A journalist digs into the mysterious 'Apples of Discord' weapon which protects the Freebooters' hold on Sirius. Will you help her sort fact from fiction?
Level: 12
Start: Jellyfish Girdle, Ruins, Sirius Jump Gate
Introduction
An agitated voice in the Ruins gets louder as you approach. Rounding a corner, you find Jellyfish Girdle heavily-loaded with the fruit of the day's scavenging, arguing with someone behind.
Jellyfish shouts: I do not wish to elucidate further, OK? Got a bagful of gubbins here that need shifting on… And even if - EVEN IF - I did have all the segments of the day to spare, I still wouldn't allocate even one to parlaying further with YOU!
The other voice protests in vain, but Jellyfish is already gathering up her things and readying to leave. She storms off down a side passage, her still-annoyed grumbling gradually receding into the distance. You turn to face the person who had so irritated Jellyfish Girdle. She meets your eye and approaches immediately.
You have accepted the "The Apples of their Eye" mission.
Next NPC: Milanka Keres, Ruins, Sirius Jump Gate
- Speak to Milanka Keres.
The woman your CORETECHS identifies as Milanka Keres strides towards you, launching questions in your direction as she gets closer.
Milanka says: You! Here, please. I don't need long. What can you tell me about the Apples? Anything at all. Hmm?
Milanka is now standing in front of you, impatiently hovering a finger over her slate screen and waiting to record your response.
- Tell Milanka you don't know what she's talking about.
- Indicate that you know about the Apples of Discord.
Don't know:
Me: Apples? I'm not sure I know what you mean…
Milanka sighs impatiently, then rattles off a retort.
Milanka says: Apples. Yes. The Apples of Discord. As in, the mega weapon of doom that helps to keep this whole system in 'Booter hands? Don't play games with me. Please, I'm not your enemy. I just want information. You can't be a local here and not know it.
Know:
Me: You mean the Apples of Discord, right?
Milanka nods impatiently, trying to hurry you.
Milanka says: Yes. Exactly. That's it. I just want information. Anything at all. You can't be a local here and not know it.
Either choice continues:
- Pretend to be a Freebooter local.
- Tell Milanka you're not a local.
Not local:
Me: Local? Do I look like a Freebooter? I'm not a resident of this station.
Milanka scoffs: Oh great! Just my luck. Either they won't talk, or they're know-nothing tourists! I'm wasting my time here…
Local:
Me: Local? Yep that's me. Freebooter all the way. And I know loads about the Apples. Now, where to start? Where er— to start?
Milanka scoffs: Hold on. I should've checked my CORETECHS. Your handle is <name>. What kind of 'Booter name is that? I'm wasting my time here…
Either choice continues:
Milanka balls her fists and kicks out at a lump of broken regocrete on the floor. She suppresses a yelp, seemingly surprised by the hardness of the rock. She turns, recomposes herself with a few breaths, then faces you again.
Milanka says: OK. Let's start again. I'm Milanka Keres. Pleasure to meet you. Fancy earning some creds?
- Yes. Ask for more information.
- No. Walk away.
No:
Me: No thanks. This doesn't sound like something I want to get involved in.
Milanka says: Wait, what? Seriously? Is everyone on this fragging rock out to waste my time?!
Milanka doesn't wait for an answer, exhaling pointedly and then stropping off towards the station's central zones, tapping away on two slates as she goes.
You have failed the "The Apples of their Eye" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Yes:
Me: What's the job?
Milanka says: I work for a content feed, Gate Truths. Maybe you know it? Everyone here does by the looks of it. And it turns out… they're not really fans. Nobody's talking to me, and I mean NOBODY. Apart from you…
Milanka takes a breath to slow herself down.
Milanka continues: The job's real simple. I want info about the Apples of Discord. Anything at all. Gossip, rumors, opinions… I'm just looking for leads right now. Ask around. Get the locals talking. I'll pay for whatever you get.
- Ask Milanka more about the Apples.
- Ask Milanka why she wants the information.
Apples:
Me: Is there anything else you can tell me about the Apples?
Milanka says: Only the usual stuff. It's rigged to trigger an energy surge in the system's twin stars. Repurposed from the old research gear on Heinlein. Allegedly - and that's the operative word here - allegedly, capable of blazing the whole of Sirius in a made-to-order supernova …
She adds: In theory… It's possible. Consortium takes it seriously. And they know pretty well what gear they left behind on Heinlein. Those old research probes from the Before were pretty powerful…
Milanka momentarily lowers her voice as a pair of garishly-dressed 'Booters amble past on a nearby walkway.
