>"I don't know... it doesn't feel like as much of invasion as you might think. Maybe because she's so... alien, and... innocent, even. It's not like having a person following you around."
>"But we can only barely communicate at this point. Kind of hard to set any ground rules this way."
>"But she did seem nearly terrified when I tried to visit the Moriya shrine, earlier. I don't know if she thought I was going to try and exorcise her, or something. Or how she'd even know where we were going..."
>"Who knows? But I think I've been getting better able to understand her, at least a little. Maybe I'll be able to communicate with it more as time goes on?"
> "Well, there's not really any sense going on about that right now. Really, what's more important is what to try and do next. I mean, sure, there's the military place, and the research institute, but how are we going to get into anything like that?"
>"My boss, Nitori, said she had some university contacts. I think she's been out of touch for a while, though."
>"I'd be curious if Ace has actually dug anything new up since I was talking to her last. Probably ought to check my email when I get the chance."
>"Well, that shrine maiden could have been an 'in' with the base, but at the moment I don't want to terrify my 'guest' by going back there, until we've explored other avenues."
> "It would also seem that someone saw me "mugging" Nue in front of the daycare..."
>"Oh, by the way, I fixed up the house condemnation issue this morning. Seems part of the house inspection got put into the wrong file. So, papers were straightened out, and everything's fine now. Tenma's either uninvolved in this, or a very smooth liar. The Nue connection is looking less plausible. Of course, I still think there's something more up with it. I mean, we know Aykuu was hiding SOMETHING, and SOMEONE filed a complaint about her house with the City that led to this in the first place. Might be a totally separate issue, though."
>"Anyway, how's your day been?"
> "Trollers will troll, haters will hate. You've seen this stuff first hand, so at least you can always have the last laugh and know that your right and they are wrong."
>"Yeah, I wouldn't be entirely surprised if she was. But who's doing it, and over what, I wonder?"
>"Ha. Getting a lot of 'told you so's from the paranormal crowd? Not that most of them have ever seen a ghost before, either, I'll bet. Oh well, roll with the punches, I guess. What is, is. Whether we like it or not..."
>"Anyway, we ought to order something. I'm starving."
>"I'll have the fettucini alfredo, please. And put it on one bill."
> "Hm... I don't know. I do sort of think that it's especially unlikely that whatever this is, it has anything to do with the military. I guess we should focus on the research institute first, unless you have any ideas?"
>"Any idea how one gets into that place? It looked like there was a fair bit of security when I swung by there yesterday, but it can't all be top-secret stuff going on there, can it? They are attached to the university, after all."
>"Well, Nitori knows I'm planning on studying nuclear physics at the university. A lot of their equipment is housed at the research institute, isn't it? It might be possible to convince someone to offer an excited prospective student a look around some of the facilities. Of course, this means I'll probably be chaperoned the whole time, but, as you say, it might still be helpful to poke around the place at least a little."
> "Well, I guess I should head on back to work. See you later."
> Facepalm at self
> "Oh, sorry. Yeah."
> Pay the bill, don't forget the tip
> Bid Parsee farewell.
> Head back to work
>Get to work on the outdoor unit
>While working: "Hey, Nitori? A lot of the heavy-duty nuclear physics equipment around here is housed at the research institute, right? I don't suppose they ever show prospective students around the place? I really wouldn't mind getting a look at some of the fancy stuff."
>"Well, no one at the university really knows me, yet..."
>"Hey, you said that you might still know a few people there, right? Think you might know anyone that would be able to arrange something like that? I'm honestly really curious."
>"Thanks, I appreciate it."
>"And pain in the ass, how?"
>"Ha. No love lost there, clearly. What's she specialize in, anyway?"
>"Ah, well let me know how things go."
>Finish fixing up the unit
>"Haha, you're inquisitive today."
>"Well, it's actually kind of a funny story. She was a classmate of my sister, you see, and Orin said I ought to meet her. But apparently she'd told HER that I'd begged Orin to ask her out for me. I'd seen her around campus or something, and just HAD to go out with her. Orin must have gotten a good laugh out of it. So anyway, I show up at her place, and she thinks I'm her date. And... well, we kind of just ran with it from there, believe it or not. I think Orin kind of freaked out that we were still together hours later."
>"She's, well... to be honest, she's a bit brusk on the outside, and a cynic, but I actually think she's kind of sweet, in a strange way. Even though she kind of tries not to show it. I don't think she's used to being close to people much. But I think she's got a good heart."
>"She's an architecture student at the university. Has an interest in middle eastern stuff. Snappy dresser. Very striking eyes."
> "I honestly like being around her."
> "Honestly, I need your thoughts on something Nitori, and if you tell anyone about this, I will go freaking spammy as all hell in KoF against you. I think I'm falling for two differnt people at the same time. What do you think I should do?" Friendly sort of tone for the KoF bit, rather then the rude tone you might assume.
> Laugh
> "Nah, I wish I had two though! Wouldn't that make life rich? Hahaha!"
Yeah, who's the other? Forest Spirit?
EDIT: Are you talking about Maribel? Because I'm fairly certain that Parsee dislikes her and that she's already with Renko and that we have no basis for believing that she likes us, except for a Paranoia Junkie claiming that she was eyeing us.
> "The first is Parsee, as you know. The other... Orin... I am sure you can see the situation."Don't say this. We've "experimented" with Orin in the past and the end results weren't pretty.
>Finish repairs on the unit
> Continue work
> "What's this professor friend of your's name anyway?"
>"So, where's this thing supposed to be going, anyway?"
>"Ha. Sounds like a plan. See ya later!."
>Head outside
>Give Maribel a call
>"Ooo... that's great. Sooner the better, I say."
>"A cape? Seriously? A tad theatrical, don't you think?"
>"But yeah, I'll be there. And thanks again."
>Wave goodbye to Nitori and head out
>Call Maribel
>What's 9 tomorrow? The meeting that was at 7 tonight a moment ago? Or is that when we're due into work?
>"Hey, there. It's Utsuho. I'm off work, now. You want to get together, and I can fill you guys in on some of what's happened today?"
>"Sure thing. I'll see you in a bit."
>Head to Usami Investigations
>Enter Usami Investigations
>"Ah, not too bad, considering. A sight better than last night, anyway."
>"But yeah, a few interesting things have happened since last night."
>"When I was getting changed this morning, I took off that charm I was wearing last night. And as soon as I did, the spirit materialized behind me. Like, fully visible and everything. I guess it must have been keeping it suppressed, or something."
>"I can sorta communicate with it, at least in a vague sense. I can tell what it's generally feeling, and it seems to be able to do something similar to me. I think it was actually sorry for scaring the crap out of us earlier. It means well, I'm pretty certain, although it's still hard to be specific with it."
>"I took it back to the spot where I found it, in case maybe it had gotten stuck with me and couldn't return on its own. But I think it wants to stay with me. Feels like I'm a kindred spirit, somehow. I think it may feel the world is 'wrong', like I do. But it seems perplexed by a lot of what's been going on in the city. I'm not even sure quite how much intelligence it has, or if it's just very... alien."
>"I don't suppose you have any news, though?"
>"Well, no. She isn't visible to me unless she's also visible to other people. She seems to be able to hide herself. Orin did get a glance at her this morning, for a second, but the spirit's very shy. Doesn't like to show itself unless I'm the only one around. She vanished almost as soon as Orin opened the door."
>"And, uh... it would be a bit much to say that it 'says' anything. I can sort of feel that it's scared, or confused, or sorry, or such. Not really words."
>"I don't know if I can convince it to show itself, but I can try."
>Concentrate. Try to convey to the spirit that this is a safe place to show itself. That Maribel and Renko are friends, and that it's ok to be seen here.
>Can we get any sense of what the spirit is thinking at the moment?
> "It doesn't seem completely convinced that it's safe. "
> "I'm trying to re-assure it that you two are fine, and that it's safe here, but it's not so sure."
> Try to focus on the spirit and try to ask it a question, specifically if it has a name.
> If the above does not work, trying moving into a different room and asking Maribel and Renko to give you a minute alone. Then try the above again.
>"Oh, I don't really think it's you, as such. Just anyone. I don't even really understand why it feels comfortable around me, and no one else. Don't take it personally."
>"Anyway, is there another room here or something that I could step into for a moment for some privacy? It might be easier to communicate with it if it felt we were alone. I don't mean to be rude or anything. If I can't really get it to understand, I'll come back out again, in a bit."
> "Heh. Well, it doesn't seem to be a human ghost so there would be the possibility of its standards being different."
> Try to find way to living room.
> Try to convey that Renko and Maribel are friends, and the spirit can trust them.
> Also try to convey this about Satori and Parsee.
> Try to convey that just because they don't realize something is wrong doesn't mean they're untrustworthy. They also already know that the spirit exists, so showing can't really hurt.
> See if we can try to convey that they try to find strange things about the world, so they might actually be helpful in trying to figure out what's wrong.
> Try to understand what it thinks feels 'wrong' with the world.
> What does the spirit look like again?
> Ask if it can pinpoint anything that's right
> Try to convey that they would know not to tell others, as most wouldn't believe them.
> Also try to tell it, roughly, that they try to search for things that seem outside normal science. They could be helpful in finding out what we need.
