A missing scientist, a tale of defection, intrigue, and of science. Interested?
Level: 13
Start: Quantum Spanner, Local Shuttles, Heinlein Stronghold
Introduction
A small throng of humanity moves haphazardly through the embarkation and disembarkation area of shuttles coming to and from the station. Queues are not a popular concept on a Freebooter station so groups generally drift towards the waiting shuttles at a random tempo. You find yourself jostled towards a back wall as you move through the busy locale, smelling slightly of heated plasma and impatience.
Bemused as you are by the goings on, it takes you a moment to notice a strange looking man, trying not to look strange, and having an increasingly irate conversation on their CORETECHS. Your own CORETECHS identifies him as one Professor Quantum Spanner; a name that clearly follows Freebooter traditions.
Quantum Spanner: …simply trying to ascertain…yes, no I understand there is technically no such thing as customer support in this system but you are the technician on board the shuttle that just landed, no? I'm just inquiring about a passenger that should have been with you of the description I just, erm, described.
The man notices your unintentional scrutiny and tries to acquire a modicum of privacy in the time-honored technique of 'moving slightly toward the wall.' It is about as effective as you might imagine…
Quantum Spanner: Well, no. I don't actually know her name yet. Yes, she is a friend, a former colleague in fact. No, I know that's strange but her name…well I don't know what it is yet!
The man's voice trails off in futility as he seems to realize the person on the other end of the call will not be able to help much. The call seemingly disconnects as said person seems to come to the same conclusion. Quantum gives you a sheepish look and sighs anxiously.
- "You sound like you could use a hand."
- "OK, I'm intrigued…"
- "You've lost a friend whose name you don't know?"
Lost a friend:
The hooded man scrutinizes you for a moment before replying.
Quantum Spanner: Sorry, I'm not very good with emotion or intent when it comes to conversation. Was that sarcasm?
As he speaks he seems to observe you a little closer. After a moment, he cocks his head to one side and asks:
Quantum Spanner: Hold on, do I know you from somewhere?
Could use a hand:
The hooded man pauses a moment, regarding you with a searching expression before replying:
Quantum Spanner: I suppose that is quite logical. I am in quite the pickle, and more than likely this has come through from my conversation. While I am very much not an expert at conveying emotion, I could surmise that my need for aid was broadcast through my thinly veiled anxiety.
As he speaks, Quantum narrows his eyes and takes a good look at you. Without pausing a beat, he continues with a question:
Quantum Spanner: Actually, do I know you?
Intrigued:
The hooded man known as Quantum observes you for a long moment, perhaps trying to ascertain whether you are mocking him. After several units, he replies:
Quantum Spanner: Well, it is an intriguing situation indeed, if not more than a little worrying as well. Granted, you have just eavesdropped a part of it with little context, but I suppose I can see your point.
He suddenly cocks his head to one side and, without pause, ponders aloud:
Quantum Spanner: Do I know you?
All paths continue:
- "Maybe Malleable Dolomite mentioned me?" (if you have completed the mission "Individual Granted Objective Responsibility")
- "I don't think so…"
- "I recently helped Moss the Maddest." (if you have completed the mission "H.Y.T.T.I.O.A.O.A.)"
- I get around…"
Don't think so:
Me: I don't think so…I don't really know many people here yet.
I get around:
Me: I get around…I like to keep myself busy so I'm sure you could have seen me here or there.
Either choice continues:
Quantum nods once, efficiently and decisively. He ponders for the briefest of units before replying.
Quantum Spanner: That might actually be for the best. A quick scan confirms that you are unaffiliated, for the most part. A freelancer, so to speak. You might be exactly the type of person who could help me find my currently displaced colleague. What they were trying to do could be argued to be sort of dangerous, and I worry it's gone wrong.
Malleable Dolomite:
You recount the story of Malleable and her powerful drone.
Quantum Spanner: Quantum Spanner:Right! You were her I.G.O.R, her Individual Granted Objective Responsibility. That objectivity makes you just as perfect for my needs too! I don't know who I can trust, so it follows that I should trust someone who doesn't know me.
