2/2 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)11:52 No. 614977 ID: 602cd8
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"What does that badge of yours stand for?"
"Ultrahive Detective Affirmation."
"Which means it's your job to follow suspicions! You have 2 days to figure out where all the christmas goodies have gone so we can get them back by christmas."
".... am I the only one on the case?"
"Uh, yeah. Look, there's no signs of breaking and entering any warehouses, no one's dead, at least not on the outside, and really, I wouldn't even say this has 'disturbed the peace' considering christmas has been such a huge clusterfuck that there's been no peace to disturb! In other words, we only assume there's been a crime, if just to make it look like we care about the season of giving. You want us to send every agent we've got on what might just be the Global Postal Agency making the biggest company fuckup of all time and they just don't want to admit it? There's still actual crimes out there, Polo. For some, the spirit of christmas means a surplus of drugs and assault weapons."

obv we need to start at the scene. where's the nearest place that things vanished from?

>we only assume there's been a crime
Cargo disappearing unauthorized and undocumented from where it's supposed to be can't really be classified as anything but theft. And a large scale attempt to destabilize the economy could be considered an act of terrorism, or sedition, or sabotage. You can only make the assertion no crime has been committed if you genuinely believe no person was responsible (somehow a natural process).

If you want to assume the global postal service made a massive fuckup and covered it up? That's also a crime. They would be in breach of contract to everyone who paid for those deliveries, and making false statements to the authorities, conspiracy, and impeding an official investigation are also crime.

I suppose we should start our investigation with the postal services. See if they are actually covering something up, or if there's any evidence that points to a theft.

Investigating the postal service actually makes a lot of sense, yeah. Get to it!

No time for thinking things through! TO THE NORTH POLE!

>>614977
Alright first we have to confirm the cargo was ever there at all.

This may be a be some sort of Grinch sir. In old human mythology, there foretells the coming of some grumpy beast going around stealing presents and trying to ruin Christmas cheer. Like the opposite of Santa Claus. But not Opposite Santa Claus that brings Christmas slaughter. There must be some sort of truth the the myth.

Our guess is the Salikai Genetically Engineeered a real Grinch.
It's clearly our best theory right now if a crime took place.
We will actually make a not silly theory when we see one of the places that got robbed.

1/2 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)12:55 No. 615004 ID: 602cd8
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"This much cargo disappearing without authorization or documentation would be theft of some kind, either from the company itself, or an external force. It would only not be a crime if there were no person responsible, and I don't believe this was some kind of natural occurrence. Also, if the postal service simply messed up, hiding it would also be a crime."
"Good point! See, that's why you're the one on the case. You actually have a sense of what laws are."
"Can we get more agents on this, then? It's a worldwide affair, apparently."
"Look I don't know what the other ultrahive is doing, but in our half of the world, we've got you. If you do want help, just enlist the police force. You agents can push 'em around. They love it. No responsibility on their part when you take over."

>TO THE NORTH POLE!
I have other options that are moderately more convenient to exhaust, first.

"I'm going to investigate the main postal branch of the capital, then."
"Fine, fine - where are you going? That's not how you get out of here."
"... the elevator is outside of this door."
"Polo, what does that badge on your chest stand for?"
"... the Ultrahive Detective Affirmation. Which I still think is supposed to be association."
"Right, which means you gotta think like one. Let me spell it out for you. Here is your standard issue jetpack. Now, do I need to show you to the window, or can you find it on your own? I'll give you a hint, this office is lavish as fuck, and it's got a huge window. Look, I know you're new here, but come on, your title is 'agent' for fuck's sake. Start acting like one."

2/2 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)12:55 No. 615005 ID: 602cd8
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I "act like an agent" and head towards the global postal service's main office, where its president resides.

"Agent Polo, UDA. I'm here to investigate the missing cargo."
>"Damn, about time! We've lost millions in shipments!"
"Where is the last time the cargo was accounted for."
>"Here? We had the cargo in our storage bays just fine. No signs of tampering. Then we sent them out, and when they arrive on anyone's doorstep, we get a complaint about an empty box. Some of our places around the globe, though, had their warehouses looted with no sign of entry or anything. Most places, though, think that something happened on the driver's route. But all our drivers say that they didn't find anything wrong or suspicious, other than having a lot of very light boxes."

He blurts out the words like a stream of thoughts. But for having so many words, he says very little.

Your customers complained the boxes were empty upon delivery. Can we prove they were not already empty while in your custody? Documentation of their arrival, recorded weights, video surveillance, the x-ray scans for hazardous or illegal material?

Step 1 in a theft investigation: make sure the stuff that was stolen was there to begin with.

>jet pack
Well, that's convenient.

>>615005
Did the drivers notice the boxes were light when they were loaded onto the trucks? That would mean the contents were missing before they were put on the trucks. In that case, they were looted inside the warehouse.

Check the warehouse.

>>615004
This is the sort of chief that will take your badge away if you DON'T do some sort of collateral damage during your investigation, isn't he?

Do you have any non-neumono employees? We need to interview them. It's obvious neumono aren't the thieves otherwise they would be broadcasting their "I totally stole the shit" thoughts outside of jammers and there wouldn't be an investigation. That or Predator hypnosis is the culprit.

Also, were the trucks loaded by workers or machine? Your workers should have noticed the difference if they were loading empty (or very light) boxes.

Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)13:43 No. 615046 ID: 602cd8
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>Jetpack is convenient
No, it's not. It's too heavy to carry around everywhere, and it almost ran out of fuel on the way here. I had to discard it.

"Please lead me to the warehouse. Did the drivers notice the boxes were light when the truck was loaded?"
>"No, the drivers don't tend to do the loading. The divisions with looted warehouses did report a lot of light boxes, but by then, it was too late. The warehouses with cargo, though, didn't report anything weird, only the driver found out when he started unloading a lot of light boxes that weren't light when they were first loaded by our employees."
"What do the records say about weight, arrival, and all of that?"
>"Everything checked out. You can look if you want. We don't weigh them on the way out. Just when they arrived in the warehouse."
"And x-ray scans for anything illegal or harmful?"
>"Nothing out of the ordinary there. Like the weight, we do that by the time it settles in the warehouse, but not when it's loaded on the trucks."
"Surveillance cameras?"

We reach one of the warehouse doors.

>"Security has reported everything looked completely clean. Also, the police are here, they've been searching the premises and asking a lot of employees questions."

The capital police. One of the absolute toughest to work with. They're clean cops and do technically get the job done, though. And they are actually treating this like a crime, which is also good.

"Do you employ any non-neumono?"
>"Well, yes..."
"They may be suspect, then, since people would be able to pick up if a neumono was lying."
>"That's... really true, actually. Do you want to speak to one of them?"
"Preferably multiple."
>"Okay." the president says, making a call to someone about gathering all of the non neumono employees in a lobby to await further instruction. "They'll be in the main lobby when you want to speak to them, but it's fine if you want to look at the warehouse first. They didn't get the day off, but they don't actually have anything to do either."

So... unless he's lying to your face and you don't sense it (unlikely) and the records have been falsified, the cargo was delivered to the storehouses in their containers. The differences happened while being stored or in transit.

>The capital police. One of the absolute toughest to work with. They're clean cops and do technically get the job done, though. And they are actually treating this like a crime, which is also good.
You'll want to request and review their records and transcripts of interviews before preforming your own. No need to waste police work, or retread ground without reason. (Plus, seeing what was asked and answered already will help you form your own questions).

>it's fine if you want to look at the warehouse first
We should do that. The capital police records won't arrive immediately, and it's good to have some ideas before you being questioning suspects.

>crime scene, fuck off
Charming.

>had to discard the jet pack
Oh well. At least it was good for a one-way trip. Hopefully it doesn't count as equipment issued to your person, in which case we're going to be responsible for making sure it's recovered and gets back to base.

>>615046
Another question. What is the timeframe of the robbery, exactly? Did people start noticing light packages at about the same time worldwide?

Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)14:20 No. 615075 ID: 602cd8
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"What's the timeframe of the robbery?"
>"We just found out about our robberies no more than 30 minutes ago. The warehouse thefts all took place last night for all places in the world that were closed. The earliest must have been... 11 hours ago. But our drivers keep getting hit every time we send them out, starting 2 hours ago. We finally just got word shortly before we sent ours out. We didn't suspect we would be hit, too, but we were. We're considering cancelling deliveries in future time zones, at least until we can make further security measures. Uuugh, we're still trying to gather all of the reports. Our phones are ringing off the hook."

I'll look in the warehouse, first.

>"Hey hey hey! This your kid?" an officer comes up fast, talking to the president. They've got that intimidating, authorative aura about them. Effective for keeping the peace. Not effective for feeling internal peace.
>"Ah, no, this is an agent from the UDA."
>"Oh shitall. One of you guys. They get younger every damn time." the officer says, relaying that empathic feel of the presence of a UDA officer to the rest of her hive. "You agents think you can just come in, take over our job, and push us around. We hate that shit. You guys are always late, too."
"By definition. A crime like this goes to the police first, then the UDA when it turns out to be on this scale."
>"Well what do you want, your majesty?"
"Have you done any interrogations yet?"
>"Who do you take us for?! Of course we have."
"I would like to see the records."
>"You mean what we learned?"
"As in, the transcripts of what was said."
>"We don't have time for that lawdy-da shit, we just take what we learn. Oh, don't groan your mind like that, that shit's why we don't get along, you and us! Anyway, we didn't learn much of anything. The neumono we interrogated didn't know a damn thing as to what happened. And the aliens we interrogated didn't know much else, cause they were on routes that weren't hit. Which is a little coincidental, if you ask us."

>>615075
Wait, only neumono routes were hit? This is the work of a Predator.

Ignore the provocations, and stay all business. So long as she cooperates and gives you the information she needs, you don't care what she thinks of you, or your involvement.

>Which is a little coincidental, if you ask us.
I would agree. A pattern that clear is suspicious.

Possibly it means the aliens were in on it, although that would be terribly stupid on their part to make their involvement so obvious. Or it's possible the thief targeted only neumono on purpose (trying to put a strain on race relations? They're using a predator to cover up their involvement? They're tracking delivery tucks by the driver's empathy?).

...has their been a medical examination of any of the affected neumono drivers? (If a predator was used to make them 'forget' being robbed, their might be medical evidence. Elevated stress hormones, unusual brain activity, higher levels of psycho-sedatives?).

Have you had the chance to pursue any investigation beyond initial interviews?

>>615075
Hmm... predator tech then.
I'd like to get a database analysis of all employee of all places that were hit. Have an AI tag all connections and any that look suspicious or related.
We also need an AI to scrub the business's database and user accounts for virus, trojans, and the like. Someone needs access to the records of the deliveries to pull predator mindwipes and steal the stuff on the neumono-driven trucks. If a predator was involved, there cannot be any mistakes of getting a non-neumono driver. A single mistake of that nature will reveal the entire heist and leave ample evidence because the non-neumono would need to be silenced.

1/2 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)15:17 No. 615103 ID: 602cd8
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"If only neumono routes were hit, then this sounds like the work of a predator."
>"Yeah, and I suppose unicorns were the masterminds behind the idea, smartstuff?"
"Do you have any better leads?"
>"No lead is better than a mystical lead."
"Predator's aren't extinct."
>"No, but they are dumb, and stick to their shitty little dens in the wild."
"With their power, it was only a matter of time before they became weaponized."
>"Hey, guys!" she shouts to the warehouse. "The yooda thinks a predator's behind it!"

They all laugh, of course. They're hivemates.

>"Are we gonna start seeing predator selfies on the internet with all that stuff?"
>"Yeah, and it's gonna shampoo and bathe all its slaves!"
>"And then play around with toy helicopters, and wear christmas sweaters!"
"No. There are a few people who have the resources to employ a predator, and perform a heist of this scale. Namely, the Salikai, and Whiskers."
>"Oh, please, they're just criminals. You make them out to be some kind of supervillains."
"Have you seen Whiskers? That is not the attire of a regular criminal. Have you done anything beyond initial interviews?"
>"No time for it. But we can handle this one."

2/2 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)15:18 No. 615105 ID: 602cd8
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"We've done more, actually. Hate to say it, but the shrimp might be right." an officer comes around the corner. "We found some tech in one of the trucks we searched. Intel says it's an empathic relayer. A completely functional one. Perfect for webcam addons, television shows, and wide scale predator heists."
"Who are you?"
"Rokoa."
"Why are you out of uniform?"
"Don't need it."
"And what are you doing with that guy?"
"Interrogations. Lotta neumono had some crimes to confess to. None of 'em had to do with this one, but hey, a crime's a crime."
"Why are you and him bloody?"
"I told you already. Aren't you the detective here? Don't get mad. You're the one who can boss us around."

I'm kind of mad. I try to ignore this.

"I want a database analysis of all employees of all places that were hit, and to have an AI run through it for any connections. And to scrub this company's files for trojans, viruses, malware, so on. I suspect there is something there, because in order to have pulled off this heist without a single alien involved, they must have known exactly who every employee was and what time they were going out at. It looks like whoever did this, though, wasn't perfect, having left that relayer here. I'll arrange for our CAI to handle the scrubbing, just get the president to get us access. It looks like he left already."
>"Yes, your highness." says the first officer.

Start interrogating Rokoa on what she knows.

Leaving the rely behind is an odd oversight. You would have expected them to take it with them when they emptied the truck, or to have set it for some kind of self destruct. Although, if we only found one, that would be the mark of an accidental oversight.

>Lotta neumono had some crimes to confess to.
Hers look to be "assault", "excessive force" and "reckless disregard for protocols when questioning prisoners."

>You're the one who can boss us around.
Then if she'd done questioning her prisoner, she should put him down and see to it he receives proper medical care.

...and if he's not a prisoner, and simply an employee who showed up to be interviewed, she should begin praying neither he nor his employer decides to press charges.

If this was a predator job some of the higher ups in shipping might have had some subconscious alterations done to them. Also to get those relays installed on all the trucks at once someone in the postal service had to sign off on the order.

I would round them up for questioning. But make sure its in a way that does not tip them off. Do not want any mental programing traps to go off before we are there.

Do they still use those nasty mind control torture bugs?

Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)16:26 No. 615135 ID: 602cd8
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I make the call to home base to prepare the CAI for scrubbing the postal's databanks, and turn back to the officers. I'll also arrange for questioning on shipping managers or other higher ups. One at a time with other people involved, so it does not look like we are singling out a particular group.

"As for Rokoa, your crimes appear to be assault, excessive force, and reckless disregard for interrogation protocol."
"Yeah, and now we know how a few fires started back when."
"And if you're done with him, you can put him down to receive medical care. And you should hope he really is guilty of a crime, because if not, he or his employer can put a fire on your neck."
"That a threat?" she asks, but she does let him go.
"Potentially, but we have bigger fish. What do you know about relayers?" That technology, I thought, was classified. We don't want people thinking that relayers are possible to make, for this exact reason.
"Like empathy from afar. Not much to it. Would make sense that a predator's involved, here. Oh, cept for one thing. It had the insignia scraped off, but the relayer used a jammer casing from a certain Aprio Enterprises, a ways out of town. We're trying to contact some higher ups there. I'm going there, next."
"Was there any indication of physical harm to any neumono?"
"Nope. Our interrogations not withstanding."
"I want them to be fully examined, with x-ray scans." There has been physical implants forcibly done on neumono in the past, but we have not had sightings of those in years.
"Anything else?"
"That relayer was the only one found, on all the trucks?"
"Yeah."

Most likely an accidental oversight, then.

>That a threat?
Only if she gives us good reason to make good on it. You're not internal affairs, and so long as she doesn't step too far out of line, or impede your investigation, it's not really your concern.

