Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/08/30(Fri)23:07 No. 538533 ID: 9f5a86
File 137792924647.png - (206.58KB , 800x600 , 02-001.png )

After the incident, I was put on a very brief convalescent leave. The lacerations the thing left behind on my chest turned out be called out as a 'special case' in the event I got infected with some unknown disease or whatever. Just a product of paranoia I think, but I don't blame them considering no one has seen such a disfigured creature like that before. I spent a day in the Upper City, getting treated at the main hospital. Why I was put up here, I'm not sure -- we have a perfectly functioning clinic down below. I should count my blessings, regardless.

It's the evening and I have one final checkup with the doctor.

"Good news, Sgt. Schar. You're looking good!" she tells me.

"That IS good news. Thanks, doc."

She chuckles, noticing my sarcasm. "I know this whole thing seems pointless. They want you to go through all these checkups just to make sure something doesn't just randomly come up."

I was still pretty nervous about having to visit the hospital so many different times. With the fact that I haven't been taking my Astoga, there's no telling what they could find at any time.

She continues with a smile, "I would say you're good to go back to duty tomorrow morning."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/08/30(Fri)23:07 No. 538534 ID: 9f5a86
File 137792926079.png - (154.17KB , 800x600 , 02-002.png )

"And...if I may," her face turns grim. "About that incident down there. I've been hearing a lot of things. Disturbing things. Could you tell me what it was like? I mean, being attacked by that thing and all. What exactly did it look like?"

Cute fox doctor!

not sure what I can and can not say but it looked dead and I thank my lucky stars that it had a sack over it's head and was in a semi-dark room so I didn't really get a good look at it.

Wait. Chapter... 1? What? Wait.

>>538544

The last chapter was the prologue.

Tell her that it was really scary, like a real monster with big teeth and huge claws. But a brave hunk of a cop like you wasn't fazed and with the help of your partner you made short work of the monster.

"That... 'thing' was unnatural, the fingers themselves were all but bone. It's maw was massive, too much so to fit it's head. And full of sharp teeth, almost like a shark. It just, wasn't right."

>>538534
It was a nightmare, like something out of a bad horror flick.

It wasn't just some guy in a costume or a furanthro, and it wasn't even someone with weird body mods. It's bones were the wrong shape.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/08/31(Sat)16:12 No. 538664 ID: 9f5a86
File 137799075526.png - (188.65KB , 800x600 , 02-003.png )

> not sure what I can and can not say but it looked dead and I thank my lucky stars that it had a sack over it's head and was in a semi-dark room so I didn't really get a good look at it.
> Tell her that it was really scary, like a real monster with big teeth and huge claws. But a brave hunk of a cop like you wasn't fazed and with the help of your partner you made short work of the monster.
> "That... 'thing' was unnatural, the fingers themselves were all but bone. It's maw was massive, too much so to fit it's head. And full of sharp teeth, almost like a shark. It just, wasn't right."
> It was a nightmare, like something out of a bad horror flick.
> It wasn't just some guy in a costume or a furanthro, and it wasn't even someone with weird body mods. It's bones were the wrong shape.

I give the doctor a full-blown, detailed horror story.

"...unnatural, with creepy, long fingers that were practically all bone..."

"...huge maw lined with teeth like that of a shark..."

"...didn't look like anything I've ever seen before."

The doctor looks shaken up.

"My God, that sounds horrible. I'm glad you're okay after all that."

"With the help of my partner, we were able to neutralize it pretty swiftly," I say, almost puffing my chest out in pride.

"Ohhh, I don't know what I'd do if I knew that thing was running loose on our streets," she looks like she remembers something. "Oh, hey! About your partner. Did you know he's been all over television? They're really showering him with praise after that!"

"I ... Uh, I didn't know that. What about me?" I ask.

"Well, I didn't see you anywhere, although you were mentioned!"

It was most likely because I was sent up here almost immediately and didn't get a chance to have a microphone shoved in my face. Either way, there was at least the mention.

I bid the doctor farewell and take my leave. I have the rest of the evening to do whatever, and then tomorrow morning I head back down immediately. Anything I should do with the rest of my time?

>>538664
Well, good for him I guess. This probably really saved his job or a good pay docking or penalty from losing his weapon, he doesn't have to feel embarrassed about that.

It sounds like it's at least been a day or two, so your friend's probably looked at the flash drive. Ring him up before you do anything. If you're looking for praise and your own chance to be on TV after get shortstopped for this situation, nabbing more information on this biowarfare conspiracy before anyone else nips it in the budd will probably give you a good promotion or significant pay raise. Then you'll probably be out of the middle city hellhole for life. Or brought back for your expertise.

It's actually really advantageous that your partner's been the face for this, it'll be easier for you to do your snooping as I'm sure that whoever was responsible for the abomination is... targeting him. Shit.

Eh so what that just means when shit hits the fan he'll take the brunt of the crap thrown your way.

As for what to do, I say check with your tecno friend and see if he has found anything with the flash drive or not. Orherwise I say just hit up your favorite food joint or something since you're probably not coming back here any time soon

Realize that it was an ordinary crocodile feranthro all along, and you're just hella racist.I know you put on a brave face earlier when you were curious about Astoga, but you really might be having adverse reactions to it! You should at least tell the doctor about the strange visions and feelings around feranthros. It's not related to that creature or anything, but it is something you ought to get checked out.

>television
>you're not mentioned
Oh well, you don't really mind dodging all the attention. Let the kid have some fun, hopefully it'll be good for him.

>anything to do with your time
Maybe check in with your vendor buddy? He might be relieved to hear from you after that mess.

>>538703
>Television
>Not Quite Mentioned

Aiden is the Mike Wazowski of this quest.

>>538664

Let's get in touch with our own personal Lost Boy and see how things are doing for him. He could probably use a familiar face (or voice) and some reassurance. He looked really shaken up by all that, and even if it's only been a few days, well ... he doesn't seem like the particularly "dead inside" type who can just shrug it off.

Other than that? Get in touch with Mel. Get as much information as you can on that drive. It may just be your paranoia speaking right now, but that was TOO well set up, and it's a little odd that a drive with EXACTLY the stuff to get you involved landed in your new cot right when you get to it.

Call up Mel and say you're coming to his place to visit, and you're gonna bring carryout from whatever place you'll miss the most while on duty down in the Middle. That way you can speak with him in private about the flash drive, as well as catch up on what he's been up to. You could ask if he's made any headway on a portable teleport receiver.

Also call Weathers to check in and ask how he's holding up with all the media attention. Oh, and if he's in the Upper City maybe he could come over while you're at Mel's and you could introduce them. Just don't talk about the flash drive in front of him just yet.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/02(Mon)10:13 No. 539072 ID: 9f5a86
File 137814202287.png - (229.34KB , 800x600 , 02-004.png )

> I know you put on a brave face earlier when you were curious about Astoga, but you really might be having adverse reactions to it! You should at least tell the doctor about the strange visions and feelings around feranthros. It's not related to that creature or anything, but it is something you ought to get checked out.

I'm simply not going to do this. I am going to try to avoid any talk about symptoms like the ones I'm having right now. If it gets worse, I'll just start taking the Astoga again.

> As for what to do, I say check with your tecno friend and see if he has found anything with the flash drive or not.
> Maybe check in with your vendor buddy? He might be relieved to hear from you after that mess.
> Get in touch with Mel. Get as much information as you can on that drive.
> Call up Mel and say you're coming to his place to visit, and you're gonna bring carryout from whatever place you'll miss the most while on duty down in the Middle.

I decide to give Mel a call. This would definitely be the perfect time for that surprise visit.

"Hello?"

"Hey, buddy. It's Aiden."

"Aiden! Holy crap, I heard all about it! I'm so glad to hear you're fine! You ARE fine, right?"

"Yeah, Mel, I'm okay. Just got good word from the hospital and I'll be heading back to the Middle tomorrow. I thought I'd come and see you for the rest of the day."

"That sounds awesome!" his excitement is almost contagious.

"I'm going to get some carryout too, so I'll be there in a bit."

"Sweet! See you, Aiden!" Well that put a warm smile on my face. I head out to my favorite seafood restaurant close by. There are a lot of seafood places in the Middle, but it's not any less popular up here.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/02(Mon)10:14 No. 539073 ID: 9f5a86
File 137814204307.png - (252.27KB , 800x600 , 02-005.png )

I bask in the familiar warmth and hominess of the restaurant while waiting for my order.

> Let's get in touch with our own personal Lost Boy and see how things are doing for him.
> Also call Weathers to check in and ask how he's holding up with all the media attention.

I decide to call Weathers and see how he's doing after all that. I figure he's doing fine with all the buzz about him, but I'm curious anyway.

He takes a while to pick up. "H-hello?"

"Hey, rookie, it's Aiden."

"Oh," he pauses for a bit and clears his throat. "Hi."

"How are you holding up? I know you got a little shaken up after that incident."

"Oh, I'm uh, I'm doing alright. I'm just uh...just on duty." He sounds almost cynical but I brush it off.

"Okay. I'm just checking up on you. Sorry if it wasn't a good time."

"No, no it's fine."

"So, I heard you got some media attention!"

"Oh, heh...yeah." The tone of his voice starts to lighten up a bit. "I got a pay raise."

My eyes widen and I'm speechless for a few seconds.

>>539073
Maybe you got one too. Whatever, you're a Sergent, you probably make more than him still anyways.
Might give him advice that he shouldn't tell officers that though, you can take it, but anytime an officer talks about that it colors Weathers a bit. Just tell family or his girlfriend that he got one, only possibly tell coworkers if they ask.
Officers get jealous about that sort of thing, even superiors, especially superiors. They'll go on and on about how long they were on the force before they got a promotion or raise. Not you, you're fine. Because you probably got one too, and if not, well you could probably apply for one easy. Course, not like you can really buy and own luxuries when you live in the barracks.

Ask if he wants advice first though.
At least tell him to get an eye out on people following him, but also to not to get too paranoid. Just observe and note things like a cop, we can discuss any observation he has later.

Speaking of paranoia, I wonder if someone's tapped his phone or yours. Hmm. Have Mel look at yours, just to be on the safe side. Someone already snuck a flash drive to your bunk, hope no one snuck a bug on your phone.

eh so what, you practically live in the bararks so other then food and the actanal gun you don't really use money all that often. throw a joke out there like "I guess that means you get to pay for all the meals from now on huh?" Also ask how he's been doing since you 2 got separated, he sounds stressed. Oh and one more joke to throw in is "I bet no one even remembers that you lost your gun now do they?"

Congratulate Weathers on getting a pay rise, on his second day on the field no less. Did he get a promotion too?

>>539073
>Pay Raise
Excellent. Some weird shit may have happened, but damn if he doesn't deserve it. He handled things like a pro.

You should really congratulate him.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/04(Wed)13:11 No. 539449 ID: 9f5a86
File 137832549694.png - (190.41KB , 800x600 , 02-006.png )

> Congratulate Weathers on getting a pay rise, on his second day on the field no less. Did he get a promotion too?
> You should really congratulate him.
> throw a joke out there

As jealous as I felt for that brief moment, I actually feel Weathers deserves it for keeping a somewhat cool head and taking care of the situation competently.

"Hey, that's great, Weathers. Congratulations!"

He chuckles timidly and says, "Thanks."

"And on your second day of deployment too. I bet they won't be remembering your little lost rifle incident, eh? Oh, you gonna pay for my meals from now on, too?" Weathers laughs again. "Hey, rookie. Make sure you watch your back out there, alright? You got media coverage and all, so keep those eyes peeled, got it?"

"Yeah, I've been doing that, heh... Um, Sergeant, I have to go. It's nice, um, talking to you again."

"Oh, alright, Weathers. See ya - " He hangs up somewhat abruptly. Well, alright then. I try to not think too much on it.

I get my meal and head to Mel's place.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/04(Wed)13:11 No. 539450 ID: 9f5a86
File 137832551958.png - (231.96KB , 800x600 , 02-007.png )

I arrive at Mel's office in the main police station. We exchange hearty greetings, bear hugs, and get down to business.

"Oh right...that flash drive. You've pretty much seen most of what was on it, right?" he asks.

"Yeah. I found some hidden files too."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/04(Wed)13:12 No. 539451 ID: 9f5a86
File 137832553253.png - (109.29KB , 800x600 , 02-008.png )

"You have? Well, those were easy to uncover. I initated a bit of a deeper breakdown and uh..." Mel plays with the flash drive in his hand. "The only other thing I could find was another text file. Here." Mel plugs the drive into his computer and brings it up. He does a bit of whiz boy magic and cracks down deeper into the drive, revealing a text file called "001."

"Even if she cannot waken the Advocate alone, she is still trying to create beasts. Is she trying to demonstrate what she is capable of? I need Caelus to see. I need him to see what she is doing. These imperfect beasts cannot be let loose. They must perish."

Mel brings up the properties of the file and finds the author named "Jai."

"I don't know what to say," Mel says, looking worried. "There's some really cryptic stuff in here."

i think miss glowing eyes made that thing that from the other day.

>>539451
You couldn't find the name or IP of which these files were created on? Word documents usually leave those behind, even when copied to other hard drives or when they're uploaded to the internet.

These names, have you run them by any database? I don't just mean google, the police database often have a database for both names and alias's. We might have matches there.

Caelus might have been the guy with the bunk before you. Ask Mel if there's a way to trace paperwork like that through public records quickly without it being illegal... or at least without being traced.

That file he found, was that deleted and left an imprint on the drive or something and then Mel brought it back? That would be a nifty trick to learn.

hm, looks like someone made whatever it was that attacked you and whoever made this charming little note found it and hid it away in order to show someone else I guess... Then we kicked down the door and showed the thing to the whole media. I'm not sure if that played more in favor for the creator or the writer however.

I'm also guessing that the chick mentioned in this thing is either that one creepy bitch who we saw on TV and then later when Weathers lost his rifle or some third party we haven't met yet.

>>539451
The date on the document is for 3 months ago. The file with the address in it was labeled "see" so the person this thing was supposed to go to might be Caelus. We still haven't found out what the folder being named Hyuro meant. Is it someone's name? When you get a chance, check records for officers with either of those last names.

>>539451
>1004 bytes
The text there wouldn't take up more than 300 bytes. Even with metadata, there's something more in that file.

>>539534
Can we get a look at the machine code, see if there's some other way of interpreting it?

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/06(Fri)09:42 No. 539612 ID: 9f5a86
File 137848575964.png - (223.36KB , 800x600 , 02-009.png )

> You couldn't find the name or IP of which these files were created on? Word documents usually leave those behind, even when copied to other hard drives or when they're uploaded to the internet.

"Is there anything else you can do to trace it? Like tracking down the IP or something?" I question.

"I was going to do that, actually, but I don't know. The stuff inside here just freaked me out a little. Was a bit distracting, but I'll get on that."

> That file he found, was that deleted and left an imprint on the drive or something and then Mel brought it back? That would be a nifty trick to learn.

"How did you even find that file?" I ask him. Mel just shrugs.

"It was just in a deeper pocket someplace in the drive. It was actually pretty well-hidden."

"Are you sure there's not anything else?"

"Nope. I've checked through as thoroughly as possible."

That was that. If not even Mel could do it, then the drive must be fully cleaned out by now.

> These names, have you run them by any database? I don't just mean google, the police database often have a database for both names and alias's. We might have matches there.
> We still haven't found out what the folder being named Hyuro meant. Is it someone's name? When you get a chance, check records for officers with either of those last names.

"Mel, we have to jot some of these weird names down and get searching. You can request this from public records, right?"

"Yeah, yeah I think so. I don't think they'd mind. Not illegal if you personally request it."

"Okay. Jai. Caelus. Hyuro. Look those names up and see if there's anyone in the force that comes up with that name, alright? This could be real big."

"Yeah," Mel nods. "You're right. I'm definitely getting a sorta big feeling from all this."

We spend the rest of the night dicking around and having fun, a necessity before I have to dive into the mouth of the Middle again.

Unfortunately I cannot spend the night with Mel. On convalescent leave, I'm required to stay at the barracks. I say my goodbyes.