She adds: And a lot of the locals don't like outsiders digging into the details too much. They're happy enough to boast and brag about the Apples' power… But that's as far as it goes. You'll need to tread lightly to get anything from them.
- Ask Milanka why she wants the information.
Me: Are you doing a story about this? Why?
Milanka says: Why?! The Apples of Discord are THE issue in this system!
Milanka stares at you in disbelief as if it's all obvious. She waves her hands about motioning at what's around her.
She says: In case you hadn't noticed, you're on a Freebooter jump gate. A FREEBOOTER jump gate! That normal to you? Been on many others like this have you? I'm guessing not. That's because jump gates are kinda vital infrastructure for… y'know… the survival of humanity. And 'Booters are kinda fickle, capricious, mercenary pirate folk who maybe shouldn't have control of one. And especially not one that links to Sol, which er- which… is the Consortium's HOME system, in case you forgot that too?
Milanka pauses again to do her slow-breathing thing, reeling herself back in a little with a series of calming exhalations. It seems to be something she does a lot.
Milanka says: Look. The Apples is the weapon that keeps this whole system 'Booter. And we don't even know for sure if it's viable. This information matters. The future of this system depends on it. Maybe. Who knows… It could end up being important.
Milanka's voice is calmer now, less rattled and frantic. Whatever her motives, she does seem to genuinely care about her work.
- Agree to help Milanka.
- Decline Milanka's offer.
Decline:
Me: No thanks. This doesn't sound like something I want to get involved in.
Milanka says: You forget which side you're on or something? You're a blue, unless your CORETECHS affiliaition is mistaken, which I highly doubt… Fine. Whatever. Suit yourself.
Milanka strops off towards the station's central zones, tapping away on two slates as she goes.
You have failed the "The Apples of their Eye" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Agree:
Me: OK. I'll do it. I'll search around and come back to you when I'm done.
Milanka says: You remembered you're a blue after all! Good. Just ask around. Get pally with 'em. Pick up whatever tidbits you can. Meet me in Interstellar Shuttles when you're done.
Milanka seems happy with the plan, smiling and tapping away on her slates as she heads off.
Search Sirius Jump Gate for information about the Apples of Discord weapon system.
Next NPC: Rodeo Wasabi, Bar, Sirius Jump Gate
- Approach Rodeo Wasabi
OR
Next NPC: Baldric Goulash, Lounge, Sirius Jump Gate
- Approach Baldric.
Baldric:
You approach Baldric Goulash just as he's finishing a raucous anecdote for a rapt pair of listeners. The trio erupt into a rowdy laugh, before Baldric's companions say their goodbyes and leave him alone in one of the Lounge's seating booths. Baldric looks temporarily forlorn without an audience all of a sudden.
Baldric says: Ahoy there, friend. Wanna swap tales with an old chatterbox?
Baldric beckons you to join him in the booth.
- Agree to swap tales with Baldric.
- Join Baldric. Try to question him about the Apples.
Agree:
(Social check)
Turning on your charm, you invite Baldric to regale you with his best stories. He obliges by spinning a wild tale of adventure and mischief from his youth which ends in the now-customary burst of bawdy laughter. You join in, genuinely entertained by the man's passion for storytelling.
When it's your turn, you respond by offering up a tale from your own recent escapades. Baldric seems to enjoy it, slapping the table in surprise and excitement as the plot twists and turns towards its conclusion. Another joyous cackle follows.
- Try to steer the next tales towards the subject of the Apples.
- Join Baldric. Try to question him about the Apples.
Steer:
(Social check)
Baldric's fables continue. He mesmerizes you with a tear-jerker about a comrade from Caen, before switching to a comic caper about other friends and their stolen stims on The Maid of Orleans. After a while, you find an opportune moment to subtly steer him towards your topic of interest.
Me: These Freebooter stories are the best! Bravado and derring-do all the way. Especially the Sirius ones. Keep 'em coming Baldric.
Baldric says: Happy to oblige, dear buddy. If it's Sirius stories you want, where better to start than the old Apples, eh? I mean, that's why WE'RE here and not the Consortium. Am I wrong? Haw haw haw!
Baldric's bellowing laugh fills the Lounge for a moment. Then he turns serious and leans in for his next tale.