> "Hm..."
> Try to convey that many people don't know about many things such as spirits. Many believe that such aren't real, and some even try to deny it even when shown proof, as illogical as that is.
> Try to convey that having them around to help is better than having no one. We don't really have any real leads on what to look for next.
> Try asking the Spirit if it has a name again.
>WHERE IS YOUR STA-A-A-AR
>IS IT FAR
>IS IT FAR
>IS IT FAAAAAAAR
> "Do you think you could show Renko yourself? Even if not completely, then maybe just a sign that you're there?"
> "Excellent, but just a little bit. All we need to do is prove that you're here, nothing more."
> Head back out to "Marenko"
> "I convinced her to do it a little, but remember that she's really apprehensive. So please, keep your hands out and don't move."
> "...Didn't the camera already see her when she hadn't materialized anyway? And what kind of tests? I don't want to make her too uncomfortable."
>"And about the tests; she told me you'd just be getting hung up on unimportant stuff. Said it was because you don't have the same sense of wrongness that me and her do."
> "Hey, first things first. All I'm doing is showing that she's still here. We need to start somewhere and you're lucky to get this much frankly. It's about respect, even in her case."
> "She might seem to be what's wrong to you, but to the two of us, it feels like the rest of the world is wrong somehow... I'm the only thing she can find that feels right. There must be some connection..."
> Try to tell Stargazer that it's fine. She can show herself now, even if she doesn't want to show all the way.
> "Stargazer, the one in the dress is Maribel and the one in the black hat is Renko. They're friendly. Try and relax."
>"I'm... not sure she can understand your words. She may only be able to understand me at all because of how we're connected."
>"I... I'm really not sure. I'll try and see if I can translate, somehow."
>Try to communicate to the spirit that Renko and Maribel just greeted it, and are wanting to know if she can understand them
>"Yeah, I don't think she even understands what speech IS, let alone what you're saying."
>Try to convey to Stargazer that these sounds are how our kind communicate with each other, and that Maribel and Renko were simply trying to communicate with it. To share their desire to be friendly and to understand it.
>Try to convey that Maribel and Renko seek to find and understand things which other people believe are untrue. In this way, are goals are similar, and we can help each other
>Can Stargazer suggest something that would be better for us all to focus on, if we're to learn more about the wrongness of this world?
>Ask Stargazer if she is aware of the crow spirit that is also following us. Is it like her in any way? Can she communicate with it?
>"I think she may be a little more comfortable that you wish to be friendly, but she's still very shy."
>"And I, uh- I think she thinks you two are wasting your time by focusing on her, when something else is wrong out there. Try not to take that the wrong way. She sees things very differently from people. I know that if I were in your position, I'd be dying to use every scientific tool at my disposal to understand what and how this is."
>"She does have a point, though. Last night, I'd thought she might be central to what's wrong with the world, but today I'm not so sure. I think she may be as much a bystander as I am, and the real answers lie elsewhere."
>"Speaking of which, I don't suppose anything newsworthy has happened on your end today?"
>Her response seems to be, in essence, "What crow spirit?" It seems she is completely unaware of it.
>"No, Renko. I totally understand where you're coming from. I almost feel like I'm being a bit unfair, but it's not my call to make. I wish she could communicate with you. Heck, I wish she could communicate with ME better than she does... although I think that may be improving, a little."
>"On a related note, I think I've got sort of a tour of the research facility arranged for later this evening. I know there's all sorts of rumors of weirdness about that place, but I was wondering if you might have heard anything more specific? Anything I might be able to keep my eye out for while I'm there? I'll probably be chaperoned, so I don't know how much I'll be able to see, but every little bit helps."
>We should try to do something about this. Assuming the crow is still on our head, try to communicate with it in the same way we communicated with Stargazer.
>Reassure Stargazer that Renko wasn't upset with her, but with something unrelated
>"Well, strange things seem to have a tendency to find ME these days, so I'll keep my fingers crossed."
>"I'm just worried they'll keep me safely in the publicly presentable part of the facility. The stuff you can file boring press releases about. Although... maybe I can find a way to get separated from professor Okazaki and innocently 'lost' in one of the more interesting places. Hell, if she's half as bad as Nitori says, she might insist on taking me to one of them, herself, just so she can show off... One can hope."
>"Wonder what?"
>"That's.... actually a good point. I was going to say that she's good at keeping out of sight, but I figure a place as secure as that has to have cameras...."
>"Yeah, exactly. Well... I don't know how far she can vanish from sight, if I ask her to. Perhaps not far enough..."
>"But we're in this together, now, so I'll have to make due. If they see her, they see her. Even if I weren't heading there tonight, other people will eventually find out sooner or later. It's probably inevitable. And the quicker I act, the more things are likely to be in my favor as opposed to someone else's."
>"And if some of the wilder rumors are true, and it gets me into serious trouble while I'm there....? Well, I'm honestly not sure. A couple people know that I'm going to be there tonight, at least."
>"But it might just be a mundane trip at this point, for all I know."
>"Well, I'm not sure how I can 'make use of her'. But I wonder... this may be too complicated for her to understand, but I'm going to try something."
>Try to communicate to Stargazer that later tonight we will be entering a place where it is not safe for her to be seen. But even when she's been hiding, there are certain things which have still been able to see her. Can she hide more deeply than she was hiding before? And could she try it now so that we can see if they still see her?
>If she acknowledges this, and vanishes, ask Maribel or Renko to try taking a picture
>"Wow, that worked better than I was expecting, actually. Not much I can do about the crow, though, I think. I can't sense her, and neither can Stargazer, for that matter. At least she doesn't look quite so obviously out of place."
>Tell Stargazer that she can come back out now. That she hid well enough, and should be safe if she can do that when I ask, later tonight.
> "Seems when she does that, it's like falling asleep randomly, or being knocked out, it took her a second to realise where she is and such when she stepped out of me."
> "It was almost like she became a part of me. I felt a tingling sensation for a moment, then it seemed like she wasn't their any more for the most part. So I think it basicly would work like her sleeping then, for all intents and purposes. she can't be detected by the naked eye, and your camera couldn't detect her either."
> "I find it a bit pesky that both me and her can tell that something is wrong with the world, but neither of us have any clue on what is wrong. Neither of us even have any leads on what is wrong either."
> "By the way are either of you any good at KoF?" Assuming KoF is the game we play with Nitori.
> What are some RTS we know of/play?
> "The forest... haven't really been their until recently, and I haven't heard anything about it either."
>Try to ask Stargazer whether she remembers that cat ghost from last night. Could she sense anything about it?
>Try to ask Stargazer if those flowers are usually there. It IS her forest, after all
>"Hmm.... Well, Stargazer says that the amount of flowers there is unusual. But she doesn't seem too concerned by it. Who knows?"
>"I asked her about the cat ghost, too, but I think the charm was keeping her too suppressed to even be aware of her surroundings at the time. Of course, I don't know if she'd know what it was even if she saw it. Who knows how many kinds of spirits there are, and how different they are from each other."
>"You said you're planning to have another look for it tonight?"
>"It might be worth a shot. I'd like to know if Stargazer can make anything of it. I don't think I really have other plans for later this evening. Should be long done with the research center by that time, I assume. Barring any surprise events, I think I'll tag along. Same time as last night?"
>"Sounds good. I'll be there."
>Current time
>"Well, I probably ought to take off now. There's a couple things I need to do before tonight, and I don't want to be late. Here's hoping for good luck for us all tonight."
>Take the bus towards our neighborhood and head for Akyuu's house
>Knock on the door
>"I have that document from Tenma that I mentioned to you this morning, here. Sorry that I didn't get a chance to drop it by earlier today. I've been on the go steady since this morning."
>Hand her the document
> "You don't need to repay me. I'm just trying to help out, like anyone should when they can."
> "Alright, I'll keep that in mind."
> "...There is still the issue of who would have reported your house though. Nothing really looks wrong with it compared to the others in the area."
> "Any particular... Less pleasant neighbor you're thinking of?"
> "Well there's always a couple of people like that."
> "If anything regarding the house comes up again let me know okay?"
>"And if there's anything else I can do to help help out, please let me know. You know, even about... whatever it was we didn't talk about yesterday."
>"Forgive me if this sounds pushy, but I've often found that acting on a situation is better than not acting, even when things look stacked against you. If one does nothing, things are guaranteed to never improve."
>"But I really don't know what this issue is, so forgive me if I'm out of line. Your business is your own, of course. It's just that, well... you're a good person, Akyuu. And you seem like you're in a bad place. I don't like leaving that kind of thing alone if there's something that can be done. I won't press any more. I just want to say again that if there's anything at all I can do, please let me know."
>"I promise."
>"I... well, I- years? It must be terrible to live like that..."
>"Do you have any idea who these people are? "
> "Oh... Oh, I see. That's... Horrible. Don't worry, I won't tell a soul."
> Secretly resolve to try and figure this out somehow without putting her at risk. This is simply inexcusable.
>"What makes you think the fabricated evidence they have against you is even credible? Have you seen it?"
>"Is this a specific former student? They part of this whole mafia thing, I wonder?"
>"Yeah, I understand. Some things... it doesn't take much suspicion for the public to make their minds up."