>what else
...did we search any of the untouched trucks for relays? If only the trucks with neumono drivers had relays in place, that means the perpetrators knew in advance who would be driving each truck at the time of the heist. That suggests a short timetable to get the devices in place, and an inside source of information.

There's also the mater of how the relays were installed in the first place. Either someone broke in and smuggled them into place, or someone here was involved. And smuggled them into place. (Obvious places to start looking would be among the loaders of the maintenance staff for the trucks).

>Aprio Enterprises, next
A good idea. Following the devices down the supply line could lead us to our perpetrators, as well.

Where was the relay placed? Was it hidden inside and installed properly or was it just stuck on a magnet on the bottom? Will tell you a lot about how it got there.

Also you need to find out the range on that thing. Am assuming empathy relaying using a lot of bandwidth. Either they had a direct connection to all the relays or they sent out a wide band broadcast to hit all of them at once. If so you should talk to some techs and see if anyone noticed any signal spikes at the time of the heist.

You should personally find and interview one of the delivery drivers that got hit. Have him walk you through that day and look for any empathy changes that would tell you when he got hit. Also check the gps on the cell phones of the drivers. They might have been controlled to make deliveries they did not know about.

>>615135
Let's go check out Aprio Enterprises with Rokoa.

Check out Rokoa first.


For implants, spy gear, and such.

Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)21:01 No. 615235 ID: 602cd8
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"Where was the relay placed in the truck?"
"Tied up inside of the engine, as close to the driver as it could get."
"Any idea on the range of it?"
"Nope."
"Alright. Going to Aprio is a good idea. First, though, I have a call to make."

I step out for a moment to get a run on the GPS signals the drivers had. It doesn't take our AIs to find out that just about all of the drivers had, at one point, stopped in the road when no one else was around. Only for a minute or two, tops. I have no idea how someone could have removed all of the items from the boxes that quickly and still leave them intact.

"Alright. Rokoa. I want investigators to look at everywhere the drivers stopped. I'll upload the data for you. I also want some of the drivers to run throughout their route, and to watch out for empathy inconsistencies in the driver when they get to where they were stopped. I'm going to go to Aprio."
"Cool. I was gonna get a helicopter. That cool?"

I am not certain how I feel about this person coming with me. I should have at least one person as backup, though, as although this heist wasn't flawlessly pulled off as given by the relayer, to pull it off at all means that they have resources to spare. I can either go with her, or call her off and go with either anyone else on the police force or a random individual from the UDA.

I will do a full body search and x-ray to anyone I take as a partner, regardless.

>>615235
The items were most likely not removed. The boxes were replaced.

Go with a random person from UDA. They shouldn't be compromised.

>I am not certain how I feel about this person coming with me.
*shrug* She's already on the case, and heading in the same direction as you. Turning her down and requesting someone else will just cause needless tension with her hive and the investigation team here, and you're already having some issues, there.

Your boss at the UDA didn't seem terribly interested in assigning additional agents. You're only going to get help grudgingly, and not necessarily the best of help, if you go that route.

Besides, your biggest weakness is physical strength and the intimidation of size. She certainly brings that to the table, in spades.

Yes, a helicopter will suffice.

Just to make sure pinch yourself a bit first. And then try to remember if you were about to invade a heavily occupied secret underground Salikai base with the help of a Fufa. Just in case you got into the mind altering gas again.

Anyways it might be good to have a good cop bad cop thing going. She can go breaking things when you need them broken and hurt people if they do not take you seriously.

If they managed to get all the stuff out of the boxes that fast maybe they had empty boxes ready to replace them with. A labeling machine and access to the postal network would make it easy to make duplicates. Its just cardboard after all.

Speaking of the heist you should have someone closely look over the boxes and shipping labels. And look for public cameras that might have caught one of the shipments on tape around when the heist happened.

Oh and one last thing. If someone stole these presents they did so for a reason. Make sure if they suddenly start showing back up you can check them for mind control relays or bombs or something. That or the Salikai just stole them so they can ruin Christmas so that all the sad neumono kids will be sad enough to power there sadness powered death ray.

>>615235
You know what's extremely scary? The ultraking getting to know her, liking her, and making her an agent.

>>615259
I think she's in the wrong ultrahive for that, but it's not all that scary. Rokoa's willing to do her job and she makes up for what Polo lacks. They cover each other quite well.

1/3 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)23:16 No. 615279 ID: 602cd8
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>They replaced the boxes
That's also possible, but from the sounds of things, the duplicates were also put in the correct spot. Not an easy feat. But theoretically possible.

I don't know who I'd get as a UDA, and with the lack of enthusiasm Ultraking Az had for this, it's too possible I'll get a mismatched partner. At least with Rokoa, I'll know what I'm getting, and I don't think she'll do anything wrong as long as I keep a short leash on her.

As for being compromised, if the police force was compromised, then we've got bigger issues to worry about than missing christmas packages.

"Fine. A helicopter is fine. You can come, under the condition that we stop at your station to get you changed."
"What for?"
"... your uniform. I'm not going to work with s- no, I'm not going to let someone work around me that isn't in uniform."

>You know what's extremely scary? The ultraking getting to know her, liking her, and making her an agent.
That would be awful and she will not have my letter of recommendation.

On getting to the police station, I check Rokoa's uniform and her before she puts it on. I also run her through an x-ray scanner. There are no anomalies.

2/3 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)23:16 No. 615280 ID: 602cd8
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The Chief also calls Rokoa into her office, where I listen in while we wait for a helicopter to be prepped for our use.

>"You incompetent girl! Assault, out of uniform, no badge, no gun, no nothing, and you just go around beating up people that would've caved anyway! And to top it all off, it was right in fucking front of the UDA!"
"That was aft-" the Chief lunges across her desk and grabs Rokoa.
>"Shut up and listen to me! You are going to do exactly what she tells you to! Not technically what she tells you to. You are going to make her pleased. You are going to practically do her job for you even if she kicks you while she has you work your lazy ass off. YOu are going to give her backrubs if she asks for them. You will do her goddamn laundry if she runs out of clothes while you are on this job. If that agent comes back and she has anything less to say about you than the most stellar goddamn officer she's ever worked with, you're not going to have ownership of your badge afterwards, do you understand me?!"
"... you got i- yes, ma'am."

That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I am gathering this happens with Rokoa on a regular basis, however, but she's no rogue. She'll at least listen to her queen, which apparently means listening to me.

3/3 Polo 2014/12/24(Wed)23:17 No. 615281 ID: 602cd8
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We get into the helicopter, and our pilot takes off while Rokoa takes her spot in the forward chair, and I'm stuck in the short people seatbelt.

>"Looks like our trip is gonna take a bit over an hour. So get yourselves cozy."

Rokoa doesn't get a chance to bother me with words before I get a call.

>"Hello, this is Katzati, your UDA operator." she says, handing me a manual encryption password that checks out for the next hour. "We got the police report on that driver interrogation you requested. They do remember driving through those zones, but they don't know why they decided to go that route. And, they don't remember actually passing through those spots they sat still out. They thought they just zoned out, like a lot of people do when they drive for long periods of time. Their empathy didn't change much, they only were confused about why they changed routes."

Whatever predator did this, did a good job.

"Thank you. Be sure to intercept any packages that resurface. Someone did this for a reason, and it wouldn't surprise me if those presents were tampered with. In fact, make a list of all stolen items, and make a public announcement that all recepients of those items should call them in if they receive them."
>"Understood."
"Also, please check all surveillance cameras in public that may have seen those positions."
>"Understood. Anything else, Polo?"
"Yes. Have someone - both AI and manual - look over the boxes and shipping labels. They may have been replaced. If you learn anything, let me know. That will be all. Thank you."

>handing me a manual encryption password that checks out for the next hour
Actual paranoid communication security. Why couldn't our military have had that in the main story.

>>615280
Excellent. No need to push her. You now have one lose canon on a leash, ready to be unleashed if you need it.

>>615281
Well, not much to do for an hour except coordinate with anyone who calls you.

Main question here is really why. Taming or training a predator, developing covert empathic rely tech, getting them smuggled into the vehicles... for what? So far it seems like a lot of effort and resources spent for theft, even on this scale. How is what they accomplished worth what they were willing to invest?

>>615281
Leave your small people seat, use Rokoa as a chair, she has to do whatever you say.
Do not be content with the short seatbelt, you need a better view, FREE YOURSELF FROM THESE BELTS OF SHORTNESS!

>>615285
Nah.

Start thinking out loud about why someone would want to steal everything. Was there a sudden upswing of orders for... plutonium ore? Some rare element or compound that comes in electronic toys?

Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)00:49 No. 615311 ID: 602cd8
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>Leave your small people seat, use Rokoa as a chair.
I will not have a seatbelt if I do this. Her arms do not match seatbelt regulations, nor does the situation require I have a pleasant view of the outside. I also should refrain from abusing my power over her.

"Rokoa, do you have any idea why anyone would commit so much to steal odds and ends like this?"
"Cause they wanted to spend the rest of their life in jail!"
"Any good ideas?"
"Not any boring ones."

I didn't think she did. I just go over what I know and what I don't know about this case, but ultimately, I just have to wait until I'm at a place where I can get more info. My phone rings again. It's Katzati. We run through the codes again.

>"Okay, we ran surveillance scans, and sorry, there's almost nothing. Almost. One of the farther away cameras did see some suspicious activity. It was just someone moving around, it looked like. The resolution is too low to make out much, but the spot was too hidden and too far for the camera to see much. What's weirdest about it though is there was a nearby camera that had a much clearer shot, and it didn't see anything at all despite being there at the exact same time, except for the truck just passing through like nothing was wrong."
"Did the clean camera show any other cars moving through?"
>"No, it didn't."
"And the other camera?"
>"Uh..... hold on... yes, yes there was one car that should have crossed right through the crime scene."
"Can you find anything about that car?"
>"Err... not easily. I'm sorry, it's a low resolution, and the closer camera doesn't show anything."
"Get someone on looking into why that closer camera is clean, and try to find out what you can about that car that tried to drive through. Get Az to send another Agent if the police are too tied up. It's possible they had their predator wash them, but given how busy that predator must have been, we can't rule out the possibility that our thieves committed a homicide or kidnapping instead."
>"Understood."

>"We're almost there." Buckle up, Rokoa, you know what happened last time we hit turbulence."
"I got a nice view, after flying out of the door that, unlike this time, was open."
"... put your seat belt on, Rokoa."
"Yeah yeah, I'm doing it. How do you want to approach this, boss?" Rokoa asks, as the pilot starts contacting Aprio.
>"We've got clearance to land on their helipad. It looks like they're willing to talk. I'll hang out on the roof while you guys do your thing."

...two crazy faces driving a helicopter is not reassuring.

>Get someone on looking into why that closer camera is clean
They knew it was there, and avoided it, but the further one escaped their notice? Or they hacked the closer one.

>How do you want to approach this, boss?
We'll head in and start asking questions. See how cooperative they feel like being, before they know why we're asking questions. When that stops working, we see how they react when they find out what our inquires are about.

I want to know if they were involved or just used. And then I want to find out who got ahold of their tech.

Honestly, I would think that the security camera's were just put on loop, which would explain the differences in footage between the several cameras if the loops wasn't perfect. That may require real time video editing in some cases, which makes me think a CAI helped if these camera's are hooked up to a network and are digital.

Which would make sense for a heist of this scale.

Just had a thought. If a normal thief was going to pull this off they would have stolen all the presents at the warehouse and replaced the boxes there. Then all you would need the relays for would to make people not notice that the boxes were empty.

Then you just turn them all off halfway through the routes to make it look like stuff was stolen mid route. Gives you time to escape while the police are all running around after the red herring.

Better let Rokoa know now how you want her to act. Want to both be on the same page for the interviews. Right now her job is to look scary and be your meat shield.

Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)10:54 No. 615374 ID: 602cd8
File 141953369524.png - (131.82KB , 800x800 , 15.png )

"We'll ask the CEO questions, as you planned. Just... look scary, but don't actually do anything scary."

I make one last note to Katzati to make sure to keep investigating the warehouses, in case by some scheming the Salikai managed to make the drivers only seem to be hit, making them a red herring. With that done, I put my phone down and meet with some Aprio employees. They insist the CEO is busy, and I insist I am a UDA agent, which works well enough.

Rokoa and I end up entering the office of Pelios rozu Oilrigger, who is no longer in the oil rigging business. He is a neumono, however, it appears that the whole building is inside of a jamming field.

"Hello. I'm Agent Polo of the UDA. I have questions about your jammers."
>"Yes, hello, agent. What do you want to know?"
"First of all, tell me about your usual clients."
>"Hm? We're a large scale operation, don't you know? We have many. From many military organizations, to jammer city supplies, to simply people and hives who like mental peace and quiet."
"Have you had any odd clients of late?"
>"No. Please tell me, if someone used a jammer to commit a crime. It happens unfortunately frequently, but I can't help you if I don't know who purchased it."
"Would you mind if we turned off the jammer?"
>"I'm sorry, but we do need to consistently test both small scale and large scale jammers, and it's hard to run quality control on larger scale jammers at once. We would have to turn off several jammers, and it will be extremely inconvenient for me to do so, as well as for me to leave the premises. It is almost christmas, after all, and even a product like this is in high demand. I'm hoping my words will suffice, here."

>>615374
Now why would it be inconvenient for him to exit the jammer field? I think he'd better come with us.

Extremely inconvenient sounds like a "Please go away I am guilty as fuck" to me. What do you think Rokoa?

Personal contact still works in a jammer right? Have Rokoa go grab him and you two snuggle uncomfortably with him and see if he is crooked. If you notice anything get those jammers off and call in a sweep of the building.

While this place might be clean it would be the perfect place to hide a bunch of illegal empathy tech. Them loosing a bit of time and money to have to reset everything is a small price to pay to make sure nothing is going on here.

Personal contact in an interview is somewhat unprofessional, but it can be used as a means to bypass a jammer, especially if he'd prefer not to continue the interview at the station.

>quality control on several large jammers at once
How are you supposed to tell if one fails or malfunctions if the areas of effect overlap?

>It is almost Christmas, after all
That is, unfortunately the reason for our urgency.

>Please tell me, if someone used a jammer to commit a crime.
There is a criminal investigation, and your tech does appear to have been involved. Beyond that, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the particulars at this time.

>what do
We know the number of vehicles hit, therefore we know at least how many jammers (or jammer casings) were needed. Large scale purchases tend to stand out, even if they broke it up into several smaller buys under different names. Give him the number of devices we suspect were involved.

The jammers we're interested were also modified. The client might have been bought damaged stock, or defective parts. That kind of order might have stood out as well.

Did we get a serial number or lot number of anything off the casing we recovered? That would be helpful in tracing it's origin.

>>615375
The unsuspicious answer would be he's running a company in the consumer frenzy right before Christmas and leaving his post for an hour or two would be very inconvenient. Of course, there are suspicious answers too.

Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)12:24 No. 615390 ID: 602cd8
File 141953908473.png - (108.04KB , 800x800 , 16.png )

>Did we get a serial number or lot number of anything off the casing we recovered?
All of that was scraped off. We could only deduce it came from here because of its shape and manner of construction, not because of any metadata.

"How do you tell if one fails or malfunctions if the areas of effect overlap?"
>"Ah, well, as long as there is a single spot isolated that is only affected by one jammer, you can put a couple of neumono in that spot and they can tell if it works. It does require perfect spacing, and there are further tests that go on."
"Regardless, it is almost christmas as you say, and that is why we're in a hurry. While it's unprofessional, we are in a criminal investigation that involved many of your casings, and either you will have to leave your post for a brief period, or we will have to engage in physical contact to bypass the jammer field."
>"I'm sorry, but I don't feel comfortable with that at all. I can schedule you for this evening, if you like, but to satiate your curiosity would be costly for me."
"We can look over your records if you like, then. If you grant us access to all of your files, we can run a CAI through it. They won't harm or interfere with anything, but you will be transparent."
>"We have a lot of proprietary data. That is unacceptable."
"... Rokoa, what does this sound like to you."
"It sounds like we, the enforcers of the law, are getting blocked a lot. This guy's got a pile of dirty laundry in that head of his, and it's gotta be the shittiest, stinking clothing pile around if he's hiding it behind obstruction of justice."
>"I, and my company, have rights. Do you have a warrant to search through us?"