You try to wrap your head around that logic but notice Quantum seems to be staring at you intensely, as if waiting for an invitation to continue.
Moss the Maddest:
Quantum listens as your recount your recent adventure that concerned the station glitching.
Quantum Spanner: Yep, that and my brief scan while you were talking kind of confirm that you might be exactly the kind of person I might need now. If you're also the type of person who would help find a missing colleague who was involved in something quite risky but also very brave…
Quantum's large, Harsene eyes widen as he lets his long sentence come to an end and watches you, a mite intensely, with head askew, waiting for your answer.
All paths continue:
- "OK, tell me more."
- "Are you paying?"
Paying:
Me: "This is beginning to sound like it may well lead to something dangerous. I'm assuming you're paying?"
The young professor cocks his head and regards you with a deadpan expression before answering.
Quantum Spanner: Of course. I value the life of my colleague, and the easiest unit of measuring value is currency. You'll be compensated very well <name>.
- "OK, tell me more."
Quantum gives you a clandestine, almost theatrical nod and indicates you both move away from the crowd. Once you find a relatively quieter spot, he looks around a moment before he begins to speak again.
Quantum Spanner: Before I came to the Apples of Discord and joined the Scientist Schismatics and, by association, became a Freebooter, I was a scientist of the Consortium on the Spirit of New York City. There, I had a colleague, Dr Minerva Rashid.
Quantum Spanner: We were not what you might call close but then I rarely am with anyone. I find emotion confusing and empathy a largely alien concept. Most people find that disconcerting. We were, however, research partners. For me, that's almost bff territory. And Minerva was always polite and professional.
Quantum Spanner: We were, back then, tracking the course of a vessel pre-cat. We believed it had been carrying some stolen prototype technology. Ironically, the tales said that it was planning on usingthe tech as collateral in order to defect. It's unclear from which side, to which.
Quantum Spanner: That was cycles ago, of course. I hadn't heard from her since I became a Freebooter. Until recently, that is! Just over a cycle ago, she reached out to me! Not by normal channels either, she hired a Caracal to keep it all on the down low. She wanted to defect!
Quantum Spanner: She said she had Consortium technology to offer as tribute. something called the Sanguine Samhain. Furthermore she had credits to boot. Credits which we used to sort out transport, a new identity, it was all going great! She was meant to be here three shuttles ago…
Next area: Local Shuttles, Heinlein Stronghold
- Wait for him to continue
- "But she never arrived…"
Never arrived:
Me: But she never arrived, and nobody will help because, of course, this is the Freebooter way.
Quantum nods, and then shakes his head with an air of thoughtfulness.
Quantum Spanner: It's true, but I don't begrudge them. Don't get me wrong, I am internally terrified for what may have become of my friend. That's why I'm reaching out. But the lack of authority cuts both ways. We have many freedoms here, and thus we give up certain amenities. Freebooters aren't big on missing persons…like you said, this is the way.
Wait:
Quantum stays quiet for a moment, head tilted slightly and features wooden. Then, with a small shake of his head he continues.
Quantum Spanner: You can guess the rest, of course. She never arrived and nobody can help me. Nobody from here at least. Freebooter life is great, but we're not so big on things like customer service, law, or missing persons. That's why only someone like you can help.
Quantum Spanner: Don't me wrong, I'm not pulling the old damsel in distress, shopkeeper with the brim of a hat in my hands shtick. I'm clever and able in my own ways, hell, I got her this far without a hitch! But I know my limitations…I'm not exactly big with the physical prowess. You? You've been around…
The last part is said with a dramatic lowering of his voice and theatrically raised eyebrow. You get the impression Quantum has read certain types of thriller holo-stories and has a preconceived idea on how these things should go…
Both paths continue:
- "You mentioned a new ID for her?"
- "How did you smuggle her in?"
Smuggle:
Me: "So how did you get her into the system and how was she meant to get to Heinlein Stronghold?"