"Be careful out there. It's just getting more and more messed up," he tells me. I laugh.

"So it seems. I'll be fine, Mel. Don't worry your foxy little head over it."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/06(Fri)09:42 No. 539613 ID: 9f5a86
File 137848577091.png - (233.42KB , 800x600 , 02-010.png )

The night passes in a blink and before I know it, I'm on the convoy back to the Middle city. I'm told to go to duty right away after I make my arrival.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/06(Fri)09:43 No. 539614 ID: 9f5a86
File 137848578654.png - (187.60KB , 800x600 , 02-011.png )

First I have to find my favorite, popular rookie, and FUCK, he's not in the dorms again.

>>539614
This time it might not be his fault, I assume he's been dragged off into televised shit or something what with the whole "Public Hero" vibe I'm getting off what little we've seen of him since yesterday.
As much as I hate to say it, I'm guessing we'll have to head out solo today. Leave a note for him at his bunk or something, you guys should catch up soon as possible.

he might be busy this time around so I say just check some of the spots you've seen him in before then just leave a note or something and head out, we can try and catch up with him later.

>>539613
>The night passes in a blink
Hey, you got some sleep!

Your Inspector, what's-her-name, Massey, might know where Weathers is. He was assigned to her station. You should ask her.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/08(Sun)12:05 No. 539845 ID: 9f5a86
File 137866715424.png - (188.25KB , 800x600 , 02-012.png )

> Hey, you got some sleep!

Eh, just a couple more hours than usual, but it's something.

> Your Inspector, what's-her-name, Massey, might know where Weathers is. He was assigned to her station. You should ask her.

Inspector Massey is usually out and about. I doubt I'd be able to find her that easily.

> This time it might not be his fault, I assume he's been dragged off into televised shit or something what with the whole "Public Hero" vibe I'm getting off what little we've seen of him since yesterday.
> he might be busy this time around so I say just check some of the spots you've seen him in before then just leave a note or something and head out, we can try and catch up with him later.

That's true. With the media exposure, he might've been dragged off someplace else for whatever reason. It's not entirely uncommon. Still, I leave a note on his bed to get in touch with me asap so that we can reunite.

In case he's still around, I decide to check the day room again. Before I even head out of the dormitory area, I hear the sound of a door shutting behind me. I gaze over my shoulder and glue my eyes on the entrance to the restroom. I'm pretty sure it came from there, but the lights aren't on. That raises my suspicion to staggering heights.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/08(Sun)12:06 No. 539846 ID: 9f5a86
File 137866716487.png - (92.00KB , 800x600 , 02-013.png )

I enter the restroom and flip on the light switch. The first thing I notice are the legs coming from under one of the stalls and the trail of blood drops going from a sink to that same stall.

I hear a faint curse come from behind the stall.

call out, ask if he's ok.

>>539846
The sink wasn't turned on so it should be easy to see how bad it was. How much blood is in the sink? Nosebleed level or coughing up blood level?

Ask him if he's alright, mention that he seems to be bleeding a fair bit.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/08(Sun)16:33 No. 539901 ID: 9f5a86
File 137868323066.png - (135.66KB , 800x600 , 02-014.png )

> How much blood is in the sink? Nosebleed level or coughing up blood level?

The sink has smudged blood marks on it, as if someone had tried to wash something covered in the stuff.

> call out, ask if he's ok.
> Ask him if he's alright, mention that he seems to be bleeding a fair bit.

"Hey!" I call out. "You alright in there?"

"Um..." I recognize the voice immediately. I walk up to the stall, but it opens on its own.

Behind the stall is Weathers, who's in his underpants and holding his bloodied shirt against his chest. He looks absolutely mortified.

"I'm sorry, Sergeant..." he drawls. From here I can't see any injuries on him, but I am shocked to see this.

Blood covered shirt, no obvious injuries on him, trying to wash it out in the dark, apologizing for what he did.
I think he fucked up.
I think he fucked up big time.

Ask him what happened. Hopefully this isn't a voices thing.

>>539901
"You get into the weirdest shit, Weathers, I swear. I'm not going to make any assumptions... just show me the source. Please."

What happened.

Hey he saved our ass back when that thing attacked us least we can do is help him out here

>>539901

Yeeeaaaaaaahhh ... we should probably ask him if that's his or someone else's. Or for that matter, who's likely to file what against Weathers.

Considering that's almost certainly NOT his.

Secretly: It was chili night at the barracks, and Weathers didn't know what they meant about being a "first-timer" -- also we might want a new bed. And room.

>>539906
This. He looks like he needs a friend right now as opposed to someone issuing orders, he might flip his shit otherwise and you won't get anything out of him.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/10(Tue)01:09 No. 540079 ID: 9f5a86
File 137880055854.png - (169.30KB , 800x600 , 02-015.png )

> Ask him what happened. Hopefully this isn't a voices thing.
> What happened.
> He looks like he needs a friend right now as opposed to someone issuing orders, he might flip his shit otherwise and you won't get anything out of him.

"Weathers, what happened?" I speak up after a brief pause. Weathers shuffles around nervously, unable to reply. "Could you pull that shirt away?" Weathers looks even more nervous around, and very hesitant.

"Please, Sergeant. Please promise you won't get mad."

"Weathers," I try to make my voice solid and assuring, "I won't get mad. Let me see."

Weathers very reluctantly unveils a horrific symbol cut into his body.

Good God.

"What - how - what the hell?" I'm at a loss for words. Weathers quickly shrouds it again, wincing in pain.

"I don't know. It wasn't like this before I went to bed. I..." Weathers takes a deep breath. "I think I did it to myself."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/10(Tue)01:09 No. 540080 ID: 9f5a86
File 137880056943.png - (205.55KB , 800x600 , 02-016.png )

"Are you serious?" I ask loudly. Weathers ambles up to me, shaking. "Whoa, that's close enough, alright?"

"Sorry," he says quietly. "Sergeant, please don't tell anyone. Please, I'm begging you!"

It wasn't just the nasty gashes that left me speechless, it's the fact that I almost feel like the symbol itself is...familiar.

>>540080
He's going to need stitches though. Call in a sick day Weathers... go see an illegal doctor I guess? They're the only ones who wouldn't ask questions. Tell Weathers you don't see the problem, the brass would probably take this as an assault that you had taken when asleep somehow. There's no evidence or telltale signs Weathers did it, the symbol is much too neatly cut to have been easily drawn on his own chest. The logical conclusion Weathers could tell and get legal medical attention for is simple. Somebody snuck into the barracks, drugged Weathers in his sleep, and performed artistic lacerations. Even if it was made with a Weather's own knife, as fucking improbable as it sounds, that improbable logical conclusion still qualifies under Occam's Razor thanks to how goddamn precise the symbol is. Weather's shouldn't even have anything in his psych profile to indicate this was self inflicted.

Draw the symbol on a piece of paper. Might as well send it to Mel to match it to the databases he's going to be searching. Just use your cellphone and send the picture in a message to him.

Hell, maybe Weathers won't have to tell the legal medics much, he seriously just woke up with this on and doesn't know how it happened. Weather's can probably personally ask them to keep this on the downlow since it's so embarrassing, and doctor patient confidentiality should take care of the rest.

For the time being you got to contain the bleeding, go search the first aid box for pads and crepe bandages. Put the pads on the wound then get Weathers to hold them in position so you can wrap his wounds up with the crepe bandage. Then, you can leave the station without Weathers looking like he just go slashed up

>>540080
Weathers, relax. We arent mad. Mighty confused and a bit offput, yes, but we arent angry and you know we arent gonna blab about whatever -this- is all about.
We do need to figure out what that symbol is about, though.

>>540079
It's the symbol tattooed on the right cheek of the glowing eyed woman you saw. (check the one when Aiden was touched) It has the circle shape, the dots on the end, and the center is at absolute least very similar to this one. Weathers probably saw it when he got lost/tranced at the factory. Draw the symbol for later, so you have something to show if you have to.

As for now, tell him you aren't mad, just worried. Stabilize him and get him to a medic. That will leave a scar and it will be noticed next time there is a physical (which should be pretty often). If they see it, they will question how he got it, why he didn't report it, who fixed it, and who else knew about it.(He won't rat us out, but the other things he can't just explain) If he goes now, they will probably put him on psych eval and watch him for a while. Tell him to keep away from the tv and the windows for the duration of it, so he can't get obviously charmed/fugue state again.

Where'd he get the knife from?
>[weathers] takes my advice and purchases the sidearm, but nothing else.

OK now not only do we have to find out more about that flash drive but now we have to figure out what this symbol means as well. As for what to do right now... Clean him up (and the bloody mess he made in the bathroom) and find something to wrap the wound with. Then go out on patrol like nothing happened and if you two can find a nice shady spot with no one around then try to figure out what happened since you left 2 days ago.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/12(Thu)11:26 No. 540383 ID: 9f5a86
File 137901036305.png - (165.94KB , 800x600 , 02-017.png )

"Keep it down, rookie. I'm not throwing you under the bus."

> It's the symbol tattooed on the right cheek of the glowing eyed woman you saw.

Yes! That's where I saw it last...but what exactly does it represent?

> Draw the symbol on a piece of paper. Might as well send it to Mel to match it to the databases he's going to be searching. Just use your cellphone and send the picture in a message to him.

It'd probably just be better to snap a photo. I take out my PDA.

"Weathers, let me see the cuts again."

"Wh-what?" he unveils the marking on his abdomen and I take a photo of it. "Hey! What are you going to do?"

"Relax, I'm just going to send this to a friend of mine for analysis. I think this symbol means something."

"Y-you aren't going to get me in trouble are you?"

"No, Weathers. If anything, I'll defend your ass if anyone wants to fry it."

> For the time being you got to contain the bleeding, go search the first aid box for pads and crepe bandages. Put the pads on the wound then get Weathers to hold them in position so you can wrap his wounds up with the crepe bandage. Then, you can leave the station without Weathers looking like he just go slashed up

"Now hold still. I'm going to patch you up," I say as I take out my first aid kit. I place a disinfectant padding across the wound and then wrap it with a bandage. "I'm no doctor, so we'll have to head over to the clinic so they can treat you further."

"But I can't do that! They'll send me to a mental ward!" Weathers says hysterically.

"No, they won't. I will make sure that doesn't happen."

"H-how?"

"Well, first of all, we could say that someone else did it. I don't know if they'll believe you did something this...neatly cut on your own."

"Okay...okay." I understand how Weathers feels right now, but I have to assure him that he'll be fine. Regardless, I feel uneasy about this whole thing. I am not sure what the truth is, but I don't like to think Weathers is being mentally tortured to the point of doing this sort of thing.

I finish applying the bandage and we head out to the clinic.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/12(Thu)11:26 No. 540384 ID: 9f5a86
File 137901038286.png - (205.08KB , 800x600 , 02-018.png )

At the clinic, I ask Weathers some questions.

> Where'd he get the knife from?

"You say you think you've done this to yourself? Where did you get the knife?"

"I um...I don't know...I might've just stolen it, but I don't remember doing it."

"You kidding me? Sleep-stealing?"

"Maybe."

"Weathers, it's gotta be someone else who did it. I don't think you're that insane."

"I can't really tell anymore," he mopes, slouching and playing with his thumbs.

> try to figure out what happened since you left 2 days ago.

"While I was gone, do you suspect anything strange happening that could've led up to this?"

"No. I mean, I spent most of my time with the media, but no I didn't suspect anything."

I'm coming up with blanks and not sure how to proceed with this detective work of mine. I've already sent Mel the picture and hopes he can find something soon...and about the names I gave him.

>>540384
He's been with the media, right? once you've got the chance, go through all the available pictures and footage for suspicious other folks, especially if that symbol is involved.

>extreme media attention
It's entirely possible he really has picked up a crazed stalker.

That flash drive has been bugging me. Did the last owner of your bunk forget it or was it planted there for us to find.

If it was just forgotten you might have a crazy cultist cop in the barracks, he might even be the one who cut up Weathers for finding out about the monsters location.

If the flash drive was planted for us to find someone wanted us to go to the shack and find that monster. Does that mean that we were the ADVOCATE and that thing was the IMPURITY?

during your free time see if you can't pull up some of the pictures and video off the net of weathers and see if you can't find anything strange about them. Weather it be Weathers acting odd, someone who keeps showing up that doesn't look like they belong there, just anything that seems off really.

For now just stick with weathers and since your dropping him off to get medical attention maybe we should come up with a story together because I don't think they'll like it if we just say "weathers went crazy but is ok now."

If/when you look through the pictures/video, check if you see the guy from when you were touched or if you see Weathers kinda fade out like he did in front of the TV before.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/14(Sat)13:12 No. 540592 ID: 9f5a86
File 137918955709.png - (216.12KB , 800x600 , 02-019.png )

A nurse drops by and calls for Weathers. I give him a nod and he leaves with her. With him probably going to be put on quarters for a bit, I figure I'd might as well carry out the patrol on my own.

> For now just stick with weathers and since your dropping him off to get medical attention maybe we should come up with a story together because I don't think they'll like it if we just say "weathers went crazy but is ok now."

I've told Weathers to simply tell the nurse that it wasn't his own doing. I doubt they'll be paranoid enough to believe he made such precise incisions himself. If I find out they give him shit then I'll vouch for him.

> He's been with the media, right? once you've got the chance, go through all the available pictures and footage for suspicious other folks, especially if that symbol is involved.
> during your free time see if you can't pull up some of the pictures and video off the net of weathers and see if you can't find anything strange about them.
> If/when you look through the pictures/video, check if you see the guy from when you were touched or if you see Weathers kinda fade out like he did in front of the TV before.

Once I'm back outside, I find a cozy little nook and go through the internet on my PDA. I search every news site that comes to mind and try to find any photos that have anything strange or suspicious.

Behold, I find just that. This is the only photo in which something weird is in it, and what I find weird about this one is the guy in the backdrop. He attire looks very familiar and I can't quite put my finger on where I saw that type of clothing last.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/14(Sat)13:12 No. 540593 ID: 9f5a86
File 137918957331.png - (284.76KB , 800x600 , 02-020.png )

My attention is taken away from the photo by some commotion going on in the street. Some soldiers are once again getting all up in a feranthro's business.

"Where do you think you're going? Look at this bitch. She looks suspicious as hell if you ask me," one of them says with derision.

"Yeah. What're those under her little skirt?" the other sneers. The canid soldier lifts up her skirt and laughs.

"Nice! Hey, you know some weird fuckbag will hide shit anywhere, right?"

The feranthro is speechless with fright. The soldier proceeds to feel up her breasts and the other rummages around and pulls out his PDA. This is going a bit too far. It makes me wonder what is causing the soldiers to behave this way. Is it pure douchery or is something else going on now? Either way, I don't think even the higher militia authority would approve of this. Any sort of sexual act between a feranthro and anthro is strictly forbidden.

...ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? REALLY, THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING? I'm almost tempted just to say shot the bastards and be done with it but I know that will only make everything worse. Still tempting though. If I had to make a guess, I'm guessing these 2 are near the bottom of the barrel for what the militia holds so they're probably not the best if things should turn to a fight but then again they'd probably not fight fair in the first place so be careful.

As for what to do, well first get there attention by asking what in gods name is going on here? They're probably going to give you some shit so just say "how do you think command would like to get a hold of the pictures you've been taking. Basically threaten them that you'll expose them to whoever is in charge and threaten you've already sent some photos ahead and called this in so if they don't want to feel what it's like to be in the frying pan they should bail now before command can figure out who they really are.

>>540593
This is unfortunately very common in the military. Call them off if you can, tell them that this is a violation and you could easily have them ejected from the military

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT
WHIP OUT YOUR CAMERA, RECORD THIS SHIT.
They'll deny it if you have no proof, and break this shit up.
The Militia is a fucking disgrace. Once this is done REPORT THIS TO YOUR CO.

You remember when local residents leapt off a building at you covered in bombs? No you don't. You will however, remember scenes much like that, if you don't exercise proper discipline as soldiers. This is exactly how it starts.