>"I- I wish that I could help you somehow. This is... Well, you have my profoundest sympathies."
>"I need to get home and get ready to dash across town again. It's been non-stop for me, lately. It almost feels stupid to say this, after just hearing this, but... well, I hope have a good evening. At least better than yesterday's."
>Wave goodbye to Akyuu and head home
>"Well, my home is your home. I'm glad you feel a little more comfortable here."
>Grab something to eat
>Check our email
>Sigh... they really DID get back about that bike
>Read Ace's email
> Read Chiko's mail
>That email can probably sit there for a bit
>Do we have an IM address that we could give to Ace?
>Almost feels like it verges a little on spying at this point, but have a look at Parsee's blog while we're at it
>Write an email to Ace:
>"I met with Tenma this morning. Seems the house issue was just a paperwork mixup. Could be a cover, I suppose, but he didn't have to overturn the condemnation order with as little protest as he did. Could just be a good liar. I don't know."
>"What's a drek run, anyway? Sorry I don't know the lingo... And no, I don't have anything new on that front. Wish I did. A bunch of dead ends, now. I'm still convinced there's something more here, though. Sorry I'm turning out boring for you. It's frustrating for me, let me tell you. I'll let you know if I find something else you might be able to use. "
>"I do have an AIM account we could use if there's something to talk about later. I won't be around a computer for most of the night, though."
>Append our AIM contact details
>Call Parsee
>"Hey, there. How's it going?"
>"Thought I might give you a little update. Looks like I'm getting a tour of the research facility pretty shortly now. Nitori convinced an old acquaintance to show me around a bit."
> "Well, the internet does have people from all over the world, and we already knew the world was wrong, didn't we?"
> "Er, we? Um... I don't know if she's going to want to show both of us around. Of course, we could try and see if she will once we get there."
> Tell Parsee when it is
>"Haha. I'm sure there's enough stupidity out there to keep a person crying for the rest of their life, if they cared to."
>"Well, I'm not sure about the 'we' part. I mean, I'd love to have you along, but I'm not sure how that would go over with my guide. She was only expecting me, after all. I played up the 'excited prospective student' angle. Who knows what the normal visitor criteria are?"
>"Of course, we might be able to wing it, anyway. I don't even know what to expect from her, for that matter. Nitori wanted to strangle her, evidently. Brilliant type who likes to let everyone else know just how brilliant they are, I think."
>"Kinda sorta? Well, I suppose we can try, anyway."
>"If she doesn't let you tag along, is there anything you've heard about the place that might be helpful to keep an eye out for, other than the usual 'weird stuff is happening there' business?"
>"I think we can meet up on the way there."
>Suggest a place by the nearest bus stop on the way to the research facility
>Probably best if we arrive there together, then...
>Is there a bus that swings by Parsee's way and then on to the university? If so, suggest she meet us at the bus stop, when we'll be by there, and then we can cover the rest of the route together
>"Ok, see ya then!"
>At the appropriate time, leave and catch the bus
> Quests
> Inventory
> Leave and take the bus
> Wait, and read while doing so
> "...You know, I think I completely spaced out on that."
> "Not sure on the understaning bit, it's going somewhere, but not much progress, just understanding the emotion behind something. I have come up with something to refer to her as, based on what she was apperently known as, or something. Stargazer. She seems very shy, and untrusting of pretty much everyone except for me, and considers me a 'kindred soul.' I also found out she can become undetectable, even on camera's, she will move to where I am standing, and after a second, not even the camera's that could always see her, could see her anymore, and when she steps back out, it's like she was sleeping or out cold."
> Was their anything else? If so, tell Parsee about it. Do NOT tell her that we think we are falling for her... yet :P
> Let's give her the info we recieved from Maribel and Renko, as well as Ace.
> "On top of that, I could tell you how my day at work was, if you want to know."
> If it's the bus we are waiting for, get on.
> "Well, work started on and easy enough note, just dismantling a smaller unti, scavenging it for any reusable parts, and deal with the scrap. Then the fun, and by fun I mean hard part kicked in. Me and Nitori, the Boss, had to drag a massive out-door AC Unit down to this one house that looks like the lawn has not been cut or mown or anything in months, it was easily waist-high. Then we had to deal with and chase of Snakes that were in the grass. Oh, and the AC Unit probly weighs in at 300-some-odd pounds, and was a nightmare to get on and off of the truck we carried it with. Then we go to install the thing turns out a part in the house was broken, further dragging out the rage inducing work. Nitori replaces that and we get the thing set-up. Probly the hardest I have worked in one day, or two even, recently."
>"Well, she expressed her 'name' as sort of a mental concept, but Stargazer is a close enough approximation in words, I think."
>"And yes, I'm pretty sure she is mostly unaware while 'sleeping'. That's sort of why I wanted to try looking for the cat ghost again. She can't remember last night at all. I think it's because the charm was forcing her into a semi-sleep. I was kind of wondering if she might be able to tell us something about the ghost, if she was aware of it. Maybe communicate with it somehow? I don't know. It's a bit of a shot in the dark."
>"Oh, I agree. But you never know when a symptom will give a clue to the cause. Let's hope we find something we can work with while we're at the institute, though."
>"Well, I don't really know what to expect, to begin with. Maybe she'll only stick to the most public areas. Maybe she won't. Nitori said she likes to blow her own horn, so I'm wondering if I can eventually bait her into showing me the 'cool' stuff. Or maybe one of us can try to get 'lost' somewhere? I think we'll probably have to play it by ear. I mean, neither of us even knows what the inside of the place looks like, right?"
>"Or did you have any ideas?"
>"Ha. Well that makes two of us. Think we've watched enough spy movies to train for this?"
>Smirk at her, and put an arm around her shoulder
>"Yeah, me too... worried about playing our cards wrong and messing up our chances of finding anything. Or maybe even getting ourselves into serious trouble if even a fraction of what they say about the place is true. Maybe I'm just letting my imagination get the better of me. Maybe there's not even anything there to find."
>"Well, you take what chances life offers you, I guess. Assuming professor Okazaki even lets you tag along, of course... I really hope she doesn't turn you away. I can use all the help I can get, and you're probably more perceptive than me, anyway. I don't think I would have noticed Nue without you. And I... uh, could probably use the moral support, too, to be honest."
>"Hmm... kinda busier than I'd expected it would be at this time of day."
>"I guess we just mill around for the next few minutes and wait for her? Nitori says she should be pretty easy to spot. Likes to wear a cape, apparently."
>"Yeah, a cape. Can't imagine there's too many people around here who fit that description. You just seen her walking about? Or ever actually talked to her?"
>Familiar looking how? Can we recognize her?
>"Hmmm.... yeah, that's probably her. Not going to interrupt, though. I'll let her work her way over here."
>Keep a casual eye on her, though
>When she gets close to us, walk over to her
>"Professor Okazaki?"
>Try not to look as off-base as that remark probably put us
>"Well, um, er.... wait, 'Zvarri'?"
>Put your arm around Parsee's. May as well match ham with ham.
>"I'm afraid we're actually kind of inseparable. I really was hoping she could come along. She won't cause a fuss or anything, I promise."
>"Awww... are the regulations that strict? The place can't be that under wraps, can it? She's a university student, too, for what it's worth."
>"If anyone asks any questions, just say that I was a hopelessly sappy romantic and you felt sorry for me. Besides, she was really curious about your research. She was the one who pointed you out in the crowd."
>"But I don't want to get you into any trouble, so if that's just the way the regulations are, I guess there's not much that can be done."
>Assuming Okazaki doesn't interject with anything:
>Turn and give Parsee a hug, and use the chance to whisper in her ear: "Sorry, I tried. Wish me luck."
>Follow along
>Tell Stargazer that now would probably be a good time to hide herself, like she did earlier today
>Didn't we do it non-verbally the first time?
>Try to convey our message for her to disappear mentally. Focus on the idea. Say it in our own head, if that helps
> Try to listen in
> ...That can't be good.
> Clutch stomach and groan
> "Urrgh... I'm sorry, I think this... aagh... May have to wait... I think it must be something I ate earlier, I-"
> Make a cry of pain as if feeling a sudden stab of pain
> "I-I'm sorry!"
> Try to shoot a look to Parsee as we run out of sight
> Go to said alley, but not deep, just barely go out of sight.
> Try and pretend to be violently throwing up
>If we're reasonably out of earshot, try asking Stargazer to hide herself
> Leave the alley, pretending to be wiping stuff away from our mouth.
> Head back over to where Yumemi and Parsee are
(I actually consider having Parsee along a GOOD thing. If they want to do something to us, an ally could be useful. (And she most likely still has her stun gun on her) And how do you suggest we BE better prepared on some other night, out of curiosity?)
>Try to give Parsee a reassuring look
>Follow along
>Did we KNOW that Nitori was a professor?(And then winamp plays Candid Friend.)
>For that matter, how long HAVE we known her?
>"Um, professor? Really? Been working at her place for something close to two years now and I had no idea. Professor is a pretty good gig to move on from."
>"Frankly... she almost doesn't seem the professor type. I would have thought a university atmosphere would kind of get on her nerves after a while. Not hands-on enough for her. But maybe that's just me. Why'd she leave, do you know?"
>"She's a great boss, though. Knows her stuff, easy to get along with. It's a good job, and I'm glad to have it."
