Wanted Dead or Alive

A nervous visitor to the station seeks a fellow Consortium ally for help with an errand. Will you help her navigate Sirius safely?

Level: 12
Start: Matrix Ozone, Interstellar Shuttles, Sirius Jump Gate

Introduction

The steady flow of people here indicates the recent arrival of a shuttle from Sol. A local 'Booter, whom your CORETECHS identifies as Matrix Ozone, hollers greetings in their general direction. Fellow 'Booters acknowledge Matrix amicably but others give him a wide berth, proffering only a polite smile as they continue past.

Among them, one person catches your eye as she advances tentatively down the walkway. Doing her best to avoid Matrix's attentions, she glances about constantly as if expecting sudden danger from any angle.

You have accepted the "Wanted Dead or Alive" mission.

Next NPC: Sierra Matthews, Interstellar Shuttles, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Greet her.
  • Leave her to her business.

Leave:

You watch for a few more units as the nervous visitor edges gradually forward with exaggerated caution, then continue on with your own affairs.

You have failed the "Wanted Dead or Alive" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.

Greet:

You watch for a few more units as the nervous visitor edges forward cautiously, greeting her as she nears you.

Me: Hello. Are you new here?

Her CORETECHS handle is Sierra Matthews. She doesn't reply at first, seemingly assuming you're addressing someone else.

Sierra says: Oh, you're talking to- Sorry. I thought- never mind. Reboot, Sierra, reboot… er. Hello <name>. Yes, Very new here. First time on a 'Booter base… It's giving me the yips, in case you can't tell. Feel like everyone's watching me… But I'm glad to meet a fellow Citizen…

Sierra fidgets with her hands while continuing to observe the Interstellar atrium for threats.

  • Tell Sierra to be very careful on board.
  • Reassure her that Sirius isn't that dangerous.

Careful:

Me: You're right to be careful. You're not in Sol anymore. The Wilds on Tau Station are a picnic compared to this place…

Sierra says: Erm. Yup. Thanks… I guess.

Isn't that dangerous:

Me: Don't believe everything you heard about Sirius. It's not as rough here as some people make out. The Wilds on Tau Station are just as bad…

Sierra says: Yup. Thanks. I don't fully believe you… But I appreciate the sentiment anyways.

Either choice continues:

A sudden clang behind makes Sierra jump. You turn to spot an Anima staffer nearby, looking sheepish next to some sort of broken equipment dropped at his feet.

Sierra says: Oh stars! What? Oh it's nothing. I thought it was- er- I don't know. Something er- 'Bootery… My heart is racing from the slightest thing… Say, can I ask you something? One citizen to another n'all… Thing is… I need to arrange a ship transfer to Congo. How'd ya feel about helping? Just keep me company while I sort it. Safety in numbers, y'know?

There's a pause as you consider her offer. The silence seems to make Sierra even more nervous.

She says: Please. I can pay. Not much, but… A few credits for your effort.

  • Suggest that Quantum Telepheresis is a more efficient way to travel to House of Congo.
  • Agree to Sierra's request.
  • Suggest Sierra hires a bodyguard if she's worried about safety.
  • Decline Sierra's request.

Bodyguard:

Me: You could hire a bodyguard, if you're worried about safety. Lots of packages to choose from in Security.

Sierra says: You're joking, right? I mean— they're MERCENARIES. Kestrel, Armure, Athena… Don't let the fancy branding fool ya. They literally only care about money. It'd just be one more thing to worry about… Is someone gonna bribe them to stitch me up, yadda yadda, you get the picture. No thanks!

  • Suggest that Quantum Telepheresis is a more efficient way to travel to House of Congo.
  • Agree to Sierra's request.
  • Decline Sierra's request.

Telepheresis:

Me: QT would get you to Congo quicker than a private shuttle… It's pricey but Department Z expenses will cover it.

Sierra glances down at the DZ logo on her jump suit.

Sierra says: Oh. Forgot I had that on still… Well. You're half right. QT IS fast. But DZ budgets aren't what they used to be…

Sierra is still checking over her shoulder every few units. She's jittery, shifting her weight from one leg to the other, seemingly impatient to get moving.

  • Agree to Sierra's request.
  • Decline Sierra's request.

Decline:

Me: Sorry, I can't help you. Good luck.