Before you intervene do you have any way of recording just a snippet of what's going in, you really need some kind of proof of all the shit that the military keep doing.
After a brief recording THEN you should interrupt.
Oh and DON'T let them see you record this and don't mention it to them either, chances are they'd just beat you to a pulp being the douche-bags they are. Just avoid physical altercations best you can.

>>540592
According to the time stamp, the video was made 3 weeks after the event. Is that the normal amount of time for commendations? I also do not think we the readers have seen this man. (unless he is the soldier that was in the transport when we first met weathers, kinda hard to tell because most of the defining physical properties are hidden in one or the other) I can, however, say that his utility belt and the way he wears his vest(keeping the collar intact) lead me to believe he is/was military or part of the police force. He also seems to be in a bad mood. Think back if you know anyone meeting his description that has been dismissed/discharged recently.

>>540593
I thought they were maybe just overenthusiastic with the box last time, but apparently disrespecting feranthros is common practice of the lower military. Maybe get a bit of proof, then march up to them asking what the hell they think they're doing, and their names/ranks.

>>540604
Don't just get a "bit of proof" record the whole scandal, including you dealing with it, in case anyone accuses you of being a perverted bystander.

Actually shit no, don't record it yet. Radio it in first, get confirmation to record, but main get some goddamn backup.

You may actually need to arrest some militia, god forbid. And they're better equipped than you. If the militia is acting odder than usual, than expect them to possibly going to go as far as kill an officer.

>>540613
Voting this.

Sadly not surprising that the militiamen would pull something like this. Anonymity combined with a position of power over the powerless leads to this kind of crap happening. It's even so much as to make them feel immune not only to the codified law and rules but also social taboos over doing anything sexual with a feranthro. Even to the point one of them looks like he's gonna take pictures with his PDA, the cur. So, yeah, you're gonna stop this shit one way or another.

Obviously you have to get a recording of this, but not just on your PDA. These assholes probably feel so immune to consequence they'll try to grab and smash it into the ground, possibly followed by your face just for challenging them.

Move over to where you can discreetly watch the militiamen on your PDA's camera and start recording video. Flip the voice recorder on as well as a backup. Then make a video call to Mel. As soon as he picks up tell him you need him as a witness to this and to start recording the call on his end, then flip the call input to the front camera.

Once you've done all that, then you can confront the militiamen with your PDA pointed right at them, but wait until one of them snaps pictures with his PDA of the act first. That'll be evidence tying them to this if you confiscate the PDA.

If they look like they're going to try anything against you, just tell them the recording is being stored remotely and that you've got a witnesses watching right now on video call. That ought to keep them at bay.

>>540592
His attire appears to be the same or similar to the outfit of the guy you saw here >>/questarch/535190, minus the mirrored shades and mask. Possibly the same guy, going by the lines around and between his eyes.

Pull out your phone and get the thing on tape. Confront them, and be sure they know you have them on tape and could end it to higher ups whenver you want.

If they give you shit, point out that you and Wethers are the ones that got that beast the others day so ya'll got connections.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/15(Sun)13:09 No. 540675 ID: 9f5a86
File 137927578925.png - (247.30KB , 800x600 , 02-021.png )

> According to the time stamp, the video was made 3 weeks after the event.

It was made yesterday. I've only been in the Upper City for a single day.

These guys look like a pair of real mean sons of bitches, so I radio in in case things get ugly.

"HQ, this is Sgt. Aiden. Misconduct met, may need backup, over."

"Sgt. Aiden, we read you. Please notify again when assistance is needed, over."

As nonchalant as possible, I switch over to the camera function and start to record the harrassment. I see the feline soldier snap a photo with his PDA. After a bit, I walk over to the event myself. The canid soldier notices me immediately.

"Hey, what the fuck?" he shouts. The feline soldier turns to me as well.

"What the hell is going on here?" I ask gruffly. "Why are you two harrassing this female?"

Surprisingly, the feline approaches me with politeness while the canid proceeds to bark nasty insults.

"Fucking worthless cop! Why didn't you fucking look around and make sure no one was watching us, Ward?"

"Officer, it's alright. We are conducting random inspections and sometimes this is needed," the feline explains calmly.

"Needed? Feeling up a feranthro is needed? Are you serious?"

"Yes, officer. There's been instances where people have hidden things under their fur."

"The way you're approaching this makes me question your intentions. I heard everything, you know. Don't bullshit me." I wave my PDA at his face and he gets the picture.

"Officer, please. We didn't mean any harm. Look, there's some shit going on around here. Command has been talking about secretive exchanges going on. It could be really big. We can't cut any corners."

"An exchange?" I ask. It looks like there actually may be something else happening.

"Fuck him, Ward! He's a fucking cop, he can't do shit!"

"Oh, I can do some shit," I glare at the canid. "I might not be in the militia, but you can be damn sure I can throw your asses on the frying pan."

"He's right, Black, shut your mouth. You really want us to lose our career?" The feline turns back to me. "But yes, officer, we've been briefed about exchanges many times, but there have been many different witnesses recently saying a feranthro is involved."

>>540675
Hm. Doesnt excuse their actions, but it occurs to me this might give us a bit of blackmail material to extort for insider info on the military.
My gut is telling me to just slam these twits for being the most reprehensible assholes, but my brain is saying we extort them into a feedback loop of ever-more-incriminating evidence until they are eventually so whipped by us we essentially got us a pair of disposable little grunt monkeys to do our dirty work.

Then again, we're the good guys here, and that path almost always leads to them trying to fuck us over in the end. Anyone else wanna add some input to this idea?

>>540675
"If these kind of searches have been authorized, I'm sure your superiors will have no problem with the report I've already filed and will clear everything up, right? Am I in the ballpark? Everything happening here was completely legal and state sanctioned?"

Something to that effect.

>>540683
I see what they're gettin at. But it don't excuse their actions none! Not th' way they went about it, no sir.

>>540675
Sorry, when I said event, I meant the encounter with the creature. You ran into the creature the same day as you had a meeting with the chief, and the message he sent to get you was dated Sep 9, which was more than 3 weeks ago.

>>540675
The exchanges sound like a big deal. Maybe you should look into it while you have no other assignments.

>>540685
I also agree with this.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/17(Tue)09:54 No. 540875 ID: 9f5a86
File 137943686746.png - (207.29KB , 800x600 , 02-022.png )

> Sorry, when I said event, I meant the encounter with the creature. You ran into the creature the same day as you had a meeting with the chief, and the message he sent to get you was dated Sep 9, which was more than 3 weeks ago.

Huh. The date on my PDA must be...very off then. I'll have to fix that later.

The soldiers' actions cannot be excused. Even if they are permitted to get into someone's private sections, their approach is very much a form of sexual assault.

"So if these sort of searches are authorized, then I suppose your superiors won't overreact to what I've filed to them, right? It'll all just be a misunderstanding?" The canid, Black, does not take kindly to my words and rears in like he's about to strike at me. The feline holds him off.

"Fucking dickhead cop! Lemme teach this barrel-assed, flea-ridden, lapdog a lesson!"

"Black! Calm your ass down!" the feline shouts, managing to pacify the canid only slightly. "Officer, you do what you wish. We have to go. C'mon, Black." Before I can say anything else, the two leave the scene, the feline roughly shoving the canid as if he were a stubborn child who wouldn't budge. I'll probably deal with this later on, but my attention is now focused on the feranthro, who looks utterly humiliated. Should I help her? I'm tempted to and to show her not everyone down here is a complete asshole. But she also looks like she simply doesn't want to interact with any member of the force at the moment.

I would go an' try to help. But you'll done have t' be gentle now, poor girl jus' went through a lot.

Maybe move in front of her, a safe distance away, and kneel down to eye level? Offer a hand and help with whatever it is she might need, be it an escort home or getting something she may have come out for.

Also, apologize on their behalf and tell her that you'll make absolute sure that they get punished for what they did. Even if that's a lie (you should totally rat them out, especially for the one trying to attack you), it might help.

If she wants no help, leave it at that and wish her a better day.

ask if she needs help getting home or something at least, she'll most likely shoot the offer down but hey at least attempt to show you're not a prick

Also let command know you don't need that backup anymore.

Blanket over her shoulders. Hot cup of joe. OK skip the coffee she probably will just burn herself. Maybe an apple? Keep a respectful distance. You probably should do that, but not get involved otherwise.

Keep your interaction hands-off and professional. She's not gonna want anybody, especially a male anthro cop, touching her without consent right now.

Crouch down to eye-level in front of her, tell her your name and say you're gonna stick around to make sure those militiamen don't come back before she's ready to leave, if she's okay with that. If she agrees ask if she could use a hand up and offer yours. Offer to escort her to wherever she was going or where she'll be safe, or to call someone to come here for her if she wants.

Whether or not she wants your help, pull out your PDA and flip the audio recorder. Then say you need to ask what her name and her owner's name, address and contact info are for the report you'll be filing against those two militiamen. Also ask if all of the militia around here have gotten that excessively aggressive recently.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/19(Thu)11:13 No. 541148 ID: 9f5a86
File 137961443324.png - (165.84KB , 800x600 , 02-023.png )

> I would go an' try to help. But you'll done have t' be gentle now, poor girl jus' went through a lot.
> Maybe move in front of her, a safe distance away, and kneel down to eye level? Offer a hand and help with whatever it is she might need, be it an escort home or getting something she may have come out for.
> ask if she needs help getting home or something at least
> Keep your interaction hands-off and professional. She's not gonna want anybody, especially a male anthro cop, touching her without consent right now.

I kneel down a safe distance from the feranthro and try to talk with the best comforting tone I can muster.

"Miss? Are you alright?" I ask. She looks up at me in surprise. After an awkward pause, I continue. "Look, I'm sorry about those creeps. If you want, I can escort you back to your home safely."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/19(Thu)11:14 No. 541149 ID: 9f5a86
File 137961444480.png - (203.82KB , 800x600 , 02-024.png )

The feranthro suddenly rummages in her skirt pocket and I remain alert. She pulls out a coin pouch and gently lays it on the ground in front of her.

She lifts herself up and sidesteps me, walking into the crowd ahead. I stare at her with my mouth slightly agape until she disappears. I look back at the pouch and pick it up. I'm going to assume she wanted to give me this in thanks. It's a decent amount of coin, so I can't really say no, can I?

So what now?

Call HQ back and let them know the situation's resolved for now. Remember to file an incident report when you finish your patrol. Can you research any military personnel by the names Ward and Black later on?

>>541149
I don't want you to get caught with that money. Report the money on the radio.

>>541149

The hell? Where did she get that much coin? I don't want to stereotype, but...

>>541149
I woul' go an' report all this t' the CO, as well as th' pouch. Iffn anyone finds out, it may not look so good on ya. Plus, I don' exactly suspect you drownin' in debt now. Oh, and don forget t' call off on tha' backup. Don't need it now.

...soooooooo what were we doing again before all this happened? or more like what were we going to do

Are you sure it's coin in the Suspicious Unopened Package?

Pocket the pouch and make sure to keep any coin in it separate from your own for the time being, in case you eventually need to return it. Only consider spending it if you run out of your own money.

>>541196
Checking into the secret exchanges the militiamen mentioned would be a logical next step. A lighter police investigative touch will likely get farther than the militia's heavy handiness. But first try to get what intel the militia has by checking back in with the police station by radio or PDA to find out if they got copies of it or if they have connections back to the militia's records they could use to get it to you.

>>541174
I guess from her owner to pay for errands. Odd she would give it up so readily, but it's too late to ask now. She did look surprised so maybe she saw in you what that feranthro that touched you before and caused you to have visions saw.

Or she just wanted to bribe you so you wouldn't follow her... That actually could be something. She may be involved with something and didn't want you to see where she was going. Try following in the direction she went and see if you can spot and tail her.

>>541384
Definitely double-check that there's only coin in that pouch before pocketing it.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/21(Sat)19:06 No. 541446 ID: 9f5a86
File 137981560404.png - (222.47KB , 800x600 , 02-025.png )

> ...soooooooo what were we doing again before all this happened? or more like what were we going to do

Well, I was basically just on patrol...

> Are you sure it's coin in the Suspicious Unopened Package?
> I don't want you to get caught with that money. Report the money on the radio.
> The hell? Where did she get that much coin? I don't want to stereotype, but...
> I woul' go an' report all this t' the CO, as well as th' pouch. Iffn anyone finds out, it may not look so good on ya.

Yes, I'm sure there is about...a hundred coin at least in here. I really don't want to go through the headache of turning it in and I HIGHLY doubt anyone would be missing this small pouch. No one is going to know either unless I wave it around in peoples' faces.

> Call HQ back and let them know the situation's resolved for now.

I call HQ back and tell them the situation is diffused.

"Roger, Sergeant. Backup has been withheld. Thanks for notifying, over."

> Can you research any military personnel by the names Ward and Black later on?

That would be almost impossible. The police force and militia have means of communication, but we are not to go anywhere near their records. The only thing I can turn in is the video at the moment.

I continue on my patrol route and it takes me to a warehouse yard. There's hardly anyone here and it's actually a bit unsettling. I come up to a couple warehouses, and all of a sudden there is a crash and sounds of debris. From the alleyway between the two warehouses comes a feranthro who is pushed out with great force.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/21(Sat)19:07 No. 541447 ID: 9f5a86
File 137981562236.png - (220.06KB , 800x600 , 02-026.png )

Someone comes out of the alley after him. It's Inspector Massey! She has a hint of fierce but quiet anger coming from her face. With a smooth stroke, she pulls out her blade and points the tip at the incapacitated feranthro, the blade glowing with intense heat. It might get ugly. Should I intervene?

>>541447
Hell fucking YES

....... wait is that a vibo-blade or heat-blade? Cos i see no power-pack/thingy in or on it???????

>Should I intervene?
Yeah.

Move in to back her up, and ask the Inspector what happened. I assume executing an unarmed and subdued civilian is against protocol? I dunno if you'll have to say something to dissuade her, but she might be less willing to take action just with a witness there.

Well she doesn't seem like the type to go around starting trouble for no reason so I have feeling she as a good reason for this. Just aim your rifle at the feranthro incase it try to run or attack Massey after you call out to her seeing as that might distract her. Just ask if she needs any help.

>>541454
This exactly. Be ready to shoot before you call out in case he tries something.

I don't think intervening is necessary, there's obviously a reason she's angry so let her follow through with it. sSe's obviously going to notice you so just wait and see what happens.

Intervene, but only enough so that you can find out from Inspector Massey what's going on before you possibly runs that feranthro through. You can make a decision from there.

Quickly bring your rifle up and aim down at the feranthro, but keep your finger off the trigger for the moment. Then calmly ask the Inspector what's happening here. Why is she pointing her blade at that unarmed feranthro on the ground?

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/23(Mon)10:32 No. 541748 ID: 9f5a86
File 137995756492.png - (160.28KB , 800x600 , 02-027.png )

> Move in to back her up, and ask the Inspector what happened.
> Just aim your rifle at the feranthro incase it try to run or attack Massey after you call out to her seeing as that might distract her. Just ask if she needs any help.
> This exactly. Be ready to shoot before you call out in case he tries something.
> Intervene, but only enough so that you can find out from Inspector Massey what's going on before you possibly runs that feranthro through. You can make a decision from there.

I take aim with my rifle but keep my finger off the trigger. I slowly approach and I can tell that the Inspector notices me.

"Sergeant Aiden. It really is strange how we keep crossing paths," she says. She turns her eyes toward my direction.

"Yeah, I guess. Um...what's going on? What'd this guy do?"

"Oh, I don't know too much just yet, other than the fact that he might be involved in some particularly heinous acts. Also, what I've seen here may help me find the answers I need."

"Answers? To what?"

"To the visions. The dreams." I had almost forgotten about Massey's problems with visions. But what exactly has she been seeing? "And please lower your firearm. I don't intend to have this feranthro put down, at least if he decides to behave."

I nod and lower my rifle. She continues, "I've got a lot of questions for this guy when we get back to HQ, but first I want to ask you something, Aiden. What sort of symbols have you been seeing?"