>"Well, they certainly run a tight ship around here. What, are they worried we'll accidentally buy something out of the vending machine?"
>I guess that includes backpacks, and such, so hand it over to the front desk
>If our cell phone is not in some sort of container like we were asked to hand over, leave it where it is. Otherwise, try to discretely take it out and slip it into a pocket or something. Possibly while Okazaki's distracted by Parsee's indignation
>"Well, I don't imagine they're supposed to rifle through it. Isn't the point of handing everything over outside the secured area to prevent them having to go searching through everyone's stuff?"
>Lean over and whisper: "I understand how you feel, but we don't have a lot of choice, here."
>Keep the cell phone, unless someone protests
>May as well take our debit card out and with us, since we can
>Otherwise, hand over purse, etc.
>To Okazaki: "Well, now that that's over with, where are we headed first?"
> Try to look for an opportunity to talk with Parsee without risking being overheard
> Whisper to Parsee
> "Follow my lead."
>Look to Yumemi and say "Um, actually... It's been a while since I went to the bathroom. Do you mind if I...?"
>"Was it that obvious?"
> "Not really. I just wish I had the chance to mention it before they took away your stun gun..."
> Explain what we overheard.
> "Well... If we're the ones they're planning on capturing, then we're probably in more danger the deeper in we go. On the other hand, our chances of finding out what's going on in here are gonna be really close to zero if we just run. And the odds of escaping at this point don't seem that high anyway if that's the case... What do you think?"
>"Well, we don't know for sure who or what this 'capturing' business referred to. You know, words out of context, and all. If I wasn't so jumpy about this place, I mightn't have even paid attention to it. And, I mean, people know we're here. Nitori even knows the time and place and person. If I didn't show up for work at 9 tomorrow, I'm sure it might raise some flag. Hopefully. And there's already enough guards between us and the exit at this point that if they DID want to keep us here, well..."
>"I think we should just go on the tour and hope that's all they're planning on giving us. Just keep your eyes open. Even moreso than usual."
>Splash a little water on our face
>"Well, let's go out and face the music. I wonder what neat stuff they've got tucked away in this place, anyway?"
>Leave the washroom
> Try to keep an eye out for anything that seems suspicious or dangerous. Try to see if we can feel any sense of "rightness" in anything in the area.
> "That... Was a pretty awesome tour."
> Try to calm down.
>Ask about what was down in that 'restricted' area, with the card locks and all
>"Ah, shame. Must be some interesting stuff happening in there. I assume you must have some involvement in those projects?"
>"You sure you can't drop a harmless little hint or two? I'm really interested in some the work you do. Your reputation for brilliance proceeds you, after all. Something to aspire to."
>"Well, thanks very much for the tour. I really enjoyed it. I can only hope that if I work hard enough, I'll get to use some of this stuff here myself, one day."
>Reclaim our stuff
>"Oh, I will. I wouldn't be aiming for this if my heart wasn't into it."
>"Well, I guess that's it, then. Unless there was anything else you wanted to show me?"
>Follow along and exit the building
> Thank the Prof for the tour.
>"No worries. My lips are sealed."
>Wave goodbye
>Walk off with Parsee
> "Hm?"
> Give notebook for Parsee
> ...Try to glance around for anything that seems odd again, but try to make it look casual.
> Watch as Parsee writes
> "You noticed something off didn't you?"
>"Um, I can barely make out anything you're writing. I hope you intend to actually explain this to me in words I can understand, later."
>"And what exactly are you planning on leaking? The only thing secret I saw was something we know nothing at all about. Or did you notice something I didn't?"
>"Well, that's true, I suppose. But I guess nothing obviously important jumped out at you that I didn't recognize? Kinda got my hopes up there for a minute. The tour was both less menacing, and less informative than I was expecting. Well, actually, all the science-y stuff was totally cool. But that wasn't exactly what I came here for tonight. I suppose it's good that my cover story is still 100% credible, at least."
> "Um... Could you maybe not leak it just yet? It just doesn't feel quite right, and why does it need to be put up for everyone to see to be useful anyway...?"
>"Oh, agree it's ominous. But saying that 'there's something ominous about the research facility, but we don't know what it is' is hardly new information out there."
>"And I have a more practical objection to posting this immediately. Don't you think it might look a tad suspicious for all of this to go up a couple hours after someone bends the rules to give new faces a look around the place?"
> "What gives them less rights than an individual human being? I mean, why does it need to go up exactly? Aren't we sort of violating their trust by giving away all this information? After all, this is probably exactly why Yumemi was reluctant to let you in to begin with. "
> "Perhaps they work in the shadows because they don't trust those around them either? As far as we know, there is something that if it was common knowledge, could be abused or simply dangerous until they finish the research, and for that reason, the fewer that know about it, the less likely something will go wrong. It's not as simple as simply what is being done, but also the reasons for it. And when we don't know those, what can we say? There are many sides to it. But if you still believe that this is the best choice, I won't stop you..."
>"Hmmm... reciprocity of trust, and the balance of society.... You know what? I think you may actually be something of an idealist. That... kind of surprises me, a little."
> "Actually, it suggests that they're making something that has the potential to be used by someone who's up to no good. Whether they're the ones that would use it or such is a separate issue that I'm not sure there is enough information for a conclusion on. If they simply say that though, they're practically inviting the kinds of people who would use it how they fear to try and come sneaking around and take it for themselves."
>"Well, I just wish we learned something more. It's frustrating to be this close to something that might really, really be important, and still come away knowing nothing at all about it. Heh, although I suppose you're no stranger to that general situation yourself."
> "Well... I will point out that there are things that can be used for both good and evil. The problem may be that when such things get leaked, they more often than not are used for their more destructive applications, sadly. So they could also be looking for countermeasures to different possibilities as well. Though as for your last It did feel kind of like there might be something important in there... Though as for your last point, that is true. It is a definite possibility, and I did have sort of a... Feeling that there was something important in there. Not really sure how to describe it...
>"Heh, break in. That seems rather... easier said than done, with all those layers of security."
>"Well, an ID card with the appropriate access level would probably solve most of those problems. I assume a facility that large can't have EVERYONE on a first-name basis, so we mightn't get challenged just because someone didn't recognize us. Unless it was the guards who just saw us today, of course. But I assume the IDs probably have photos on them, or something, for the guard stations. Not that 'just' needing someone's ID necessarily helps us much. Most of the people who work there don't even have that."
> "And where are we going to get this help then? I'm pretty sure that the bikers aren't going to be any good on any sort of stealth mission. Though maybe Nitori, IF I can convince her... I'd probably have to get Stargazer to show herself in that case though..."
>I have no idea how to word it well (trust me, I tried), but Ace could likely be helpful for getting information about this place. Whether it's information about something that could help with breaking in, or just about what's in there, at least asking would probably be worth it.
>"Yeah, well, we'll have a little while to mull it over, I figure. Maybe something brilliant will occur to us. Who knows? There has to be some way."
>"Hmm... well, there's that ghost-watching later tonight, but that's not for a while. Mightn't hurt to check for anything new from Ace, and maybe ask her if she has any ideas about getting back into that place. "
>"As for the other big place of mystery here, I had thought that shrine maiden might be a point of contact for the military base. But Stargazer is terrified of the shrine, and until I know why, I'm sort of reluctant to go back there."
>"I don't suppose you have any ideas?"
>"Well, I dropped by the one in the forest earlier today, but Reimu wasn't home. Stargazer seemed a little uncomfortable there, but nothing like at the Moriya shrine. I suppose I never went back to the Myouren temple afterwards."
> "If we still have time, we can also try a sweep for anything supernatural in the museum. I tried earlier yesterday but that was before I became a walking anomaly magnet."
> "Yeah. I would like to visit the place eventually just to make sure."
> Time.
>"Yes, but I wonder what it is about shrines that she doesn't like. You'd think peaceful spirits and shrines would almost be a natural fit."
>"Yeah, it's probably worth looking into tomorrow. I never ended up looking at the exhibit that was supposedly haunted since it had an entrance fee... I'll have to do that this time."
>Is there any major region of the island that we haven't been to since the day before yesterday?
> Do we have work tomorrow?
> Try to put some time aside to visit the park if we do.
>"Well, I'll drop Ace a line before I head out again tonight, but I think I might do a little wandering first."
>"Yesterday, I tried wandering around as many parts of town as I could to see if I could figure out what was wrong. But there's still a couple areas I haven't really been since that morning. I'm not really expecting to find anything there, mind you, but if I've got nothing else specific to be doing, I figure I may as well poke around."
>"I thought I might head towards the park. If nothing else, a walk there at this time of the evening could be pleasant."
>"You're welcome to come along, of course, but I won't keep you if you have better things to do than wander around randomly with me."
>"Ok, good enough."
>Head to the park
>If Stargazer is still asleep, tell her it's probably safe to come out, now. Well, as safe as it ever is
>Wander towards the amphitheater and have a look at what's going on there
> "Huh? What did you see? I just woke Stargazer up, since she seems to be sort of unconscious when she's hiding deep enough to keep cameras and stuff from seeing her..."
>"Oh. Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I sort of forgot she doesn't really know where she is when she 'wakes up'."