He says: See, in the Before, this was all Consy. All of Sirius. Heinlein. Congo. The gate. Research facilities mostly. Some asteroid mining on Congo. But then the Cat came… Reactions in the twin stars were off the charts… Congo suffered an asteroid strike. Hell and then some, y'know? And so… the Consy fled. Consolidated to Sol. Only a few civvies stayed. The stubborn ones, y'know?
Baldric pauses to gauge your attention. He's in his element, grinning as he performs for a captivated audience.
Baldric continues: Fast forward a few dozen cycles. Sirius is attracting all sortsa folk who don't align so good with the great powers' er- social model. Freebooters, in a word. Independent-spirited folks, looking for something different, y'see?
- Keep listening to Baldric's tale.
Me: Please, go on.
Baldric continues: More time passes. Gates start reopening. And the blue brigade decide they want Sirius back. Only now, folk here aren't so keen. And they're resourceful folks, if you recall. Clever types. The kind who can make a little go a long way…
Baldric beams with pride as he speaks, clearly identifying with his positive portrayal of 'Booter tenacity.
He says: First the Consy tries the soft stuff. Hearts and minds, y'know? But we don't bite. Then comes blackmail. Threats. But 'Booters aren't spooked easy. And then, finally, warships. 'Xept they didn't count on 'Booter wits! The boffins on Congo thought outside the box… Came up with the perfect counter-threat!
Baldric finishes: Course, back then - in the thick of it - it was a bluff. We didn't know for sure if the old Consy probes could really push the stars beyond equilibrium… But it worked. Blues backed down… So we had our answer. It must be possible! After all, they're the ones who built the probes! Haw haw! There's derring-do for you my friend!
Baldric bellows heartily once more, before indicating he has other matters to attend to and bidding you farewell with a warm and vigorous hand shake.
Keep searching Sirius Jump Gate for more information about the Apples.
Next NPC: Rodeo Wasabi, Bar, Sirius Jump Gate
- Approach Rodeo Wasabi
OR
Next NPC: Borscht Sextant, Security, Sirius Jump Gate
- Approach Borscht Sextant.
Rodeo:
You find Rodeo Wasabi in the Sore Noggin, sat opposite a row of empty beer bottles. He's a true 'Booter local judging by his fashion sense but he seems morose and doesn't initially react to your presence.
- Start a conversation with Rodeo.
Rodeo seems to hear but just shrugs in response. Neither a 'yes' nor a 'no', but some sort of indifferent in-between.
- Quiz Rodeo about the Apples.
- Check if Rodeo is feeling OK.
Quiz Rodeo:
Me Are you sober enough for a chat, Ser? I'd like to know what the locals here think about the whole Apples thing?
Rodeo scoffs pointedly.
He says I'm trying to get away dude. Away from it all… You sure-as-stars ain't helping.
Rodeo takes another swig of his drink, and seems to motion for you to leave him alone.
- Insist that Rodeo answer your questions about the Apples.
- Check if Rodeo is feeling OK.
Insist:
It's not like you're busy, is it? Please. I just want to ask a few questions.
Rodeo seems to be getting somewhat upset by your presence now.
Rodeo says L- Look chum. I g- got problems enough, of my own… Go chew someone else's ear off.
Rodeo stands slowly and stumbles off towards the bathrooms.
OK:
(Social check)
Me: Is everything OK? You seem upset…
Rodeo seems to weigh it up for a moment before deciding to talk.
Rodeo says: Upset… Yeah you could say that… We all sh- should be. Living here like hostages, pretending we're free…
Rodeo's speech is slurred and a little disjointed. He gulps down another mouthful from his beer.
- Encourage Rodeo to continue.
(Social check)
Me: Who's keeping you hostage? Do you need help?
Rodeo waves a hand dismissively. He seems to trust you enough to go on.
Rodeo says: No, no. You're er- … queuing for the wrong airlock, pal. Don't be s- so lateral? L- Literal… yeah, literal. Don't you feel like a hostage here? I mean, the whole shystem - sorry, I've had a beer… Where was I? Oh yeah… The whole shystem could go BOOM any time, right? With us in it! How do ya like them apples? I sure-as-heck ain't a fan… Stressful is what it is, I tell ya.
- Try to alleviate Rodeo's anxieties.
Me: It's scary, granted. But it's a worst case scenario. I mean nobody actually wants that to happen…
Rodeo seems worse for wear, swaying a little on his seat.