>>541748
Show her that drawing you made of weather's cut. Weather's cut would have been documented as an assault made by another person by now, and hardly can be a secret.

Nurses gossip, word gets around, some police may already know that Weather's has been attacked. If we reason that to him, he shouldn't feel betrayed, or reveal to him that Massy is trustworthy because she's going to similar shit that the two of you have been through.

you know that one symbol on the weird feranthro's cheek, the one that made the news a couple days ago. Seen that one earlier today.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/25(Wed)10:16 No. 542038 ID: 9f5a86
File 138012939866.png - (180.71KB , 800x600 , 02-028.png )

> Show her that drawing you made of weather's cut. Weather's cut would have been documented as an assault made by another person by now, and hardly can be a secret.
> you know that one symbol on the weird feranthro's cheek, the one that made the news a couple days ago. Seen that one earlier today.

I take out my PDA and search for the photo I took of the cuts on Weathers' body. I show it off to Inspector Massey.

"I've been seeing this one around a lot, and - "

"Yes! That's the one I've been seeing as well," she interrupts, her eyes growing with fascination. "Wait, is this is a photograph? Where the hell did you find this? Where's the body?"

"Relax," I try to pacify her. "It's not a corpse. It's..." I'm hesitant for a moment, hoping Inspector Massey wouldn't parade this around to the entire force or up the chain. "It's my partner, Officer Weathers. You might've seen him at the post office."

"What the hell happened?" she asks, still transfixed on the photograph.

"I don't really know. Someone could've snuck in and just did this to him. The lines seem very precise so I don't think he did it to himself. There's something else." Massey looks up at me. "Have you seen the news recently? About that feranthro that could be seen above the Lower City? The symbol is on her as well."

"I don't frequently watch the television, no. I usually don't have much time for that."

"Well I think I've seen her skulking around up here. It's pretty obvious she has some significance."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/25(Wed)10:16 No. 542039 ID: 9f5a86
File 138012941175.png - (230.10KB , 800x600 , 02-029.png )

"Right. I should probably keep an eye out then, and...goddamnit - "

The feranthro is quick on his toes and tries to make an escape, but Massey's reaction time is quick. Shoving the sword's blade into the dirt, Massey reaches into her skirt and pulls out a stun gun. She fires and hits the feranthro directly on the neck. His body freezes up instantly and he hits the floor hard.

"Cheeky little fucker. Anyway, I don't like sticking around here. After what I saw, there could be a lot more around, and I don't feel like leaving behind a mess today. I'm about to call in a convoy. You want to come with?"

If I head back to HQ with her, I could probably get some answers about the symbol right now, but I might also run the risk of getting an ass-chewing for leaving my route.

Escorting a prisoner with a fellow officer is a decent excuse for leaving your route, I think. (I still think you guys doing patrols solo is stupid). He's already tried to escape once, and it's hard for one person to watch a prisoner and their own back at the same time.

Plus, figuring out this symbol nonsense is important.

Hell yes you go with her, she's a bad-ass.
Oh and yeah it would probably be a good idea to actually have that conversation we initially avoided.

>>542039
Sure, ride with Massey
Just ask her to keep the thing about Weather's on the downlow, at least until we need to pull that card. Well, if we need to. There's no need to ruin a budding career over whatever sick thing is happening around us. Tell her about the link thing the ferantrho's were talking about near you the other day, and when asking a feranthro about it he just shut up and looked away. Couldn't look at us straight in the eye. Said there was some sort of weirdness about you so that's why you asked that guy.

Maybe ask our friend here about it.

she's your superior officer right? If so I say go with her just tell her if anyone chews your ass out for leaving your route just tell them you where helping a superior out and had to leave your route.

Yeah, head in on the convoy. With all the shit going on you probably shouldn't even be out here without a partner watching your back anyway.

Make sure to radio into dispatch right after Inspector Massey requests the convoy to inform them that you're assisting her and you're coming in on it as well. That ought to be enough of a reason that you won't get your ass chewed. And telling them right away means they can redirect another unit to cover your route.

On the trip back show her that news picture of Weathers with the guy in the background in the clothes you couldn't quite place. He could have something to do with Weathers getting that symbol cut into him. She may know who he is or seen those clothes before.

Once you get alone with Massey tell her about the vision you had when that feranthro touched you a few days ago, and the incident at the warehouse when Weathers vanished and lost his rifle.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/27(Fri)09:37 No. 542347 ID: 9f5a86
File 138029984156.png - (235.43KB , 800x600 , 02-030.png )

> Escorting a prisoner with a fellow officer is a decent excuse for leaving your route, I think.
> Hell yes you go with her, she's a bad-ass.
> Sure, ride with Massey
> she's your superior officer right? If so I say go with her just tell her if anyone chews your ass out for leaving your route just tell them you where helping a superior out and had to leave your route.
> Yeah, head in on the convoy.

Inspector Massey is indeed a superior officer. She could probably vouch for me if someone's ass gets chapped about my departure.

"Yeah, I'll ride along," I say. Massey nods and radios in for the convoy.

> Just ask her to keep the thing about Weather's on the downlow, at least until we need to pull that card.

"Could I just ask a favor? Could you keep the thing with Weathers and the marking on the downlow?" I ask her. Massey looks at me funny.

"Alright, Sergeant, but you'll have to realize this can't be hidden for much longer. Once I find out what's going on, connections will be made and something huge will probably be unraveled. I'll convince my authorities of this one way or another. We'll get some answers."

> Make sure to radio into dispatch right after Inspector Massey requests the convoy to inform them that you're assisting her and you're coming in on it as well.

Probably a good idea. I reach for my radio and tune in to HQ. I let them know about my accompanying Massey.

"Roger, Sergeant Schar. Please exercise caution."

After that, I suddenly realize something.

"Inspector, you said you've 'seen' things? I mean, what about this feranthro gave you an idea?" I question. Massey takes her blade and sheaths it. She makes a quiet, huff of a laugh.

"Huh. I almost forgot. Take a look in that alley I came from." She gestures with a jerk of her head. I walk over to the opening and peek in.

...

"They've got an alter going on here," I breath out.

"I don't know how long this has gone on, but they've gathered a bunch of shit, obviously," Massey states.

Is that... chicken blood?

You gonna tell her about the linking thing? Or that vision you had with the two feranthro's when you passed out after that feranthro touched you, that was a really clear vision.

bottom right, there's a face, can you tell who it might be or no? Also later today we should see what Mel has come up with since I think Massey is right, something big is going to go down soon... you may want to sleep with a gun or something under your pillow from now on.

Scan the newspaper articles for names you know.(your friends/coworkers names, and the names we've been looking into) Also, this was just in an alley in plain view of anyone passing by? Something seems off about it being so public.

Might be a good idea to record all of this to look over later.

Photograph the scene as a whole and the articles in particular so you can refer to them later.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/29(Sun)13:37 No. 542578 ID: 9f5a86
File 138048702267.png - (227.56KB , 800x600 , 02-031.png )

> Is that... chicken blood?

I inspect the scene more closely. The bucket's full of paint, thank goodness.

> bottom right, there's a face, can you tell who it might be or no?

It's a crude drawing of the same feranthro that's been tormenting me, Glowy-Eyes. There's other large photos stuck to the walls. Most I can't make out, but some resemble disturbing creatures and corpses.

> this was just in an alley in plain view of anyone passing by? Something seems off about it being so public.

This whole yard seems a little empty. I don't think there's been much work going on in this area for a good while.

> Scan the newspaper articles for names you know.

I don't see anything about anyone familiar, but most of these articles...they're on the many feranthro riots and violent outbreaks that have happened for the past couple years or so.

> Might be a good idea to record all of this to look over later.
> Photograph the scene as a whole and the articles in particular so you can refer to them later.

I start taking photos of the alley alter. Massey calls out from behind.

"The convoy's almost here. What are you doing?"

"Oh, just..." I put the PDA away. "Just taking photos. I want to look over this later."

"That isn't really necessary," Massey stops and thinks for a bit, "but it might be good. Who knows, you may find something I overlook, although that is very very unlikely."

I leave the alley and reunite with her. She has the feline feranthro bound up and I can see the convoy rolling in from the distance.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/09/29(Sun)13:37 No. 542579 ID: 9f5a86
File 138048703482.png - (217.53KB , 800x600 , 02-032.png )

We enter the convoy and take our seats.

> You gonna tell her about the linking thing? Or that vision you had with the two feranthro's when you passed out after that feranthro touched you, that was a really clear vision.

"I've been hearing some things going around," I start. I have Massey's attention almost immediately. The feranthro continues to look away with a bitter expression. "I've heard things about a 'Link.' Do you have any idea what that could mean?"

"A link?" Massey looks thoughtful for a moment. "Wouldn't know shit about that. Where did you hear it?"

"Well..." I proceed to explain my incident with the two feranthros: the one I escorted to the industrial zone and the feranthro worker that touched me and gave me the strange visions. "That's pretty much it. Damn crazy that it all happened in that single day."

Massey looks over at the feranthro. "Hear that, fleabag? I recommend you keep your mangy fur away from Sergeant Schar." She looks back at me. "Although that is pretty strange. You sure you weren't suffering from heat stroke?"

"No, I'm serious. I've been seeing that symbol a lot and things about a 'Link,' but I can't piece it together."

"I won't be much of a help in that matter. Don't worry, Schar, we'll get the information we need soon enough, isn't that right, longneck?" She nudges the feranthro. He continues to gaze in the opposite direction with a scowl.

I think if there's anything else I should ask Massey.

>>542579
Ask her what details were discovered from the building investigation two days ago. There's no doubt that this is linked to that. Ask if they discovered a key.(since you still have the box thing) Maybe also ask how she's been doing since we last saw her?

ask her how she found that ally way.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/01(Tue)22:12 No. 542787 ID: 4a7068
File 138069077382.png - (186.39KB , 800x600 , 02-033.png )

> Ask her what details were discovered from the building investigation two days ago. There's no doubt that this is linked to that. Ask if they discovered a key.(since you still have the box thing) Maybe also ask how she's been doing since we last saw her?

I ask her about the house in which I fought the revolting creature.

"I only got to stay there for a short while before I was called to another point. It was pretty nasty. We brought the body in to study it some more. It's definitely nothing like we've seen before and I'm not sure what we're going to get out of it," she explains.

"That has got to be linked to all this symbol...altar nonsense."

"How do you figure?" I proceed to explain to Inspector Massey about the flash drive and how it lead me to the house. "Do you have any idea who sent it?"

"At the moment, no. There was an "author" to one of the text files called 'Jai.' I've also seen a handful of other words that might be names." I give her the rest of these "names," Hyuro and Caelus.

She shakes her head and remains indifferent. "Haven't heard of any of them. They sound like pretty weird names. Could definitely belong to a feranthro."

"Oh, something else. Do you know if anyone found a key anywhere?"

"I can't say I have. Everyone was really focused on the more unpleasant things in the scene," she says.

> ask her how she found that ally way.

"So how did you come upon that altar in the first place?" I question. Inspector Massey makes a scoff and gives the feline next to her a dirty look.

"Simple, really. Found this guy. Saw he was being suspicious. Followed him. Yes, it's quite confusing how the altar wasn't noticed earlier. The scrapyards and warehouse yards around that area didn't seem to have much action going on anyway."

While Massey talks, I see that the feline is starting to look at me with the familiar bewilderment I've seen from other feranthros.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/01(Tue)22:13 No. 542788 ID: 4a7068
File 138069078522.png - (212.57KB , 800x600 , 02-034.png )

Finally, we get back to HQ. Walking around with Inspector Massey is comforting, as absolutely no one comes by and questions our activities. Usually one would need a good deal of clearance to get in certain areas, except for when being escorted, of course.

One area in particular that requires this is the main cellblock, nestled below the main headquarters building. First, Massey informs HQ of our fresh, new arrival. We then descend into the bowels of the cell network.

The metal veins of the cellblock sector are claustrophobic and the air is icy-cold. The prospect of this place could drive anyone into madness. I don't frequent these sorts of areas, thankfully.

The feranthro is put into an interrogation room, but Inspector Massey appears to hesitate in getting started.

"So, Sergeant Schar," she says, looking over at me. "I could carry this little thing out in a relatively short amount of time, but it seems there's a lot more that you know about this...or should I say, more questions you need answered than I will."

I proceed to gaze at her with puzzlement, almost understanding what she's getting at.

She continues, "I could also allow you to handle this and take a stab at getting something out of him. What do you say?"

Sure, first damn thing your gonna ask it is what's wrong with you. And in the "every feranthro is looking at me weird and it's not my own finely toned buttocks."

You know, now that I think about it, you getting the drive and being related to this whole link thing... someone has been fucking with you since before this all started, before you even noticed it. They made you into this "link" thing that's weirding out feranthros, someone knew about this and gave you a lead to some weird tangential fucking shit because of it.

Think you might be related to the project from that place, personally? Do remember anything notable while in the upper cities? Or maybe even a particular amount of time where you can't remember anything at all? If the person who put that flash drive in your cot without being noticed, that means they have connections... and might have purposely brought you here to the middle city. Only reason I'm asking now is that if you can remember anything at all (even the lacking of remembering) it might help in our questioning of the feranthro.

Ask Massey to look up if anyone specifically requested your transfer an that your transfer might not have been about needing more numbers if any of your hunches means anything. I mean, just hunches, but there's a lot of coincidences surrounding you right now that make you a little suspicious of them all just being coincidences. She's probably the only one that can figure that out, Mel could too but it'd probably take longer I'm guessing and we've given that kid a lot to do already.

Ask if he has ever personally met the glowing eyed woman and her servant Gartus or if he just admires them from afar. (might get him to open up about them) Ask him what the reckoning is. Ask about the advocate. (I'm going with the religious sounding questions because he was at an alter)

Try to not be too hard on the guy. Technically the only thing he's done wrong (that we know of) is trying to flee from a police officer.(unless certain religions are outlawed?)

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/04(Fri)09:25 No. 542997 ID: 2c2baf
File 138090394112.png - (189.65KB , 800x600 , 02-035.png )

> Ask Massey to look up if anyone specifically requested your transfer an that your transfer might not have been about needing more numbers if any of your hunches means anything.

I'll remember this for after the interrogation.

> Think you might be related to the project from that place, personally? Do remember anything notable while in the upper cities? Or maybe even a particular amount of time where you can't remember anything at all?

I can only come up with blanks about this whole thing. I don't know where I would connect at all. As far as I know, other than the fact that I grew up in an orphanage, my past really is not all that special nor do I remember anything that has haunted me to this day.

"Sure, I guess," I say to Massey. In all my years in the force, I haven't received the pleasure or training to do interrogations, but I can't imagine this will be very difficult. Massey gives me a pushing nod and I let myself in the interrogation chamber.

The room is somehow even more chilly than the corridors. The silence is unsettling, but also almost empowering in a sense. The feranthro doesn't give me his attention until I am standing in front of him.

We stare at each other for a moment.

"My name is Sergeant Aiden Schar. I will be asking you a few questions. If you cooperate with me, this will be an easy and smooth trip. Understand?"

The feranthro smiles, something that catches me off guard. The next thing he says also startles me.

"Aiden Schar. Is that your name now?" The feranthro is surprisingly fluent and eloquent in our language.

"What?"

"Oh, nevermind. What would you like to know, Aiden?" He is very snarky, but I ignore his attitude and carry on.

> Ask if he has ever personally met the glowing eyed woman and her servant Gartus or if he just admires them from afar. (might get him to open up about them) Ask him what the reckoning is. Ask about the advocate. (I'm going with the religious sounding questions because he was at an alter)

"I have some things to ask you concerning some very strange occurrences that have been going on."

"Oh, sure, go right ahead," the feline says, sitting back. "I'm sure you have."

The feranthro is becoming more and more suspicious and cryptic to me, as if he hasn't already made that impression.

This, coupled with his attitude, is driving me up the wall pretty quickly. I firmly put my hands on the table in front of him to show I mean business.

"I want to know if you've seen a certain feranthro walking around the Middle City, or anywhere for that matter. Glowing eyes? Female? Weird-looking dress?"