I don't need empathy to tell that the Rokoa cannon is about to wiggle loose, but I don't know how.

>Do you have a warrant to search through us?
Warrants are only only necessary to force compliance.

You are within your rights to withhold information until we produce a warrant. However, with a warrant, we would be within our rights to be extraordinarily thorough in it's execution. *look at Rokoa* Especially if we have reasons to be suspicious. This would be a very bad time of year to have your operations shut down for an exhaustive review, or your employees missing their holiday hours for interviews.

(If possible, let Rokoa play off this. We're threatening and intimidating him here, and she'd like that. She'll probably jump on the idea of 'interviewing' them).

...I believe much like yourself, we would be happier if our words would suffice.

>>615390
How long would it take to get a warrant? Could you just, say, call someone up to get one within minutes? I suspect you could, considering the situation.

Wait, do UDA agents even need warrants?

Now if it were just Rokoa here she would need a warrant. And she can probably get one on her own within the hour.

As for me all I have to do is call the ultraking and have permission to do just about anything. That is if he does not personally come jet packing through your window 5 minutes after I call.

To clarify how far does your authority extend as a agent? Will be good to know for anything that comes up later.

1/2 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)13:44 No. 615414 ID: 602cd8
File 141954388167.png - (117.35KB , 800x800 , 17.png )

>Wait, do UDA agents even need warrants?
We do, but even the lightest scraps of evidence are usually enough to get them. And even then, it's largely a formality, but I don't like to strongarm excessively, even if I could simply call Az and request immediate permission.

>To clarify how far does your authority extend as a agent?
I'll have to double check. The agency is relatively new, and the laws of what we can and cannot do are frequently changing, and few can keep up. Trials regarding UDA action are often subjective.

"We may need a warrant to force your cooperation. So you have choices. The first is that you cooperate willingly and take the jammer and answer my questions to the best of your ability, and give us any data that would be helpful. The second choice is that we end up sitting here for less than 10 minutes to wait for a warrant. Then I shut this whole place down while Rokoa does all the searching and interrogation she wants to do, whether you want it done or not."

Rokoa reaches across, and puts her hand on his head.

"The second option would be my favorite, actually. I'm willing to wait."
>Alright, alright! I'll tell you. I was blackmailed, alright? Me and my hive did some... questionable environmental practices on our oil rigs. I had to let a lot of casings go missing in order to keep them quiet."
"Who is them?"
>"I don't know! They wouldn't say. They just ordered an enormous amount of empty casings, as well as blueprints to our studies on empathy recorders."
"Recorders?"
>"Yes, one that can hold an empathic feel, and play it back. It had flaws, and it wasn't ready for use by any means. This was... several months ago. I don't know what they could have done with it, but I couldn't have refused!"
"He's quiet, but I think he's telling the truth. He also wants us to keep our mouths shut about the whole thing."
"And how did you deliver all of those pieces?"
>"We only did about one thousand at a time, at a different dead drop each time. We never saw anyone pick them up."
"Turn off the damn jammer, you feel like you're trying to hide something!"
"I said I'll tell you! Look, here, I have a couple of people you two might be inte-"

2/2 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)13:45 No. 615417 ID: 602cd8
File 141954391683.png - (141.54KB , 800x800 , 18.png )

Rokoa reels him by the head, pulling him over the desk.

"You've got some real heavy fucking balls, fat cat! Polo, he just pushed a damn security button, the bastard's trying to off us!"

She might be right, I'm hearing a lot of footsteps coming from behind the doors.

>>615417
Disable the fat cat, get some cover by the door and order the incoming guards to stand down before you start shooting.

Honestly the safest place is probably behind his huge desk. Jump back there with Rokoa and use the little guy as a shield.

Radio for help while you do so and check for more buttons while you are back there. Then let him know that this was a very public visit and the only way he gets out of this in one piece is to have his men stand down.

This is a building specializing in jammer tech so don't be surprised if your calls out get blocked. If they are try to use his internal systems to call out if you can.

>>615417
Radio for the helicopter to pull up outside the window.
Jump out the window into the helicopter.
Make sure that rokoa takes Oilrigger with her.

Lock the door?

Check if your comm and/or phone is being jammed. If you can pass word along that his company or his hive was involved, silencing you serves no purpose, and only increases the charges that can be laid at their feet.

Tell the CEO that you hope your partner is mistaken. It only took a single agent working with one police officer to uncover this link. If you are silenced or disappear, they'll attract much more attention from your organizations, and endure worse charges when discovered. His only option for damage control is cooperation.

Instruct Rokoa to exercise restrain if we are attacked. Security personnel responding to an alarm don't deserve to be killed, or if those footsteps take orders from the blackmailers, we want them able to answer questions.

Do not shoot first. We're the police.

He is foolish. Our administration already knows we're here, and police and UDA agents will be here within the hour to shut everything down permanently if we are killed in action today.

Trust me, CEO, nothing besides your complete cooperation will get you past this clusterfuck with your cushy life intact. So it's compliance, or you're arrested and spend a significant time in prison if we survive, or you're on the run for the rest of your life if we die. Order off your security force now. There is no place we cannot track you down.

1/2 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)14:54 No. 615434 ID: 602cd8
File 141954805441.png - (139.21KB , 800x800 , 19.png )

"Rokoa, top over the desk, that's the only good cover in the room!" I yell, while I try to jam the door with a nearby chair.

She kicks it over while I grab my phone. It's dead.

"Damnit, they've jammed my cell! Can you reach the helicopter?"
"Rokoa to copter! Do you read?"

With no reply, Rokoa changes the dial, and repeats. People start banging on the door.

"This is Agent Polo of the UDA! Stand down!" The reply I get is gunshots fired into the doorway. That settles any misgivings about shooting first. I don't know who these guards are, but they're not average wage earners if they're firing in this scenario.

2/2 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)14:54 No. 615435 ID: 602cd8
File 141954806991.png - (181.17KB , 800x800 , 20.png )

I run back behind the tipped desk.
"Pelios, a lot of people know we were here, the only way you're getting out of this with your life intact is if you call them off!"
>"Too damn late!"
"I found your place working with a single other cop. If you silence us, you'll be getting way more attention!"
>"I'll be out of here by then! I would've been out of here by now, in fact, if you didn't show up here so damn fast!"
"You could have complied, and just had moderate legal action. You probably wouldn't have even gone to jail."
>"You two are the ones being idiots! You don't know who you're dealing with, if they realize I talked, even if I don't know that much... I'd rather be dead than be in the same world as them!"

"Rokoa to copter!"
>"I read." Good, Rokoa found a frequency that wasn't jammed.
"Go down 3 floors on the west side of the building, we need an out, pronto!" That idea isn't sounding as insane as I would like about now.

The guards start unloading an assault weapon into the door. The chair won't hold for many more seconds. The sound of the helicopter is getting close by, but it's not visible yet.

"Rokoa, what kind of firepower do you have?"
>"A pistol, a tear gas grenade, and my night stick."

I have a single pistol.

>>615435
You're going out that window, before or after the copter gets here. Bring the fat cat.

Disadvantage of tear gas is neither of you have masks. It could slow down the guards if you can get the grenade threw when the door opens, but you run the risk of hitting yourselves. And even if you don't immediately, your enemy isn't that far away, it'll spread.

...still, it's better than standing there and getting shot to pieces.

>I'd rather be dead than be in the same world as them!
Advise Rokoa to be careful with the prisoner, as he's liable to do something suicidally stupid in our exfiltration attempt. We need him alive, whether he likes it or not. (Cuff him, too, if we have them. You can Mirandize him in the chopper).

*look at the door* Use of force is authorized.

>jumping out a window
The jet pack isn't looking so silly now, is it. Almost would have been worth lugging around, if you'd had the fuel.

>single pistol, jumping from a window into a helicopter
Polo, I sure hope you've trained to be as good a shot and acrobat in this universe as we'd expect.

I suppose you could push the desk up to the door for further reinforcement. Just stay on either side of the desk while doing so and the gunfire won't reach you. Wood makes shitty cover anyway, you may as well be out in the open.

Have her tear gas the hallway once a hole opens up big enough to toss it through. You use your pistol to shoot out the window before the helicopter is in your field of fire.

Then cuff the ceo to Rokoa and jump for it. Do not bother getting into a firefight with the guards. Use your pistols just to blow out the window and maybe keep the guards suppressed until you can jump.

1/4 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)16:47 No. 615456 ID: 602cd8
File 141955486810.png - (175.36KB , 800x800 , 21.png )

>You're going out that window, before or after the copter gets here.
Given we are at least 30 floors high, I would prefer this to be after the copter is present.

>The jet pack isn't looking so silly now, is it. Almost would have been worth lugging around, if you'd had the fuel.
No, but it would involve leaving Rokoa to her own devices.

Regardless, knowing what we're dealing with now, I will have us both be significantly more equipped than we currently are.

>Wood makes shitty cover anyway
Thankfully, this is a very thick wood. It'll be chipped away steadily, but it will provide a moment of protection.

Rokoa starts sliding the desk over near the window, and I grab Rokoa's handcuffs to fasten Oilrigger's wrists together. I believe Rokoa would be better off handling him normally than having him attached at a wrist.

"If you throw the tear gas, make sure you don't mess it up." I tell her.

The door bursts open. The helicopter isn't there yet, but its ladder shows up right as Rokoa tosses the tear gas down.

>"Get on!" I hear on Rokoa's communicator.
"Cover me."

2/4 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)16:47 No. 615457 ID: 602cd8
File 141955487565.png - (154.56KB , 800x800 , 22.png )

I don't have a good weapon for suppressing, but I occasionally shoot the doors when I see anyone try to poke their head through. Rokoa puts a bullet through the glass as she runs through it, leaping out with Oilrigger in tow. I don't have the freedom to look to see if she made it.

I hear the guards coughing on the other side, but I see something black go for the tear gas. A heef. I shoot at it, and I must hit, as it squawks loudly. But not hard enough. It gets to the tear gas grenade fine without any tear ducts to hinder it, and goes to toss it back at me.

3/4 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)16:48 No. 615458 ID: 602cd8
File 141955488215.png - (210.14KB , 800x800 , 23.png )

"Come on!" Rokoa shouts at me.

I turn, and leap out of the window. It's close enough that I can make it easily.

"Go, go!"

4/4 Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)16:48 No. 615459 ID: 602cd8
File 141955488977.png - (168.02KB , 800x800 , 24.png )

The helicopter takes off. We still have people firing on us, but the helicopter turns around the corner of the building before any of us get hit.

"Looks like we're following their trail after all." says Rokoa. "Permission to beat the shit out of this guy?"

Give him a taste.

If he doesn't talk, give him a meal.

>>615460
Why don't you show him the view below and have Rokoa sit on him to make sure he doesn't try to jump out if he is feeling suicidal.

>Permission to beat the shit out of this guy?
Denied.

Pelios rozu Oilrigger, you are under arrest for conspiracy, accessory to grand theft, impeding an official investigation, resisting arrest, attempted assault on a police officer, and attempted assault on a federal agent.

Also for suspicion of unlawful environmental damage.

My patience is thin, and you are very likely to be subject to a field questioning. I suggest you start talking before I let her off her leash. Or if you don't wish to be held somewhere where the people you're so afraid of can find you.

>also
As soon as we're clear of the jamming, call this in. I want that factory shut down, and our assailants arrested if we can get troops in there before they flee.

Torture is counter-productive. Interrogate him.

Polo 2014/12/25(Thu)17:39 No. 615474 ID: 602cd8
File 141955799260.png - (154.54KB , 800x800 , 25.png )

>Torture is counter-productive.
Given we can tell when they are just telling us what we want to hear, torture is actually far more effective on neumono than aliens. It is, however, still just as unethical and monstrous. Nonetheless, I am not above threats.

He is almost certainly suicidal, given his actions and words, so I will refrain from making vague threats on his life as well.

"Denied, but barely. Pelios, you are under arrest, and I say that as a gigantic understatement. You will be given the laundry list of offenses soon. Rokoa, please talk him into spilling everything. Pelios, if you continue withholding information, I will let Rokoa give you a taste of what she wants to do. If you continue after that, she'll give you a meal."

We leave the jammer field, leaving a terrified CEO and Rokoa, who is exercising an alarming amount of willpower to not throw him out of the helicopter. I pull out my phone.

"Polo to operator."
>"Hello." Katzati says. "We just got a report there was a shooting at Aprio Enterprises - are you alright?"
"Yes. We're leaving, and the CEO is coming with us. We will make a big report. Right now, I want a lockdown on Aprio's tower, and scrub it clean from top to bottom. There are armed forces inside, bring in the military if you have to. The CAI should also be involved."
>"Understood!"
"I want similar action taken on their branches. Put it at the highest priority, I have reason to believe they are going to destroy any evidence if they haven't already."
>"Alright... I'm getting the word you're to return back to the police HQ and give a full report.

If this doesn't get more agents on the case, I don't know what will.

"I'm on the way. In the meanwhile, I would like to be issued new equipment for firefights."
>"What gear would you like?"

I can issue gear for myself and any active partners. I don't like her methods, but I can't deny that there are not many people I could rely on more than her to not panic, so I may wish to give her weaponry as well. I can also order specialized utility gear if need be.

Get some bioarmor you can keep under a uniform, and a stronger one for Rokoa, Use her as a meat shield.

Also, suggesting a remote device for her suit to turn it off or something.

>"What gear would you like?"
Well, we're upgrading this from grand theft to an apparent conspiracy people are willing to kill over.

Bioarmor and/or bulletproof vests would see appropriate. Hardened coms would be nice, after we got jammed out at the last location. Helmets, cops always have helmets, right? Getting stuff in your eyes won't be a problem, then.

Weapon-wise, if you're expecting to be attacked, you want more than a sidearm. Some kind of rifle. (Probably not a sniper though, since this is more a direct confrontation than a sneaking mission, and you're less likely to have been trained with one as a cop). For melee you might want you own night stick, or a taser of some kind.

(...if we're going to go all out secret agent, I wouldn't mind stuff like a rocket pack or hidden grappling hooks or secret laser pens if any of it actually worked. The last one wasn't very practical. I guess we could see what toys M Az tries to foist on us?).

Rokoa's obviously going to be able to carry a big gun, no idea what she's trained with, though. Or can be trusted with. Still, we're probably going to need the firepower.

A few grenades of various types couldn't hurt, either (teargas, flashbang, smoke?).

Rifle for Polo, shotgun for Rokoa, bulletproof filter masks that include flash protection, at least two each of three or four different kinds of grenades (Flashbang? Glue? Some kind of gas that works on heef? Whatever the armory guys can come up with, really), and a slab of composite-laminate armor big enough to hide behind, fitted with straps so Rokoa can carry it like a backpack.

We need a weapon better than just some rinkydink pistol, especially if we're going to be up against trained, armed guards. We'll want it easily concealable, though. Something like a Micro-Uzi? Or any variety of small automatic guns. If you have the training I think you do a collapseable/easily assembeled rifle may be good as well. I understand those can be made to fit in something like a briefcase, and perhaps in this magic spacefuture, they can be made even smaller?

>>615474
Heavy machine gun for Rokoa. Grenades for both. Armor for both. Assault rifle for you, it's multi-purpose. Some effective close-range weapon for both as well.

