Without love, the Big Black can be a lonely void. Will you help some Asimov locals with matters of the heart?
Level: 19
Start: Fareeha Adela, Employment, Asimov Freehold
Introduction
The work center is busier than usual. Hopeful jobseekers shuffle in at regular intervals, trying to work out which of the main lobby queues is moving fastest. Dozens of simultaneous conversations coalesce into a bubbling murmur, amplified by the metal wall panels. Above the general din, an individual voice distinguishes itself, issuing instructions to the room.
You watch as its owner, a young woman your CORETECHS identifies as Fareeha Adela, cajoles and directs the human mass into a series of orderly lines. Once the latest wave of arrivals has been organized, she sighs deeply; then approaches you.
Fareeha says: Hold up there, Ser. If y'here for work, lemme pitch ya something. Instead of losing the next three segments in one of these lines, how bout you run me a quick errand? Whaddya say? Help a gal out? Please.
Fareeha takes hold of your arm as she talks, then quickly pulls her hand away.
She says: Sorry. There's me being over familiar again. Taungoo habits die hard… You're not so touchy-feely on Asimov, I know… Anyway. Y'interested?
You have accepted the "Unrequited" mission.
- Ask about the errand.
- Ask about Taungoo.
Taungoo:
Me: You're from Taungoo?
Fareeha says: Sure am. They don't make accents like this on Asimov, haha.
Fareeha's laughs warmly.
She adds: Transferred here last cycle, get outta Sol a bit, y'know? Adventure. Live a little…
- Ask about the errand.
- Ask more about Fareeha.
Fareeha:
Me: And… Did you find what you were looking for here?
She says: Yeah. In a way. She's called Eda. That's kinda what I need help with…
- Ask about the errand.
Me: OK, I'm interested. Tell me about this errand.
Fareeha emits an excited yelp and motions for you to stay put as she disappears into a side office. She returns almost immediately, clutching a small, flat box, dark and unmarked apart from the word 'VKUSNO' in an ornate font across the lid.
Fareeha says: Here, take this to Eda Wendi. She's working over in the Ore plant. I can't leave the work center right now, but I don't want my belle to wait all day for a present…
- Accept the errand.
- Ask about the gift.
- Reject the errand.
Ask:
Me: Is it Eda's birthday today?
Fareeha's smile cranks up notch on hearing you say the word 'Eda'.
She says: Nah, it's not that. This is just how Taungoo folk do love. Don't need no special reason to show our feelings. Now. Which way you leaning pard'ner? Ya like soppy stories? Gonna help me, yay or nay?
- Accept the errand.
- Reject the errand.
- Ask more about Eda.
Eda:
Me: Eda's lucky, you seem to really care for her.
Fareeha says: It's ME that's the lucky one! Dinn't know a soul when I first transferred in. Not one, in the whole system… That's no fun, ya can imagine, I'm sure. Things have been a whole load sweeter since I met Eda though.
As she talks, Fareeha notices a new batch of arrivals shuffling into the work center, requiring her attention. She looks back at you, awaiting a response.
- Accept the errand.
- Reject the errand.
Reject:
Me: Actually, I don't think I have time for this. Sorry.
Fareeha's smile drops as you hand back the Vkusno box and depart. She scans the work center for a more willing helper.
You have failed the "Unrequited" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Accept:
Me: OK, I'm in. Sounds easy enough.
Fareeha says: I knew you'd be the helpful type! Thanks <name>. Find me here afterwards for some creditos, haha.
Fareeha smiles warmly as you depart with the box in your hands, heading for the Ore plant.
Find Eda Wendi in the Decommissioned Area to pass on Fareeha's gift.
Next NPC: Eda Wendi, Decommissioned Area, Asimov Freehold
- Hand the gift to Eda.
You amble down the ore plant's various walkways, passing the many machines and robots which comprise Asimov's system-supplying ore refinery. Eventually, you spot Eda the shift supervisor, wearing dusty overalls and scrutinizing something on a very scratched pocket slate.
Eda says: Back again, <name>? Hmmm. Your ore processing shift finished already… Strange, I don't have you on today's rota. Is there something else-
You hand her the box in your hand.
Eda says: For me? Vkusno Victuals Saccharine Sweethearts… What is this, some sorta prize?
Eda flips the lid of the box to reveal a selection of colorful comestibles that are a far cry from the average daily ration diet.