"Mm hmmm. I've seen her," he answers. I guess I could be getting somewhere.

"What about a larger male. Gartus, I think his name is?"

"Gartus, oh yes indeed. Loyal, strong-willed. Could break your bones with a single finger."

"Right. okay." I take a seat. "Indulge me on them. Have you even met them personally?"

"I have. They are influential figures. A true inspiration for the forthcoming. It's how they have survived for so long amongst the rubble and waste."

"What else can you tell me about them?"

"Not too much," he says with a smirk. He's obviously not telling me everything. "After all, I haven't been in their ranks for long."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/04(Fri)09:26 No. 542998 ID: 2c2baf
File 138090397599.png - (154.09KB , 800x600 , 02-036.png )

"How about this," I start, adjusting in my seat and leaning forward with my elbows on the table. "What can you tell me about the Advocate, about the Reckoning?"

"Oh my," the feline laughs. "You have been learning a lot, haven't you? Maybe not learning, but quite a lot of research."

"No, not really," I say sharply. "Just things that I came upon."

"Uh huh. Is that what you really think? Or is all this already getting your head?" I grit my teeth, tempted to sock this asshole in the mouth, but I keep my bearing.

"Let's get on with this. Tell me what the Advocate is?"

"Where did you find that name anyhow?"

"I'm asking the fucking questions! Answer me."

The feranthro gives out a blunt 'hmph,' and thinks for a moment.

"Sorry, Aiden. I can't really tell you. I don't know much about it myself, except that the reckoning is sure to come through its hands."

"That's it?"

"Yep! She would know more about it."

"She?"

"Yuseta, our wondrous source of joy."

"You're talking about the glowy-eyed female?"

"Sure, if that's how you want to refer to her."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/04(Fri)09:26 No. 542999 ID: 2c2baf
File 138090399359.png - (109.33KB , 800x600 , 02-037.png )

> ask it is what's wrong with you

I continue the questioning.

"I've noticed you and many other feranthros have been particularly interested in me."

The feranthro nods with a snide grin. "With the amount you've been around, I'm sure you have captured a good deal of interest."

I slam my hand on the table and shout, "Why?! What are you all so intrigued about? What is wrong with me?"

"They sense it. The Link. It's like an aura. A radiant beacon in the darkness."

"And the 'Link.' What the hell is it? I think it's about damn time I know."

"You want to know too much, Aiden. I say give it some more time. You look like you're about to explode." He chuckles. "It's funny seeing you this way. So ignorant. So confused. It's alright. After all the time you spent with these clueless heathens, I don't expect a lot from you at the moment. I know how you feel," he leans forward, "because I was raised in their embrace as well, near hopelessly brainwashed. I am forever thankful our dear Yuseta finds it in herself to grant enlightenment to such worthless beings like you...and me, once upon a time."

...heh hahahaha, really? You really expect me to buy that last line? Ok then I'll bite, who were you back then, as in a name?

As for the next question, this upcoming war, and lets not kid ourselves with funny names, but this war on the horizon. How many people do you think well perish form it? Now think of your friends, family, anyone you've ever cared for. How many of them do you think will be among the dead? Cause there is no such thing as a bloodless war after all, on either side and weather or not they'll be fighting has little to do with it cause war just loves to drag everyone it can into it. Just how many of them do you think will perish in this fight or where you counting on the hope that you'd die first so you wouldn't have to see them die?

Switching tactics here to see if we can't get him to spill something he didn't want to tell us.

>>542999
Okay.
Well ask about the symbolism.
Be polite, interrogation relies on being friendly instead of mean and torturous. Let him feel sympathetic. You have no personal real ill will towards him, so don't gain any and use that.

Ask how he's learned of you. Don't give any speculation of your own, he'll just agree to it. If he's going to lie, he has to come up with one on his own.

Ask him how his day was going. If it's been real shitty, how about yesterday?
How are his kids?
What's his goal in life, assuming he has the power to do so easily. If he's after the fall of the government, what than? Just live in peace? Well that takes work. I mean, life's been sweet to you but you got to work, do monotonous things consistently. You would not believe the police reports we have to file. Most tax dollars for the labor part of the defense budget goes into that alone, computers are expensive oh and the electricity costs?
Course maybe's he's an all natural sort of person. Does he hate computers? Does he like carpentry or something like that? What does he do in his off time?
What's his name?
So are Gartus and this Yuseta, are they like an item? Do you know what they like to eat? What's your religion's beliefs on mundane things. Like, things not related to the political issues that surround us today? Day-to-day life?
How would you describe Miss Massey?
The house that was discussed frequently on the news recently... does he know much about that?

Pull up your phone and show him the suspicious guy following Weathers.

Mix up the important questions with the mundane life questions. Not that they don't have their uses, since they help us learn a bit about him and his religion and their figure heads, but the confusion they'll cause will make him a little more receptive.

>>543009
I forgot, most importantly, don't give him a sense of power in any way. I don't just mean in a "Be mean and aggressive and demean his standing" kind of way. Don't respond to smug remarks that help with his sense of self-superiority. He thinks he's toying with you, using his knowledge as a way of leverage over you. Don't let that be the case.

Make him powerless, and he will bend. Take all his defenses and ignore them.

>>542999
Calm down man. Getting angry is letting him win. He has to answer your questions eventually. (if not to you, then to someone a bit more... heavy handed) It seems he can talk circles around you, so don't get caught up in his rhetoric. Ask about the recent bombing, the house, and about the secretive exchanges that have been going on. (the bag of coins at the house remind me of the bag we were given for saving the woman) Ask about his own name, and how much he knows about Weathers.(he'll probably say something like he is well on the way to becoming one of them) Even if you feel like you are getting nothing, you still are. Don't dishearten, and don't threaten him.(I feel like if you do, then this guy will be make a big thing of it)

So you're the Dalai Lama, great.

I didn't know these guys could talk!

>>543010
>>543038
Yeah, you're really letting him get under your skin. You'd better not.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/08(Tue)10:47 No. 543388 ID: 9f5a86
File 138125445173.png - (119.17KB , 800x600 , 02-038.png )

> Be polite, interrogation relies on being friendly instead of mean and torturous. Let him feel sympathetic. You have no personal real ill will towards him, so don't gain any and use that.
> Don't respond to smug remarks that help with his sense of self-superiority.
> Calm down man. Getting angry is letting him win.

Despite his arrogance in spilling the information he's concealing, I try to settle down. It would definitely be useful to keep him off the mindset of any degree of superiority.

I have a thousand questions swimming around in my head and I'm not sure where to start. This really may be the guy that can finally clear all the confusion in my mind. We could finally find answers to this madness. I decide to start asking more questions related to the feranthros.

"The attacks from the feranthros are heating up it looks like. It seems like a war is inevitable." The feline nods. "When it comes down to it, blood is going to spill, and it is totally possible for your people, your family, to be among the dead. I can say you're probably one of the rioters, so tell me, do you really think a war is worth it? Do you think the feranthros will be victorious?"

"If you ask me if we'll be victorious, then you must be ignorant or just simply choosing to ignore one of our greatest weapons." He is starting to open up about tactics. This could get interesting, as he has now confirmed he's a part of the hostile groups. "And my only family is the collective that dwell below...and my savior the Advocate. Our savior. I feel no regret in our actions, in the past, present, and the future. You can't try to make me sympathetic."

He may be right about that. I don't think he has a more personal life or relationship going on, except with his Advocate thing. It'll be pointless to try to make him sentimental. I continue to question him. "You implied that you knew who I was before we met. Where did you hear of me?"

"Oh, that's a great question. You see, you've been passed down as a key to progression. You're mentioned in the prophecies and by the Planeseer. You are the bearer of the power that will strengthen the Link."

"The Planeseer?" I ask.

"Our primary helper in the progression. The keeper of the prophecies." I'm getting a bit perplexed by all these weird things he's mentioning. I just sit back and try to make the atmosphere a little more comfortable.

"So, then..." I make a pause to gesture that he share his name, but he doesn't go through with it. "Tell me, how do you feel about the progression? Better yet, how are you feeling today?" I try to mix in some mundane questions to confuse the feline. He just smiles.

"Progression is steady. It is smooth. Nothing will stop our gradual climb toward enlightenment and divinity."

"What is your main goal here? What do you all hope to really accomplish?"

"The Advocate will grant us great power. Great power to strike down on anthro-kind and destroy the barriers between us. Unity will be restored, and your steel structures will become dross, symbolizing your failed civilization."

Regardless of all the crazy things this guy is telling me, it feels like I've heard of all this before. There are a couple new things here and there, but the objectives and the espionage...it's all too familiar. I'm not learning very much from this. I still don't know why I carry this power and what exactly it is. He mentions unity, and the word 'link' would signify that.

"Will you give me your name?" I ask. He just laughs.

"I've had a name once. It means nothing now. We are a collective. We are a unity. We are not privileged for individual names, but the higher ones are...for the sake of honor. Especially those of the Hyuro bloodline."

"So that's the name of a bloodline..." I say aloud.

"Don't worry, it won't mean much for you. I won't tell you everything. It's best you dive in unknowing."

I come up with another question to ask him. "What are your thoughts on the recent incident inside that house in the Middle city. The one with the abomination."

"Abomination?" the feline scoffs. "Well, I suppose that's appropriate. It's a message, more or less. It's a message for things to come."

"So you're all going around and turning people into monsters?"

"Yes, but not just as a message, but also as an experiment. We must perfect our craft before we can proceed."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/08(Tue)10:47 No. 543389 ID: 9f5a86
File 138125446396.png - (183.06KB , 800x600 , 02-039.png )

I pull out the PDA and show the feline the photo on the news clipping.

"Do you find this character familiar?" I say, pointing to the figure with the head bandana and wrinkled face. The feline's brow raises.

"Oh, heh heh... He wishes to show his face. He wants to show it to her..." He suddenly stops there, staring at the picture some more.

"Who is he?" The feline is hesitant for a moment, but then looks up at me with a toothy grin and a glint in his eye.

"The Planeseer. Jai. You want to watch yourself around him. He doesn't let anything stop him, and he carries out his orders with great fervor."

'Jai.' The name of the author of that file. Things are starting to come together...but very slowly. I keep what the feranthro says in mind.

"What do you plan to do?" The feranthro asks, while looking strangely interested.

"Well, when I see him, I'll take him in too." The feline laughs in response to this.

"Good luck with that."

With the things that the feranthro revealed, the way has been opened for more questions. What else should I interrogate about?

Ok...Sooo these guys I think are the ones behind transforming anthros to feranthroes. That's a relief off your mind. But more concerning perhaps is the fact that you've got this link thing, which to me I'm kinda increasingly getting the mental impression that your mind is getting tapped for information, and getting away from this whole debacle would deny these guys valuable intel. The problem is...You might not have a choice in the matter...Hard to say, really, what's going on here.

In my opinion they aren't thinking their actions through properly...
The experiment to refine their abilities was almost killing you... you as a main benefactor of their progression by strengthen their link, I would have assumed they would probably try to take you to their side, maybe try to protect you until your power work out, but surely not letting random experiments go on rampage near you...

((this stuff reset, gonna be shorter this time))

Don't try to arrest jai immediately, his prophecies seem to be already well laid out so his capture would most likely not affect their plans too much, he also seems to be causing them a bit of trouble. You'll have more success asking him to meet personally to talk. (or possibly following him unannounced)

Does he know what the drugs you have to take do? What are the voices you hear at night? What is the relationship between Caelus and Yuseta?

So just to connect what we've learned; the Planeseer Jai made the files on the jumpdrive and gave it to us (most likely specifically to us) so that we would reveal what Yuseta was doing. He later showed up in plain view at an event related to the creature (the promotion) so that "she" (most likely Yuseta) would know that he's the one that did it.(he may have also been the one that removed the creatures bindings in the first place so that it would be killed instead of captured) There seems to be a bit of a power struggle in their organization.

What convinced you this wasn't insane rhetoric? Hope in something better? Were you raised to believe this? Were you ever skeptical of these prophesies?

We can understand wanting unity and stuff like that.

Now these barriers... is Jai attempting to create a hybrid?

so this Jai is turning people or is he merely a helping hand. And these creatures, how do you pick people for this... change or do you just grab people at random.

You know, it may be to our benefit to get angry again. Let him think he's toying us, let him think we're pissed off. What you said about "smug superiority" got me thinking--if he underestimates us, he may reveal more than he means to reveal. If civil interrogation stops yielding fruit, let him think he's getting under your skin and pissing you off, support the belief he already has that he's better than you. See if you can get him to taunt you.

Ask what he thinks about the injections.

Oh and one more, very important thing

Ask if Yuseta and whoever the fuck else needs Aiden (yourself) alive. If you died, what would happen?

I understand this is morbid and dangerous to ask with Massey right outside the window listening in, likely with other superiors. But you're already fucked if she or your superiors betrays you. So, might as go all in with it.

Skeptics won't kill you, it'll only be the people in power who believe in and want the prophesy stopped at all costs. Or they might keep you alive, to learn more.

My point is that we need leverage over these insane people, if he's not feeding you self-empowering bullshit, threatening your own life will easily manipulate any cultists and could help save your friends and family if it comes to it.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/09(Wed)14:13 No. 543536 ID: 9f5a86
File 138135321528.png - (121.12KB , 800x600 , 02-040.png )

> The experiment to refine their abilities was almost killing you... you as a main benefactor of their progression by strengthen their link, I would have assumed they would probably try to take you to their side, maybe try to protect you until your power work out, but surely not letting random experiments go on rampage near you...
> Ask if Yuseta and whoever the fuck else needs Aiden (yourself) alive. If you died, what would happen?

"Going back to the creature and the incident and all..." I begin, "What would've happened if I died? That would've ruined your whole ritual, wouldn't it? It probably wasn't wise to let something like that loose around me."

"I don't think it was meant to turn out like that," the feline says, looking puzzled. "The thing was locked up, wasn't it? You weren't meant to find it."

"I wasn't, huh? Well, why did I get a tidbit of information with the thing's location as well as the code for the lock?" The feranthro shrugs. I feel like I'm getting an upper hand. "And get this, one of the files was labeled in his name." The feline's brow creases with frustration. He sits back and scowls.

"I wouldn't worry much. Jai works in mysterious ways. It is the way of the Planeseer."

"Anyway, you haven't answered my question. What happens if I were to die?"

The feranthro smiles again. "It would be a minor inconvenience. Another will emerge from the womb with the proper aura."

"And you're so sure of this?"

"It has happened. They've shown me." I sigh and move on.

"Back to the creature. Do you guys just pick people at random to be your guinea pigs?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. I haven't been very involved with the experiments."

> Does he know what the drugs you have to take do?
> Ask what he thinks about the injections.

"So you know of Astoga?"

"Sure. Remember, I used to be part of your posh civilization."

"What do you think about it?"

"Pure placebo trash."

"Placebo? I don't think so. There have been people that have turned."

"Are you sure about that?" the feranthro says while leaning in. "I've heard stories, but I've never actually seen anything. You never suspected a government scare?"

I don't want to delve into this more, not with Massey listening. I don't know if she's staying off the drug like me, but I don't want to risk talking about it. "The drugs keep our minds from degrading."

"Oh, yeah? Because THIS," he sweeps his arms in an outward motion, gesturing toward his feral legs, "isn't the cause of staving off your stupid drug."

I bite my tongue and put away the topic for a bit.

> What convinced you this wasn't insane rhetoric? Hope in something better? Were you raised to believe this? Were you ever skeptical of these prophesies?

"Were you raised to believe in the propechies? Were you ever skeptical of them?"

"Skeptical?" the feline shakes his head with a quiet scoff. "I don't like to think of past days. This is my new life. The prophecies, the warm unity of my cousins...it's all I have to live for now, and I couldn't ask for any more."

"I would like to know about your past."

The feranthro gives me a funny look. "Really? Haven't you figured it out already? I was in your shoes, keeping the peace. Everything you do, everything all of you do, is simply worthless. I was lucky to realize my true purpose." I got a hint before, but I feel my heart jump at this realization. If he was an anthro once, then what changed him?