>"I just figured that I could let her out, again, now. Almost feels a little like I'm keeping her locked up when I tell her to hide. Didn't want her to be seen in the research facility, but I figure now is safe enough. Besides, I'm still hoping she might be able to pick up something useful that I can't, at some point."
>"Sorry I startled you. Both of you."
>Continue towards the amphitheater
>"Well, that's a different interpretation of Hamlet. I guess it's sort of half-improv, half-not?"
>Continue to look around for a few more moments
>Baring anything attention-getting happening, continue onto elsewhere in the park
>Continue to walk along the forest path. Take a route which covers a fair bit of the area of the park
>Keep an eye out for anything unusual in some way
>Can we get a better sense of why Stargazer is bothered by them?
>Are we more or less out of their sight of them at the moment?
>If so, try to observe a little, without looking obvious about it
>Whisper to Parsee: "Stargazer seems to be a bit afraid of these people. Something about them is odd. I'm not sure what. I'm not sure she knows what."
>"No, I don't think so. Places, yes. I don't recall any reactions to people before. She generally doesn't even understand people, for the most part. So I'm inclined not to ignore this. But I don't know what we even can do. I mean, seems kind of rude to interrupt them, and what're we supposed to say? 'Hey, the ghost that is currently possessing me thinks you're strange, and I'd like to know why, if that isn't too much trouble.'"
>Try to keep observing, while being inconspicuous
>If we focus, can we figure out any more about WHAT Stargazer finds weird about them? Something she senses from them? Something she recognizes?
>Ask if Stargazer can recall anyone else that she's felt had a similar 'locked power' within them.
>Does she have any sense of 'how' it is locked, or how it could become unlocked?
>Whisper to Parsee: "Hmmm.... something about a power sealed inside them. She thinks there's something powerful and dangerous locked inside purple hair over there. The other woman... may have already unlocked hers. Or something. Doesn't seem to feel as dangerous. This... could be important. I don't know how, but something like this is just too much to ignore. But we don't even have a name or anything, other than the fact that purple hair's military. I feel like I need to do SOMETHING, but I don't know what that is."
> "Given what's been happening lately, I'd say its a pretty safe bet that they have no clue."
[/quote
>Parsee nods, giving another glance toward them. "I suppose that makes sense."
>_
>Is the amphitheater far enough away that we couldn't reasonably hear where it was from where we are? And not documented with sign posts all over the place. As in, could we semi-plausibly ask for directions to there without looking either totally suspicious or foolish?
>To Parsee: "Well, this is probably foolish, but I can't think of any smarter topic. If you have any bright ideas, feel free to jump in."
>Walk over to the couple by the tree
>"Um, sorry to bother you, but I think I may be a little lost. Do you know the way to the amphitheater from here?"
>Try to glance and see if the military insignia has any personally identifying information, like a name on it or something
>"Thanks a bunch. I, uh, don't suppose you also have the time? A friend of ours insisted we come have a look at what this theater group was putting on this evening. Says they're hilarious. You ever seen them? I don't come around here that often."
>"Yeah, I imagine. Improv takes a lot of talent. Heh, and a total lack of self-consciousness. I've thought it might be fun to try it some day, but I don't think I'd be much good at it."
>Can we still not see read anything on that card off her belt?
>"Yeah, probably. You ever done any acting?"
>"A bush?"
>Laugh
>"Was it a talking bush? Or did they just need some poor person to push around the props?"
>"Heh, sorry for rambling on like that. I'm a bit of a scatterbrain. I'll leave you two alone now. Thanks again."
>Turn to leave, and then stop and turn back to the silver-haired woman, again
>Stargazer said something about her 'power' reminding her of the night sky, so let's take gamble on that
>"Actually, one more quick thing, and forgive me if this sounds weird. But are you involved in astronomy, by any chance?"
>"Yeah, I knew it was weird. And, well, to be honest there was just something about you that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I, uh, sort of share a place with a stargazer of sorts. Was wondering if maybe I'd seen you with her once, or something. I'm not much good with names or faces. Not meaning to creep you out or anything, sorry."
> Mentally tuck away the base info we just learned. It could be of use.
> "We'll be on our way now. Thanks for the directions."
> Bid the two farewell.
> Once a good distance away, write down the info regarding the base's astronomer.
>"Nah, it's ok. Um, I don't think I'm usually quick on my feet, either. But in the last 48 hours I've traded words with a stalker, people I thought hired that stalker, a ghost, a professor who might be preparing to kidnap me, and a biker gang, twice. And I'm sure I'm missing someone. I think I may be developing a thick skin...."
>"And I got purple hair's name. Reisen U. Inaba. Was on her nametag. That and that the fact that she's military ought to be enough to track something on her, although I'm sure anything we find will probably be mundane and useless. Worth looking, anyway. Didn't get the other's name. Was hoping it would come up in conversation. She had something that might have been a nametag on her belt, but I couldn't see it where she was sitting."
>"The fact that silver hair said she visits Reisen on the base suggests she doesn't work there herself. So, a non-military surgeon. I'm sure there's a bunch of surgeons around here, but there can't be THAT many. Might be possible to track down her name."
>"Remember, we don't even know that THEY know that there's anything odd about themselves. Silver hair MIGHT. Stargazer can't seem to decide on whether she was sealed or not. Whatever that even means. And if they don't know, I'm not sure what kind of info we could possibly find. I guess that's yet ANOTHER thing on the list of 'stuff that's weird but we don't know how or why or what we can do about it.'"
>Ask Stargazer if she noticed anything additional about the two while we were talking
>Ask Stargazer if there IS something she considers 'valuable' in that sense, that she's seen
>"Well, we'll just have to keep looking, then."
>Continue walking to parts of the park we haven't been (without doubling back on the section where Eirin and Reisen were)
>Go take a look at the playground area
>Is Yukari more or less sitting on her own?
>If so, go over and wave to her
>"Hey, there. Fancy meeting you here."
>"Yeah, I'm mostly just out for a walk at the moment."
>"I don't suppose you're here minding one of the kids over there?"
> Take the offered seat.
>"Um, I don't think so... at least the name doesn't ring a bell. What happened? And, uh, why would you think that I had?"
> "Not unless she was in that trio of high schoolers in the alley."
>"Uh, yeah, that was us... I, uh- small world, huh?"
>"I suppose you'd like an explanation?"
> Blame Cirno.
> Explain what went down.
>"It must be very frustrating for you. If it's any consolation, I don't think Chen really did much. Didn't take a swing at us, at any rate, unlike their vaunted leader, and this Dai person. I wonder what she sees in them."
>"Ah, I see. Too bad they didn't grow up to have better sense. Of course, maybe they still will. High school is full of morons who haven't realized what jerks they are, yet. At least mine was. I assume they're all like that. I guess we just hope they learn something better from that stupid fight than 'bring a bigger stick'"
>"Oh, just wandering, mostly. It's a nice evening, and I hadn't been to the park in ages."
>"Nah, it's been a really hectic couple of days, and I'm not sure the immediate future is going to be much different. Would be nice to have the time to squirrel away for something peaceful like that."
>"Well, I wouldn't say I'm 'into gardening', but Mom has always kept a small garden. Seems to find it satisfying. I've thought I might try planting a couple things myself."
>"Yeah, all of them, eventually. Even the one in the middle of the forest. It certainly doesn't advertise itself very well."
>"Speaking of flowers, though, there was a huge field in the forest absolutely filled with them. Evidently there's a ton more this year than usual."
>"Yeah, it did seem pretty unusual. A couple other people who were there commented on it. I wonder what's different there now than before? Somebody's secret colossal gardening project?"
> "I may have some things to ask her then. Do you know where I can find the nursery?"
>That's the woman who wants us to get the poison for her, right?
> Thank Yukari for the directions.
>"I don't suppose you've heard anything else interesting lately?"
>"Well, here's hoping not. There's a big difference between being a punk and an actual criminal. Even after last night, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Tell Chen I won't hold it against them if they don't try anything stupid like that again."
>"Anyway, I think we'd best be off, now. Probably still have a busy night ahead of me. Nice talking to you, again, and all the best."
>Wave goodbye
>Head away from the playground
>"Oh, she's just a woman I met while I was on my way to Usami Investigations for the first time, yesterday. She was out doing some gardening and we ended up chatting for a bit. She seems weird to you?"
>"And you looked pretty uncomfortable when I told her what happened with those teenagers last night."
>"Yeah, I suppose you're right, now that you mention it."
>"Yeah, well... they did start it, and no one got seriously hurt in the end, so I think we did ok, given the circumstances. I'm glad she didn't seem too upset about it. I feel kinda bad for her, actually."
>Current time
>Are there any notable parts of the park we have yet to explore?
>"Well, how about we do another quick poke around, and then head out. Mind if we head back to your place?"
>Assuming no disagreement, walk around some parts of the forest that are reasonably nearby, and which we haven't been to yet, then grab the bus to Parsee's
>"Well, for all the different kinds of weirdness I've encountered in the last two days, I'm still not sure I'm any closer to finding what's 'wrong'. How are you supposed to find something you can't even define? Well, I guess I just keep poking my nose into as many weird things as possible, and hope that I'll eventually find a thread of what I'm looking for. Whatever that is."