Sierra seems taken aback and a little crestfallen by your decision. You leave her to figure it out alone and continue about your business.

You have failed the "Wanted Dead or Alive" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.

Agree:

Me: Sure. Sounds simple enough. I'd be happy to help a fellow Citizen.

Sierra exhales deeply.

She says: Phew… Appreciate it. Let's ask around. Someone must have a private ship going to Congo, or know about one… Maybe you can take the lead? I'm still a little shaky when it comes to dealing with the locals here…

Sierra points towards the curved arch gateway leading to the rest of the station.

Search Sirius Jump Gate for information about a private ship transfer to Congo.

Next NPC: Gordon Jenkins, Hotel Rooms, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Ask Gordon about ship transfers to House of Congo.

OR

Next NPC: Baldric Goulash, Lounge, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Ask Baldric about ship transfers to House of Congo.

Gordon:

In the hotel lobby you spot an Anima staffer looking very out of place. Sierra nudges you forward, clearly keen for you to take the lead with the inquiries.

Me: Excuse me, Ser. We're travelers, perhaps like yourself… We need advice about securing a ship transfer to Congo. The quantum T option is beyond our means…

Your CORETECHS identifies the man as Gordon Jenkins. His attention remains with the open doorway connecting the hotel with the rest of the inn, and the station beyond that.

Gordon says: Sight-seeing is not a habit I indulge in Sirius. I'm here for as short a time as possible and PREFERABLY without getting kidnapped or robbed… A pointless and risky business trip, trying to pitch clone vats to a station that will never accept having one… But try telling that to my boss. All I know is the quickest route back to Taungoo, but that's not what you're after by the sounds of it… Check the Bar. I'm told it's full of interesting and knowledgeable people to meet… Which is why I will not be visiting it!

Gordon shrugs apologetically and returns to staring at the empty doorway, apparently done with the conversation.

Ask around in the Bar on Sirius Jump Gate for info about a private ship transfer to Congo.

Baldric:

In the Lounge you Baldric Goulash unwinding on a padded foam sofa. Sierra nudges you forward, clearly keen for you to take the lead with the inquiries.

Me: Excuse me, Ser. We're not local here. Just need some advice about securing a ship transfer to Congo. The quantum T option is beyond our means…

Baldric's features snap to a warm smile, clearly welcoming a chance to chat.

Baldric says: Plenty of transit between 'ere 'n Congo. Traders and the like, always back and forth with a hold full of stims, rations, or you-know-what…

Baldric forms his hands as if holding a rifle, grinning away.

He says: So long as sharing a ship with the other wares don't bother you, you can always hitch a ride? Ask around in the Bar. Rodeo Wasabi knows the ins and outs. Just pray he's sober enough to tell you…

Baldric chuckles to himself, then mimes a drinking motion followed by an eye roll. He's clearly a fellow who enjoys performing. You thank him and head off towards the Bar.

Ask Rodeo Wasabi in the Bar on Sirius Jump Gate for info about a private ship transfer to Congo.

Either choice continues:

Next NPC: Rodeo Wasabi, Bar, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Ask Rodeo about transfers to Congo.

You spot Rodeo Wasabi in his usual spot in the Sore Noggin. Again, Sierra lingers behind you, seemingly keen for you to do the talking.

Me: Hi there. We were told you may be in the know about ship transfers to Congo. My friend here needs—

Sierra gives you a sharp kick to the ankle, followed by a glare that suggests she'd rather not have her details brought into the conversation.

Me: Er- As I was saying, we're in need of information, Ser. Perhaps you could assist?

Rodeo slurs: A s- sip transfer? To Congo? S'easy peasy. Just go see ma boy. Mantis. He'll sort ya a spot on the sip. He's a entra- intra- prennuur y'see—

Rodeo's voice trails off. He pinches his lips together and cups a hand over his mouth, as if stifling a surge of vomit in his throat. Without another word, he shuffles off to the toilets, leaving you alone with Sierra again.

Next NPC: Sierra Matthews, Bar, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Say nothing.
  • Confront Sierra about her excessive paranoia.

Confront:

Me: What was that? Why are you so jumpy?

Sierra says: What? That little ankle tap? Oh come on… It was er— Ok. Sorry. Just rather not call attention to myself. Feel like I stick out enough here as it is… I think I have some misconceptions about 'Booters. Like they all wanna rip us off, rob us… Sounds awful when I actually say it aloud. Sorry. I'll calm down. Promise.