Also, better side-arms than pistols. Plasma pistols maybe?

Bioarmor for the both of you for starters. Then some weaponry suitable for the threat level.

You know what weapon will suit you of course but you should ask Rokoa what she wants. Some better sidearms for the both of you and a few things you can hide easily.

A tranquilizer gun for you and a rocket launcher for Rokoa.

1/4 Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)01:11 No. 615536 ID: 602cd8
File 141958510138.png - (106.38KB , 800x800 , 26.png )

"Katzati, do we have any powerful bioarmors that can be deactivated?"
>"We have an experimental bio armor. It's a bit weak since adding the deactivation signals takes up some room, but it can be disabled by speaking a very specific phrase. And it's still on par with a normal 70%. It does need an 80% BAAT score to be authorized, but if you want to use it, I think we'd like the chance to field test it at this stage."
"Rokoa, what's your BAAT?"
"93. Fuckin' internal structure of mine fucked up the rest of my score." she's rather bitter about that, but I have never heard of a 93 before.
"Get me one of those."
"Wait a sec, what's this about being deactivated?"
>"Rokoa, you are following me on a mission that involves a predator. I don't need a neumono multiple times my size wearing elite bioarmor trying to kill me."
"If it gets me, it's gonna get you."
"No. I am immune to predators."
"Hahaha, you - wait, you actually think you are, huh?"
"I am."
"I've resisted predators before."
"Then if you resist this one, I won't need to deactivate your model. Don't complain, it's still a strong model, just with assurance for this."
"Alright, alright."

Rokoa is, of course, wondering what I've got that makes me immune to predators. My silence is largely a secret, and I only put it on if I either am unseen, or if absolutely necessary.

On top of Rokoa's bio armor, I order a partial 30% bioarmor for myself. I get a set of Elite Police Armor for each of us with a heavy armored version for Rokoa, with bulletproof aspects and sealed helmets for gasses. A sniper rifle and uzi for myself, a machine gun and shotgun for Rokoa. I also get a plasma pistol for each of us. For melee, I get a taser for each of us as well. As for utility, I get a grappling hook. It isn't easily concealable, but it will work.

I grab two of each frag grenade and tear gas, while Rokoa gets two of each of those on top of one sleeper gas grenade, flashbang, and smoke. The sleeper gas will work on anyone except select Mikliks.

The sniper rifle can be disassembled to fit in a briefcase as need be, and it need not have a scope if I wish to use it as a lighter, mid range option.

And of course, a backpack Rokoa can wear with her armor to hold much of this.

>"These are expensive!" says Katzati. "We'll arrange for it, though, just in case you do go out in the field anymore where you might be in danger."
"We most likely will be, so I want at least the bioarmor delivered so that we can begin binding to it immediately. And if it's going to take that long, throw in a tranquilizer gun for me and a rocket launcher for Rokoa."
>"I think we can do that."
"Wait, can you use a rocket launcher, Rokoa?"
"Goddamn right I can! Throw in a plasma sword, too."
"Fine."

>Trained as a cop
Not quite. Although much of my training overlaps with law enforcement, of course, I have been been an actual cop. I do have specialized weapons training, especially with snipers.

2/4 Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)01:11 No. 615537 ID: 602cd8
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Upon returning to police HQ, we find out bioarmor delivered already. Our report is delivered as we bind to it.It takes awhile, of course, given that attempting to murder a police officer and UDA is considered a Big Deal. Rokoa gives what information was given to her, and Pelios is handed to another interrogator while Rokoa is busy.

It works out, as it gives our CEO more time to collect himself and sing. I get the impression from the surrounding hive that the person interrogating him is another UDA agent, and is a specialist.

If we wanted to, we could go home for the day given what transpired. However, Az would not appreciate me slacking off just because bullets went by my cheek. The police hive feels similar to Rokoa, I bet. And neither of us have any inclination to take time off in the first place, not when we have this amount of momentum.

So we wait and collect ourselves, waiting for further instruction while our bio armor binding is supervised.

>"Polo and Rokoa, please come to briefing room C." It's Katzati's voice. I expect she came here to give us orders in person.

3/4 Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)01:12 No. 615538 ID: 602cd8
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2:34 PM, Police HQ Briefing Room

>"Hi! Since you're all here, we can start. I've got the okay from Az to send a couple more agents. Rokann and Marra here are field agents, they can also go to places that are considered dangerous. Lucera is an office agent, and is going to act as head investigator for this case from now on. He's the one who interrogated Pelios. Please tell us what you learned."
>"Thank you." says Lucera. "It looks like Pelios didn't like being blackmailed too much, and hired a couple different PIs, supposedly the best, to try to find out who was behind it. Apparently, at least one was partially successful. Unfortunately, it would have been better for Pelios if it were an utter failure. He didn't learn the mastermind behind it, but he did learn about two of the higher ups and a list of lower downs - not enough to do anything about the blackmailing personally, but enough to be on a hitlist if things went bad. And our mastermind's hiccup with leaving that jammer case at the scene is what went bad. We've been trying to find the PIs. They're good enough, it seems, to have had the eyes to figure out what was happening, and lay low. We can't find them. Hopefully we can find them before our mastermind. Let me go over the names of the people involved so far. Katzati, if you will."

4/4 Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)01:12 No. 615539 ID: 602cd8
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Katzati turns on the big screen, and Lucera continues.

>"Our mastermind at the top. Suspected underground network led by the Salikai, but we have no confirmation of this. Whether or not it's an organization or a single individual, we have no current name to attach to him, and therefore have dubbed the entity responsible as 'the Grinch', after human legend of a similar heist in the past."
"The humans had this happen to them before?"
>"Yes. The stories say that the end of the story is that the humans never hunted down the grinch, instead, they had a wonderful christmas even without presents. The Grinch, realizing the error of his ways, returned the presents. However, we are neumono, and our society has become far too materialistic to ever forgive this, nor will our hives band together and sing songs. Even if we did, I highly doubt that our Grinch will return anything with any good will. Therefore, we are going to hunt down the Grinch and bring him to justice. Now, let me cover the PIs. Their names are Itcher and his assistant, Jessica. Jessica is presumed with him, wherever that is. The other one is Pilon. Ex-cop, from this station."

Rokoa gets a sour feeling, thinking of Pilon. The rest of the police officers get the same feeling in turn. A rogue, I'm guessing.

>"And the criminals we do know." Lucera continues. "Whiskers. We all know of her, here. Master thief, perfect for grand heists like this. Normally she works alone, but something must have tempted - or forced - her to cooperate with the Grinch. Next, we have Hok. Whiskers deals with large scale operations. Hok, however, specializes in single, large targets. If he is under the Grinch's umbrella, then I suspect there is a major target they're after. Pelios doesn't know much about them, unfortunately, it was merely one of his PIs making their report to show that Pelios had fallen under some heavy criminal activity. I am going to see what I can find about all of these people, but our best bet is to search for the PIs at the moment. One or both of them were able to find out evidence of Hok and Whisker's involvement. If they can find that much, they may be able to help find them. As for the lower downs, we've got a small list of people that were involved, if only as mercenaries. These are the ones that Polo and Rokoa ran into while approaching Pelios. We've apprehended nearly all of them in the lockdown. They're grunts. We don't expect to learn much, but we're putting a lot of resources into questioning every last one of them. I'll let all of you know if I find something that concerns you, but I want you four to separate into two teams and pursue the last known location of each PI. Which one you choose is up to you."

>deactivate-able bioarmor
If she got controlled and you turned off her bioarmor, you'd still have a neumono several times your size, armed with guns and some degree of conventional armor trying to kill you.

>>615538
Fantastic face Mara is making, there. Doesn't seem very happy.

>which PI track down
We won't earn any love from Rokoa for this choice, but the logical option is to go after Pilon. If she knew him, and understands anything about him at all, that gives us better odds of finding him.

Unless the rogue-hate is so strong it'll actively impede your ability to search or control her, at all. You'll have to judge from how intense the empathy you picked up, was.

These PIs are going to be hunted down sooner or later, so you should personally track down the more defenseless looking ones and leave the other to Marra and Rokann.

Since one is an ex-cop, and the other two are a sheep with a hat and his neumono lady friend, it would probably be best to track down Itcher and Jessica before they wind up at the bottom of a river.

Pilon used to be a police officer so can probably handle himself. We should look for Itcher and Jess before someone nasty finds them.

Wouldn't the CAI be the easiest to find? They're nuts and occasionally betray information just in mere conversation, we could convince it to turn traitor if it's entertaining enough and it'll give us leads.

>>615577
They're also unpredictable and dangerous. No thanks.

Itcher and Jess it is.

Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)12:33 No. 615634 ID: 602cd8
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>Wouldn't the CAI be the easiest to find?
I haven't gotten any word that we've found CAI activity let alone traced it back to the source, only that it's relatively obvious a CAI has been used.

"We'll go after Jess. I would prefer the Pilon searchers to not have a personal issue with him. Tell me about Itcher and Jessica."
>"Itcher, sometimes known as 'Baby Head'." Lucera starts explaining. "He used to be an enforcer for the mafia. Not so much the muscle, but rather making sure all the bolts in the ship were down tight. We took down his kingpin some years ago, but we had nothing on some of his followers, Itcher included. So he got off scot free, even though we're confident he has broken enough laws to last a lifetime in jail. He took up a private eye job, saying he was sick of his sketchy lifestyle. As for Jessica, nicknamed Jess, she came to him as a client asking for help finding a stalker of hers. For safety, she stayed at Itcher's place while he was on the job, and helped him nab the crook. Apparently she never left.
>"We might've pulled a kingpin off the streets, but the gang had enough string to hold itself together, even if Itcher got an out. We still think he had underground contacts with them. That's where your primary lead is. We have the names of some of his old contacts. Jules, a Pomi that worked security around some store fronts, worked with him a lot. Malsen, a belenosian, acted as one of his bodyguards much of the time. Then Lamarra, a neumono. Didn't work with Itcher as much as the other two, but he was the kingpin's right hand man. Biggest target we had nothing on, and it wouldn't surprise me if he kept tabs on Itcher. We can find where all of them are, but they're all in District J, which we all know is the biggest crimezone in the city. Be as subtle as you can be, but we'll keep backup close to you at all times just in case."

>>615634
>subtle
>Rokoa
Uh oh.

Well, we'll give it a shot, anyway.

Whiskers and Hok working for the same Mastermind? Whiskers doesn't seem the sort to work under anybody, and only people with the highest levels of patience would employee a wildcard like Hok, given his record.
>Normally she works alone, but something must have tempted - or forced - her to cooperate with the Grinch.
That's likely a good call.
>Hok, however, specializes in single, large targets. If he is under the Grinch's umbrella, then I suspect there is a major target they're after.
Hmm. If they had need of Hok's services, then that would likely show something to attract Whiskers into service. Her track record will likely point to her betraying The Grinch, but whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is questionable.
>Pilon, probably a rogue
Ask Rokoa about this. Not in a direct way, but ask what she would do if she found him.

>subtle
That's going to conflict somewhat with running around in full riot gear, covered in weapons. People anywhere are going tot look at those outfits and know something's up. And ex-mobsters aren't going to be happy seeing police armed to the teeth showing up.

...then again, ex-mobsters won't be happy to see a police uniform at all, so maybe there's no winning here.

>>615637
Given Rokoa's "Corrupted" empathy, any Neumono there will probably know these aren't proper police.

>>615638
The mobsters aren't all monos, by a long shot. Appearances will still matter, to some extent.

...and there's nothing 'corrupted' about it.

>>615638
Since this is an alternate universe, >>615639 is likely correct.

Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)21:30 No. 615770 ID: 602cd8
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>Rokoa's empathy
It is intense and unpleasant to be around. Having authority over her is the only salvation to this.

>That's going to conflict somewhat with running around in full riot gear, covered in weapons.
We won't necessarily have to wear those wherever we go. Of course, if we do get in a shootout again, they won't do much good in a car, but for simply asking around, we shouldn't need them.

"Rokoa, what would you do if you found Pilon?"
>"Give him a good sock in the face."
"We'll continue searching for Itcher."

Jules is currently presumed to be at home. Malsen is making rounds around a neighborhood, collecting money. Lamarra is in his office in an office above a casino.

I'll have to decide which one to pursue first. Rokoa and I will bring a car to hold our belongings, but I must also decide what level of gear to bring on hand to whichever target I choose.

Jules, first. I doubt he's going to try and kill us in his home, and he's in a position to have kept tabs on them.

No need to bring in the big guns or outer armor, probably.

Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)22:30 No. 615794 ID: 602cd8
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I let Lucera and Katzati know where we're going.

"Let's go, Rokoa."
"We taking the normal wheel or the short wheels?"
"... you drive."

We end up well out of downtown, so we don't get that backup as mentioned.

"Alright. Jules isn't reported to be any hard criminal, we're just going to have some questions." I tell Rokoa.
"We'll see."

Knock Knock

>"... ah - " Jules starts, as I show him my badge.
>"Who is it?" A woman's voice in the background interrupts me before I can introduce myself. Most likely his wife.
>"... just a couple of friends, actually!"
>"Well, invite them in!"
>"I'll cooperate. Just play along, for the sake of my wife, please."

>>615794
Oh my god fine. Engage in casual conversation, and ask at some point if he's seen Itcher and Jessica around.

>Just play along
Go ahead and play along. If it gets us what we want quickly and easily, there's not reason to cause us problems. (We probably can't accept that invitation to come in, since then the wife would see our uniforms).

We're searching for another 'friend'. Do you know where Itcher is? We've heard he might be in some trouble, and we're concerned for him.

Go ahead and act like some friendly work buddies. Keep your badges out of sight and go with the flow.

Oh... a family man.
Shit. If he knows something, we could put innocents in danger.

Okay Polo, act casual, be a bit more friendly, maybe smile? Rokoa... don't smile.

Tell them you don't want to be a bother and just want to know if he's seen Itcher. Try not to get seated down otherwise you might have snacks and refreshments headed your way.

>>615794
Rokoa: Don't buy it, could be a trap.

Polo 2014/12/26(Fri)23:43 No. 615810 ID: 602cd8
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"Alright. Tell us how you've been. Rokoa, wipe that grin off your face. Or at least lose the teeth."
>"Ah, good, good. I just got a raise recently, so I've been able to save more money."
>"Hello, h -- wait, cops?" Even if I put my badge away, Rokoa is still obviously in uniform, and I doubt she has civilian clothes underneath.
"We are, but we've worked with Jules before. Our visit isn't entirely recreational, though. Jules isn't in any trouble, but we were hoping he has any info on Itcher's whereabouts."
>"Oh... oh, that's a relief." She's visibly more relaxed. I'm gathering she doesn't like Jules' relation to the mafia. "If you say it's not entirely recreational then, I assume it's at least partially so! Please, sit down. Would either of you care for some tea or coffee? Er, non caffienated, of course."

Jules himself clearly knows who Itcher is, but he's not quick to answer. He looks to be thinking. Rokoa's not liking this one bit. She gives me the impression she thinks it's a trap, but I also get the impression she doesn't like dealing with things that aren't neumono.

>>615810
Rokoa: Offer to help with making tea/coffee while polo talks to Jules.
Polo: Talk to Jules.

>She gives me the impression she thinks it's a trap, but I also get the impression she doesn't like dealing with things that aren't neumono
If you can count on her picking up your thoughts at all: this would make a pretty poor trap, unless he was perfectly happy to get his family killed in the crossfire.

And dealing with them this way is likely to be a lot faster than the alternative.

Watching you two try to force normal smiles is hilarious by the way.

I like the idea of sending Rokoa off to help with drinks. She can watch for poison or ninjas in the kitchen while you chat with Jules.

As for being a trap just keep a eye out. Someone else could be watching Jules place to see if anyone comes asking for Itcher. So any traps or ambushes would probably be from a third party who is also looking for Itcher and Jess.

Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)01:24 No. 615835 ID: 602cd8
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I, of course, don't think this is a trap. I can't rule it out, so I'll remain on my toes.

"Rokoa likes her coffee a certain way, but we would appreciate it."
"Yeah. Lemme help."
>"Well, if you insist, but don't let me get in the way!"

I shuffle Jules off to the side, and he leads me to a small alcove at the edge of the house away from any windows.

"Do you know anything about the whereabouts of Itcher?"
>"I'm sorry, but I don't have that information."

He starts performing sign language at me.

There are audio bugs in the house. You aren't the first to ask me about that. Keep talking.

"Do you know of anyone that does?"
>"He didn't keep contact with many, and the ones that did wouldn't like to share they keep in contact."

You also had a car following you on the way over. It had at least 3 people inside.

"I'd like to hear of any hunches about who he worked closest with."
>"Hickory and Ressi did some routes with him, I heard. I can't vouch for their knowledge, though."'

Lamarra knows, but you're going to have a bad time trying to get the information out. If those guys find out we helped the cops when we could have helped them, we'll be in danger. My family, as well.

Ask him whats the deal with Itcher and Jess. Should be a simple question he can answer while you sign back.

In sign language ask if he wants protection for his family. Tell him that the situation has already begun to spiral out of hand and they will most likely be after him soon anyways. Mention that you picked up one of the big players and anyone with any info will be a target to silence now.

Handy that you bothered to learn sign language. Not sure if you can reply in kind, but it would make raising sensitive topics (like protection) possible.

Well, we're going to have to 'discover' our tail at some point after this, so we can deal with them.

Big problem is we can't put his family in the line of fire, and you're not geared up to deal with things if your tail attacks this house. We can't immediately put them in protective custody, either, without tipping our hand.

Which means our immediate objective is to learn what we can and leave safely, then figure out how to get the innocents to safety.

...be real handy if our CAI could hack the bugs or something.

>Hickory and Ressi did some routes with him, I heard. I can't vouch for their knowledge, though.
I understand. Nothing else?

1/2 Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)02:33 No. 615844 ID: 602cd8
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>Be real handy if our CAI could hack the bugs or something.
I have lots of resources I can call in, but CAI activity that requires operation beyond its physical base requires high authorization. Most of its activity is looking at information spoonfed to it after being scrubbed by normal algorithms. The reason for this is that if it goes outside of its base, it is subject to contact with other CAIs. In this case, the Grinch's CAI. It is extremely likely they would both destroy each other simultaneously, less likely that one would successfully and safely eliminate the other. We have a backup in the worst case, of course, but we are going to attempt to go through this case without needing the CAIs to make contact.

The good news is that since we are on such high alert, the enemy CAI is less likely to present itself in the open from now on for the exact same reason, similar to the mutually assured destruction that prevents countries from nuking other countries out of fear of being nuked themselves.

"Alright. Just tell me about Itcher then, specifically his partnership with Jess."
>"Haa, that's a lot of speculation. Some say Jessica just invited herself in after her case was fulfilled, and Itcher didn't have the heart to kick her out. Some say she sleeps with the guy to pay rent. Not many say that, since Itcher did make a habit of punching the people that said that. Others say they're lovers. I'm not gonna say they are, but Itcher didn't punch as many people for saying that as he did about the ass rent, and I'd sure have trouble believing that a girl like that hangs around so close to a guy like that, without anything going on. But I guess it's also possible their relationship is perfectly professional. Itcher always was a bit of a slouch, and he could use someone to pick up after him."

I return the sign language.
Things regarding Itcher have been sliding downhill. We can offer protection until you no longer need it.
>I'm sorry, I don't know the mitten-dialect of sign language. Let me get you a pen and paper.

I write the same thing, convoluting our communications.

>That would be appreciated. My wife won't like this at all, and I'm hoping we can have house protection rather than be put in protective custody.

>"Coffee's almost done!" I hear Jules' wife call out.

We may not be able to stay long. Putting any protection on them immediately may tip our hand, but at the same time, as soon as we leave here, the danger to this household is going to skyrocket. I will at least arrange for protection of either kind in advance, and wait for my word until I make a decision.

Something's up, you've been made, prepare for an attack

Woops you got company incoming. Try to keep the conversation going so that anyone listening in does not realize you know they are coming yet. But show your lack of signal to Jules and get to the kitchen to show Rokoa.

Odds are you have at least 3 incoming shortly so get the civilians somewhere reinforced if possible and get ready for a fight.

>>615845
Check your email, prepare for attack, that email message may be important.

Would it be possible to fetch some of the car's contents before they're here?

Tell Rokoa to go get something from the car. Don't specify out loud exactly what. Empathically project the feeling of being surrounded by dangerous things just out of sight, mixed with greed.

>>615770
>We won't necessarily have to wear those wherever we go. Of course, if we do get in a shootout again, they won't do much good in a car, but for simply asking around, we shouldn't need them.

Asking around is all you've done so far, and people started shooting anyway! Next interview, just wear the stuff openly from the outset.

>>615859
Tell her to fetch the biscuits she brought "because you aren't gonna dig up her backpack to find them." (while showing her the phone) She'll get the message and fetch the whole backpack.

How many times are you going to get in a fight today over fucking Christmas presents?
Christ man, even after that last fight I still considered these guy's mostly cat burglars. UI wish we were dealing with cat burglars. The original Grinch was a cat burglar.
Is there a wired phone ANYWHERE nearby? I imagine with the constant threat of cyberwarfare, landlines are commonly available.

>>615845
Just silently walk out and get to the car, get your gear.

Well, given the car following you, they likely have the household on jammer now. Don't attempt to force anything through, as they'll probably catch it, and learn what your message is. There aren't really efficient tips you can give out without announcing your real intention, and if they're paranoid enough to jam your gear, they'll be paranoid enough to suspect your messages to have a secret meaning, anyways.

Thank Jules for his help, outloud, and as well for inviting you in (or, at least, his wife did) for a recreational visit, and write that you might need to make true on that protection sooner than you thought.

Great, someone is jamming the signal, again. Unless there's just really shitty cell coverage, here.

Immediate priority: we do not want to be attacked in this home. It'll be very hard to keep the civilians safe. ...although we can't afford to run, either, as they could be silenced as soon as we're away from them.

Our best bet is to assume the jamming is preventative- they're taking the risk you might notice you're being jammed because they want to be certain you can't call it in if he tells you something. They're not risking you being faster on the dial than they can throw the switch. If that's true, we'll be able to tell because the jamming will switch off after you leave the house without having heard any evidence.

If the jamming doesn't turn out, that means they've decided to kill you, of course.

1/3 Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)13:55 No. 615947 ID: 602cd8
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>Check your email
Katzati sent a message saying that Rokann and Marra got in a fight. They're fine, but warns us to be careful. They'll send a single police car for us just in case. That was 4 minutes ago.

"I'd like to continue talking, but let me get that coffee, first."
>"Sure thing."

I show him my cell phone with no signal, while I write down that I should try to get protection here ASAP. He squints his eyes.

Rokoa senses my alarm, at least, at comes around the corner.

>"What's up?"
"Get the biscuits we left in the car." I say. She picks up that I mean grab the firepower.

2/3 Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)13:55 No. 615948 ID: 602cd8
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>"Hey, dear?" Jules asks to his wife, who followed Rokoa to us. "Just leave the coffee on the counter for them, they have to talk something over for just a moment. Could you follow me for a moment?"
>"Uhm, sure, what's going on?"
>"They're asking for some documents that I may want help finding."
>"Oh, sure."

Jules turns to me while they leave, frantically gesturing.

>I put panic room. 10 minutes before my kids. Wait 30 second, landline kitchen.

3/3 Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)13:55 No. 615949 ID: 602cd8
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I hear Jules' wife cry out some alarm, and take that as my cue to pick up the phone. I barely even bother. Unsurprisingly, the phone line is dead. These guys are working fast.

Rokoa is returning from the car, with all the gear she could carry.

>>615949
Get down, something is in those bushes, or at least move very quickly away from the window.

Right, looks like you're in for another fight.

Drop the phone, draw your service weapon, and deploy the helmet on your bioarmor. Then we need to glance quick to see if they made it to the panic room, of if someone's already inside.

If the apparent is clear, we want to get line of sight on Rokoa, so we can cover her approach.

Objective is probably to hold out for backup while protecting the witness and civies.

Drop the phone and get away from any windows. Then double check to make sure all of the family got inside the panic room if you can.

Then look over the layout of the house and watch any entrances.

Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)15:06 No. 615967 ID: 602cd8
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Rokoa returns quickly. Thankfully, we didn't park far, and they may not have been able to react in time to seeing Rokoa carry in more than a snack.

>Deploy the helmet on your bioarmor.
I got a partial bio armor that does not cover the head or hands. Perhaps I should have, however, given that Rokoa seems to have been able to stuff her bioarmor head part under her uniform without looking like she shoved some laundry down her neck.

I back out of the kitchen to get out of the way of any windows.

"Jules. You didn't get in the panic room."
>"I don't consider myself a civilian."
"Legally, you are."
>"... okay, the honest answer is that I would rather be in a firefight than deal with my angry wife right now."
"You weren't clear about your kids."
>"They come home in about 10 minutes from their after school activities."
"We have backup coming. Only one car was confirmed, but that was when I had reception. Since we're off the grid, we may have the cavalry show soon. Regardless, we're going to prepare for the worst case. Your phone is dead, and you have activity in your backyard."

Rokoa is getting her raid gear together, and I may want to do the same. Jules walks to a tv and turns it on, and starts skimming his security feeds.

>"Two mikliks in the rosebushes. The car I mentioned with 3 people is moving down the street towards us. By the way, my glass here is bulletproof, as are the walls. This isn't a regular house. I can kill the mikliks, if you give me the authority."
"Do you have a layout of the house?"
>"Yes. I've locked every door. Charges can blow them open if they go that extreme, but there's no way they can open the door, or make any entrance, without creating a lot of noise. There's a door in the back of the kitchen to the backyard, the garage, and the front door.

>>615967
Put your kit on.

Say that you'd like to capture one of them, preferably whoever seems to be in charge. But for now, yeah, just shoot whoever is shooting at us. Once there's only one left, or when backup arrives, tell them to surrender so we can maybe get one alive.

>They come home in about 10 minutes from their after school activities
Hopefully they're smart enough not to get any closer if they hear gunshots. Or the school bus will be rerouted before they can get close.

>I can kill the mikliks, if you give me the authority
Consider yourself deputized. Use of force is authorized. The people looking for Itcher have already opened fire on law enforcement once, today.

Remember that they can hear what you are saying right now. If you want to pull any tricks you had better do it now.

For instance you could tell him out loud that you are not about to involve a civilian and that he should escape with his family. Maybe show him a note saying to make up a story about a escape tunnel or something. Something that could divide there forces if they are listening in.

Otherwise deputize him and try to keep a few alive for interrogation later.

>>615967
Jules, honestly, I think one of us and you should head out to get your kids. I don't think they'll be safe wherever they are for long. Especially since, you know, they're listening. Not that they wouldn't know anyway. If we had communications, I'd just ask for increased police presence at the schools.
The other neumono should stay here to protect your wife.
I don't know Jules, they're your kids. We're at your disposal. We can stay and fight here, or we can do what I just suggested. He may also choose which neumono would go with them to fetch the kids. I'd suggest Rokoa stay, but who knows she may be great with kids.

If Jules knows where those bugs are, now would be a good time to kill them.

Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)15:46 No. 615982 ID: 602cd8
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I start to write, but Jules shakes his head.
"I've got my own jammer that is blocking their bugs. We can talk."
"We don't want to introduce the kids to them. Can we intercept?"
>"That's too risky. If any of us leave the house, they'll most likely shoot us out in the open. They're still a ways away, and far safer than us, at least for a little while. If this drags out though, I'll ask one of you to make sure they stay safe."
"Alright. You're deputized, but we'd like to have one for questioning.
>"Understood."

I put my kit on as swiftly as my training permits during this. I'm only halfway through when it sounds like a war in the front yard breaks out.

>"They're trying to gun us through the house." says Jules. He's nervous, as anyone who could die from a single bullet wound would be, but he seems to have faith in his security systems. "A miklik's looking like he's about to run up to the back door with an item in hand. The windows are one way visibility." he says, which was true. I couldn't see the inside of the house from the outside.
"If you can disable him, do it."

Jules picks up what looks like a video game controller, and the tv shows a visual of what looks to be a drone's camera flying out of the roof top.

"Goddamn, you sure prepared for this shit."
>"Yes. I am. I'm dropping a gas grenade that should work on mikliks. There, that shou-"

We can't hear a gunshot given the continous machine gun fire from outside of the house, but it's clear the drone was shot down. Jules flips on the security camera.

>"The miklik close to the door is knocked out, yeah. The other miklik... is gone. I don't have a visual on him, and I don't have any blind spots."

Rokoa and I are fully outfitted, now.

>>615982
No blind spots, even on the roof? Meh, could be a stealth suit or something anyway. Regardless the house should still be secure. Ask if he's got any spots that can open to shoot out of, and we'll shoot out of them.

...hmm, I wonder if you can open the door to gun down anyone near the front of the house, then grab the unconscious miklik to secure them.

Does no blind spots include someone stuck to walls or ceilings? That or a stealth suit of some sort.

The longer you let them shoot at the house the longer they have to get better weaponry. I would take the fight to them.

Just make sure that Jules stays somewhere defensible. Do not want some miklik ninja sneaking in while you are fighting outside and offing him.

Make sure to drink your coffee before it gets cold

Wouldn't surprise me if a Miklik had some sort of natural camouflage, but given how serious these people seem to be about taking you down, it's could very well be a stealth suit.

Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)16:05 No. 615989 ID: 602cd8
File 141972514828.png - (200.87KB , 800x800 , 42.png )

>Drink your coffee before it gets cold
It still had steam coming out of it. I have time.

"No blind spots, including the roof, walls or ceilings?"
>"Everywhere. My security system costed a fortune."
"Do you have any spots we can shoot out of?"
>"Yes, the second floor. I can show you."
"Rokoa, take your machine gun and fire back on the car outside. I'm going to grab the unconscious miklik."

I go outside where the unconscious miklik was. I'm nervous about walking out in the open with the possibility that the other miklik simply has invisible technology, but I get a visual on the unconcious miklik. He was shot, and presumably killed.

>>615989
Keep an eye on him. Also, a gun trained on him. Could be faking it- and he probably is, considering the drone didn't shoot back as far as we know and I doubt there was any crossfire on an airborne target. Unless your backup is here? I don't think it is. Drag the knocked out miklik in.

>>615990
The Grinch might have had his men kill the failure, as well.

Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)16:35 No. 615994 ID: 602cd8
File 141972693748.png - (181.29KB , 800x800 , 43.png )

I keep a gun trained on him while watching my surroundings as best as I can as I go drag him in. If he's playing dead, he's doing a good job. There's no pulse, he's limp when I pinch him, and that doesn't look like fake blood to me.

I hear Rokoa's gunfire echo through the house, shortly followed by the sound of squealing tires and Rokoa stomping down the stairs.

Get to tying the unconscious one up while Rokoa gives you the news.

>>615994
Oh wait, the knocked out miklik was killed, and the OTHER miklik is missing?

...squealing tires? Someone's gonna ram the house. Shut that door pronto and get behind cover in the direction of the tires.

Polo 2014/12/27(Sat)18:26 No. 616023 ID: 602cd8
File 141973359103.png - (209.60KB , 800x800 , 44.png )

>Oh wait, the knocked out miklik was killed, and the OTHER miklik is missing?
Correct.

I use a ziptie on this miklik's hands while I drag him further into the house, shutting the back door.