>"I've said it before, and I'm sure you'll eventually get tired of hearing it, but it really is nice having someone else along for the ride."
>"Yeah, I suppose you mustn't get a lot of that in person. Well, I guess we can be 'crazy' together then, hey?"
>Continue on to Parsee's place
>Take another glance at the woman before continuing onward
>"No, can't say that I have. Can't imagine I'd forget that, either. She's rather... imposing, to say the least. Ha, although I suppose she makes a good poster girl for whatever 'pump you up' slogans the gym cares to have."
>"Get sick of her real fast, why? Is she obnoxious or something?"
>"LESS grounded? I'm not sure I'm even quite sure what to make of that."
>"I assume you don't mind if I use your computer for a bit?"
>"Oh yeah, that's fine. I respect that. I just need a functioning internet connection, that's all."
>Check our email
>Read both emails
>Log into the AIM account we gave to Ace
>"Well, I did say in my email that I'd be away from the computer most of the day..."
>"I don't suppose you have anything new for me?"
>"So you've heard of Nue, anyway?"
>"What do you think the odds of her story actually being true, are?"
>"Well, I don't know that we'd strike her as too competent, but we did have her in a compromising situation at the time... Haven't noticed anything since, though."
>"Shifting gears a bit: I don't suppose you've heard of any recent unusual activity at the research facility? Not the usual weird stuff everyone goes on about, but something tangible that might have come across your radar?"
[/quote
>"she might still be at it. dunno"
>"huh thats a gear switch. um not really why? never been in the thing. shits a datafortress from here"
>_
>"Well, I was there earlier today, and I heard part of a conversation between one of the higher ranked professors and security. I couldn't tell a whole lot, but I got the definite impression something was up. Something about capturing something, and a possible issue with my presence there. Seemed rather secretive. I wish I could be more specific."
>"Also, well... I was wondering if you know how someone could get access to the more restricted areas of the place. I don't know if that sort of thing is in the realm of what you do, but I thought I'd ask."
>"Well, the restricted areas are behind card locks that even most facility employees don't have access to, and there's two guard stations with actual people at them on the way there, so I'd probably need something more than just someone else's ID. I only know specifically of one person who has access, and I hardly think I could pass for her"
>"I'd rather make as little noise there as I can. And I'm sure whatever you know about this sort of thing is more than I do."
>"Your specialties are computers and information, right? Is there anything you might be able to get me on the security system that could be helpful? Or, I don't know, mess with their systems long enough for me to slip in? I'm not sure where the line between Holywood hacking and actual possible hacking is drawn. Is there anything you can think of that could, in theory, be done? Be creative."
>"Yeah, I figured as much. But hey, had to ask."
>"Meaning if I was in a position to bypass their systems, I wouldn't need to bypass their systems, since I'd already be inside them..."
>"Maybe I really will have to steal someone's ID..."
>"Well, yeah, I suppose I'd eventually look out of place, even if I got inside the doors."
>"Probably help, what? You mean you could probably help, or just that stealing the ID would probably help?"
>"I can't say that I want to get in on it, either. But I need to see what they've got down there, and just asking them didn't get me very far."
>"But I guess if you can't help with that one, and you don't have any new info about Nue, is there anything else you have to add at the moment? I'll keep you posted if I find out anything new about whoever might want to stalk me."
>"Well, some of my reasons mightn't make a lot of sense to you, but what I do know for sure is that they're doing stuff down there so secret even most of the facility employees can't know about it. That, in and of itself, makes it interesting. And let's just say that I'm highly personally motivated to find out what it is."
>"Well, what, in theory, might you be able to help with? Assuming you were theoretically interested in doing so. I do understand why you mightn't be, so we can keep this hypothetical."
>While we're at it, see if we can explain to Stargazer that this device we're interacting with is letting us communicate with another person from a long distance. And that we're trying to get their help with investigating some of the strangeness around here
>"Oh, do you mean actually come along in person, then?"
>"Is there anything I could do that could sweeten the deal for you? Or do you just want some time to think about it more?"
>Try to explain to Stargazer that when we press these buttons, writing appears on a screen just like this one, except somewhere else in town. Someone looking at that screen can then read what we're writing
>"Well, if you were along for the ride, I'm not sure I would be in a position to stop you from copying whatever data you wanted, anyway."
>Try to explain to Stargazer that these symbols here (ie: letters) contain messages. If a person knows how to understand them, looking at them is the same as directly communicating with the person that made them, kind of like we're doing now
>"Oh, yeah, I see. I hadn't considered that angle. But yeah, that seems possible. I'll let you mull it over, and I'll try to come up with a plan to get the ID in the first place."
>To Parsee: "You know, it's amazing the things you take for granted until you have to try and explain them to someone who doesn't understand any of them."
>"Understood. I wouldn't want anyone to do anything unless I felt we had a good chance of pulling it off. No point in barging in there and getting us all arrested or worse. I'll let you know when I've got something together."
>To Parsee: "Worse, really, in some ways. At least they understand what 'talking' means by the time you can actually talk to them. You see what I meant, earlier, about how 'different' she is, really?"
>"Sure. Talk to you later."
>To Parsee:
>"Nope. I don't think I have any special ability to see her when other people can't. But I can feel her. She was curious, so I tried to explain. I'm not sure I accomplished too much, though."
>"Anyway, Ace may be able to help us once we're inside, but she can't help us actually get inside. We're going to have to figure out how to get past the doors and the guards on our own, sadly."
>"She also had a... condition on her assistance which I'm pretty sure you're not going to like. She wants to be able to sell information she gets out of that place... which means not posting it publicly beforehand. Can't sell someone what's already free."
>"No, I'm pretty sure she's not. If selling information to people is her livelihood, I doubt she cares too much for any ideals of 'freedom of information'. What someone doesn't know, she can charge them for. Making every secret public is a good way to go out of business. I'm pretty sure the only reason she's even interested in helping is because of all the stuff she might be able to get her hands on."
>"For what it's worth, I don't like it, either."
>"I'm not sure that there is. Nothing come to mind at the moment, anyway, but we'll have some time to think about it. Remember, we still need to find a way in there in the first place."
>"We have a couple layers of security to bypass. First we need a card that can open those restricted doors. If Okazki does work in there, she must have one. Now, finding a way to snatch it from her without her knowing is another matter. Is that the kind of thing someone would really leave unattended, anyway?"
>"And then, we still have to get past the gates, and the front desk, with real people at them. An ID that we look nothing like doesn't get us much, there. Although I suppose there might be some other way to slip past. I wonder if any of those cliche Hollywood guard distractions actually work in real life?"
>"You know, this would be so much more convenient if Stargazer here could make more things than just herself invisible..."
>"You know, it bothers me that mugging her is the first thing that came to my mind when I said that, too. What in the world has happened to me in the past two days to be seriously considering that? I don't want to hurt anyone. Although I'm pretty sure what we're planning is still plenty criminal, no matter how you slice it. Argh..."
>"And, yeah... I hate to say it, but you're kinda right. She can sense some things that we can't, but that hasn't been too useful any of the times it happened, yet. I'm still hoping that she'll eventually stumble into something big and important that we wouldn't have found without her. She... well, I think she kind of apologized for that earlier today, actually, when we were talking with the people in the park. Remember, she wants to solve this mystery just like I do. But that doesn't mean she has any more of a clue about what it is than me."
>"I suppose I could ask her, though..."
>Ask Stargazer if she has any abilities that we don't know about. If she doesn't seem to understand, try to communicate the idea that we mean things she can do which she hasn't seen any of us do before. Other than the appearing / disappearing thing
>Ask Stargazer if she can interact with physical objects in any way. Is she capable of moving anything in any fashion?
>Ask her if her movement is limited by our location. Basically is she 'stuck' to us, or can she venture some distance away, if there was a reason to?
>Ask her if this means it would be possible for go through a door, and pass something small out from underneath it? Try to frame this in very simple terms that she might be able to understand.
>Similarly, could she pass through a locked door and undo a bolt or other simple thing like that from the other side?
(Well, I know she wouldn't understand that. I meant to describe it in terms she would. I guess I'll be more explicit next time ^^;)
>"Ok, Parsee, I'm going to see if I can test something, here."
>Assuming Parsee's bathroom door locks, go there, show Stargazer how it turns to lock/unlock it.
>Then ask Parsee to go in and lock the door behind her while we remain outside
>Ask Stargazer to move through the door, and move the lock like we demonstrated
>Tell her that we're testing this since she may need to do this later, in order to help us get into places we couldn't otherwise. Place we need to go to search for the wrongness.
>"Oh, so you need to be visible to move things?"
>"Would this be possible if there was no one on the other side?"
>To Parsee: "Well, that might be able to get us into Okazaki's place, anyway. Of course, more mundane means probably could have worked just as well, in that case. I suppose it doesn't matter if she won't do it while there's someone to see her on the other side, since we wouldn't want to be walking in if there WAS someone on the other side."
>"Haha, oh yes, sorry, you can come out."
>"Actually can you lock that door without actually locking yourself in in the process? Like, lock it and then close it from the outside?"
>If this is possible, try to get Stargazer to do it this time, with nobody on the inside to see her
>"Easier than it should have been? How? It's usually harder than that?"
>"Do you have any idea why that could be?"