Me: Do you live nearby? Maybe some rest would do you good?
Rodeo says: Uh-huh… Yeah. M- maybe… So long as I don't g- g-et the night dreads…
Rodeo trails off into silence. After a bit of encouragement, he agrees to head home to sleep off the booze. The threat of the Apples is clearly taking a toll on the nerves of some here.
Keep searching Sirius Jump Gate for more information about the Apples.
Next NPC: Borscht Sextant, Security, Sirius Jump Gate
- Approach Borscht Sextant.
With a CORETECHS handle like 'Borscht Sextant' and an evident passion for personal reinvention with regard to his appearance, you're sure you've come across another 'Booter local.
Borscht says: Eh up! Another blue! We've only just 'ad that journo in 'ere, poking 'er nose about. Now comes another!
- Reveal you're working for Milanka and ask Borscht about the Apples.
- Pretend you have nothing to do with Milanka.
Reveal
Me I am indeed a Consortium citizen. Working for that same journo you're referring to. And I'd like to ask you about the Apples.
Borscht cackles out loudly.
He says You yanking my wormhole? I'm getting that Gaule thing, whaddyacallit? Deja vu! First that journo, now you! I'm not in a blue-friendly mood today, comrade, sorry. We 'Booters ain't so easy to take advantage of!
Borscht walks off clearly not interested in continuing the conversation further.
Pretend:
(Social check)
Me: You mean the Gate Truths reporter? She tried to pester me about the Apples too. I told her nothing… Between you and me, I don't think she's got 'Booter best interests at heart…
Borscht seems befuddled by your rather convincing act. He softens slightly.
Borscht says: She deffo don't, that much I know. Besides, joke's on her. She reckons anyone with a 'Booter name and a kooky look can tell her about the Apples. Truth is, most of us know as much as she does! Zilch. Nada. Diddly squat!
He says: Few hacktivists on Congo, maybe a few on Heinlein too. Them's the only ones who really know owt! Rest of us aren't exactly in the loop… Still let 'er write up that we're experts in it. Suits us fine!
- Let Borscht continue.
You nod along as Borscht speaks, gesturing agreement and interest in his words. It seems to do the trick, and he continues on.
Borscht says: She grinds my gears y'see. You ever tune in to that Gate Truths feed? Cos they don't have a lotta good to say 'bout 'Booters. I can tell ya that much. So why should I 'elp her? Besides, I got matters to see to 'ere.
Borscht shrugs matter-of-factly and walks off, clearly not interested in continuing the conversation further. It seems that many locals here know as little as outsiders about the actual workings of the Apples.
Keep searching Sirius Jump Gate for more information about the Apples.
Next area: Port, Sirius Jump Gate
- Answer a CORETECHS call from Milanka.
As you're navigating the busy Port, you answer a CORETECHS call from Milanka.
Milanka says: Sup, <name>? Hope you're having better luck than me. I'm getting nothing. As soon as they recognize me, they clam up. Some are downright hostile. Our channel's not exactly loved round here… Anyway, truth be told, I'm starting to think most of them don't actually know much… You got anything yet?
Me: Nothing particularly useful…
Milanka says: OK. See what you can do in the next few segments, then come meet me in Interstellar Shuttles. I can't afford to lose any more time here…
Keep searching Sirius Jump Gate for more information about the Apples.
Next area: Employment, Sirius Jump Gate
- Search the casual work area for leads about the Apples.
If you didn't complete the Social Media Bot Supervisor side job/
You continue your search in the Employment Center. A large terminal above the Odd Jobs Bureau flickers with current offers, catching your eye. A mysterious sounding job with the Apples mentioned in the description.
New goals: Complete the 'Social Media Bot Supervisor' side job. Afterwards, meet Milanka in Interstellar Shuttles to share your findings about the Apples.
Once you did/
You continue your search in the Employment Center. A large terminal above the Odd Jobs Bureau flickers with current offers, catching your eye. It's the job ad from Mantis Parmigian for work on his social media bot farm for Apples 'PR'. You remember going into that shady back room filled with cubicles and slate terminals, where 'Booters spam the Mesh with dodgy content about the Apples. That may interest Milanka!
Meet Milanka in Interstellar Shuttles to share you findings.
Next area: Interstellar Shuttles, Sirius Jump Gate
- Find Milanka.
You search Interstellar Shuttles for Milanka but she's not here. A CORETECHS call goes unanswered.