Sierra holds her hand up apologetically.

She says: Can't imagine what state I'd be in doing this alone… Please, put up with me a little longer. Let's find this Mantis.

Nothing:

There's a pause as Sierra assesses your reaction.

Sierra says: Sorry about that er— little ankle tap. Just rather not call attention to myself. Feel like I stick out enough here as it is…

You nod your understanding, then wave it away like it's nothing.

Sierra says: That went well. For us anyway. Not so much for poor Rodeo. Yuck… So, time to find Mantis.

Either choice continues:

Find someone called 'Mantis' on Sirius Jump Gate to arrange Sierra's transfer.

Next NPC: Mantis Parmigian, Government Center, Sirius Jump Gate

  • See Mantis about Sierra's shuttle transfer to Congo.

As before, Sierra lurks a few paces behind while you approach Mantis.

Me: Hello erm- Ser Mantis. I'm looking to arrange a ship transfer for my friend. To Congo. I was told you could help.

Mantis says: Correct. I can help. Doesn't mean I will… But I can be persuaded.

Mantis smirks, rubbing his fingers together in the air. He clearly enjoys a negotiation when he's holding all the cards.

  • Ask Mantis to name his price.
  • Offer Mantis 100 credits for his services.

100 credits:

Me: Of course. We weren't expecting anything for free. Would 100 credits suffice?

Mantis says: 100?! You're new here. I'll spell it out. QT costs 99 Bonds. Granted, my alternative is rougher round the edges… Takes longer, you gotta share the hold with my other cargo. And I don't do the whole 'have an extra-goddam-amazing day' Benevolent schtick. But still… 500 is a fairer price.

Name his price:

Me: Of course. Name your price.

Mantis says: Well. Let's see… QT costs 99 Bonds. Granted, my alternative is rougher round the edges… Takes longer, you gotta share the hold with my other cargo. And I don't do the whole 'have an extra-goddam-amazing day' Benevolent schtick. But still… I'd say 500 is fair.

Either choice continues:

  • Agree to pay Mantis 500 credits for Sierra's ticket.
  • Try to haggle Mantis down to 350 credits.

Agree:

Me Fair enough. You're just trying to earn a living. Here.

You have given 500.00 credits.

Mantis says Much obliged. I'm sending you ship ID info and a boarding code now… Pass it on to your er- shy friend and tell her to get to the Docks…

Haggle:
(Social check)

You manage to persuade Mantis to lower his price with an impassioned appeal to his 'Booter affinity for the underdog.

Me: Can we settle on 350? We're of modest means. Please don't hold us to ransom the way Benevolent does with their QT pricing… Is nothing in this universe made for the salt-of-the-stars ordinary folk?

Mantis says: OK, OK. Fine. 350. I'm sending you ship ID info and a boarding code now… Pass it on to your er- shy friend and tell her to get to the Docks… Hey. Where'd she go?

You have given 350.00 credits.

Either continues:

You receive some info through from Mantis via your CORETECHS detailing his ship ID, docking location, and departure schedule, along with some sort of boarding code. You check over it all on your CORETECHS. When you close your shimmering retinal overaly however, Sierra is nowhere to be seen.

Search Sirius Jump Gate to find Sierra.

Next area: Government Center, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Look around for Sierra.

You try calling Sierra on your CORETECHS but get no response. There's no sign of her in the old administrative offices of the former Government Center.

As you check each room again, your CORETECHS alerts you to an incoming message. It's from someone called 'Brazen Malarkey'.

BRAZEN MALARKEY: BUSINESS PROPOSAL. WALK AWAY NOW. 1000 CREDS. EASIEST MONEY U EVER MADE.

The message comes with a response option at the end.

  • ACCEPT
  • DECLINE

Accept:

You select the ACCEPT response via your CORETECHS. A follow-up message arrives.

BRAZEN MALARKEY WISE CHOICE. RUINS. PAYMENT TO FOLLOW.

New goals: Head to the Ruins on Sirius Jump Gate to await payment from Brazen Malarkey.

  • Await Brazen's payment.

You find a secluded spot in the Ruins and wait for further instructions. You wonder where Sierra is right now, and why Brazen is so keen on you abandoning her side. Half a segment later, your CORETECHS overlay shimmers into view, alerting you to another message.