Eda says: Oh yah, that's real nice. Yum yum… Oh- Hold on a segment, what's—
Eda picks something out from between the sweets, a small tag, marked 'LOVE, F'. Eda's mouth hangs open, unsure for a unit, before a small whimper comes out. And then, within a few units, in the half-lit walkway of Asimov's ore plant, Eda Wendi stands before you holding a box of Vkusno Saccharine Sweethearts, with welled-up eyes, sniveling quietly.
- Try to comfort Eda.
(Social check)
Failure
You try consoling Eda but it's not easy to help a stranger when the problem isn't at all evident. The ore plant's noisy operations drown out the sound of her sobs. Her cheeks are still wet. You consider your words carefully, hoping to calm her down with another try.
- Try to comfort Eda.
Success
Me: What's wrong? I can take the sweets back if you don't like them…
Eventually your soothing tones seem to calm Eda. She wipes her cheeks dry with her jacket sleeve.
Eda says: No, no. It's not your fault, it's just… Fareeha's…. Too much, is all. Every day. Gifts, calls, visits… I sorta hoped today would be different but—
Eda trails off, lost in thought as she contemplates the box of sweets in her hand.
- "Gifts every day? I don't really see the problem with that."
- "That sounds intense."
Intense:
Me: That sounds intense. Have you tried talking about it?
Eda says: It's… see… It's not so simple, like it looks, from the outside, see I— well…
Don't see problem:
Me: Gifts every day? I don't really see the problem with that.
Eda says: Please, don't look at me like that. You're entitled to your viewpoint, but I— I'm not an ungrateful person here, it's just, see…
Either choice continues:
Eda's voice is soft, hesitating over a few false starts and politely meandering towards her point.
She says: There was a kiss, see. At Emberfest, under the lights, and I gotta tell ya, it was nice, sure it was. But then after… Well, I wanted to take it slow, but - Fareeha's been so lonesome since she got here, to Asimov I mean, since she transferred in… And slow isn't a word she seemed to understand, see? When you see happy, you go for it, you know? And she seems happy now, for the first time since she got here… I- don't wanna hurt her, but-
Eda runs out of steam, shaking her head and puffing her cheeks out to exhale.
Eda says: Can't get her to understand. More I go one way, more she goes the other… She- Well, I— It coulda been different but, maybe… It's just not working.
Eda's voice is calm and steady now, tinged with sad resignation.
- "Sounds delicate. What are you going to do?"
- "Perhaps I can help? Want me to talk to her?"
Help:
Me: Perhaps I can help? Want me to talk to her?
Eda says: Oh- That's kind but, no thank you. It'd only hurt even more… Sending a messenger to end it…
Eda's shakes her head, before giving you a rather reserved but grateful bow.
She says: But you already helped, ya really did. Talking bout it feels good. All the locals know each other here so, well. It's not always easy to chat, especially private stuff… Thanks.
Eda nods gently again, hands clasped in gratitude.
- "Sounds delicate. What are you going to do?"
Me: Sounds delicate. What are you going to do?
Eda grimaces slightly. Her words come out even more awkwardly than usual.
Eda says: Well, I- Er… See, talking hasn't worked. My words get mixed and, well, we're on different planets here. So, now- Nothing. Is the answer. See, Fareeha's posting here's only for one cycle, and it's nearly done… three more tenspans is all, n' then she'll be off…
Eda's voice fades as her sentence progresses, becoming a quiet trickle of sound, and then, eventually, nothing more than silently-expelled air.
Eda says: I- I can just- er- wait…
- Condemn Eda's approach.
- Avoid judgement of Eda's approach.
Avoid judgment:
Me: It's none of my business, really. I just came to deliver the sweets. And that's done now…
Eda nods politely, then deposits the Vkusno box on a nearby ledge, and takes out her pocket slate again.
Eda says: Thanks fer yer time. Now I gotta go, you have a real good day then, Ser.
Condemn:
Me: That seems cowardly…
Eda opens her mouth to protest, but no sound comes out. She deposits the box of sweets on a nearby ledge, and takes out her pocket slate again.
Eda says: I gotta go. It's a busy shift. You have a real good day then, Ser.
Either choice continues:
Report back to Fareeha in the Employment Center.
Next NPC: Fareeha Adela, Employment, Asimov Freehold
- Report back to Fareeha.
Back in the work center Fareeha is still marshaling queues and directing inquisitive new arrivals to the appropriate counters. She spots you enter and rushes over.
Fareeha says: Ahoy pardner! So, she loved it, right? Bet she did that cute thing thing with her lip when she smiles? Or that lil eye roll, when she eats something tasty? C'mon, talk me through it!
- Tell Fareeha the truth. Eda didn't want the gift.
- Lie to Fareeha. Tell her Eda loved the gift.