"Alright, nevermind then. How about the barriers you've mentioned? What did you mean by that? Is Jai trying to make hybrids or something? Fill me in."

"No, you clod," he leans forward, "the barriers are what separates anthros from us. I'm not talking about the fucking concrete walls here. If we have to destroy all of you, then so be it." I can tell he's getting frustrated. It must have been from the mentioning of his past.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/09(Wed)14:13 No. 543537 ID: 9f5a86
File 138135322745.png - (107.58KB , 800x600 , 02-041.png )

My PDA vibrates. I open my newly received message. It's the Chief, and I am one of the lucky winners to head out and pacify a fresh riot. Impeccable timing. I want to stay and keep talking to this guy, but I can't exactly shirk my duties.

>>543537
Aw man, riot duty sucks!
But you're right, the timing IS veeery coincidential...
It's a classic maneuver! Distract the opposing force with a more pressing matter, then slip in and rescue the captive agent!
Then again, maybe you might want to be at the riot. Cause' if you're goin' chances are the Militia will be there too.
The millitia.
Quelling a riot.
It's not gonna be pleasent.

>>543541
Have massey keep an eye on him, and if possible distract anyone who tries to free him. Not likely to work, but any delay in their plans is a good delay.

>>543537
Duty calls. Tell him that something more important has come up, and that you hope to speak with him again. Until then, he is in the hands of inspector Massey. On your way out, give her a bit of warning about the riot. It may be a distraction, so she should keep on guard. Also tell her to hold up on putting an arrest out for Jai til we get back.

Don't forget to ask her to look up who set up your transfer.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/10(Thu)16:31 No. 543678 ID: 9f5a86
File 138144786002.png - (181.15KB , 800x600 , 02-042.png )

> Duty calls. Tell him that something more important has come up, and that you hope to speak with him again. Until then, he is in the hands of inspector Massey.

"I've got someplace to be. I hope to speak with you again soon. There's still quite a bit I must know."

"Oh, indeed, there is much concealed from you, but all in due time, Aiden."

"Meanwhile, I'll leave you in the hands of Inspector Massey. I recommend you not try anything."

"Very well then. If the BITCH," he says this word loudly, facing the glass, "wants to know some things, though, I might not be very willing to share my knowledge."

With that, I get up and leave the chamber. Inspector Massey appears brooding and doesn't face me to talk.

> Have massey keep an eye on him, and if possible distract anyone who tries to free him. Not likely to work, but any delay in their plans is a good delay.
> On your way out, give her a bit of warning about the riot. It may be a distraction, so she should keep on guard. Also tell her to hold up on putting an arrest out for Jai til we get back.

"The Chief gave me the word to quell a riot. It may be a distraction. You'll keep a lookout?"

"As long as I'm down here, no one will get to him. Trust me," she says.

"And this Jai person, let's put off the arrest warrant until we get back. I still have to poke him for some answers." Massey just grunts.

> Don't forget to ask her to look up who set up your transfer.

"I'm very curious about the whole process functional went through to get me down here. It doesn't seem like a coincidence. Would you be able to find who set me up for deployment?"

"It's usually the high authority that gives the go-ahead. Digging around for the exact person that chose you will be tedious." I nod slowly and start to walk away, but Massey adds, "But I'll try."

"Thanks."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/10(Thu)16:31 No. 543679 ID: 9f5a86
File 138144787138.png - (296.96KB , 800x600 , 02-043.png )

I head out to the area where the riot is taking place. The amount of feranthros is suprisingly small, and I would have thought at least the militia would have subdued them already. There's a lot of yelling and gnashing of teeth, mostly from the feranthros, who are wielding different tools as weapons. How should I approach?

It looks like the militia are still trying not to shoot them. Rioters always look meaner than they are, so treat them with the benefit of the doubt for now. Maybe convene with the anthros then try to open a dialog with the feranthros?

>>543679
Are you the superior here? Can you give orders?

Maybe want to get a loudspeaker.

>>543686
If so, adress the crowd calmly. Ask what the fuck's the problem.
We don't need them riled up any more or it'll get ugly fast, be cautious.

>>543679
Find the guy in charge of this operation, ASAP!
THe Feranthros might go nuts when they see you, so let shold off on being seen until we've got confirmation that we have confirmed backup of some sort from the militia.

Are you in body armor?
GET ARMORED.

>>543679
Are you the highest ranked member of the police force here? If no, report to the person above you and ask for a brief overview of the situation. If yes, make a bit of an entrance (to draw the feranthros', and soldiers' attention) and ask an officer what seems to be the situation here.

The militia are showing restraint and seem to be working with the officers there, so hopefully they will follow your lead when you try for a peaceful resolution.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/12(Sat)14:49 No. 544005 ID: 9f5a86
File 138161458011.png - (261.44KB , 800x600 , 02-044.png )

> Are you in body armor?

Our armor is built into our uniforms.

> Are you the superior here? Can you give orders?
> Find the guy in charge of this operation, ASAP!
> Are you the highest ranked member of the police force here?

I approach the scene and see two policemen. One is a low-ranking officer and the other is a Sergeant, like me.

The sergeant notices me. "Hey there. About time! Officer, keep your weapon aimed."

The fox next to him nods without keeping his eyes off the feranthros. "Got it, Sir!"

"How's the situation being handled?" I ask.

"The rioters are pretty irate. We're pincering them and they still refuse to put their weapons down. I think they're chattering about poor treatment in the - "

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/12(Sat)14:49 No. 544006 ID: 9f5a86
File 138161459066.png - (203.06KB , 800x600 , 02-045.png )

"Sergeant!" The officer looks over at me. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the feranthros are calming down!" I just notice that the clamor is settling. I look over to see that the feranthros have lowered their weapons. They're all looking at me as if in a trance. I'm going to have to start getting used to this. "Do they know you?" the fox asks in wonderment.

>Do they know you?
I dunno, maybe.

Then see if you can talk the feranthros down. Take advantage of the weird stuff when it works in your favor.

"I have a theory it has something to do with that thing that happened in that house me and Weathers got into. I don't know much more than that. But they probably know me from that, if my picture was shown on the news at all, or if word got around about it on the streets. Lets just take care of the situation."

>>544029
This, and try to see if you can talk them down. Calmly and ina civil manner.

Dispersing the feranthros is important, we can avoid provoking the whole crowd by giving them some room. Try to convince them that nobody will get arrested if they put down their weapons. For good measure tell the militia to back up and give the feranthros room to exit. If they give you any shit tell them the city's not under martial law.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/13(Sun)13:50 No. 544156 ID: 9f5a86
File 138169744848.png - (314.53KB , 800x600 , 02-046.png )

"I don't really know. They might know me from that incident at the house. Word spread about that pretty quickly. Let's just take care of this situation," I explain.

> Then see if you can talk the feranthros down. Take advantage of the weird stuff when it works in your favor.
> This, and try to see if you can talk them down. Calmly and ina civil manner.
> Dispersing the feranthros is important, we can avoid provoking the whole crowd by giving them some room.

"If you'll all lend me your ears for a moment," I feel stupid saying this considering they're all giving me their undivided attention, "please lower your weapons and calmly disperse. No one will be arrested if you follow these orders."

Suddenly, the canid feranthro in front takes a step towards me. His pipe slides out of his grasp and he reaches out toward me.

"Sir, please stay back," I command. He isn't stopping.

One of the militia barks at him, "HEY! Did you hear him or not! Stay! The fuck! Ba - AGH!"

Whatever the soldier is feeling, it's spreading rapidly across the crowd. Everyone is grasping their heads and moaning in pain in disturbing unison. I can feel it too, like a claw scraping against my skull. The feranthro is not even TOUCHING me but I can feel these horrible pains. My knees are growing weak and my body is trembling while my vision swims. The feranthro isn't stopping his very slow approach, and the closer he gets, the more the pain intensifies. This is going to shit quickly.

"Piece of shit!" I hear the soldier snap between bursts of loud grunts. I manage to see that he's starting to aim his weapon at the feranthro, his grip fumbling as he stumbles around dizzily.

>>544156
"Soldier don't shoot! He's unarmed! Don't give fuel. Sandbag or taze."

Use hands to gesture something across. Bear the pain, get in the way if you have to.
If he shoots an unarmed feranthro, even if he is intentionally harming all of you through this link thing, this is going to get fubar really quickly.

Stumble forward and punch the advancing feranthros lights out, it might stop whatever is happening.

Tell the Militiaman to stay his weapon, if he shoots the feranthro it'll all go to shit.
See if you can't bear the pain and tackle the feranthro, you can do it!

dude tell the solder to lower his weapon. To hell with saving the feranthro, if he's shaking as much as you say he is as soon as he pulls the trigger he's just as likely to shoot you as much as the feranthro and whoever else is around.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/14(Mon)11:58 No. 544237 ID: 9f5a86
File 138177708696.png - (223.01KB , 800x600 , 02-047.png )

> "Soldier don't shoot! He's unarmed! Don't give fuel. Sandbag or taze."
> Use hands to gesture something across. Bear the pain, get in the way if you have to.
> Tell the Militiaman to stay his weapon, if he shoots the feranthro it'll all go to shit.
> dude tell the solder to lower his weapon.

I start to wave my arms frantically at the soldier. I shout at the top of my lungs, "Don't shoot! He's unarmed! Lower your weapon!"

Surprisingly, it works. The soldier just continues to stumble and then eventually drop his firearm, kneeling down. I had to do something fast.

> Stumble forward and punch the advancing feranthros lights out, it might stop whatever is happening.

Grinding my teeth, I start to focus all of my remaining energy. I take a large step toward the anthro, feeling the strength of the Link searing at my skull as if I was stepping closer to an oven. I swing my fist with brutal force coupled with the momentum. The feranthro takes the blow to the face and already I can feel the pain waning. My vision begins to restore itself, the dizziness fading away. The feranthro drops like a sack of rocks.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/14(Mon)11:58 No. 544238 ID: 9f5a86
File 138177709859.png - (209.42KB , 800x600 , 02-048.png )

Everyone around me recovers from the pain too. Some are able to get back on their feet quickly while others are still sprawled on the ground or kneeling, moaning in agony. I look back at the crowd before me to see that the rioting feranthros are still placated, actually looking afraid and not as focused on me as before.

"Sergeant," the fox calls out to me, still knelt, "you're bleeding. You have a nosebleed." I feel around the end of my snout. Yep, I'm definitely bleeding. I don't see anyone else visibly having fluids expelled from their body, but it would make sense if I was the "most affected" out of everyone here. What do I do about this situation now?

uh, arrest the one feranthro for sure and probably should get the other 3 a well even if for nothing more then holding them for one night. I mean if they really haven't done anything other then just hold a weapon menacingly then I don't think they have to much to worry about but if they were doing shit before you got here then they lost there get out of jail free card when they're friend pulled that mind melt trick on you.

Speaking of which you should probably get yourself checked out just to make sure there's nothing wrong with your head. That would also be a good time to check in on weathers and see how he's doing.

Nice left you got there sergeant!

Tell the feranthros to pick up their unconscious friend and have the other officers arrest them all.

Then get to the clinic before you drop dead from a brain aneurysm.

"I'd prefer a nosebleed to an exploded head. Are you all alright? Lets just follow procedure, I don't even know if what that feranthro did was considered illegal... yet at least. Didn't even look like he knew half of what he was doing. Anyone got the precedent on that shit?"

>>544238
The guy you punched seems to have been their leader. They should disperse now that he's down.

>"Sergeant," the fox calls out to me, still knelt, "you're bleeding. You have a nosebleed."
"You should see the other guy. Matter of fact..."

>>544238
Shoot off a message to that tech-guy friend of yours, the one who managed teleportation of stuff!
He should be able to get an immediate playback of any radio or other EMR disturbances from the police equipment on-site.
You need to know what it was they did, and the answer had better not be 'magic'!

>>544238
Might want to get to a medbay sometime in the near future, that nosebleed could be an indicator of some messed up junk. For now though, continue to get the riot quelled, maybe make a report about what just happened.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/16(Wed)11:03 No. 544411 ID: 9f5a86
File 138194659204.png - (243.16KB , 800x600 , 02-049.png )

> Tell the feranthros to pick up their unconscious friend and have the other officers arrest them all.
> uh, arrest the one feranthro for sure and probably should get the other 3 a well even if for nothing more then holding them for one night.

I walk over to the two policemen, wiping my snout.

"We should report this and take them in," I say, reaching for my radio.

"Whoa whoa! Don't worry about that," the sergeant says, arm extended. "You should probably head over to the clinic and make sure that bleeding doesn't mean anything serious."

"What about - "

"Don't worry about it," he looks over at the fox. "The rookie here needs training in this sort of situation anyway. We'll call in a convoy and have these guys transported. You just head over and get checked up."

I nod in thanks and we separate. As I cross by the crowd, I notice there are some anthros that are still incapacitated. I hope that this isn't more serious than it looks. With the fact that this has affected everyone in the vicinity, I won't be surprised if there's a good deal of investigation work initiated on this matter.

> Shoot off a message to that tech-guy friend of yours, the one who managed teleportation of stuff! He should be able to get an immediate playback of any radio or other EMR disturbances from the police equipment on-site.

By now it's already too late for that. This whole thing seems to have affected our minds mostly. It would have to happen again while Mel is listening for him to even pick anything up. Either way, I think the incident relates greatly to the "link" power that's in me. If the feline is right about what he's saying, then for some reason the feranthros have a greater ability to maybe...connect to this power? It still wouldn't explain the head trauma shit, but it was definitely stronger than the last time it happened.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/16(Wed)11:03 No. 544412 ID: 9f5a86
File 138194660495.png - (218.35KB , 800x600 , 02-050.png )

I make it to the clinic, luckily without passing out on the journey. My nose hasn't really stopped bleeding, but it's not profuse.

I request a head scan.

"Oh my, did you experience some head trauma? Do you have an escort?"

"No. Well, I don't know. It's just a precautionary step."

"Do you feel dizziness? Do you find it hard to remember things?"

"No, not right now anyways. My nose is bleeding though."

The nurse is pestering me with questions, but I suppose it's not often they have to pull this thing out.

I get my scan over with. Afterwards, the nurse asks me, "Will you be okay with staying here? Results will take at the most about an hour to come out and then be diagnosed."

depends, if your nose has stopped bleeding maybe we should head over to see if Weathers is alright. If you're still bleeding then just give him a call. Last time we left him he had that nasty cut on his chest and was kinda freaking out and with all this crazy bullshit going on I'm kinda guessing that cut was to mark him for something and I'm kinda worried about the kid.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/18(Fri)17:05 No. 544627 ID: 9f5a86
File 138214110675.png - (182.45KB , 800x600 , 02-051.png )

My nose appears to have stopped bleeding. I could go back and see if Weathers is doing alright during the wait.

"I'll be back shortly."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'll be alright," I tell the nurse. With that, I take my leave. The barracks are not very far from the clinic, luckily, so this shouldn't take me too long.

I look around everywhere in the dorms, but I cannot find him. I either have terrible timing or he just does not like being in the dorms for some reason. The kid likes video games for fuck's sake. Why isn't he cooped up in here enjoying his time off? I try the day room next, but he's not in there either. The television is on, though, and something on it catches my eye.

It's about the riot incident.

"Investigators confirm the riots were an uprising, instigated from maltreatment. This is currently being investigated, but something far stranger had gone on in the scene. Many have witnessed and even felt a heavy disturbance in the area once backup forces arrived to calm the riots. This disturbance has affected crowds of people that have been observing the site, as well as troops and officers. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported, although one anthro has fallen into a coma and many others are suffering amnesia and other temporary mental ailments."

Holy shit. I didn't realize it was that bad. It's obviously my fault that this happened in the first place, but how am I supposed to explain something like this? I'm just glad that no one died from it. I have to remember to be extra careful around feranthros from this point on.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/18(Fri)17:05 No. 544628 ID: 9f5a86
File 138214111835.png - (146.31KB , 800x600 , 02-052.png )

I decide to give Weathers a call, but unfortunately, he does not pick up. It would probably be in his best interest to keep his phone on so that he can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Should I spend more time looking around the building for him, or should I do something else with the remaining thirty minutes I have left?