> "At least now we have a better idea of what Stargazer is capable of."
>"Um, well, I suppose it's possible... but you know she's not hostile. As long as you're not worried that I"LL strangle you, I don't think you need to worry about her. So far, she actually seems considerably LESS dangerous than any random person."
>"I wonder if there's anything else she can do that I haven't thought of... I don't know what's 'normal' for a ghost's abilities, and Stargazer seems to have no concept of what is or isn't normal to be able to do. I wonder if it's even occurred to her yet that WE can't walk through walls or turn invisible..."
>"I don't think it's that she doesn't LIKE you, as such. She's just incredibly shy, and doesn't feel comfortable being seen by you. Although, now that I think about it, I can imagine it must be creepier for you, not being able to feel her like I can. I can't imagine she'd hurt you. I have a hard time imagining she'd hurt anyone, actually."
>"Well, I did try earlier, but it's pretty hard to get her to understand some stuff. I suppose I can try to think of another way to put it."
>Ask Stargazer if she understands that we, being human, are not capable of passing through objects, or making ourselves invisible?
>Ask Stargazer if she is capable of interacting with the material world in any way besides moving things. Can she alter things? Can she protect things? Can she make other things invisible?
>Ask Stargazer if she's met any other spirits somewhat like herself. Or even other spirits fairly different from herself?
>"Actually, Chinese sounds great. I haven't had that in ages. Not feeling terribly picky about what, though. If there's any sort of meal combo with egg rolls and sweet and sour pork, just order one for me."
>"And that be as much as I can think of to ask Stargazer to do at the moment. Maybe something will come to me later."
>"I'm actually kind of surprised that Stargazer has never met any other spirit of any kind, ever. I mean, WE know that they exist in some fashion or another. Must be lonely being the only one of your kind that you've ever known in your whole lifetime..."
>"Actually, Stargazer, now that I think of it, do you have any idea how old you are?"
>"Being active? Do you mean that you were asleep for most of that time?"
>"Is the reason that you were more active these last few moons of your own choice? Or was it just a result of the world becoming 'wrong', somehow?"
>"I talked to someone whose mother seemed to have seen you in the forest, once. That would probably be many years ago, now."
>"You know, it occurs to me that even if we can arrange plausible circumstances to enter the facility, pretty much whatever gear Ace would want to bring into the place would be caught by the metal detector, wouldn't it? I don't know if SHE has a way around that one. Well, we might need to deal with the guards more directly than talking our was past them, anyway.... Oh, hell, this is way over our heads, isn't it?"
>"You know what? My brain's tired. I feel like I've been making it do push-ups for half the day. I'm just going to flop on the couch and wait for food. We don't need to solve this tonight. I'm not even sure we CAN."
>You mean, we can see where in the room she is, despite her being invisible?
>"Thanks"
>Take the water, and have a drink
>"You know... you lead the more or less the same normal, ordinary life for ages, without anything major changing, and then so much happens in just a day or two... Funny how that works, isn't it?"
>"Haha, yeah. Plenty of frustration to go around at the moment, I think."
>"But at least it hasn't been all bad."
>"Well, let's hope we can keep it from getting a lot worse, too. I'd really rather not find myself in a jail cell in the near future. Or someplace worse."
>Wait thoughtfully for the food to arrive
>Reach out and gently hold her hand in yours
>Just lie like that until the food arrives, or something else happens
>"Oh, that smells delicious. I hadn't realized just how starved I am."
>As we take the boxes from Parsee, lean in and give her a similar peck on the cheek.
>"Turnabout's fair play, right?"
>Grin at her
>Dig in
>"Well, that hit the spot. All this running around must seriously work up an appetite. So... how much do I owe you?"
>Current time
> Take it easy for the next hour. Let Stargazer rove around and what-not and just rest.
> "Wha... I fell asleep?"
> "What time is it?"
>"Wow, must have been more exhausted than I realized..."
>"I guess I better get ready to head out and meet Renko and Maribel, and maybe see if Stargazer can make something of this cat ghost."
>Get ready to leave
>"Yeah, I don't think tomorrow is likely to be much different, either. Let's hope I don't run myself into the ground before I figure out what the hell is going on around here."
>"And I guess you want to come, too, then?"
>"Yeah, that'll be nice."
>What day is it today, anyway?
>Tell Stargazer that we're going out to try to meet another spirit of some kind that we saw last night, while she was asleep. We're wondering if she'll be able to sense anything from it, or communicate with it now that she'll be awake this time
>Head towards the meeting place
>"Well, the only other people who'll be there are Renko and Maribel. Those two you met earlier today. Although, you wouldn't even have to appear to have a look around, now would you?"
>Head out
>"Well, I guess we just wait around here until they show up, then."
>Wait
>Wave to them
>"Hey, guys! How's it going?"
>"Yeah, she's here."
>Point in her general direction, if we can tell where that is
>"Actually, I asked her earlier today, and she doesn't seem to think she can wander very far away from me. I don't know if she's tethered to me somehow, or something."
>"Yeah, possibly. I'm not sure even Stargazer knows exactly how it works. She doesn't seem to have a whole lot of memories of the time before recently, either. Bits and pieces. I think she spent most of the time 'asleep'."
>"She's very curious about our world, though, even if she has a hard time understanding most of it. I try to explain some of it, but that doesn't always help a whole lot."
>"Oh, curious is a good thing. Would be nice if she wasn't always so confused, though, but I think it might be getting a little better, at least"
>"Anyway, shall we head out?"
>"Yeah, I'm still not quite sure how she understands me, exactly. It clearly isn't just my speech. She's still baffled by that. But I tried to communicate with her without speaking earlier, and that mostly confused her. I don't know if me actually speaking helps focus my mind to a particular idea, and makes it easier for her to understand it?"
>"But, I mean, if I can tell where she is without being able to see her at all, there's clearly a whole lot of extrasensory stuff going on."
>"Haha, I suppose that might be right. But at least she might learn quicker."
>"It was... less eventful than I'd expected, from an extranormal point of view. Of course, all the conventional science gear in there is amazing, and I'd really love to get the chance to use it, someday. But we never saw anything 'odd', as such. There's definitely something up, there, though. There are restricted areas whose contents are so secret that even many people who work at the facility aren't allowed to know what goes on there. I tried to push for a hint, but our guide wouldn't give us a thing."
>"I also overheard part of an... unnerving conversation between our guide and a guard. Something about problems, and capturing something. I don't really know what they were referring to, though..."
>"Yeah, I don't know... Still working on that problem."
>"Would be nice to be able to just send Stargazer in to look around, but even if she was capable of getting that far away from me, I'm not sure she'd be much good for reconnaissance. If she has trouble understanding what a refrigerator is, I can't imagine she'd know what to make of, well, anything in that building."
>"Well, I guess it's the same plan as last night. Wait around a bunch, and hope that cat shows up again."
>Wait around
>"Ah. Trying to get enough angles that you can catch the cat without me being in the shot, then?"
>"Well, I'm just hoping the ghost comes back around, tonight. I mean, you never know... Keeping my fingers crossed, though."
>Wait around until something happens
>"What is it? What can you sense?"
>Look around
>"I think there's something over here."
>Point it out, and then move closer for a better look
>"Stargazer, do you have any idea what that is?"
>Try to beckon the cat over
>"Hey there. Remember me?"
>"So, can you understand me, at least a little?"
>"I don't want to hurt you, if you don't want to hurt me."
>To the others: "Stargazer doesn't seem to know whether this is dangerous or not. I can't say that fills me with confidence..."
>"Well, no. But given that we don't know what this IS, we also don't know what it CAN do, if it wanted to."
>Move forward cautiously and non-aggressively
>"Don't worry. I just want to understand what you are."
>"Do you still have no idea what this is, Stargazer? Do you think it would be harmful to try and touch it?"
>"Nostalgia? Does it remind you of something? Can you remember what that is? Or do you mean that the CAT feels nostalgia?"
>To the Cat: "What is it you're remembering? Do I remind you of someone you know?"
>Reach out a hand cautiously towards the cat
>Try to touch the cat as if we were about to pet a regular cat
>"Um, I- I'm ok, I think. I- What happened?"
>"Where's the cat? Is it still around here?"
>Look around
>"When I touched it... I felt something, in my mind. I- I don't really remember it. Almost like a dream, or half-remembered memories. Were they... mine? Something seemed familiar, somehow. Or was it the cat's memories?"
>Can we focus and try to recall anything else about our experience?
>"Which way did Renko run off to?"
>If we're feeling well enough to move, follow after her
>"Renko! What happened? Did it disappear, again?"
>"So, it was still visible? Just run off somewhere?"
>"Stargazer, can you get any sense of where it is, now? Or is it too far away?"
>"I wonder if our... contact startled her, too? Actually, how long was I out? Did it run off immediately after I touched it?"
>"No, that's close enough. I couldn't have told you if it was 5 seconds or 20 minutes."
>"And I'm, uh, sorry for scaring you like that. Really."
>"I think I'm alright, anyway. Maybe a little out of it, but I don't think it hurt me in any way. Just... gave my mind more than it could process, or something."
>"Damnit! There's something important to this. I wish I could remember...."
>Try to focus on the memory fragments again
>Squeeze her hand back
>"I understand. Don't worry about it."