- Avoid too many details. Just tell Fareeha you completed the delivery.
Truth:
Me: Well, she didn't seem too happy with it… I don't think she likes presents actually.
Fareeha's face scrunches up in head-tilted confusion. She stares at you for a unit, before emitting a strange and slightly forced laugh.
She says: Yeah right! Doesn't like presents, sure. That makes sense, haha… Geez. You're a cheeky one! OK, well main thing is my girl has her lil box of lurve. Which means… Time for the next one! I gotta big surprise planned for after work. You'll help again won't you, <name>?
Avoid details:
Me: I found her in the ore plant, gave her the box. That's about it really, that place is noisy, plus Eda was busy with work - we didn't chat much.
Fareeha seems slightly deflated by this account but tries to shrug it off.
She says: OK. Well main thing is, she's got her lil box of lurve. Which means… Time for the next one! I gotta big surprise planned for after work. You'll help again won't you, <name>?
Lie:
Me: She seemed really happy with it. I think those sweets are her favorite, she had a smile big as a planet.
Fareeha seems elated by this account, briefly jigging up and down with joy.
She says: Darn tootin' she did! I knew she would. My girl's got her lil box of lurve. Which means… Time for the next one! I gotta big surprise planned for after work. You'll help again won't you, <name>?
All choices continue:
- Ask for more info about the next gift.
- Question whether another gift is a good idea.
Info:
Me: What have you got planned for later?
A smile spreads its way across Fareeha's face like a sunrise.
She says: It's a surprise. For after work. In the 85, that's the Bar… It's where we first became more than friends, ya follow? I need you to get her there. Don't tell her it's for me. Just ask her to meet you for a drink or some such, OK?
Fareeha's eyes have a happy glint in them as she discusses her plans. She waits with slightly baited breath for your answer.
- Question whether another gift is a good idea.
Me: Are you sure about this? You don't want to overwhelm her…
Fareeha seems baffled for a unit, then suddenly serious.
She says: I dunno how long you've been on Asimov, but you're starting to sound like some sorta unfeeling robot… Over-do what? Love? Kindness? Yeesh!
Fareeha sighs deeply, her eyes unfocused for a moment as she seems lost in thought. It's not clear if she's angry or sad.
Fareeha says: Listen, <name>. You know how many died on Taungoo? Back in the Cat? Huh? A lot, OK, pardner? Sudden, just like that. Someone that's yer whole world, poof! Gone. That's it. And- well… When they're gone, they're gone. And you can't say the things you wanna say to em anymore. And you know what? When folks is gone, nobody ever regrets saying I love ya too much, ya follow? That's how we look at it on Taungoo anyways…
Fareeha stops herself, satisfied that her point has been made. She watches you keenly, awaiting a response.
- Decline. End your involvement with Fareeha and Eda's relationship.
- Agree to help Fareeha. Trick Eda into coming to the Bar.
- Agree to help Fareeha. But without deceiving Eda.
- Suggest that Fareeha needs to talk to Eda instead.
Talk:
Me: Maybe you should talk to Eda? Pause the gifts for a day or two?
Fareeha cuts you off abruptly.
She says: Listen <name>, I'm not a dimwit. I know Eda's the reserved type. Takes her a lil longer to get that fire inside her heart started… But she'll come round. I know it…
A voice over the public announcer interrupts Fareeha, calling her to tend to another group of recently-arrived workseekers.
She says: I gotta go. You'll do this for me, right?
- Decline. End your involvement with Fareeha and Eda's relationship.
- Agree to help Fareeha. Trick Eda into coming to the Bar.
- Agree to help Fareeha. But without deceiving Eda.
Decline:
Me: Sorry, I can't help you any more.
A voice on the announcer again beckons Fareeha back to her work.
Fareeha says: Whatever you say, pardner. I'll call Eda myself. Won't be much of a surprise if I'm doing the inviting but… I s'pose how she gets there ain't so important. I'm proposing and crux of the matter is that she says 'yes', right? Surprise or not… Anyways, leave it to me, I'll figure it out. Here's a few creds for you, for the delivery… Adios pardner.
You have received 200.00 credits.
Fareeha gives you vigorous hand shake, then - seemingly wary of being overfamiliar again - switches it to a double thumbs up, before turning and heading back to her duties. She makes a call on her CORETECHS as she goes, presumably to Eda, but you don't catch any of the conversation as she disappears back into one of the work center's private offices.
You have completed the "Unrequited" mission.
Without deceiving:
Me: OK, I'll invite her, but on your behalf. I'm not getting her there under false presences.