You should probably go and check on any report he has made, and possibly file a report of a missing officer if he has disappeared. This sure isn't a good sign.

>>544628
Seriously get some help in finding him, we're really worried about the guy.

I swear to god you have to slip a tracking device in that kids pocket.

First go check the toilets and see if he is hiding there again.
If he isn't there ask the receptionist or duty officer or whatever you have there if he has seen Weathers coming or going.

No offense to Weathers, but don't we have a certain smug Feranthro to question? I feel like we should check on that guy, and fast.

>>544628
Place a call to Massey while you look for weathers. If either of them are not fine, report it asap.

really want to see if that kid is ok especially after all the crap that's happened today. If all else fails we could ask the clinic where they last saw him and work from there.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/20(Sun)15:06 No. 544798 ID: 9f5a86
File 138230678330.png - (203.41KB , 800x600 , 02-053.png )

> Seriously get some help in finding him, we're really worried about the guy.
> First go check the toilets and see if he is hiding there again.
> If he isn't there ask the receptionist or duty officer or whatever you have there if he has seen Weathers coming or going.

I check out the rest of the dorm area, including the latrine, and I can conclude that he is not anywhere in this section. With a sigh, I head back to the main floor and go to the secretary for help.

"Excuse me," I say to her. She slowly looks up at me with a blank expression. "Would you have happened to see a brown male cat walk by at all? Blond hair? His name is Weathers." She continues to stare at me with an irritating, unimpressed look, as if she was off in another world.

"I can't say I have. Then again there's been a lot of traffic between this area recently with the riot." Her voice is annoyingly monotone.

I sigh and reply, "Could you keep an eye out for him, please?"

She just nods and goes back to her computer work. Feeling awkward, I step back from the desk.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/20(Sun)15:06 No. 544799 ID: 9f5a86
File 138230679461.png - (256.27KB , 800x600 , 02-054.png )

> Place a call to Massey while you look for weathers. If either of them are not fine, report it asap.

I decide to give Massey a call. Hopefully nothing has happened to her, not to say anything has with Weathers, but it's good to check. To my relief, she answers, "What do you want, Sergeant?"

"Oh, um, I wanted to just check up on you."

"I see the riot's been placated."

"Yeah," I start to brainstorm. "Oh. Did you happen to feel anything recently? I mean...mentally?" I am having a hard time wording this.

"I did. Luckily it happened after I was done with the fuzzball."

"Right, about that..."

"I did some questioning of my own. I found something out that you might want to hear." I tense up and listen. "You remember down here in the Middle when people were going nuts about some missing officers?" I think back and can barely remember it, somehow. It seemed so long ago when that came up. "Our little friend is one of them. He went by the name Nathan Varnum. That was one of the officers that went missing, in case you don't remember."

I'm speechless. I literally can't say anything, but how did she figure this out?

"I'll let you reflect on that a bit and head back to work...unless there's anything else you want to share with me," she says.

Hrm. Sooo that guy was in fact, one of ours?
Ok. Time to spill the 'true nature' of our problems-that you've not been sleeping and started not taking that anti-ferantho drug as a result.
Now...Here's the thing though. The not sleeping came FIRST and THEN you tried going off the drug a bit. So that's a worrisome problem-if this 'Link' is behind your inability to sleep, it's probably not being affected by the drug, or the drug can't fully stop the effects of the Link.
Even MORE distressing is that the feranthro from earlier doing the thing that hit ALL the anthros-unless they all conveinently stopped taking the drug? I think that means the drug doesn't work-maybe it worked at one point, but the Feranthros found a new way to use the Link that renders it useless.

>>544799
"So do we feel sorry for him, or do we call him a traitor?"

tell her you can't find weathers and head on down to the clinic you dumped him off at to see if he's still there or at least see if someone saw where he want after he checked out.

>>544800

DO NOT tell Massey about you stopping your medication on a phone line! Tell her you want to share some more notes on the situation in person.

DO tell Massey that your partner may be missing.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/22(Tue)09:55 No. 544947 ID: 9f5a86
File 138246093170.png - (187.53KB , 800x600 , 02-055.png )

> "So do we feel sorry for him, or do we call him a traitor?"

"Are we gonna call the guy a traitor then? The feranthro we brought in?"

"What do you think, Sergeant Schar. He was one of us. He became one of them. I think this is pretty straight-forward."

"Well..."

"Well, what, Sergeant?" she catches me off guard with her snappiness. I take a dry gulp.

"I mean...do you really think he might've just...shirked his duties, thrown his badges in the trash, and just outright joined them?"

"You're thinking too hard about this, Schar." She might be right, but if he really was one of us and went missing before, Weathers might be in trouble.

"It's just that, my partner, Weathers. I can't find him. He's supposed to be on quarters and he won't answer his phone."

Neither of us say anything for an awkward moment.

"I'll keep a look out, then. If he doesn't respond to you in the next 12 hours, call me and we'll scout him out." I feel relieved knowing Massey will help me on this matter. I don't want anything to happen to the rookie.

"Oh, there is something else I wanted to talk about," I say this while heading to a snug little corner where no one walks to. "When I went over to where the riots were happening and that whole debacle played out...it affected everyone around me, right?"

"Right," she says in a drawl, urging me to continue.

"Why do you think that is? And how could it have affected you all the way where you are?" She doesn't say anything for a good ten seconds. "I mean...do you think..." I stop myself before I mouth off about the drugs. I have to talk about this with her later in private.

"What?"

"Nevermind. I'll talk with you about it a little later. Right now I'm going to head to the clinic and see if they've seen him."

"...very well. I'll be keeping Varnum nice and safe within our walls. He'll face judgment sooner or later." With that, she hangs up.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/22(Tue)09:55 No. 544948 ID: 9f5a86
File 138246094675.png - (143.99KB , 800x600 , 02-056.png )

I head over to the clinic and to where Weathers checked in to get checked up.

"Excuse me. Do you remember taking in an officer recently? Stan Weathers? He had a particular series of cuts on his torso."

The doctor blinks a few times and then sits back.

"Ahh, yes, I believe I remember. You escorted him, did you not?"

"Yeah. Do you know where he has gone after he was let go? Did he mention anything peculiar?"

"No, I'm afraid not. We've put him on quarters so he should have gone home. We also considered filing a report to get him set up with mental health."

...

Suddenly I feel angry.

angry at the doctor or angry that we're having shit luck tracking down weathers?

GODDAMNIT WEATHERS
Alright, alright. We can still find him, do you know his address?

>>544948
Ask why mental health, is that just standard for such a brutal attack on someone's person?

>should have gone home
Home home, or barracks home? If A, try to get the address out of him, mention that there's been some new information that's come to light that shows that he may be in danger. Hopefully he is fine at home and just sleeping off the painkillers given to him. If B, ask for the number of any of Weather's family/next of kin. If he feels that he needs to hide, then they may be protecting him. If nothing else, we can ask them for places he may have gone. I also feel he should go in for the psych eval. He'll be safe for the duration and hopefully get the help he needs if this is not link bullshit. If it is, then him being in a position where he can't hurt himself or anyone else while we sort this out is a good thing.

In either case, tell the clerk and/or tell the people watching the entrances to the barracks/other police stuff to call you if they see hide or hair of him. On your way out, check with the doc what your head-scan says. Hopefully they won't be forced to detain you for treatment.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/24(Thu)10:14 No. 545177 ID: 9f5a86
File 138263487470.png - (206.16KB , 800x600 , 02-057.png )

> Ask why mental health, is that just standard for such a brutal attack on someone's person?

"Mental health? Why?" I ask. "Is that a standard for when someone's attacked?"

"Um..." the doctor sits back as if anticipating my anger. "Well, he didn't tell us he was attacked. He told us he did it to himself."

I can feel steam pouring out of my ears. I can't be hanging around here anymore. I need to cool off. He fucked himself. The kid fucked himself. At least 90% of people who wind up in mental health are eventually discharged. I don't want this for Weathers, especially not during his FIRST assignment.

"Sir," the doctor says, "this is necessary. He could wind up a liability...and - "

"Look," I interrupt, "just...if you see him AT ALL, let me know, alright? Call up our operator or something. Let me know."

"Alright then," the doctor replies quietly. With that, I leave the area with heavy feet.

> Home home, or barracks home?
> We can still find him, do you know his address?

He means the barracks. It is REALLY tough for anyone in the force to get a house down here.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/24(Thu)10:14 No. 545178 ID: 9f5a86
File 138263488665.png - (184.54KB , 800x600 , 02-058.png )

> check with the doc what your head-scan says.

I go ahead and walk back to my nurse, who has the scans ready.

"You're doing fine, Sergeant," she says with a smile. "The readings don't bring up anything bad. I think you'll be fine to go back to duty." I thank her and head out. It's good to have to good news come out of all this for once.

> ask for the number of any of Weather's family/next of kin. If he feels that he needs to hide, then they may be protecting him. If nothing else, we can ask them for places he may have gone.

I only way I'd be able to personally get in contact with Weathers' family is through scrounging around in more private records, which are usually kept available for higher-ranking personnel. It's a weird system we have down here. I feel responsible for him, so I feel I should have access to this sort of information.

I'm back on duty. Should I continue my patrol or...?

Friggen! We just blew all the time we had for going after that smug Feranthro chasing Weathers, and it's all for naught-the boy's going to be discharged, and sent up, where no doubt he'll be turned unless physical distance can overcome the Link's powers.
Bah. No point in chasing him further I think. He SHOULD be removed from the spotlight and more importantly from danger, so we can leave him be from now on I think.
Back on Patrol, and let's see what these 'Linkers' throw at us next.

He won't get sent to Mental Health if you can make a decent case for him. Just say the kid's just so green he's more comfortable with the idea that he did it to himself than someone else doing it to him.

I mean, if he really did do it, what kind of cop would actually admit that? Something else is at play here. Well, that's the argument we'd use wi9th a superior. Honestly with all this link bullshit, mindcontrol precision self-cutting doesn't seem that farfetched.

If Weather's is still alive and we find him and he's fine, we can probably get him to contest his confession and fight against getting set up in a mental ward. I mean, if you look at evidence we've recently compiled with the feranthro cult and match it up with Weather's previous mental health record from before this point, we might have a decent case. He'll be fine Aiden, don't worry about his career. Again, assuming Jai or whoever the hell is tormenting the both of you isn't making him his bitch right now.

How long has it been since you've talked to Mel, might want to see how it's going on his end. And tell him to be careful.

Huh so you're the Link. I think... hm. I think you shouldn't go facing crowds of feranthros anymore. A link is something that connects two things together. A connection that may be needed to transmit something.

What I'm saying is that the feranthro's mind tricks only affected that entire crowd because you were there. You were the link to the rest of the anthros.

>>545194
This. The kid don't deserve to have his career ruined at it's start. Make a case of it. With all the mythical/arcane bullshit going on, someone doing this TO Weathers isn't that farfetched.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/26(Sat)20:37 No. 545520 ID: 9f5a86
File 138284506727.png - (192.22KB , 800x600 , 02-059.png )

> He won't get sent to Mental Health if you can make a decent case for him. Just say the kid's just so green he's more comfortable with the idea that he did it to himself than someone else doing it to him.
> This. The kid don't deserve to have his career ruined at it's start. Make a case of it. With all the mythical/arcane bullshit going on, someone doing this TO Weathers isn't that farfetched.

Undoubtedly by now they would consider me his supervisor. If they ever think about discharging him, they will eventually come to me and let me know so that I have a chance to make a case for him. I won't let the kid be kicked out...shouldn't be anything to worry about.

> What I'm saying is that the feranthro's mind tricks only affected that entire crowd because you were there. You were the link to the rest of the anthros.

Exactly. The effects obviously varied between them though. Some people straight up came down with amnesia and one fell into a coma. I wonder how that happened and my mind keeps going back to the Astoga.

I finish my patrol and soon enough it's time to call it a day.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/26(Sat)20:38 No. 545521 ID: 9f5a86
File 138284508028.png - (265.93KB , 800x600 , 02-060.png )

I head back to the barracks and settle down. It's been a pretty rough day. Time to relax a bit.

> How long has it been since you've talked to Mel, might want to see how it's going on his end. And tell him to be careful.

Ah right, good point. Although there have been quite a few things I discovered today, I should check and see if he found anything else relating to the names I've given him. I dial his number and the tone rings several times before he picks up.

"Whew, hello?" he sounds pretty exhausted.

"Mel? Hey, bud, it's Aiden."

"Hey, Aiden!"

"Are you okay?" he just laughs between hard breaths.

"Yeah, yeah! I'm good. Just been working pretty hard on that teleportation device. There's some really weird stuff going on. A couple modules are failing checkers all of a sudden, but I think it's because of this set of alignments I've just conducted. I'm trying to see if I can find a better tolerance range for the power supplies and...well, things got a little nasty."

"Hey, I told you to be careful with that thing!" I say jokingly, although that should definitely be cause for alarm.

"Yeah, but don't worry! I'll know what to do if things get sticky. I'm getting closer to completing it though! Phase one, mark one, alpha, whatever!"

I chuckle and then change the subject, "Hey, foxboy, did you find anything on the names I gave you? Anything at all?"

He hums in thought for a bit. "Sorry, Aiden. I couldn't find much of anything, honestly. Do you think they could be related to the feranthros? Just a wild guess."

"Some are, actually. Get this. Hyuro is the name of a bloodline, possibly a feranthro bloodline. Could be royalty or something." I continue to reveal to him our capturing of the feline feranthro, Nathan. I also talk about the riot.

"Ooh, you were a part of that, weren't you? I actually just learned about that whole thing. You're okay, right??"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Mel, but what's your take on that?"

"The feranthro you brought in, or the riot?"

"Well, ah..." Before I can say anything else, Mel continues.

"If that guy you brought in was once a cop, then that could definitely mean that the drug's legit. I mean, there have been cases about this before, no doubt!"

"Right, right, but what if there's something else too? Brainwashing? Could that be helped by someone's mind being affected by the Link?" I start to feel even worse for Weathers. I can sense Mel shrugging over the phone.

"I have no clue, Aiden. All this occult stuff the feranthros do. It's really not for me."

"Well, what about the riot?"

"Hm. You mentioned everyone around you was affected? Here, when I finish my work on this thing, I'll see if I can dig up any more information about your Link, okay?"

"I appreciate that," I say with a content sigh. I try to remember anything else I wanted to inform Mel about before getting some shut-eye.

Ask him to whip up something that could record the "weird stuff" the next time it happens; a universal sensor small enough to carry on your person like a Star Trek tricorder, or an attachable cranial implant.
Actually, an electroencephalographic cranial implant would be a great thing to have alongside that pocket-tricorder we're requesting!

The sooner he gets them to you, the better chances he'll have of being able to setup a countermeasure! He needs to put teleporter testing on the back-burner for now!

This is more important than teleportation technology! It might even be related to the physuical principles of teleportation somehow!

>>545521
Just to look out for his own tail and stuff. These people have connections. Somebody on the force knew about them before this even started, most likely. We don't know if they're an ally or want to help start all this horrible advocate genocide crap. That Jai guy who made the abomination is an Anthro too, so the feranthro do have die-hard anthro allies. Or he was a feranthro turned anthro, or something.
Point is, this cult seems to seep everywhere.

Wait a minute...
>"If that guy you brought in was once a cop, then that could definitely mean that the drug's legit. I mean, there have been cases about this before, no doubt!"
That's something Massey knew and just told us. Was he listening in on the interrogation?

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/28(Mon)10:23 No. 545653 ID: 9f5a86
File 138298103067.png - (246.90KB , 800x600 , 02-061.png )

> That's something Massey knew and just told us. Was he listening in on the interrogation?

I let him know about the reveal as I was mentioning the feranthro.

> Just to look out for his own tail and stuff.