You make inquiries with a few passersby who mention witnessing an altercation between a visitor and some of the locals here, resulting in a trip to the Brig for some of those involved.
Search for Milanka at the Brig on Sirius Jump Gate.
Next NPC: Milanka Keres, Brig, Sirius Jump Gate
- Find Milanka in the Brig.
In the Brig you finally find Milanka, captive in a cell and apparently engaged in a live broadcast for her Gate Truths channel.
Milanka says: Followers, as my Right of Observance is now making clear, I'm currently captive on Sirius Jump Gate for the sole reason of truth-seeking, on YOUR behalf! Whoever painted 'Booters as thugs and ruffians didn't know the half of it! I'm now locked up for having the temerity to suggest folk here may be less than honorable… Well, does THIS do anything to disprove the idea, I ask you? Make your own minds up…
Milanka continues narrating her complaints while moving about the cell so her followers get a comprehensive picture of her surroundings. Catamaran Shingle watches on, clearly not enjoying Milanka's portrayal of her home station.
Catamaran shouts: Maybe if you behaved with more respect, you'd get some back? Huh?
But Milanka pays no heed. It's clear her relations with the locals have deteriorated badly.
- Leave Milanka to fend for herself and tell her captors about the nature of her mission here.
- Negotiate Milanka's release so you can collect your payment.
Leave:
Milanka shouts Hey, <name>. Yo! Over here! Hellooo?
Somehow your sympathies in this situation lie with the local 'Booters rather than your fellow Consortium citizen. Milanka beckons you over to her cell but you ignore her pleas and instead join Catamaran. She listens intently as you detail your dealings with Milanka and job she hired you for.
Catamaran says That is fascinating my dear mate! I reckon there's enough grounds for us to toss her off station, maybe ship 'er back to Sol and ban 'er from the system… Hmmm… She's not helping the 'Booter cause that's sure as ships!
Catamaran's eyes glaze over as she switches attention to a CORETECHS call and mumbles a few quick words into her lapel mic.
Catamaran says That was Jellyfish. I always talks to 'er when I need advice. Deportation it is! Won't be seeing the likes of 'er round 'ere no more! Jellyfish also said to give you some creds, on account of looking out for us. You're a friend of the 'Booters now, pal!
You have received 400.00 credits.
You have completed the "The Apples of their Eye" mission.
Negotiate:
(Intelligence check)
After some lengthy pleading and persuading, you manage to convince Milanka that escalating her arguments with the locals here isn't serving her interests. Following tense negotiations it's agreed that she'll be released following a formal public apology.
Milanka says: Fine. Whatever. If it'll get me outta here… But - for the record - 22 cycles I've been a reporter. First time I've been blackmailed into an apology… And the last, let me tell you!
Milanka reluctantly issues it via her live broadcast. Catamaran checks it's satisfactory using her own CORETECHS and then begrudgingly released Milanka.
Catamaran says: See? We're not all unreasonable thugs y'know? Maybe leave your preconceptions back in Sol next time you visit…
Milanka accepts the advice with slightly forced humility, then drags you off to the far corner of the Brig foyer where you can converse in private.
- Tell Milanka about your findings from exploring the station.
Milanka says: Can you believe that?! See how they run a Brig… NOW do you see why it's an issue having them running a whole Jump Gate? Shezus… So, what did you get?
Me: Initially, just the usual stuff. Boasts and bravado, but some stress too I think. It can't be easy living in a system that primed for self-destruction… Then I got something more specific. There's an operation running out of the old Government Center to fill Mesh channels with content about the Apples. I guess it fuels the mythology of it all. Reminds citizens elsewhere of the 'Booter threat. Helps 'em get taken seriously I suppose. Although it looks like some of the locals here don't enjoy the way it makes outsiders see them…
You indicate over at Catamaran Shingle, patrolling her reception area while still keeping an eye on you and Milanka from afar.
Milanka says: Really? THAT'S why they're so touchy? Well… You live by the sword, you die by the sword! Can't have it both ways… Anyway, this stuff about the junk info is interesting. Wow. OK. OK. Starting to get a picture of how this whole operation works… A little, anyways. Thanks, <name>. You did good. I think I'm going to continue my investigations over on Congo. I'll try and tread a little more lightly this time. Here's your cash, as promised. Adios!
You have received 950.00 credits.
You have completed the "The Apples of their Eye" mission.
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