"Jules, this miklik may not be dead."
>"... may not be?"
"Yes, I think the other miklik shot him so we couldn't question him, and ran. Please tie him up the rest of the way."
>"Got it."
"Rokoa, talk to me!"
"They're fleeing! If the mikliks are out of the way, let's catch them!"
>"I can hear sirens." says Jules. "I'll be fine till your backup arrives, just go on!"

Tell him to lock his ass somewhere secure in case the missing miklik is hiding somewhere waiting. We do not care how good his security system is if we come back and he is dead or missing we will be very unhappy.

Normally I would say fuck chasing and to stay here and secure the house. But with his security he should be safe if he does not try anything stupid.

...we could chase them, but I kind of feel that making sure our witness and/or source stays alive is more important that gnabbing this particular batch of mercenaries. The baddies seem to have lots of them.

That said, I have no problem sic-ing Rokoa on them while we provide ranged support. You have a long rifle, and it's not like you could keep up with her in a dead run, anyways.

Just remember that you are the one who has to tell his cute children that you ran off and did not protect daddy.

So make sure things are secure.

>>616023
Erm. If he got shot in the head he's dead. You probably look silly tying up a corpse.

Leg it. Try to intercept Jules' children while you're at it. They're in danger too.

>>616023
check the miklik for explosives, it may have explosives inside of it or something... oh jeez, I'd just leave it outside.

Miklik's are more fragile than neumono, but more hardy than humans and Pomi's.
Emergency Medical attention might save his life, but he probably won't wake in time for Christmas. I don't know if Miklik's can suffer brain damage.

Still, an attempt should be made to save his life. He could recover from that brain shot. His pulse is likely too weak to feel. If we can't save him, we should be able to identify him if he's in any records.

>>616143
I meant permanent brain damage from surviving head wounds.
I know they can get suffer actual brain damage. I just don't know if their brain cells can come back if they do survive.

From which direction will the children come?
Did the car go in that direction, or the opposite?

1/2 Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)02:37 No. 616195 ID: 602cd8
File 141976306632.png - (143.14KB , 800x800 , 45.png )

>You probably look silly tying up a corpse.
Most likely, but Miklik biology has astounding variances. Some miklik organs, brain included, are moved around. For all I know, his liver could have been shot.

>It's not like you could keep up with her in a dead run, anyways.
I'm assuming Rokoa plans on taking our vehicle, not run after a car on foot.

"No, Rokoa, stay here. I'd like to catch them, but if shit happens here in the next 60 seconds, I'm not going to be the one to tell Jules' kids that we ran out in a rush and didn't protect their dead father. And there's no telling that the other miklik didn't just hop the fence."

I think I hit a nerve. Rokoa comes close to picking me up by the everything and running out to the car with me.

"If you want to do anything, find his kids and make sure they're safe."
".... you're the boss." She coughs out the words, but she's in agreeance, somehow. "Yeah, I'm taking the car to find the kids. The bad guys are already a few blocks down by now, anyway."
"Jules, please explain to Rokoa where your kids approach from and what they look like. I just got a paranoid thought. I'm going to leave the miklik corpse outside. Jules, either stay indoors or go with Rokoa."
>"I'll go."

2/2 Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)02:37 No. 616196 ID: 602cd8
File 141976307563.png - (208.59KB , 800x800 , 46.png )

Rokoa speeds off in one direction, and a couple of cop cars speed up to us from the other.

>"Hey, UDA! What's going on?" they ask, as I go back out to the front yard.

I give my report, asking them to secure the grounds. The jammer field also is lifted, an ambulance is summoned to attempt to resuscitate the Miklik, and Rokoa and Jules returns with the kids intact. They look surprisingly calm, all things considered. Realizing that I never got a visual on the car, I ask Jules to supply that information, adding the notion that the jammer may be inside of the car itself.

The miklik is confirmed unconscious and in a technically living state, but it's uncertain if he will last the hour, let alone wake up in time for christmas. We didn't apprehend any of the other criminals in question, but we did get a lead that Lamarra definitely knows where Itcher is. Ultimately, this situation had much more room to go worse, than room to go better. Jules seems to be suspiciously well experienced in house ambushes.

I also finally get the coffee. It's good. It would have been better if it was still hot.

>>616196
Get another cup of coffee, you earned it. Those kids are probably traumatized having to ride with Rokoa behind the wheel... I guess get a move on to the casino and find Lamarra.

Chat with the mister and missus, make sure they're doing okay. Make some casual talk.

"This happen often?"

This went great honestly. You got some solid intel and helped protect someones family. I do not think anyone you could have caught would have given you a ton more.

Now that you can talk freely with Jules find out more about there old gang and whats going on if you can. Then we need to work on tracking down Lamarra.

Now remember if Lamarra does know where Itcher is he is in more danger than Jules was. The Grinch wants to tie up any loose ends so will be leaning on him pretty heavily shortly.

Oh man, the kids are adorable.

>Jules seems to be suspiciously well experienced in house ambushes.
Hazard of working for the mob, I guess.

>what do
Find out if there's anything we should know about or be prepared for when going to see Lamarra. Before heading out. Arrange protection and make sure local PD has this in hand.

...be sure to call this in, and tell HQ what you learned. And discretely confirm that the cops who showed up were the ones deployed. Probably paranoid, but I want to be sure they aren't just baddies in stolen uniforms.

>They look surprisingly calm, all things considered.
Three-fin (Four spike) does, but the two-fin (three spike) has dialated pupils. Wasn't that a sign of Pomi getting nervous?

Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)12:57 No. 616258 ID: 602cd8
File 141980022117.png - (159.07KB , 800x800 , 47.png )

>Two-fin (three spike) has dialated pupils. Wasn't that a sign of Pomi getting nervous?
A Pomi's nervous lock up dialation generally leaves almost no whites of the eye visible, and they generally freeze up. This kid just has wide eyes.

I make sure that the PD has this in hand and will have heavy coverage of protection for this house. I'd say the kids can just stay home and relax for Christmas, but I don't think many Pomi celebrate it. Probably not this one, given the lack of ornamentation on the property. I also have the PD sent my report to HQ if it hasn't already, but since Lucera and Katzati have situated themselves inside of the PD HQ and are working closely with the case, working with my guys and the police are one and the same right now.

Jules' wife was also brought out of the panic room. She sounded flustered and rather angry from a distance, but by the time she comes to me, she's calmed down once again.

>"Ah, you two! I was told everything. Jules' might run with the wrong crowd, but he is the best husband! Please do not think badly of him!"
"I don't. He took your home defense extremely seriously. This situation could have been far more difficult, but he did more work than us. The government will pay for all damages to your house, if your insurance does not." The police might have some misgivings about protection on a mob employee, but thankfully Rokoa got some respect for Jules, and that'll be enough. "Does this happen often?"
>"No, this is first! Thank you for being here, anyway! Please, let me refill your coffee. Ah, no, I will refill your coffee and make dinner for all of us. Please, stay for awhile!"

Rokoa and I are capable of going to Lamarra, and we may want to confront him as soon as we can. Rokann and Marra are still trying to hound Malsen. On the other hand, we do need to eat at some point.

Ask if she can make some food to-go. Underline that time is a precious resource, and could mean life or death for Itcher and Jess.

>stay for dinner
Tell her you appreciate the offer, but you have leads to follow up on, and you'd prefer to get there ahead of the bad guys.

Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)17:17 No. 616314 ID: 602cd8
File 141981586395.png - (208.85KB , 800x800 , 48.png )

"I appreciate the offer. If you have something that can be taken immediately to go then I will accept, but we must be going."
>"Ah... yes, it's only leftovers, but I won't keep you." says Jules' wife, of which I realize it is too late, and now awkward to ask for her name.

Rokoa and I pack up our gear and food, and get in the car.

"Let us keep our riot gear on, this time. I don't care if we make a scene walking through the casino." she says, like it's an order. "Also quit feeling so grumpy. You can sit up front, you just need the booster seat."

>You can sit up front, you just need the booster seat.
I'd prefer to pretend I have a chauffeur than that I am a child.

>go in full gear
*sigh* I would have to agree. With the way our opposition is escalating, I would not be surprised if they tried to silence Lamarra as well.

Keep your eye out for another tail.

Oh just sit up front on a box already. Just because you are small does not make you any less awesome.

Also I would have at least Rokoa in full gear. This situation is nasty enough to warrant it. If anyone gives you crap it probably means you need to shoot them.

Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)18:51 No. 616335 ID: 602cd8
File 141982149883.png - (134.97KB , 800x800 , 49.png )

>Oh just sit up front on a box already.
That is a safety hazard, and the reason why I am not up there already.

I take a look behind me, checking to make sure there's no similar car following me too far. I don't believe we're being tailed. They may have the amount of personnel available to tail us, but they can rightfully assume that we are on guard after that.

"I'll pretend you're my chauffeur."
"That's basically what this is."
"Anyways, I'm inclined to agree. Keep our faces visible, but our helmets close, at least while walking through the public areas. Put Katzati on the car phone... thanks. Katzati, give us blueprints to the casino layout. I'm thinking about a route directly to Lamarra's office that keeps us away from public view."
>"Certainly... yes, there's a backdoor you can take through the western alley." she continues giving directions through the place. "Should I alert the staff to your incoming presence?"
"No, at least, not yet. I'll keep my badge on hand."
>"Understood."
"How are Rokann and Marra doing?"
>"They've found out that Malsen has ties to another mafia group that... has absolutely nothing to do with the grinch, but it's a good lead. They're still working on their report, so we'll be sending others if you need backup. Oh, Polo... please don't let Lucera see you eating with your issued gloves."
"Tell him that's why field agents don't treat office jockeys seriously."

There are some options for how we're going to do this operation. Rokoa and I can do this normally by going through the front door and asking for Lamarra, or I can arrive at the casino and arrange a call to the security to let us through all the way to Lamarra's office without intervention.

Only now do I realize exactly what this is.

Polo and Rokoa: Together, Fighting Crime, in a Christmas special.

Why it took several days to sink in, I have no idea.

I'd show up at the back door, and then have your people call you in. We want to try and reduce the chance we're seen entering this place, but at the same time, we don't want to give them any advance warning in case Lamarra would rather scram than meet with us.

>>616335
Take the side entrance. No reason to alarm the customers.

Go in the back way to avoid alarming anyone. Your badge will get you through a bunch but have Katzati ready to call security as soon as you get to the door.

1/2 Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)20:30 No. 616363 ID: 602cd8
File 141982745785.png - (178.81KB , 800x800 , 50.png )

"... yeah. Call us in when we're there. Give me a feed."

We park the car in the alleyway without trouble. There's an empathic jammer here, of course. Casinos are perfect mafia store fronts for neumono. They can hide their underhanded deals behind a jammer with the justification that neumono have a tough time playing poker without it.

Katzati has someone call in, and my helmet pops up with the stream.

>"Casino Ace security, this is Agent Nuluno rozu Sandsearcher of the UDA. We would like to ask you a favor."
>"What's that?" someone on the line asks.
>"In a couple of moments, one UDA agent and a police officer are going to enter through your western back door. We ask that you not intervene or alert any of your staff, and grant us access to your surveillance. Treat them as though they are supposed to be there, because they are."
>"We'd like to know the purpose of their entry."
>"We have questions for an individual who may be in danger. Enough danger that we want our presence there to be suppressed. We will give you the post-operation documents to supply to your employers, guaranteeing there will be no reprimands for your actions. Failure to comply, however, will result in legal reprimands."
>"How do we know this isn't some false call?"
>"You may send a security officer to the backdoor to check the badges of the agent and officer that will come in."
>"... and just how can you promise there's not going to be any reprimands, hm?"
>"Because your rights will be legally upheld, and this casino is ran by upstanding entrepreneurs that follow the law, is that not correct?"
>".... egtch, we get the picture. Send them in."

2/2 Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)20:31 No. 616364 ID: 602cd8
File 141982747015.png - (214.30KB , 800x800 , 51.png )

>His office may be monitored, if it isn't already by security.
"Katzati. If we have access to their surveillance, hijack it and make Rokoa and I invisible.""
>"Understood."

It works like a charm, and we enter the side door. No one who sees us wants to stop two fully armed individuals making their way to the elevator. We reach Lamarra's office.

>"... shit, what is this? How'd you two get in?" Lamarra says. His hands drop fast to hit security. I still have feed on the security room, and can confirm that they're letting Lamarra's summons go ignored."
"Your security knows when to stay put, big shot. Don't get your boxers tangled. My little buddy's got some questions, and as long as you answer them, I'm just gonna be ornamentation."

>>616364
Tell him you know he knows where Itcher is, and you need Itcher's help. So just come out with it.

Helmet off, for talking.

I apologize for the surprise visit, as it were. However, I understand you can tell us where Itcher is. And that it's probably in your best interest not to have been seen talking to the police about this, considering who else is looking for him. So maybe you'll excuse our taking pains to remain unannounced.

If we need more pressure, ask him if he's aware of what happened at Jules' home today. (Hearing some else who knew was almost silenced, and they're may come for him next or gunning for Itcher might get a response).

His office may be monitored, if it isn't already by security. He may be friends with Itcher, but the security staff may not.

Introduce yourself as Agent Polo of the UDA and that you're here because Itcher has gotten himself into trouble with unsavoury characters, and by extension he has too. Tell him to ignore the gear it's simply for his protection, and then approach his desk. Try to communicate with pen and paper and avoid any information being displayed to any security cameras.

Polo 2014/12/28(Sun)21:23 No. 616375 ID: 602cd8
File 141983059993.png - (118.21KB , 800x800 , 52.png )

>His office may be monitored, if it isn't already by security.
This suggestion has been retroactively applied to the previous panel.

My helmet scans for any unidentified surveillance, but it does not find any outside of the registered security cameras. Unfortunately, Lamarra and then Rokoa already spoiled our presence if there are any audio bugs I can't detect.

"Sorry, Lamarra. I am Agent Polo of the UDA. We know that you know where Itcher is. I apologize for showing up unannounced, but in recent history, it would be agreeable that it's in your interest that you aren't seen with police asking the questions we're asking. Our gear is for your protection moreso than our own."
>"Well you came here wasting everyone's time. You know wrong. We cut contact after we left."
"Give me your hand. I want to hear that from your empathy."
>"Fine. We cut contact with each other. I don't know where he is. Probably dead, and if he was half as competent as I remember him, he had the gentlemanly decency to not bring that uppity girl from the white tops with him."

He doesn't seem to be lying.

"When did you cut contact?"
>"Right when our mutual boss turned out to be up to no good."

Again, not lying. Wait. Something bugged me.

"What about the last week?"
>"Are you a dumbass? Our boss was taken out of the picture years ago. Years ago includes last week."
"You haven't spoken him since last week?"
>"... what, is this a witness bench, are you fishing for some answer? No, I have not spoken to Itcher or his girl in the last week. Don't look at me like that."

His empathy is jittering as he writes.

So are you talking about another mutual boss then? Maybe one that hired you both more recently?

Start asking him specific questions about the blip you noticed in his empathy involving last week.

As for fishing for answers I would not have to if you would just come clean and help us. Would get us out of your office quicker.

Is he writing the truth as he lies to you?
Can that TRICK neumono? Is that a way to lie?
I just realized that we didn't consider Jule's lying to us. And he was way too prepared. There wasn't much of a fight. A panic to make us focus on the miklik and get distracted, and then trust Jules as he demonstrates himself as a competent defender. He worked with them to get you off the trail! Maybe. I don't know, we don't have real evidence and if he's legit then we kinda pissed off a guy we respect.

FUCK.
We know something's up with Lamarra with the empathy triggering, but I think we trusted Jule's a little too much. I mean, Lamarra HAS to know we know he's jittering, because he can sense us sense him jitter, right? So, is he really hiding anything?