Fareeha shrugs: That sorta ruins the surprise element but, OK, whatever you're comfortable with pardner.
Trick Eda:
Me: OK, whatever you say. I'll invite Eda to the Bar later and meet you there.
Either "Agree to help Fareeha" choice continues:
Fareeha gives you a double thumbs up before trotting off to meet a frowning colleague at one of the work center's many info counters.
Return to Eda in the Decommissioned area to invite her to the Bar for Fareeha's surprise.
Next NPC: Eda Wendi, Decommissioned Area, Asimov Freehold
- Approach Eda.
Eda is busy inspecting a small sample of finely-ground ore in a tube when you arrive. She seems slightly surprised to see you again.
- Invite Eda for a drink in the Bar after work. Don't mention Fareeha.
- Invite Eda to the Bar after work. Tell her about Fareeha's surprise.
Don't mention Fareeha:
Me: I still feel bad about the tears earlier. Can I buy you a drink later to make up for it?
Eda's brow curves into a puzzled arch, but she's too polite to do anything other than accept your offer.
Eda says: I- yah, sure. I mean, it really er, wasn't your fault or anything, but er- yah, why not. Sure. Just gimme a segment to wrap up here, and I'll meet ya there.
She doesn't seem to suspect anything, so Fareeha's surprise is intact. You leave her to her work and head to the 85.
Tell her:
Me: Fareeha wants me to invite you to the Bar, after work. I think she has another surprise planned…
Eda lowers her tube of ore filings, her brows suddenly curved into a worrisome arch.
Eda says: Oh no… I, er- well, dunno if I can roll with this, for much longer… er- Yah, OK, sure. I- guess I gotta go see her, face this, head on. Maybe? Or do I?
Eda's darting eyes betray a measure of anxiety. She tries a calming deep breath.
- Try to help Eda understand Fareeha's Taungoo customs.
- Advise Eda to be open and honest with Fareeha.
- Say nothing.
Help Eda understand:
Me: You know much about Taungoo? Fareeha told me about how they show their feelings there… Since the Cat, it's a big part of their culture… Maybe it's something you should talk about more? Seems like your wires are all crossed right now.
Eda stands there, nodding to herself like a spooked Navy rookie waiting in an airlock before a first-time EVA.
Eda says: Yah, yah. Be brave, just do it… OK. Gimme a segment to wrap up here, and I'll meet ya there.
Open and honest:
Me: Go and talk to Fareeha. Be honest. This whole situation isn't good for either of you.
Eda stands there, nodding to herself like a spooked Navy rookie waiting in an airlock before a first-time EVA.
Eda says: Yah, yah. Be brave, just do it… OK. Gimme a segment to wrap up here, and I'll meet ya there.
Say nothing:
Eda waits for a unit, leaving space for you to speak. But the only sound is the hum and whirr of the surrounding ore processing line, slowly turning asteroid lumps into precious raw material. Eda stands, lost in thought and nodding to herself like a spooked Navy rookie waiting in an airlock before a first-time EVA.
Eda says: Yah, yah. OK, guess I can't run from this… Gimme a segment to wrap up here, and I'll meet ya there.
All choices continue:
You leave a concerned-looking Eda to her work and head to the 85.
Go to the Bar on Asimov Freehold to meet Eda for Fareeha's surprise.
Next NPC: Eda, Bar, Asimov Freehold
- Approach Eda.
If you told Eda the truth:
You meet Eda on the way in to the unusually-quiet 85 Bar. No music or chatter emanates from its open door and, once inside, you discover why.
If you tricked Eda:
You meet Eda on the way in to the unusually-quiet 85 Bar. She's clearly on edge and somewhat suspicious about what's going on. No music or chatter emanates from the Bar's open door and, once inside, you discover why.
Either way continues:
One side of the Bar is completely empty but for Fareeha, who seems to have decorated a booth in the otherwise slightly sterile environment. On the table, a small box projects flickering and gently-spinning constellations of light spots onto the back wall. Fareeha's expression brightens on seeing you arrive with Eda.
Fareeha says: Whaddya think, sweetie? Remind ya of something? Squint a lil' and it's almost like it was for Emberfest…
If you told Eda the truth:
You watch as Eda steps forward, lips shaped into an uncertain smile, mouthing a few hesitant words.
Eda says: I- um, don't know what to say… All this effort. You shouldn't have—
If you tricked Eda:
Eda gives you a stone-eyed stare, spitting a few words in your direction under her breath.
Eda says: You tricked me. Not cool. Bye.
She makes a point of stepping away from you, before responding to Fareeha.