Quantum Spanner: Well I dealt with a shady sort called Brazen Malarkey on the Jump Gate. I mean, OK, we're Freebooters. Shady is sort of our go-to thing, but some folks really own it. I'll call him.
Quantum's eyes take on that telltale CORETECHS sheen as he initiates the call. After a moment, you also receive a notification.
INCOMING INVITATION TO GROUP CALL: HOST - PROFESSOR QUANTUM SPANNER
You accept the invitation and note Quantum's avatar portrayed on the top of your field of vision next to another man's image. The new man seems to be balding and sports a facial tattoo.
Quantum Spanner: Brazen! Where is the client I paid you to bring in? She was meant to be on this last shuttle, right?
Brazen Malarkey: Huh… dame didn't fill ya in? Well hey, listen poppet, them's the breaks y'know? Dashing ne'er-do-well / client privilege and all that.
- Try and Intimidate Brazen.
- Try and convince Brazen.
Convince:
(Social check)
Failure:
You try and think of something convincing to say but keep getting distracted by Quantum's gentle gaze.
Success:
Me: "Pretty sure you're no lawyer, Brazen, so that doesn't apply. Come on, if the lady is in trouble, you will be known as a bad smuggler!"
Intimidate:
(Strength check)
Failure:
You try and think of something threatening to say but keep getting distracted by Quantum's gentle gaze.
Success:
Me: "Pretty sure you're no lawyer, Brazen, so that doesn't apply. Plus, we can always do this close up instead…that way is more fun, for me…."
Either success continues:
There's a moment of silence as Brazen contemplates your implication. He finally chuckles and replies.
Brazen Malarkey: Ain't you the clever type? OK OK, listen, ain't no skin off my nose anywho, I was just hoping you'd bribe me! The dame actually paid me extra, on top of what Quantum dished out, to get her to Heinlein early. Private cruiser too. The pilot is likely still at the docks, fueling up for her return. Name's Selena.
Quantum and you look at each other incredulously.
Brazen Malarkey: Dame wasn't a Freebooter like you said though, she was still Consortium, Minerva something…
Quantum ends the group call and, back in the real world, looks at you with his features clouded by perplexity.
Quantum Spanner: She's here?! And still with her old ident? But why? Do we look for her?
- "You mentioned a new ID for her?"
- "Let's talk to the pilot."
- "Let's look for her!"
New ID:
Me: "You mentioned a new ID. How is that even possible?"
Quantum nods enthusiastically as he answers, his fingers gesturing as he begins to grow excited.
Quantum Spanner: Yes, of course! I think I see where you're going with this. Obviously you're aware that actually changing one's existing CORETECHS identification is impossible. The CORETECHS is unhackable, it just can't be done. However, all Freebooters get a one time designation change when we first join up. It's why many of us have such unique names, its an opportunity for reinvention.
You nod as you try to keep up with Quantum's increasing verbal momentum, ignoring for the moment, that you simply were asking …
Quantum Spanner: I don't think I can go into the technical details myself, but generally, in the Apples of Discord, you go to a Caracal for this service. And go to a Caracal I did…so you're right! We need to talk to them!
Only slightly bewildered and quite bemused by Quantum's mental maneuvering, you nod along as if, indeed, this is what you meant all along.
- "Caracal?"
- "Let's contact them."
Caracal:
Me: "Who or what is a Caracal?"
Quantum Spanner: Both, actually. Apparently the first vessel to arrive in House of Congo after the Catastrophe was called the Caracal, and its hacker crew was responsible for getting many life-saving systems back up and running. The hacker movement now known as the Caracals are basically the administrators of the entire system.
Quantum Spanner: It's by their skills that we hold the Consortium and Protectorate at bay with the threat of mutually assured destruction. Hacktivist's extraordinaire!
- "Let's contact them."
Me: Sounds good, go for it. Let's contact them.
Quantum nods, his now signature neutral expression beginning to show signs of excitement. He shoots you with his fingers and makes a 'pew' sound in the time honored symbol of, 'gotcha'!