Wait, Polo, X-Ray him.

Not sure if he's trying to hide something, or if the Grinch's minions have already been through and tried to do a neat cover up with the predator. Either way, I think we have to prod him to keep going.

>No, I have not spoken to Itcher or his girl in the last week. Don't look at me like that.
You've had contact through an intermediary, or indirectly, through writing? No speaking or seeing.

I'll stop looking at you like that when your empathy stops dancing around like you're trying to lie with a technicality.

Jules told me you knew. People don't tend to lie when the lives of their family are on the line. If you really don't know, why does he think you do?

>I just realized that we didn't consider Jule's lying to us.
We do have cops sitting on his house for protection. If he did lie, it's not like he's going anywhere.

>"Right when our mutual boss turned out to be up to no good."

When was that, exactly? How many days ago?

>>616375
He doesn't know where Itcher IS... does he know where Itcher MIGHT BE?

I think he's half-lying to you. He appears to be good at it. Give him to Rokoa.

He could not know where exactly Itcher is. But he could know how to contact him and has a hidden phone number.

He only said he has not "Spoken" to Itcher in the past week. Emails or texts are not speaking and if it was a day out of a week its technically not a lie.

Call Rokoa forward and tell her to start persuading him if his empathy so much as twitches or he doesn't answer the next question.

"Have you used any form of communication with Itcher, Jessica, someone tangentially related to the two, or someone who knows where they are?"

Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)15:26 No. 616554 ID: 602cd8
File 141989561304.png - (135.40KB , 800x800 , 53.png )

>Is he writing the truth as he lies to you?
It would require not thinking he was doing anything with his free hand, which I can see that he is not. If he had this level of lying capabilities, I believe he would be in a far higher position than middle manager.
His empathy isn't dancing like he's trying to hide the truth through any technicalities or omissions.

"Another boss, or the kingpin of the dark alleys, as he's so affectionately known?"
>"Wasn't known by me. But yeah, that guy."
"So, years ago. One moment, please."

I call Katzati and have her redirect me to Jules.

"Hello, Jules?"
>"Polo?"
"Do you have any confirmation that Lamarra knows where Itcher is?"
>"... he told me so."
"I'd like to put you on speaker and have Lamarra hear that. Go."
>"Lamarra, help them out. Let them know where Itcher is, this goes above any 'codes' about helping police."
>"... I did tell you that, and I don't know why, cause I don't know shit."
"Alright. Let me have a go at him." says Rokoa.

His empathy spiked incorrectly like bad static when Jules said that. He also catches that I catch his empathy flaws, and that does shake him. He is doubting himself, but he honestly does not seem to know where Itcher is.

"Not yet. Lamarra, do you have any idea where Itcher might be?"
>"On the planet. Maybe."
"And repeat for me again, that you have not had any communcation with Itcher or Jessica, whatsoever, in speech, writing, emails, texts, morse code, or any such way?"
>"He may as well not exist, I keep telling you!"

Back to the normal jitters. Under normal circumstances, I may thing a predator was a possibility if I didn't know the context of our case. Knowing the context, however, I believe that the chances of a predator cover up is high.

There's a lot of background checking and authorization that happens whenever I call in the CAI, and I have been scolded for doing it so casually. Calling in that resource is considered a big deal. It's like asking for water, though, compared to bringing up our own trained predator. Three Stripes and his hive is highly classified information that few agents in the UDA even know the existence of. If I were to hand Lamarra over to him, I would need to be certain that there were no other reasonable possibilities, as I will be in bad shape if it turns out Lamarra just had wacky empathy. His memory would be wiped after being examined by Three Stripes, as would Rokoa under the nil chance she was brought along.

Time is of the essence, so I may simply want to bring Lamarra to Three Stripes immediately. Otherwise, the other immediate options are to press him hard, likely with Rokoa, or to examine the slight but ugly possibility that Jules isn't as cooperative as he's seemed.

>>616554
For starters, just tell him someone has likely messed up with his memory. Someone who somehow trained a predator to this kind of end.

>>616554
Yeah, either a predator wiped his brain or he has those... implants in him. He's coming with you. Interrogate him a bit in the car to see if he can shake out of it on his own. Otherwise, 3dog gonna fix him.

Follow up questions. We know (or can find out) when he talked with Jules. From that, we can ask follow up questions. See what other loose edges there are in him memory. Blank spots, or things that don't match up exactly with security cameras, call records, etc.

Spend enough time that you're confident his memory has been tampered with. Can't risk this being an act- Three Stripes is rare and secret enough to actually have been worth all the trouble the baddies went through today (ie, one big ploy to flush out or eliminate your tame predator).

Lets try the simple things first before pulling in a trump card.

First make sure he does not have any active mind control devices on him or in his office.

If they messed with his memory it had to have happened recently. Find out when he had the conversation with Jules saying he knew where Itcher was. Then if he was changed it was probably using a relay and not in person. Check to see when he might have come in contact with one of them.

Then start asking him a list of basic questions involving the conversation he had with Jules about Itcher. Like when it was and what they said. You want to trigger more empathy spikes like the one that happened a moment ago. If they had a conversation that was directly modified or erased it would be in the middle of whatever the predator did to him.

You can also try dredging up memories from another angle. He referred to Jess as that uppity girl from the White tops. See if he can remember anything about her. Maybe if we poke at his memory of Itcher from enough directions we will find a loose thread.

Long story short get more evidence. Before you start thinking he was mind fucked or that Jules is playing us narrow things down before we have to send him off to the UDA "doctor".

And do consider the slight possibility that something like this could be a trick to get at Three Stripes. So do a through check for tracking and recording devices if you do have to send him anywhere. Also shave him in case of nano-tech recording equipment.

1/2 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)18:41 No. 616652 ID: 602cd8
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>X-Ray scan him
My helmet reports him being clean, physically speaking.

"Rokoa, search his office for any unidentified tech or anything regarding Itcher."
I take another 10 minutes asking question after question regarding times, places and contexts for every time he spoke to Jules about Itcher, and every time he might have contacted Itcher. Every time, he either doesn't remember, or doesn't know why he said or acted a certain way. I ask him to tell me about Itcher and Jess. I get some back history on the two. The only empathy spikes are when he tries to think of where they'd be, now. Scrutinizing Jules would be difficult and likely a huge investment of time we don't have. I believe it's time to visit Three Stripes.
"Lamarra. Please come with me."
>"Whoa whoa whoa, not till I know where we're going."
I squeeze his hand. "You don't have a choice, I'm afraid to say."
>"Am I under arrest?"
"You're under containment."

He breaks the grip on my hand and makes a dive for it, but Rokoa was waiting for him to make so much as a twitch.

2/2 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)18:44 No. 616656 ID: 602cd8
File 141990746757.png - (147.45KB , 800x800 , 55.png )

"We're leaving. Rokoa, stuff his ears."
"Just give me a reason to break a bone or two, hat man, and I won't disappoint." she says before shoving some tissues from his office into his ears.

I make a call to Katzati once again. I make it as vague as possible in case there's any surveillance around that hasn't been hijacked.

"Operator. We're leaving. Keep the neutral feed rolling, and prepare a section.... " I have to perform some math in my head to get today's code for it. "73-44 when we get back to HQ."
>"Ah, that's... I have to ask you to color confirm that order."
"Red, blue, blue." The codes do not tell Katzati what is going to happen, but the codes will be received at the UDA base, processed, and then changed. We will receive an orbital pickup when we're at HQ.
>"Okay. Come back to HQ, I put your command through."
"By the way, you said Rokann and Marra were pursuing Malsen. If that's the case, who's going after our other target?"
>"We pulled Rokann and Marra onto the Itcher side since that's been considered more urgent. Lucera is pursuing Pilon himself at the office since up until a little while ago, we didn't have any physical leads on him. However, the last known contact with Pilon was someone who hired Pilon as a model for a themed blog, so that's who Rokann and Marra are going to go to, next."
"What's it about?"
>"Neumono dropping mundane objects with their oven mitt hands."
"That doesn't seem flattering."
>"No, and it's a little embarrassing for everyone how popular it is. Still, Pilon had trouble finding any work until Pelios approached him."
"Alright, thank you."

"Rokoa, escort us back to police HQ, but you won't be coming with us past that. I will return within a couple of hours, so just keep tight." I say, when we get to the outside of the building leading to our car.
"What? Nah, we dragged each other along this far, don't just leave me hanging because of some top secret bullshit. If this sack of shit gets to go, I get to go."
"Just drill Lamarra on our way back, we don't have time to waste." I can still cancel the order without any issue if Rokoa strikes gold, but I doubt it's going to happen.

She puts her hand on my shoulder letting me know that she's damn serious about going, and isn't going to take no for an answer. I could probably bring her along, although she'd get her memory wiped as well. I'll either get a slap on the wrist by higher ups for bringing her along, or have to knock Rokoa down a peg.

>>616554
Ask Lamarra's permission that he undergo a physical by UDA physicians, including X-RAYS and uhh whatever the neumono equivalent of an MRI is. Their entire body is a brain, so...
Say it'll be completely covered by the agency. Basically, hey, free doctor appointment if you legit don't know where he is or hey we'll help you with your brainwashing because someone might've fucked with your brain or body.

>>616653
Is there a trusted third party that can take him there and you could stay with rokoa and get hunting for the next target?

>>616653
Man, you can't even tell her she'd have to be mind-wiped afterwards. Well, you have an opportunity to get her weird empathy looked at too, so why not? She could be a good bit of research on the side. Tell HQ before you bring her though.

If she was serious about being able to resist a Predator Three Stripes might not work on her properly. What happens if they can't remove her memories or it ends up taking forever?

On the other hand it would be a opportunity to test if she can resist him. Would let you know its safe for later.

Just remember that the worst that can happen is he can't erase her memories and your boss ends up liking her and she gets hired and you have to deal with her all the time.

>>616656
"You and I both answer to our Queens, King in my case. It isn't my call to make, Rokoa. There are some things you don't have clearance for. You're asking me to betray what is my King for your curiosity."

>pilon is a fetish hand model
Oh my god.

>she's insistent about coming along
Dead flatpan serious:

I'll bring you if you insist, but I can promise you you're not going to enjoy the memory of butting in on top secret stuff.

She'll tell you're 100% serious. Her call on whether to heed the warning.

Honestly, the slap on the wrist will be worth seeing her get mind-wiped, or her confusion afterwards. (If your superiors complain: I needed someone to carry the prisoner, and I didn't have the time to argue her our of coming).

...also, on the small chance that hint of paranoia was right and this was one contrived exercise of getting you to expose your one of a kind pet predator? She might be useful to have if something goes down. Everything else has been a fight today, anyways.

>>616670
Technically, Az is an Ultraking in Polo's Ultrahive, not her King. Sealock's got a Queen. Kind of lessons the impact of that kind of speech.

1/6 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)22:53 No. 616710 ID: 602cd8
File 141992242922.png - (185.97KB , 800x800 , 56.png )

>Is there a trusted third party that can take him there
With only a small number of agents that have access to Three Stripes, the pickings are slim. In fact, it is only by my silence that I personally have authority for this, all of the other agents will have far more serious matters than acting as a mid-boss escort.

Rokoa might honestly believe she can resist a predator, but I have doubts. If she could, then having that tested may be a good thing, as having a partner that can act as a meatshield and resist a predator will remove my doubts about having a partner that is... her.

>Just remember that the worst that can happen is he can't erase her memories and your boss ends up liking her and she gets hired and you have to deal with her all the time.
That is rather bad, but only for personal reasons. I can look past those.

>You're asking me to betray what is my King for your curiosity.
This would have been a good idea to implement, but now, with questionable judgement...

"... alright, Rokoa. I'll bring you along if you insist, but I can almost guarantee you you're not going to find it pleasant." That, of course, is taken as a challenge, and removes any chance of peacefully denying her access. I text Katzati to pass along the word I'll be bringing Rokoa. I doubt anyone will object, although it will be my neck on the line if it ends up going badly. "Lamarra." I say as Rokoa uncovers his ears. "You may not have a choice in coming with us, but you do have a choice in having a full physical. It will be paid for, and can be seen as a free doctor's appointment. We want to make sure you're... clean." I didn't exactly mean to put in that ominous, cryptic pause there, but there it is.
>"... well what the hell. As long as I get to vet the doc, I may as well."
"Good. Rokoa won't be interrogating you, as it turns out."

I forgot that I cannot drive this vehicle. Nonetheless, Rokoa is always... a presence. I am not sure if I like how the traffic surrounding us always keeps their distance.

2/6 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)22:53 No. 616711 ID: 602cd8
File 141992243853.png - (89.79KB , 800x800 , 57.png )

We get to HQ. Rokoa is pleased that she gets to come along. Not so much because her curiosity is filled, so much that she's pleased that I trust her enough to bring her along. Our dropship picks us up on the rooftop, and lifts off to go into an orbital station.

3/6 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)22:54 No. 616712 ID: 602cd8
File 141992245462.png - (169.79KB , 800x800 , 58.png )

Rokoa, Lamarra and I get examined closely to make sure we aren't bugged, smuggling in any foreign goods, and other such protocols. Our gear is confiscated as well, unsurprisingly. Only select parts of the station are unjammed, such as, of course, the predator zone.

Eventually, we're escorted by armed guards to the predator doors. Rokoa and Lamarra are blindfolded.

>"... okay, I'm a little nervous, and don't like being kept in the dark. What's all this about?" Lamarra asks, both he and Rokoa have not been told.

The predator's caretaker, Luka, starts giving the speech.
>"Okay, you three! Well, you two, the agent is clear, but... you two, I'm going to keep this short, because you're not actually gonna remember this! Sorry. Uh, Rokoa, you're just going to be disallowed from entering the dropship, and Polo's gonna be given a list of answers and details to deal with you. Lamarra, you're scheduled for a physical, and... that's what you'll remember. Why is Rokoa here, anyway? Okay, so, I'm going to open these doors. Don't freak out! Queen's not gonna like anyone getting up to her neck level..."

4/6 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)22:54 No. 616713 ID: 602cd8
File 141992246635.png - (82.04KB , 800x800 , 59.png )

The doors open, and the jammer field goes down, revealing about 8 neumono.

>".. oh... we usually tell him in advance and he kind of likes to stare at the door when it opens to introduce himself. It's... it actually still spooks me out. And I'm the caretaker! Three Stripes! Three Stripes, come out! WAIT NO I forgot to mention you're a predator! You two there's a predator co-"

5/6 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)22:54 No. 616714 ID: 602cd8
File 141992249334.png - (133.16KB , 800x800 , 60.png )

HELLO THREE STRIPES IS FRIEND

So thinks Three Stripes at us after leaping into view with an astounding lack of social tact considering it's job.

>"SHIT!!" Lamarra screams, and Rokoa's heart rate quickens. At least, it quickens about as much as Luka's from having completely flubbed her opening speech. She is not a professional, but Three Stripes likes her and threw a tantrum when she was taken off the job. The guards contain Lamarra.

nonono don't panic three stripes is best predator polo hello person with bad attitude hello scary neumono with big ears hello

I didn't know we had a predator.
"And you still won't know that after this is done. Luka, please explain what Three Stripes' job is. Rokoa, you're going to try to resist the predator while he studies you. If you actually pull it off, you get to pay."
"What, this isn't paid for by you guys?"
"Three Stripes doesn't want ears from people that aren't present in person. I'm going to go to the lobby. Luka, take over. Three Stripes, I will visit you after you do your work."

6/6 Polo 2014/12/29(Mon)22:55 No. 616715 ID: 602cd8
File 141992251582.png - (133.70KB , 800x800 , 61.png )

6:53 PM.