BRAZEN MALARKEY JOB DONE. A WANTED FELON IS BACK WHERE SHE BELONGS. HERE'S YOUR REWARD CUT. CHASING DOWN THE CONSY'S ROTTEN APPLES PAYS GOOD, NO?

As you finish reading, you get an incoming credit transfer alert. Whatever you did, it certainly paid well. Sierra's paranoia about being followed makes more sense now, even if you can't be sure who it was after her. On your CORETECHS her ID shows as being off-mesh and unavailable. With a shrug you rise to your feet from your waiting spot in the Ruins and continue on your way. Apportioning a moral value to the episode seems tricky but you're a few credits better off, that much is certain.

You have received 1,000.00 credits.

You have completed the "Wanted Dead or Alive" mission.

Decline:

You select the DECLINE response via your CORETECHS. A follow-up message arrives.

BRAZEN MALARKEY: FOOLISH. SUIT YOURSELF.

The message shimmers for a unit on your CORETECHS overlay before you close it and set about searching for Sierra.

Search Sirius Jump Gate to find Sierra Matthews.

Next NPC: Borscht Sextant, Security, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Ask Security to help you find Sierra.

Me: My friend, Sierra Matthews, is missing. She's a visitor from Sol. I think someone called Brazen Malarkey is involved—

Borscht Sextant raises a palm, cutting you off mid-sentence.

Borscht says: Let me stop you there, mate. I'm guessing you're from Sol too. Am I right? But, see— thing is — this here place you're in now, is NOT Sol. And thank stars for that, ha! So yeah. I'm not here to help you. In fact. Pretty much nobody is here to help you. Your problems in Sirius are YOUR problems, geddit?

Borscht shrugs and then turns back to his sporadic banter with some of the nearby bored bodyguards winding down between assignments.

Continue searching Sirius Jump Gate alone to find Sierra Matthews.

Next area: Brig, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Search for Sierra in the Brig.

OR

Next area: Government Center, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Search for Sierra in the Government Center.

OR

Next area: Inn, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Search for Sierra at the Inn.

Government Center:

You ask around but nobody's seen anyone matching Sierra's description. Your CORETECHS calls to her continue to go unanswered. You start to wonder whether Sierra's paranoia was more rational than it first appeared.

Continue searching Sirius Jump Gate alone to find Sierra Matthews.

Brig:

As you continue your search around the Brig, your CORETECHS overlay shimmers into view once more. It's a call alert from Sierra. Her face comes into view, followed by her whispering voice on the audio.

Sierra says: Apols for the vanishing act, <name> but I just felt something… off. I slipped away and… turns out my hunch was right. Some goon was following us! I managed to lose him now, I think… I've got a good hiding spot.

You try to decipher where Sierra is by the background to her talking head, but it's blurred out by her CORETECHS settings.

Sierra says: You sorted passage to Congo with Mantis, right? Send me the details. And… I need one more thing. They're following you too, right? Can you lead them on a stray comet chase for a segment or two? Just while I finish the job and slip off station?

  • Ask Sierra where she is.
  • Ask Sierra why she's being followed.
  • Ask Sierra why she didn't answer your calls.

Didn't answer:

Me: Why didn't you answer my calls? I've been looking everywhere for you.

Sierra says: Look, <name>. I trust you more than anyone else on this station but still… We just met. Maybe you'd be tempted to sell me out? Who knows? I waited a bit. To be sure. Please understand.

  • Ask Sierra where she is.
  • Ask Sierra why she's being followed.

Why being followed:

Me: You've been looking over your shoulder since you arrived. Why?

There's a silence as Sierra mulls her answer.

  • Insist Sierra tells you the details.
  • Don't push Sierra for the details.

Insist:

Me: I'm not doing another thing til I know more about what's going on here.

Sierra says: If that's how you want to be… Fine. Three days ago I was a DZ evidence handler. Today I'm a wanted fugitive. Why? Cos I turned up some data which could maybe prove to those hot heads on Paris Spatiale that the Cat wasn't some botched takeover attempt caused by us… That kinda stuff should be public knowledge, no? In the interests of peace, n'all… But my bosses didn't agree. And… I snapped. I- I- They say I'm dangerous. I say THEY'RE dangerous.

Sierra's voice is full of seething anger. She spits out the words.