"Alright look, Mel. I'm about to get some sleep here shortly. Be careful, okay? There's some really heinous stuff going on and it's entirely possible some people might not be who they seem. If you see anyone suspicious, watch out and maybe even report them."

"As per protocol! I'll be fine, Aiden, don't worry so much! I know you're going through pretty stressful times down there. Oh, there is one more thing I want clarification for. This 'Link' you're talking about...could I get some more info on that?"

I almost slap my face upon realizing I haven't gone into more detail on that. It's pretty important in this situation, after all, but I don't even know if he'll really believe me. I try to explain the whole thing to him the best I can.

"...connects me to anthros and feranthros alike...

...seems I can damage the mind of others...

...instigated by a feranthro's touch...

...visions and weird-ass dreams..."

"Aiden, are you staving off your drugs?" Mel asks me.

> Ask him to whip up something that could record the "weird stuff" the next time it happens

"No! No, Mel. Listen, I know this sounds like some pretty crazy stuff, but I need to learn more about this weird 'power' I have, and I think I have an idea. I mean, you're good with all sorts of techy stuff. Do you think you could make something that could ahh...that could pick up waves or signals or something?"

"Umm, a receiver?"

"Yeah, I guess. Just something real simple could work."

"It would have to be! I'm not sure if I have the supplies with me to create something more complex." He sighs. "I wanted to put more time into my teleportation device. Well, look, since you're my bro and all, I'll whip up something for you. In fact, it shouldn't take me long at all! I'd say after noon tomorrow just stop by the nearest Vendor, and I'll have it sent."

"Thanks, buddy. You keep up the great work. I'll catch you tomorrow."

"See you, Aiden!"

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/28(Mon)10:24 No. 545654 ID: 9f5a86
File 138298104839.png - (503.71KB , 800x600 , 02-062.png )

"Y...ou...w...ill wa...ke...n ou...r...pote...ntial...The...div...ini...ty in...side us..."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/28(Mon)10:24 No. 545655 ID: 9f5a86
File 138298105707.png - (81.22KB , 800x600 , 02-063.png )

Jesus Christ! Holy shit...

That has got to be the worst nightmare I've had in years. Fuck me. Is it already time to get ready? I hardly feel rested.

Oh well...what's the first task of the day before the shift begins?

>Link
>Mystic powers that can do a number of things.
>Started despite taking drug-now can hear voices.
>Worked on Weathers despite him being a drug taker.
...I don't like the looks of this. I think the Feranthros might be planning to somehow use you as some sort of 'conduit' for that link thing for a mass-turning of anthros into feranthros...

Yeah I can't think of any nightmare worse than a dragon saying creepy things at me.

>>545661

I think the Feranthros are former victims of whatever this is, and not planning anything beyond milling confusedly and forgetting about technological advancement.

>>545654
Hunt down Jai
Kill him
Hunt down the leader feranthro's of this link bullshit
Kill them

And start taking your drugs. I'm getting paranoid you're going to be monitored thanks to everything that happened yesterday. I don't care if they're useless or a placebo to calm to common public, your experiment is risking your social standing and job when you're going to need it most to stop this bullshit. If anyone finds out, ANYONE, that's the first thing they're going to blame and then it all falls on you. If this genocide awful mindlink is real 100%, when the thick of it starts happening you're going to get lynched by dying or malformed Anthros.

In the past few days, you've given two people some form of suspicion that you aren't taking your drugs. Weathers is gone and probably not a danger and is trustworthy if he's fine and so is Mel, but you're letting it slip when you talk. You've even been to the doctor and they've taken blood samples already, probably. I don't know. You've already risked enough.

Question: who produces the drugs? It seems reasonable to assume the drugs no longer work, but maybe at one point they did. Who would have the authority or ability to mess with the drugs before their distribution?

>>545655
I'm really getting tired of this shit.

Just start taking the drugs. Even if it's a placebo, it might help stave off whoever the fuck's trying to influance you.

>>545681
There's no hard evidence to support that line of thought. Hell, we don't even know how the drug actually works. So let's avoid any supposition until we've spoken with somebody who actually knows how the drug works.

>>545691
Given the crap we've seen, I don't think we want anything to do with these cultists and their precious Link. Get back on the drug.

first thing you want to do is get back onto the drug. Even if it doesn't do a damn thing I think people might start paying attention to you now since it seems a lot of weird shit is going on around you weather or not it's your fault which could bite us in the ass latter. Plus if it does actually stop this dream crap that would be nice.

Second thing your going to do is check to see if weathers every came back cause we haven't heard a damn thing from anybody about him since we lost track of him. After we get some information on that we'll decide what to do from there.

>>545739
Even if the drugs do nothing, who developed them, and who manufactures them?

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/30(Wed)10:35 No. 545969 ID: 9f5a86
File 138315452081.png - (96.97KB , 800x600 , 02-064.png )

> And start taking your drugs. I'm getting paranoid you're going to be monitored thanks to everything that happened yesterday.
> Just start taking the drugs.
> Given the crap we've seen, I don't think we want anything to do with these cultists and their precious Link. Get back on the drug.
> first thing you want to do is get back onto the drug.

My conscience is clear and there is no question - it's time to get back on the drug. With all the craziness that's going on, I think it's finally time to return to this and see if it yields any changes. When I inject the Astoga, I feel a surge of shock course through my body, obviously because I've staved off of the stuff for an amount of time. It's an odd mixture of slight euphoria and sudden tense in my muscles.

> Question: who produces the drugs?

The Astoga Company. No, seriously. The government initiates their creation and then the company makes 'em. Most manufacturers are members of the research institute itself.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/10/30(Wed)10:35 No. 545970 ID: 9f5a86
File 138315453223.png - (103.51KB , 800x600 , 02-065.png )

> Second thing your going to do is check to see if weathers every came back cause we haven't heard a damn thing from anybody about him since we lost track of him. After we get some information on that we'll decide what to do from there.

I remember this and feel tense. I foresee a not-so-good outcome out of this. My leg muscles sore from the injection, I limp to Weathers' bed.

Damnit!

I'd might as well give up hope that he's coming back. There's definitely something up with him, whether it be going AWOL because of the mental health appointment or simply going insane from the visions. Either way, he's definitely in some shit, and I should probably do something quick.

...Sonnova- Weathers is probably your replacement, a 'backup' Link. Only they're going to somehow force him into it. You were the one they wanted because you got suspecious of it naturally, but Weathers will make a decent enough replacement that it won't matter.
The trouble is...If they have him, there's no way to tell where he'd be.

just to be sure check the front desk to see if they've seen him, then call Massey. Looks like we have a missing person's case after all.

>>545977
Yeah, do this to start. It's been long enough that kicking off an official missing persons case is best.

Once it's an official case are there any phone tracking systems that could now legally be used to locate Weather's phone? Or if it's signal is not reachable if there's logs in the cell phone network for where it was last located or used?

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/11/01(Fri)09:35 No. 546223 ID: 9f5a86
File 138332371923.png - (237.43KB , 800x600 , 02-066.png )

> You were the one they wanted because you got suspecious of it naturally, but Weathers will make a decent enough replacement that it won't matter.

I have no idea how it works, whether they can simply create a replacement or if I'm really the only one they have.

> Once it's an official case are there any phone tracking systems that could now legally be used to locate Weather's phone? Or if it's signal is not reachable if there's logs in the cell phone network for where it was last located or used?

I won't be able to do this. The militia has a special, small scouting branch that we will probably resort to if we can't track him down. I would consult them right away, but that's not how it works unfortunately. That's protocol for you.

> just to be sure check the front desk to see if they've seen him, then call Massey. Looks like we have a missing person's case after all.

I get dressed quickly and head downstairs to the front desk. I've got to make absolutely sure she or anyone else hasn't seen him around before I have the scouts sent out. A different person is sitting at the desk, and Inspector Massey is also there. It looks like I won't have to call her after all.

"Inspector Massey," I greet her with a nod. "I was just going to call you."

"Were you? I wanted to see you as well," she says.

"You did?"

"Yes. Tell me, did you ever find your partner?"

"Oh, um, no. I was going to tell you that, actually."

"Hmm," she scratches her ear nonchalantly, her unimpressed expression unchanging. "Shame. I'll get on that. First, I need to show you something."

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/11/01(Fri)09:35 No. 546224 ID: 9f5a86
File 138332373676.png - (243.78KB , 800x600 , 02-067.png )

I follow her outside and toward the main gate. There are cops and soldiers pacing around and just idling in certain areas as if waiting for something.

"What's going on?" I ask Massey.

"It's the feranthros."

I am surprised to see even a Viscerator-08 Heavy Armor out here. It's gotta be pretty damn bad for one of those to be walking around.

"Jesus, what now?"

"Can you guess if you take a look ahead?"

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/11/01(Fri)09:35 No. 546225 ID: 9f5a86
File 138332374653.png - (230.16KB , 800x600 , 02-068.png )

I do so and find that we've arrived at the gate. There are at least hundreds and hundreds of feranthros crowded at the entrance. They just about all look very confused and afraid, whirling around as if trying to find something. There are many cops and militia soldiers at the gate trying to push them back, forcefield modules activated. Slowly but surely they're beginning to disperse.

"What the hell?" I breathe out.

"Huh," Massey huffs in realization. "It was different before." I look towards her with my brow creased in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"About fifteen minutes ago they were all out here...all of them staring ahead at something. Looks like they've lost interest now. Oh well." She turns towards me. "Your partner is missing. Do you have a replacement set up?"

"Shit..." I groan in frustration, "I don't."

"I see. Well, I'm not going to subject you to bitch work. I actually considered taking you along as a back-up partner. I have a hunch on some illegal activity occurring. Are you interested?"

Oh crap they were looking at you and the second you injected yourself it broke the link and they all got confused.

So the question is now do we keep on the drug to stop the link and risk it getting forced on someone else. Or do we stop using the drug and hope we can use the link to help control the situation.

...When did you take the drug? 15 minutes ago right? Huh I think we should stay on it until we can learn some more crap about this link. If we try to brute force the knowledge (stop taking the drug and dick around with the link see what it can and can't do) someones bound to get hurt or even killed, like that catatonic guy from that riot the other day. Also don't tell anyone that you think they were here because you didn't take your drug for a bit and then stopped once you did. I don't see any good endings if you branch down that story path.

As for Massey's offer, why not. We can't really look for weathers ourselves as I'm sure HQ would just send us on some random patrol by ourselves and since Massey seems to actually have an Idea of were some bad guys are we might actually luck out and get some info on where weathers is.

Well the good news from all this is that we know we can find anyone else being used as a Link just by following the zoned out feranthros. On a side note we may want to carry a spare dosage of Astoga so we can shut down anyone who's turning into a Link themselves.

Zoned out?... It's a double-edged sword it seems. Take note of this- I'm betting most feranthro don't know much of anything about this Link either...

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/11/06(Wed)00:20 No. 546811 ID: 9f5a86
File 138372605178.png - (251.49KB , 800x600 , 02-069.png )

> On a side note we may want to carry a spare dosage of Astoga so we can shut down anyone who's turning into a Link themselves.

Way ahead. Got one stored in my pocket right now. I give Massey a nod, accepting her invitation.

"Sounds good. I'll come along."

"Glad to hear it," she says. We wait a bit for the feranthros to clear the sector. Eventually, the forcefields are shut down, and the alarm state is pacified. I head out with Massey.

After a good amount of walking, I am unsure of where exactly Massey is taking me. We tread across copious rows of shantytowns, almost appearing labyrinthine in themselves. The farther we walk, the seedier it gets.

"Sergeant Schar," she speaks up, almost giving me a heart attack, "you mentioned you wanted to speak with me again on the subject we were on. Are you going to continue?"

I start brainstorming to the last time I spoke with her over the phone.

"Ah, right," I start, "well, it's about...uhh. You aren't going to rat me out are you?" She gives me a strange look. I'm not sure why I asked that, but I suddenly feel uncomfortable mentioning anything about the drug.

"Doing that would greatly jeopardize my chances of figuring this shit out. I can assure you this will be confidential."

I breathe out. "Okay. I've just been thinking about the Astoga. You see, I've stopped taking it a few days ago. You know how I mentioned it was weird how that mindfuck at the riot site reached you as well? It affected different people at the site in different ways. Some people just got a splitting headache, while some others went into a full-out coma." I breathe, trying to slow down a bit. "What if Astoga has something to do with it? What if people who've stopped taking the drug were more badly affected by it?"

"By what?" she asks.

"The Link." I assume that Massey heard of the Link either while listening in or by interrogating the feline feranthro. "It reaches out to anyone now, it seems, and it's just getting more powerful. That whole gathering at the gate definitely proves this..."

"What do you mean? How would you know?"

"I started taking it again this morning...after I had this nightmare..."

"So you had one too, huh?" she says with a laugh. I whirl at her, feeling my heart jump. "With the strange faces and the peculiar dialogue?"

"Y-yeah," I say, feeling choked up.

"It would appear the Link has latched itself onto me in a strange fashion," she explains. "I'm not suffering from a coma or from lapses of amnesia. It may be a matter of plain haphazardness that it turned out this way. I have a stronger connection. Speaking of that," she gazes over at me. "you might be right about the Astoga. I haven't taken it in weeks, yet there are no feranthros overly attracted to me."

I look down at the ground as we walk, trying to digest all of this.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/11/06(Wed)00:21 No. 546812 ID: 9f5a86
File 138372606115.png - (261.54KB , 800x600 , 02-070.png )

"And the connection would - shh!" Massey hushes herself and puts her arm across my chest, dragging me behind a nearby building. She peeks over the corner and I do so as well. There's commotion going on ahead, and I'm relieved we haven't raised any alarm. From what I can see, there is a feranthro and an...anthro having a conversation. I can't make out their faces too clearly from this distance, but something feels very off about this whole thing. It doesn't exactly look like they've joined one another for a picnic.

"Fucking hell," Massey swears in a sharp whisper, "I didn't expect it to happen this early."

"Huh?"

"This meeting. I got a scoop not long ago about these habits in this specific sector."

How should I approach this situation?

lesson in for now and see if you can't figure out what is happening fist, as in what are they try to do here. Then we can bust there asses.

>>546829
>bust there asses
For what, chatting? Let's figure out what exactly they're meeting about if Massey is unwilling to explain further.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/11/08(Fri)10:21 No. 547103 ID: 9f5a86
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I try to listen in on what they're talking about, but I can hardly hear them. Still, Massey is looking very cautious. Suddenly, she reaches into her skirt pocket and unveils a strange little robotic device. I stare, hypnotized as she makes adjustments and fiddles with the thing. It suddenly sprouts legs and gains the form of a spider. Massey then lowers her eyepiece.

"Glad I brought this little guy this time around. We should be able to get something out this, and they'll have nowhere to turn." Right at that moment, the feranthro and anthro head into a nearby alleyway.

Massey sets the robot against the wall and it crawls its way up to the roof. She then pulls out a small monitor from beneath her sleeve. She leans in closer to me so that I can see. We're now seeing through the robot's eyes. It crawls across the roof surface and peeks down over the edge to get a glimpse of the couple.

Sgt. Aiden Schar 2013/11/08(Fri)10:21 No. 547104 ID: 9f5a86
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"- think she would really fail?"

"I'm not saying that," the anthro starts. "I'm just curious if you all have a plan to make the result more potent this time. We can't have these crazy things running around. Sure it might serve as a good distraction, but they're not exactly on our side."

"We will keep trying. We are very close to a desirable potency. The timing will be perfect. Caelus will be ours, and we will be prepared for the next step. The Advocate wills this."

"Whatever. Just make it quick. I'm getting strange looks everywhere and I don't want my ass busted."

"In due time. Let me see what you have," the feranthro says, peeking at the suitcase. The anthro hesitantly opens it up. It's filled with Astoga. My God. Is this the exchange I'm hearing about?

Astoga? Are they reverse engineering the stuff to learn how to subvert it?

Ask Massey if her drone can get photographs then follow the anthro after the transaction. If he's connected to the Astoga Company you might be able to find out how badly the supply chain might be compromised. Are there any regulations on the supply of Astoga we can use to blackmail the anthro to make him cooperate?