Lamarra's memories are surfaced. As expected, a predator cannot fully remove memories without significant time. This does tell me, though, that Three Stripes' existence is a secret is unknown to the Grinch, as they likely would have done a more thorough job with Lamarra if they knew we could pull it out of him this easily. This is reassuring, as it's even more unlikely now that this was all an elaborate ploy to get at Three Stripes.

Luka gives me the report on Lamarra. It has some superfluous information about the procedure, but we found out the location of Itcher. A small town far north, well out of the public eye. Apparently, one of Jessica's old buddies let her and Itcher crash at his place.

"Is Rokoa still in there?"
>"Weeeeeeeeelllll... " Luka starts, immediately making that... face. "There's kind of a problem. Rokoa is resisting."
"That was expected from the start. Success, though, was not. She's actually able to, then?"
>"Well... yes. Maybe. It's borderline. Rokoa can basically resist, yes, but Three Stripes says he thinks he could force it, it's just that it may cause, uh, some permanent harm. So he doesn't want to, even though Rokoa is telling him to give it his all. So, uh... since the whole idea of the test was to see how impervious she was to an enemy predator, well, she might not actually be, at least not to prolonged exposure. I mean, that does of course depend on how strong an enemy predator is. But further Three Stripes tests are, well, Three Stripes might have a good reason for not wanting to break her mind in. We also don't really want to force the issue, ourselves. Three Stripes is actually a little bit scared of Rokoa, and that's not really, uh, running well with the Three Stripes Hive."

That's inconvenient. A complete failure or complete success would have been fine, but this halfway mark is troublesome.

>This is reassuring, as it's even more unlikely now that this was all an elaborate ploy to get at Three Stripes.
Although it's less assuring in that we're back to not having a good motive for the Grinch to have spent the ludicrous resources and prep time we've seen so far on large scale parcel theft. It doesn't make sense without a bigger reason.

>Rokoa's inconvenient resistance
So she can probably hold out against an enemy predator for a short while, after which point she'll both be controlled and suffer permanent brain damage. Worst of both worlds!

Assent that as much as she annoys you, it's probably not right to break her brain for scientific curiosity.

Annoying from a security point of view, too. She now either has to be trusted with a top level secret, or we have to order her to stop resisting and let him edit her memory safely. (Which... she's almost certainly not going to do. Too much pride at a challenge).

>>616715
Well, you know she's better at it than most. That's pretty good on its own. Ask if there's like, a reason for her weird empathy.

What kind of "damage" is three stripes talking about, anyway? Can't he fix empathic illness?

How bothersome. She's going to learn of your silence or partial silence if she connects the dots and you haven't already gone silent in front of her too.

Are you even allowed to let civilians leave with these top level secrets? What's the protocol you have to follow here? Might as well check in on them to see how they're doing.

They might not know that you have a predator but if they notice Lamarra missing they are going to assume you figured out something and might make a move for Itcher. Need to get on securing him fast before its to late.

As for Rokoa out what she means by permanent harm. If Three Stripes pushes to hard is she going to to catatonic or have a Psychotic episode?

Partial resistance is handy but if it only works on a Predator that is only half trying its not that great. But considering most Neumono have no resistance its better than nothing.

So find out a bit more about how her resistance works from Three Stripes and such and have a talk to see what your options are. And make sure to get her out of there before his hive gets pissed off.

Go give Rokoa crap about not being able to fully resist Three Stripes. Tell her if she can't pull it off she will have to stay up here and live in a closet. Mention something about how all the cool agents like you can do it easily.

On another subject, do we have an estimation of WHEN Lamarra's memory was tampered with? Because that's how much advance the Grinch has on hunting down Itcher.

1/5 Polo 2014/12/31(Wed)16:03 No. 617112 ID: 602cd8
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>Are you even allowed to let civilians leave with these top level secrets?
No, but Rokoa isn't a civilian. Still, this is a special case, and there isn't a particular protocol for this.

I make a call to arrange for Lamarra's return after the physical, and to send law enforcement agents to get to Itcher's hideout as soon as possible. The local enforcement can make it there faster than I can, although I will still attempt to leave soon.

"What permanent harm could there be? I would think Three Stripes could fix it."
>"Well, it's kinda weird, but apparently Three Stripes thinks that Rokoa has really weak parts of her mind that decide to give up, or to conserve energy, or things like that. He says entering a neumono brain is like opening a door, and a door can be shut behind him, but Rokoa's door is more like her.... entire building. So it might put her in a catatonic state. Maybe. Three Stripes hasn't really seen anyone like her! I mean, he might have just meant 'permanent damage' if he left her alone afterwards, but maybe he can fix it. You know how communicating with him is."
"I was hoping you would have more concrete answers."
>"... s-sorry."
"I'm going to go back to Three Stripes to ask myself. I don't want to risk snapping Rokoa, as she is already unstable."

2/5 Polo 2014/12/31(Wed)16:06 No. 617118 ID: 602cd8
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I sense fighting once I get close enough, and I run the rest of the way.

"Rokoa, what are you doing?"
"We wanted to fight, so we're fighting!"

She says it as though it's the most obvious conclusion in the world.

make them stop please fighting is no good at safe home

"You, two, guards, get them to knock it off."
>"They're not trying to kill each other, and we're just going to elevate their hostility if we interfere. Just let them work it out of their system, they're both willingly fighting."

3/5 Polo 2014/12/31(Wed)16:06 No. 617119 ID: 602cd8
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It's like I'm on trainee duty.

"Three Stripes, tell Giant to knock it off or the hive is going to have rations cut in half for a week! Rokoa, you knock it off, or I will empty my damn gun into you while Three Stripes breaks your grin in half!" I don't have threats for the guards, but I have half a mind to make a formal request for a transfer.

oh no oh no no food giant please no fighting for food opposite of usual life please

4/5 Polo 2014/12/31(Wed)16:06 No. 617120 ID: 602cd8
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They cut it out. Maybe I would have let them fight it out if the fight was lopsided, but they were both going to have their teeth kicked in before either one submitted.

"Three Stripes, I'm in a rush. I'll visit you for a long time after I do my duties. Rokoa, don't think I'm not impressed, but we don't have all day to watch you flex your damn muscles, brain or brawn. We have to find out what happened to Itcher and Jessica."
"What do you mean, 'what happened to'?"
"They removed Lamarra's memory of where Itcher was well before we found Lamarra. That means they already knew what that memory was, and where Itcher was. It's too much to hope for getting there before they do, it's hoping we get there before they can remove all the evidence."
"And how come you can resist the predator? Three Stripes is strong."
"He's just trained. Three Stripes, how is she resisting you?"
she is weird and doesn't know when to give up and might fight too hard and I don't know I've never had this happen really
"And no, Rokoa, I don't care to establish how I resist - "


silent is weird she can go turn off and be sileeeee

...

5/5 Polo 2014/12/31(Wed)16:06 No. 617121 ID: 602cd8
File 142007081232.png - (113.85KB , 800x800 , 66.png )

three stripes did bad

I have to partially blame myself for bringing Rokoa.

"Well shit."
"I've changed my mind. We're taking a risk. Rokoa, you're going to resist Three Stripes or forget you ever failed. Three Stripes, try your best to bend Rokoa. You have... 10 minutes. If you break her mind doing it, you can take your time fixing her."

but

"Do it. You'll get both of her ears if you succeed. Rokoa, if you can't pull it off, you're going to live up here and have your ears chewed up while Three Stripes fixes you."

Rokoa's resistance is just by raw force, for the first minute, as Three Stripes pokes around with various emotions to appeal to her. Her empathy is not overwhelming, but it's enough. When Three Stripes pushes, she pushes back as hard. At some point he pushes hard enough that I can't tell the difference between Rokoa and Three Stripes, empathy wise, and it's enough to cause static. I don't know what exactly happens, but Rokoa's able to push him back out. Three Stripes also is confused.

no I can't do it she is immune she moves too much and I almost get her and then she gets weird and I lose her and don't want to push

"Alright. Stop it." She's cracking, either unable to last against Three Stripes indefinitely or simply breaking down. Either way, she's shown can last against a trained predator for several minutes, which is more than I've seen through raw willpower.

>>617121
Alright, get moving then. We've got very little time. Also tell Rokoa if it isn't obvious already she is not to mention your silence to anyone, ever.

Ask Rokoa if she knows why she can resist three stripes like this. What's with her weird empathy?

Well congratulations Rokoa you get a D- in your predator resisting training class. Its the worst passing grade but at least I know we have ten minutes to stop a enemy predator before I have to shoot you.

After this you should look into her medical records and see if she has any interesting history that might explain her resistance. Would give the scientists something to do at least.

Now give Three Stripes one of your ears and say goodbye we have spend to much time up here playing around. We need to get back on the case. Also you have to fill out some forms saying I get to decapitate you if you ever talk about anything you saw up here. Or feel anything about what you saw up here. Or think about it so that other people feel it.

Do you really consider your silence to be a more sensitive secret than having a tame predator? Because it really looks like you just decided to risk her sanity / stability just to keep it.

>Either way, she's shown can last against a trained predator for several minutes, which is more than I've seen through raw willpower
It looks to be a combination of willpower and an unusual mental structure.

C'mon. You've proved you can hold up if we cross paths with the Grinch's predator, and you've likely left a lot of scientists here very confused about how your head works.

We've got a job to do now, though.

Make sure she gets the pamphlet on the state secrets act on the way out ("So you've been trusted with unspeakable secrets, or making you disappear indefinitely or wiping your memory aren't viable options! How to stay out of trouble.").

Polo 2015/01/10(Sat)17:13 No. 619348 ID: 602cd8
File 142093880254.png - (250.47KB , 800x800 , 67.png )

>Do you really consider your silence to be a more sensitive secret than having a tame predator?
No, but having her learn about that only stacked on things she didn't need to know. I already question if I should have let her in on the predator secret to begin with.

"You've gotten the lowest possible passing grade for predator resistance. Just remember that if we ever run into the Grinch's predator, and you appear to fail to resist, I will shoot you until you pass out. Now give an ear and let's go. We've wasted enough time."

I give Rokoa another lecture on holding in top secret data on the way over.

>What's with her weird empathy?
She doesn't think it's weird.

By the time we reach Itcher's hideaway, there's already a team of police going there.

"Polo, UDA." I say, approaching who looks to be the lead police officer around.
"Rokoa, UHP."
>"Kovnikra, Police Captain. We've searched the premises, and we're searching it again. It doesn't look like there's been any fight, but the house is completely deserted. Local residents report no suspicious activity."

Obvious first question: does anything appear to be missing, besides the residents?

Expect the bad guys to have been thorough in cleaning the place up. Unless we find a hiding spot Itcher stashed information they didn't, we can expect any files or evidence he had on them to be gone.

Which means what we can learn is from what the baddies thought to clean or remove (anything you think should be in a PI's home that isn't?), or if we get lucky and come across something they left by mistake.

Well start your search then. How long ago was Lamarra's memory erased? Finding out that will give you a timeline for what happened.

Am sort of curious why they went to the trouble of erasing memories if they where just going to make off with him. So something else is probably going on.

Keep a eye out for suspicious local civilians and police. The Grinch could have agents here watching the place and Itcher could have friends watching as well.

>>619348
How many non-neumono's are residents? Can't rely on neumono witnesses at all in this investigation. Shit, can barely trust neumono officers.

Honestly, I feel stupid for only thinking of this now, but we need non-neumono contractors for this job. One's that can be trusted. I hope you have alien friend's Polo, or Rokoa does. Anyone with low odds of being a spy?

>>619348
Check the dimensions of the house and its interior, compare that to where the walls are. He's got a secret room somewhere, I guarantee it. There must be some very close-range jammer keeping us from sensing Jessica, if they are here.

There's evidence of occupation- the tree is still lit. Are there any indications of a vehicle being here?

>>619357
You also can't forget about possible secret basements. So get the Z dimensions and dig up the foundations. I want a 3D printup of this house's blueprints pronto.

How deserted? Coats of dust, or what? If the place still looks clean, then one of three things could have happened: One, Itcher knew what was happening and got out of there early. Two, Itcher figured out a little too late, and simply surrendered, possibly to protect Jessica. He does protect her from rumors, wouldn't surprise me if he protected her from harm, too. Three: Itcher's got a secret compartment in the house that the police simply haven't found yet. This doesn't sound likely, but given Jules' setup, it's possible.
If it doesn't seem too clean, then maybe Itcher fed Lamarra false information, figuring the target he was tracking had some way of getting to Neumono already. If he has formulated a theory about the enemy's power over Neumono, then he might have taken a jammer with him to hide Jessica.

Ask Rokoa to use her powerful nose to follow the scent of alcohol

1/3 Polo 2015/01/11(Sun)14:53 No. 619577 ID: 602cd8
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"How many residents are aliens?"
>"There's 7 or 8 we've asked that have said nothing is unusual." says the officer.

There's that. Nonetheless, I may begin asking for a higher rate of alien assistance.

"I'm betting there's a secret room. Do you have blueprints?"
>"No, we don't have fast access to that. Use your UDA weight, we'd like that."
"Rokoa, our target is considered a possible alcoholic. Go sniff out the heaviest density of alcohol."

I gather the blueprints on my phone and take a look around while Rokoa sniffs through the house. It looks as though Itcher left. Not long ago, and not in a rush, as the bathroom only contains specialized neumono shampoo and conditioner. Bare hygienic essentials are gone. The christmas tree was still lit up, though, and there's little evidence that they spent long packing, so leaving was not a casual affair.

Rokoa ends up in a study room. Or at least what was perhaps intended to be a study room, but the bookshelf is filled with neatly stacked, organized comic books, video games, and some textbooks.

"Right here. It reeks."

2/3 Polo 2015/01/11(Sun)14:57 No. 619578 ID: 602cd8
File 142101705487.png - (107.20KB , 800x800 , 69.png )

I receive and look at the blueprints. Bingo.

"Rokoa, move the bookshelf."
"Fine, but help me take the books off."
"Can you not lift it with the books?"

3/3 Polo 2015/01/11(Sun)14:57 No. 619579 ID: 602cd8
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"Not without knocking half the books off." Rokoa answers, as we start pulling them off the bookshelf.
"... you're worried about property damage?"
"Jessica got buddy-buddy with a giant nerd. This stuff is pretty valuable. See this? It's the first print batch of the first issue of the first major comic book like that had neumono as its target audience. Not actually in mint condition, though."
"Zorya. Queen of Blood. We had internet before it came out. I believe most old issues are on the internet, for free. Who would get the old issues?
"A giant nerd."
".... and why are you excitable over this?"
"My kids love this stuff. I like to think of it as visual aid for my own pre-uplift stories. Except that Zorya doesn't actually know how to hold a spear right."
"Right. Anyways, don't think I'm not pleased that you at least have some restraint."
"Yeah, yeah. And hey, there's a door back here all right. Good call. By the way, there's a breeze coming out of the door. It's not a secret room, it's a tunnel."

>>619579
Hang on, how would they be able to access it and then put the bookshelf back in front of it? Is there some mechanism we missed that slides the bookcase?

Well regardless about now I would be careful of boobytraps. If you're using an escape tunnel you probably wouldn't want people to follow you.

>Rokoa nerd talk
The world is ending.

Nice to hear her kids aren't all dead in this alternate reality. Makes sense since her hive had a stabler side of things, and ended up an established police force instead of a warhive on the fringes.

>tunnel
Time to see where it goes, then. (Make sure you tell the cops what you're doing, so they don't suddenly wonder where or how you disappeared to).

>>619582
>Hang on, how would they be able to access it and then put the bookshelf back in front of it?
The Neumono items were still there, but everything else was gone. I think Itcher had Jessica leave while he placed the shelf back in place.
That, or he's learned to lean and swivel it on a corner without knocking stuff out of it. These guys who are, or were in the Mafia, they seem to have plenty of backup plans.