Eda says: Oh I see, you and <name>, you planned a surprise… I- um, don't know what to say… All this effort. You shouldn't have—
Either way continues:
She trails off, losing confidence or conviction as Fareeha produces something from her pocket; a small scent diffuser which emits a tiny puff of vapor, filling the air with a refreshing and uplifting scent.
Fareeha says: Now, that's magic, right? All the way from Taungoo's scent market. Finest in the galaxy, even if I do say so ma'self. This one's an ancient blend, cedar wood and jasmine… Brings good luck to marriage proposals—
Eda gasps audibly on hearing the word. She holds a hand up, interrupting Fareeha's flow, and gets closer to speak privately with her.
- Step away. Give them some privacy.
You leave them to it, taking a seat at the opposite end of the Bar and putting an order in with the drinks robot.
If you tried to help Eda understand:
Over at the other end of the 85, you see Fareeha and Eda talking in the decorated booth. Fareeha's cheeks glisten slightly as the decorative lights pass gently over her features. Eda too seems upset, uncomfortable, but in a more contained way. She fidgets with her hands as she talks, and looks away to the side to furtively re-compose herself with a deep breath.
But the longer it goes on, the happier they both look. After a few segments, both are smiling as they talk, with Eda's hand sitting atop Fareeha's on the table.
Finally, after a few segments, they both get up, share an embrace and a kiss, before Eda leaves. Fareeha sits alone, her tear-slick cheeks shaped into a warm smile.
Next NPC: Fareeha, Bar, Asimov Freehold
- Check on Fareeha.
Me: Hi Fareeha.
Fareeha says: Oh hey there pard'ner, take a seat.
You join Fareeha in the booth.
She continues: Well, that didn't go how I 'xpected… She didn't wanna hear 'bout no proposal, but… She did wanna talk. 'Bout Taungoo ways, n' Asimov ways, n' how they're different. N'how to stop that causing a hull breach on the romantic front, heh… We're thinkin' to try again, see? Start afresh, give it another go…
Fareeha smiles warmly.
She says: Listen <name>, I don't wantcha thinkin' I don't 'preciate yer exertions on my behalf. Didn't all go 'xact as I planned but, didn't work out so bad either… Here's something to compensate fer all yer running around. Take it easy, pard'ner.
Fareeha pauses momentarily to access her CORETECHS, after which you receive alert of an incoming credit transfer. She rises from the booth, flashes another broad Taungoo smile, and bids you farewell with a mock salute. Within units she's out of the door, disappearing into mass of passersby who mill along the station's central avenue.
You have received 400.00 credits.
You have completed the "Unrequited" mission.
If you advised Eda to be honest:
Over at the other end of the 85, you see Fareeha and Eda talking in the decorated booth. Fareeha is clasping her palms together as Eda speaks. It doesn't look like a fun conversation. Fareeha's cheeks glisten slightly as the decorative lights pass gently over her features. She appears to be crying. Eda too seems upset, uncomfortable, but in a more contained way. She fidgets with her hands as she talks, and looks away to the side to furtively re-compose herself with a deep breath.
Finally, after a few segments, Eda gets up and leaves. Fareeha sits alone, pushing the Taungoo scent diffuser back and forth across the table top, spluttering out another sob here and there, in between pensive pauses.
Next NPC: Fareeha, Bar, Asimov Freehold
- Check on Fareeha.
Me: Hi Fareeha.
Fareeha says: Oh hey there pard'ner. Siddown. Keep a sad gal company for a few segments…
You join a downcast Fareeha in the booth.
She continues: Feel kinda stupid. It didn't go how I 'xpected. We're too different, Eda says… Culture clash, she called it.
She adds: I'm gonna fast track my transfer back to Taungoo… Regroup, y'know? I've had just about enough of the ol' Asimov heartache.
Fareeha shudders again suddenly, stifling a few convulsive sobs, before exhaling again. She starts packing away her things.
She says: I'm fine. I am fine. Fareeha Adela, you are gonna be just fine… Listen <name>, I don't wantcha thinkin' I don't 'preciate yer exertions on my behalf. Not your fault the way it played out… Here's something to compensate fer all yer running around. Take it easy, pard'ner.
Fareeha pauses momentarily to access her CORETECHS, after which you receive alert of an incoming credit transfer. She rises from the booth, expels a vigorous breath as if cleansing herself of this entire episode somehow, then bids you farewell with a mock salute. Within units she's out of the door, disappearing into mass of passersby who mill along the station's central avenue.
You have received 400.00 credits.
You have completed the "Unrequited" mission.
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