to the guard.
Ita says: I'm ready. We can go.
The guard escorts her away. After they're gone Martin Clarke wanders over. He scratches his unshaven jaw as he speaks.
Martin says: Sheesh. That was intense. Tanegashima will always be a mystery to me. Sure, the Consortium's got capital-offense crimes too but… not Seppuku, y'know?
Martin makes a strange gesture as he speaks, grimacing as he mimes thrusting something into his stomach.
He adds: Can you imagine? It's disturbing if you ask me… And you know why? Her crime, I mean?
Next NPC: Martin Clarke, Brig, Hopkins' Legacy
- Tell Martin you don't want to know about Ita's crime.
- Ask Martin to tell you about Ita's crime.
Ask Martin to tell you:
Me: What did she do?
Martin leans in, his voice hushed.
He says: It's only a rumor really but… Two cycles back a T-fleet general was found dead on the Tonchō. Suspicious, it was. But it took em a while to work it out. Turns out, the Admiral here, Ita Kenji, killed one of her commanding officers… or so I heard anyways…
Martin pauses for effect.
He adds: Not much evidence, but they traced her eventually. She didn't confess, didn't deny it either. All she DID say was that this bigwig was a traitor. Secretly working with the Consy to bring them into Hopkins. But she couldn't prove it. And now. Well. She's serving the sentence for murder of a T-fleet superior officer… Whacko, right?
Martin trails off, leaving you to digest the rumor, as he heads back to his reception station. As you exit a Tanegashima guard approaches you in the main foyer, asking you to confirm your identity. When you do, he thrusts a rectangular box in your hands, barking an explanation that Admiral Ita Kenji left you something. He leaves just as abruptly as he came.
Next area: Brig, Hopkins' Legacy
- Open the box from Ita.
The box is shallow and rectangular, with black and red patterns like Ita's uniform. The logo of the Tanegashima fleet is inscribed on top. You lift the lid.
Inside, on a piece of decorative cloth, sits a glinting blade, its handle marked with the Tanegashima logo, and inscribed with small lettering; 'ADMIRAL I.K.' On the back, there's a short verse.
The inscription reads: A drum calls, for my life. Only my dreams go on, wandering over expanse endless.
You have received 1 'Tanegashima Kodachi'.
It's Ita's ceremonial dagger. The object is finely crafted though the disturbing thought of what it may have been used for lingers. Was it used in her sentence? A grim shudder runs down your spine. You continue on your way, head swimming with this strange and sad encounter with the fleet's ancient ways.
You have completed the "Moments of Truth" mission.
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