His eyes take on the usual slight sheen of someone accessing their CORETECHS and he waves one hand, manipulating an interface only he can see. Travelers continue to meander through the busy area behind you while you wait. After a moment:
Quantum Spanner: Wow, ok that was really quick. I sent a message asking for a call and they immediately replied with, "WATER CALLER."
- "Government Center, right?"
- "Your contact a little paranoid?"
Paranoid:
Me: Your contact comes off as more than a little cautious. Is this normal?
Quantum shrugs his shoulders and answers absentmindedly.
Quantum Spanner: Depends on your definition of normal, I suppose. Most Caracals tend to lean towards the passively paranoid at the best of times. Water callers have, for them, an added bonus of being relatively untraceable. The user controls what information they wish to display onto the holo-projection.
- "Government Center, right?"
Me: Right, water callers are those strange, watery communication gadgets located at the government center, right?
Quantum Spanner: Science Fair, but yes. I guess we're meant to go there and use them for the contact. Let's go!
Quantum Spanner seems to be getting quite into this, perhaps as a way to avoid thinking about what could have happened to his former colleague. Or perhaps he is enjoying the feeling of being involved in an intriguing adventure. You suspect it is likely a bit of both. You watch wryly as he dashes off towards the government center, known locally as the Science Fair, all the while trying and utterly failing to look inconspicuous.
Head to the Government Center on Heinlein Stronghold.
Next area: Government Center, Heinlein Stronghold
- Use a Water Caller.
You walk towards the back of the area the locals call, 'The Science Fair' and what was once a functional government center. All around you, a number of Scientist Schismatics demonstrate their various inventions or proclaim theorems loudly to the jubilation of groups of spectators. You are reminded more of some ancient bazaar than anything else…
In the back of the 'Fair' stand a series of artificial waterfalls. These are the Water Callers, the fairly idiosyncratic and aesthetically pleasing devices that the scientists on this station use to communicate. As you approach them, a particular water caller off to the side lights up and the blurry image of an individual appears within it.
You look at Quantum Spanner and he nods at you, waggling his eyebrows in a conspiratorial way. You sigh and approach the image of the figure.
- "I assume we're here for you?"
Me: "I assume we're here to talk to you? Are you a Caracal?"
The figure you could dimly see takes on a clearer aspect as you draw closer. They look to have short, dark hair and pale skin, sporting a smart looking top, potentially haptic. They also snort derisively at your question.
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): Yeah, and that question is exactly why the water caller is where we're talking. Classic neuroip, just announce it to the world why don't you?
Goetia shakes their head wryly and you turn as you hear Quantum snort in what he seems to hope comes across as bemused agreement. You shake your own head and turn back to the water caller.
- "Neuro-whats?"
- "Did you help a Minerva Rashid?"
Neuro-whats:
Me: Neuro-what? Is that some fancy Caracal lingo?
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): Shorthand for neurotypicals. Most Caracals view others as unremarkable, non miraculous types. I suppose once the word meant, 'normal' people. We tend to use it for the uninitiated or mundane… no offence. And who knows, maybe I'm judging you harshly and you actually have an element of awesome about you. Who knows? I don't know you that well.
- "Did you help a Minerva Rashid?"
Me: OK OK, so did you help a Minerva Rashid change her ID?
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): Sure I did, that's what your friend here paid me to do after all. I may be a hacker, but I am a Caracal! Here, hold on let me verify…oh, that's kinda peculiar.
You and Quantum share a quick look as Goetia waves a hand in front of their face, manipulating some UI on their CORETECHS. Eventually they continue.
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): Sorry, was just double checking. So I initiated the ID reset as you wanted me to and that would technically then allow Minerva to declare a new name and officially become a Freebooter. This is still the case. However, she doesn't seem to have actually continued the process from her end.
- "So where is Minerva?"
- "Isn't is impossible to hack a CORETECHS ID?"
Impossible:
Me: I thought a CORETECHS is un-hackable. How do you manage to change someone's given ident?