She says: Lotta folk out there are kinda invested in this cold war it turns out. Got my haters on both sides now. Old DZ bosses put a price on my capture. Over in the red corner, Farax Bigell and his Gaule-first cronies didn't like that I upset their narrative of Consy bein' enemy number one… I've got enemies coming at me from all angles.

She says: Now you see why I can't use Quantum T. It's fast, but it's not a good way to disappear. Too easy to track. So, you ready to help one last time?

  • Tell Sierra you're ready.
  • Ask about the data Sierra leaked.

Data:

Me: Tell me more about this data. What was in it?

Sierra says: A few old data logs from a Consortium high command meet in the Iron Quad. Just after the Cat. Governors of the four stations, all as clueless as each other about what was happening… Verified. Genuine. I spent half a cycle tracking it down… Life of a DZ agent, I guess. My life, once. Not any more… Anyway, Gate Truths has the scoop. You can find out more from their channel.

Some impatience is creeping into Sierra's voice.

She says: Longer we wait, the harder this gets. Ready?

  • Tell Sierra you're ready.

Me: I'm ready. What do you need?

Sierra says: They're following you too; just take them for a stroll while I catch my lift. The Wilds and the Wrecks, maybe? That'll keep 'em outta my way while I hitch my ride.

Me: Got it.

Sierra adds: And then, on Congo, it's a different story. The 'booters over there are… more principled, let's say. More idealistic. I have some contacts who can hide me there. Just need to get there…

The call cuts off and Sierra's image vanishes from your cobalt blue overlay. You're back amid the Brig surroundings.

Distract Sierra's pursuers by leading them around the Wilds on Sirius Jump Gate.

Next area: The Wilds, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Lead your pursuers around the Wilds to buy Sierra some time.

By now you've become aware of the presence following you around the station. You realize that you've been tracked almost the entire time since you met Sierra. You can only hope that wasting their time here will allow Sierra a chance to escape.

You amble around the Wilds, pretending to check your CORETECHS every few units as if speaking with Sierra. Your pursuer edges nearer, trying to overhear, but you pretend not to notice. After a half segment there, you head off again.

Keep distracting Sierra's pursuers by leading them around the Wrecks on Sirius Jump Gate.

Next area: The Wrecks, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Lead your pursuers around the wrecks.

You scramble around the rubble screes of the Wrecks, ensuring you give your pursuer enough time to keep up. After a few segments pacing the ghostly-quiet walkways, you can hear your follower's ragged breath some thirty meters behind you. You can only hope that if they have accomplices elsewhere, they haven't caught Sierra during her escape attempt.

A CORETECHS alert pings in. It's a short text message from Sierra. The words scroll across your vision.

SIERRA MATTHEWS: Go to the Port. Main lobby. Quick.

Go to the Port on Sirius Jump Gate.

Next area: Port, Sirius Jump Gate

  • Look around the Port.

You wander through the Port, flitting between the staffers and travelers going about their business. In the main lobby you pass under a giant viewing screen which shows visual feeds from cameras outside the station, like a window onto the star-spangled void beyond. As you glance at it, a CORETECHS message alert slides into across your retinal display. You open it to a short recording from Sierra.

SIERRA MATTHEWS: You in the Port? Check out the big screen. Look at Congo. One of those tiny ships homing in on it is me… In the hold of Mantis's freighter. On final approach. Just me in here, along with whatever junk that man is smuggling this tenspan… Such a relief to be off the Jump Gate. A contact should be waiting for me on Congo. A reporter I know…

Sierra's expression is animated as she speaks, almost breaking into a smile at times. There's less tension in her voice and the twitchy checking over her shoulder has also disappeared.

SIERRA MATTHEWS: Thank you <name>. You took a chance to help a stranger. Here's a token of my appreciation.

You have received 800.00 credits.

The message ends and Sierra's image fades out, bringing you once again to your surroundings in the Port. You glance around but can't see any sign of the figure that had been trailing you all this time. Up ahead, in the middle of the Port, there's a small commotion as a man your CORETECHS identifies as Brazen Malarkey argues vehemently with another 'Booter, presumably displeased about losing his payday. You watch for a moment as they hurl insults at each other, trading accusations of incompetence and laziness. You leave them to it and continue on your way.

You have completed the "Wanted Dead or Alive" mission.

<— Return to Missions

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License