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): Normally, I would say a magician doesn't share their secrets. But this one is actually far more legit than we tend to let on. We don't lie about it mind you, but there's no harm in letting folks think we're masters of the hack. I mean, we are anyway, so let them think we can do this too!
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): But yeah, in essence, this is simply clever manipulation of certain pre-existing diplomatic protocols coupled with the fact that by owning a whole system, Freebooters are, technically, a legal entity. What we essentially do is expedited immigration where, on switching galactic 'nationalities', you can also amend your designation.
- "So where is Minerva?"
You turn again to share a perplexed look with Quantum, his brows are furrowed with increased anxiety coupled with confusion. A moment passes in relative silence, Goetia waits for your response as the muted sounds of distant scientists can be heard in the far end of the Science Fair.
Me: "So she is still Minerva. But where is she then?"
Goetia's projection shrugs and shakes her head.
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): Sorry chum, I was paid to change her ident and affiliate designation. Transport was your deal.
You turn as Quantum Spanner snaps his fingers and looks thoughtful.
If you haven't yet spoken with Brazen Malarkey:
- "How did you smuggle her in?"
If you have:
- "Let's talk to the pilot."
- "Let's look for her!"
Pilot:
Me: Let's talk to the pilot, this Selena, she may have some insight.
Quantum: True, she may. But she may not. Just to cover the bases, I'll begin looking for any signs of Minerva via my Population Analysis Devices across the station. An old experiment where I attempted to chart various cultural metrics by hack…erm…tapping into old security cameras.
Having reached an agreement, Quantum accesses his CORETECHS and falls silent, allowing you to go and speak to the pilot, Selena, at the docks.
Find Selena at the docks on Heinlein Stronghold.
Next NPC: Selena J'tarkissed, Docks, Heinlein Stronghold
- "Hey, don't I know you?" (if you have completed the mission "Drone Alone: An Emberfest Caper")
- "Did you bring a Minerva Rashid to the station?"
Don't I know you:
While many pilots move around the docks, preparing for take off or supervising maintenance on their vessels, one particular captain seems familiar.
Me: Don't I know you? It's Selena now, is it?
The attractive female's head snaps up and her eyes narrow, before she grins at you disarmingly. You can't help but notice one impeccably manicured hand smoothly moving away from a blaster at her side. You note that you hadn't even registered her hand moving toward it in the first place.
Selena J'tarkissed: Sure I don't know what you're talkin' 'bout sugarplum. We most certainly didn't perpetrate the heist of the century one Emberfest eve. That absotivly was not me!
She winks at you conspiratorially before her expression grows serious for a moment.
Selena J'tarkissed: Leastways, not here…not just at this moment. You savvy?
Understanding that she seems to need to remain undercover from her previous identity for the moment, you nod and adopt a less familiar tone.
- "Did you bring a Minerva Rashid to the station?"
Me: Did you have a passenger called Minerva Rashid? We think she might be in trouble…
Selena sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose before nodding. She looks around to make sure nobody is within earshot but most activity seems to be in other parts of the dock at the moment. You wonder if that is simply a coincidence…
Selena J'tarkissed: Yeah…if she ain't yet, then I reckon she likely will get herself into some soon. I know that type, recognize that anxious, hungry look…
Selena J'tarkissed: Now, normally I'm the soul of discretion when it comes to clients. But like I said, reckon that girl is heading for a heap of trouble, one way or another. If you're looking for her, y'might want to try The Playground…
Look for her:
Me: "Let's look for her, if she's on the station we have to be able to find her."
A look of excitement crosses over Quantum's features and he waggles a finger with enthusiasm as he thinks aloud.
Quantum Spanner: Right! Her potential location has grown infinitely more finite which has exponentially increased our odds of finding her. If you look for her on foot, I can aid you by scouring my Population Analysis Devices across the station. An old experiment where I attempted to chart various cultural metrics by hack…erm…tapping into old security cameras.
Having reached an agreement, Quantum accesses his CORETECHS and falls silent, allowing you to go about beginning your search.
Search Heinlein Stronghold for Minerva Rashid.
Next area: Inn, Heinlein Stronghold
- Search for Minerva.
OR
Next area: Market, Heinlein Stronghold
- Search for Minerva.
OR
Next area: Ruins, Heinlein Stronghold
- Look around
OR
Next area: University, Heinlein Stronghold
- Search for Minerva.
Inn:
You gingerly wind your way through the merry crowd of The Able Artificer, keeping an eye out for Minerva Rashid. It takes you several long segments and you even discreetly ask several people about her. Your search yields nothing until, suddenly, you receive a CORETECHS notification.
Market:
You jostle and nudge your way through the busy river of humanity at the Procurement Pavilion. As you make your way through hawking vendors and curious shoppers, you cast about for Minerva Rashid. It takes you several long segments and you even discreetly ask several people about her. Your search yields nothing until, suddenly, you receive a CORETECHS notification.
University:
You walk through the various campuses and departments of Coal Hill University, winding through throngs of students or faculty alike. It takes you several long segments to look around and you even discreetly ask several people about Minerva. Your search yields nothing until, suddenly, you receive a CORETECHS notification.
All three locations continue:
INCOMING MESSAGE: PROFESSOR QUANTUM SPANNER
Quantum Spanner: <name>, no time to talk! I found her…I found her!! She is headed for the Playground. What the smog is she doing? I am on my way now. Meet me there!
All paths continue:
Go to the ruins, AKA The Playground, on Heinlein Stronghold to look for Minerva Rashid.
Next area: Ruins, Heinlein Stronghold
- Look around
You arrive in The Playground, the broken metropolis that used to house the station's largest city. Dull thuds of distant explosions and the hiss of far-off zaps are ever-present, alerting explorers to the dangerous fact that this is an active testing ground for the Scientist Schismatics' various experiments.
As you gingerly pick your way through the rubble of the once great city, you consider calling Quantum on your CORETECHS. Before you can, however, a small drone buzzes down from the air above. It projects an image of Quantum Spanner in front of you which begins to speak.
Quantum Spanner: Greetings, <name>. Do not be alarmed, it's me, Quantum.
You do your very best to stifle back the sardonic remark on the tip of your lips.
Quantum Spanner: She is indeed here, my friend. We're close now, I can feel it! I think my drones have managed to locate the quadrant she went to, but I need boots on the ground to verify. Do you think you can help me out?
The little drone starts moving off, travelling down the steep angle of a toppled skyscraper in front of you. The image of Quantum sputters a couple of times and goes out. You follow the little drone to a lower level of the tiered city.
- Search the area in general.
- Search the area for clues.
Clues:
(Intelligence check)
Failure:
While Quantum's little drones are trying to help by buzzing around areas of potential interest, they only prove distracting to you.
Success:
After some frustrating segments, you finally manage to coordinate your efforts with the little drones and manage to locate the entrance to what appears to be an old research lab. Apart from one set of footprints in the dust, this area appears to have been forgotten to the cycles.
In general:
(Stamina check)
Failure:
Ignoring the drones, you try and search around by yourself but to no avail.
Success:
After a segment or three, you finally find a lone set of footprints leading to what, at first, looks like a pile of broken rubble. Closer inspection, however, shows it to be the twisted entrance to some long forgotten, underground, facility. The footprints you found indicate that Minerva tried to hide her tracks, but she neglected to actually disguise signs of her attempts. It is these that you follow to the entrance.
Either success continues:
You gesture to the drones to join you and are about to call Quantum when a cough alerts you to someone's presence. You turn and spy a hooded woman climbing out of the rubble. Minerva Rashid!
- "Minerva Rashid, I presume?"
Me: Minerva Rashid, I presume? We've been looking for you…
Minerva Rashid: It's Doctor Minerva Rashid…
The harangued looking woman looks up as she climbs out of the detritus. You note that her response is almost absent minded, she is merely correcting you without any underlying subtext or threat. Her face is dirty and cut and she seems to be carrying a dusty case.
She coughs and looks up at you with both physical and emotional exhaustion evident on her features. She begins to say something but suddenly stops. Her eyes well up with tears and her hand rises to her trembling lips. You suddenly realize she is looking past you, over your shoulder. Looking back, following her gaze, you see that Quantum Spanner is perched on a small outcropping of rubble, staring intently down at her.
He hops down and walks over with his strange, awkward gait. He stops in front of her and gazes at her, head cocked and expression both neutral and searching. Above him, a cloud of tiny drones hover like large hummingbirds. After a long silence, punctuated only by the occasional stifled sob from Minerva, Quantum speaks in a matter of fact tone.
Quantum Spanner: You were never really going to defect…
- Stay quiet
- "She used you…"
Quiet:
You decide that this is a moment between the two former colleagues so you remain silent. Eventually, Quantum speaks again.
Quantum Spanner: You finished your research. You must have discovered that it was originally developed on this station, pre-cat. It makes sense, Heinlein was a scientific hub, even then. So you used our former connection to convince me you wanted to defect so you could come here and find whatever pre-cat tech that was the subject of all those years of research. So you could take it back to the Consortium.
A defeated Minerva slumps wearily to the ground, the case hugged close to her. She nods in agreement to Quantum's observation.
Minerva Rashid: It was not my intention. I thought it was done, over, But my superiors, they saw an opportunity. They said this technology was too valuable to not take the risk.
- "Wait, what is this technology?"
- "So what happens with this tech?"
What is:
Me: "What is this technology, and how did you track it here?"
Minerva Rashid: I spent years tracing broken threads of pre-cat journals, recordings of conferences around the galaxy for brief mentions. Finally, all the signs pointed to it having been developed here on Heinlein. It appears to be a type of cloaking tech.
Minerva takes a deep, ragged breath before continuing. You note that Quantum listens intently, with furrowed brow.
Minerva Rashid: Originally meant to deflect harmful surges of radiation from the Sirius stars, they discovered they were actually absorbing and redirecting sonar and other analytical signals. Less cloaking, I suppose, and more creating a fake echo.
Minerva Rashid: It was being field tested on a ship called The Sanguine Samhain, she is actually docked in the facility beneath us here.
- "So what happens with this tech?"
Me: So what will you do with this tech, Quantum? And what happens to Minerva?
Quantum's expression remains wooden as he replies.
Quantum Spanner: Minerva has, for all intents and purposes, come to the station of a foreign government and tried to remove technological secrets from its sovereign land. This basically amounts to espionage and even treason.
Quantum Spanner: So I will pay for her to return to Consortium space, and she'll take the tech with her too.
Quantum smiles slightly as both you an Minerva look at him in shock, your eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
Minerva Rashid: You…you're letting me keep the technology?!
*Quantum Spanner:** We're Freebooters, Minerva, and we're also Scientist Schismatics. The sword that gives us the freedom of unregulated science has to cut both ways. Otherwise it is redundant, it is meaningless. We practice our science here independent of regulatory bodies, of governing laws. And that means that, well, I guess that means that 'finders, keepers.'
Bemused, you shake your head at the irony of the situation. Minerva blinks as tears stream down her dusty cheeks. She continues to clutch the case, but you wonder how strong her convictions towards the Consortium are at the moment. They forced her to walk into a dangerous situation. The Freebooters caught her, and are letting her walk out again…
You slowly start to distance yourself, allowing the two some privacy to catch up. As you climb out of the ruined area, you receive a CORETECHS notification.
INCOMING MESSAGE: GOETIA
GOETIA – CARACAL ELITE (NO PRONOUNS PLEASE!): Greetings, neurotip chum. Quantum asked me to send a message and inform you that Minerva actually decided to initiate her defection to Freebooter status. She has taken the name, Samhain, whatever that means. This and the incoming transfer of credits concludes both your and Quantum's business with the Caracals. Have a good one!
You smile and shake your head, not very surprised at the turn of events. A moment later, another notification informs you of an incoming credit transfer. Quantum Spanner did not seem like the type who would forget your payment…
You have received 250.00 credits.
You have completed the "Seeking the Sanguine Samhain" mission.
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