>"I know there's probably not much chance of finding it again at this point, but I want to try looking for a little while, anyway."
>"Renko, can you point out more specifically which way it was headed when you lost sight of it?"
>A tall wooden what, again? :x
> Look around for an entrance.
>Go in through the entrance
>"Stargazer, keep an eye out for that thing. Let me know the moment you think you sense anything."
>Go have a look at the darkened areas
>If there's nothing to be found there, have a quick look in the backyard
>Do a circuit around the backyard to make sure the cat isn't blending into the shadows
>If we can't find anything:
>"Well, I'm going to do a circuit around this block. Aimless, I know, but I don't want to leave it just yet. If you guys want to call it, that's fine with me."
>"Well, if anyone else is going to tag along, we may as well split up. We all have phones, right? If anyone finds anything, call the others."
>Head out, and do a loop around the local neighborhood in the general direction the cat was last seen going. Poke into alleys and such.
>Veer a little into the familiar areas while continuing our loop
>Are we somewhat near our own house?
>If so, swing by that area on our way back to meet up with Renko and Maribel
>"I don't know. I figure at this point the cat could be just about anywhere, so it doesn't matter if we swing a bit wide. Thought I'd loop through my own neighborhood. Couldn't tell you exactly why it felt like a good idea. Really just grasping at straws at this point, I think. If it doesn't want us to find it, I don't think we can. Heck, it could just have vanished already, for all we know."
>"Although, why it didn't just do that right away instead of running away from Renko, I don't know."
>Examine the area near our house, and then double back to meet up with Renko and Maribel
> "Why is it staring at my door?"
> Keep our eyes on it.
> "...Here goes nothing."
> Open our door.
> Follow> Quietly though. Satori and Rin might be asleep and we don't need them freaking out over an "intruder".
> Follow
> Quietly though. Satori and Rin might be asleep and we don't need them freaking out over an "intruder".
> "That was... odd.
> Do we have any video equipment? If so, take a quick picture/some footage of Rin to see if the cat shows up.
> Take a picture with the cellphone
> "Let's get out before we wake her or Satori up..."
> Does anything feel different now that the cat has "bonded" with Orin, if that's really what happened?
> "I don't know... Nothing seems particularly strange that I can tell, besides, you know, its existence, but without knowing what it is, who can say?"
>"Well, I'm still ok, aren't I? Or whatever passes for ok these days, anyway."
>Stargazer doesn't feel anything? Like, she can't even feel the presence from the cat which she could, earlier, when it was wandering about?
>"But I can't believe it's co-incidence that the cat came here. It knew where my house was. Stargazer sensed something like nostalgia from it, when it was near me. Maybe it knew us?"
>"What if my ghost crow found me in a similar way, somehow? We still have no idea how or when that got there."
>"I don't know... Well, we can ask them. For now, let's get out of here and let Orin sleep. I'll call her in the morning and see how she's feeling."
>Leave the house
>Once at a reasonable distance, call Renko and let them know what happened
>"Yeah, I, uh.... took a bit of a detour on a hunch. I can't say it made a lot of sense at the time, but I found the cat again... on my own doorstep. When I opened the door up, the cat ran straight for my sister's room, where she was sleeping and jumped on top of her. It seemed to disappear, but cameras can still see it. I think it might be something like the crow that's following me around. Stargazer can't sense it anymore."
>"She seems fine. I mean, I'm still fine with two ghosts in tow. I didn't want to wake her, though. I'll call her tomorrow morning and see how she's doing. I feel kinda bad for her getting involved in all this, but... I don't think the cat came to her by chance. Maybe she was already connected to... whatever it is that's going on."
>"Where are you two now, anyway? We'll head over your way."
>Head to meet up with Renko and Maribel
>Wave back to them
>Show them the photo
>"Well, it doesn't seem to have any physical substance, so it mightn't have weighed anything when it jumped on her. She might not even have felt it if she were awake."
>"I makes me wonder, though, if the crow with me came to me in a similar way."
>We feel pretty normal at this point, don't we?
>If so: "I think so."
>"Well, at least you have some better footage this time. What're you planning to do with it?"
>"Why? I mean, how does she help prove this any more than I do? I mean, the whole 'ghosts show up when you photograph her' works double for me."
>"Look, guys.... there's no point in arguing about who has dibs on what, here. Especially when the 'scoop' can speak for itself."
>"I understand where you're both coming from. I really do. I know that if I had spent as much time hunting for strange things as you have, I'd want nothing more than to immediately plaster this everywhere and and go: "Hey, look, I wasn't crazy!". But... I'm not sure I'm comfortable being a walking public scientific curiosity just yet. There's enough stuff going on in my life at the moment that I'm not sure it's a good idea to bring any more attention to myself. Maybe after some time..."
>"I can mention your interest to Orin when I talk to her tomorrow. I don't make her decisions for her, but I'm sure it'll take her some time to even know what to make of this."
>"Nah, I don't think there's anything else for tonight. Probably just pack up and go home. I, for one, am looking forward to a bed and some sleep. I'll be in touch with you."
>Wave goodbye and head back to Parsee's place
>"To be honest, I didn't even know you WANTED dibs on showing me and my invisible friends to the world. I'm not even sure how that's going to work in the first place."
>"I know where you're coming from, but can't you think of them as colleagues rather than competition? I know you don't really run in the same circles, but you've both made a habit of searching for things that most people don't think exist."
>"I'm really not sure anyone needs to take 'credit' for finding any of this. But, if it makes you feel better, we can figure out some equitable credit sharing arrangement once we figure out when or how we're even going to spread any of this."
>Stop for a moment, take her hand into ours and look her in the eyes gently
>"Look, Parsee... you know it's not about that. You know I care about you, and how much I appreciate how you've been there for me. But this isn't a competition. Please don't try to turn it into one. I don't want to be something people fight over."
>"Renko and Maribel are good people, too, and they've spent a long time searching for stuff like this, back when you would have laughed at them for it. I think they deserve their share of vindication, too. I'd just like everyone to go away satisfied from this. You, them, and me. Promise me we can work something out without any hard feelings?"
>"Sure, fair enough."
>Continue to the apartment
>May as well check email and AIM to see if there's been any updates in the last while
>May as well read it. Might even have to reply this time...
>Write back to Chiko:
>"Sorry I didn't respond right away. It's been a really busy few days, and I've been away from the computer for most of them. I appreciate you finding something so quickly, and the price isn't very high. But I'm not sure I'm in a position to afford a bike, at the moment, at any price. I'm trying to save up for something that's really important to me, and between that and rent, I don't really have a lot of money to put down on big purchases. I hope you don't take that the wrong way. It is nice of you to want to lend a hand like that."
>"Well, it's been a long day, and I need to get up early tomorrow morning, so I should probably get to bed soon. You have an alarm clock I can set or something?"
>If so, set the alarm to a reasonable time to wake up, and catch the bus to work tomorrow
>"Yeah, that sounds fine. Wake me up when you get up."
>"I wonder how Orin will react to the news, tomorrow...."
>"Anyway, too many things I could dwell on now, if I start dwelling on things. So I won't. Or try not to, anyway."
>Get ready for bed
> Its been a busy day. Get to those Z's.
> Examine self.
> Status of Turkish release.
> Redo shoelace.
> Land.
>Examine the flowers
> Sample one of the flowers.
>Fly up and get a nice aerial view of the Industrial Park
>There's a fire? Where?
>Fly towards the fire
>Fly down and talk to the woman
>"Hey, are you ok? Is anyone still inside there?"
>"Um, well, I saw the fire. Do you know what happened? Is everyone ok?"
>"I'm not fine? What's wrong with me? And, uh, what are you planning to do to me? And who's this we?"
>Go to the party
[/quote
>You run as quickly as you can to get there, before you're late!
>Wait is that ringing noise?
>You open your eyes. Weak dawn light pours in the windows; your phone is ringing.
>_
>Answer the phone
>"Uh, Hello?"
>"Orin? Are you ok?"
>"I- I guess I just got a little numb to it, after a while. Maybe I've just kept myself so busy that I haven't been able to dwell on it. Oh god, Orin... I didn't want you to have to go through this, too. I- I swear I'll find it. I'll fix it. Whatever it is."
>What time is it?
>"I know, I know....Oh god, I know."
>Are any buses running at this hour of the morning?
>"Look, do you want me to come over your way, and keep you company for a bit?"
>"I'll be there as soon as I can, Orin. You're not alone. Even with the world like this... you're not alone."
>Write a small note for Parsee explaining where we've gone and why and leave it in an obvious location
>Head for home
>"Orin..."
>Give her a hug
>Consider telling Orin about what happened last night.
>Consider whether what happened last night caused Orin to realize that the world is wrong.
>"Which part? The fact that the world is wrong, or the fact that you're now convinced it is?"
>"I still have no idea about the first part, but about the second...."
>"You see... well... something happened last night, Orin. I think the same thing happened to you as must have happened to me two days ago."
>"You remember that cat ghost that I went chasing the other night? Well... I think it's decided to tag along with you...."
>Play Last Remote in your head, provided that you know of Last Remote.
>"Well...you know how ghosts are tagging along with me, right? That cat ghost is now tagging along with you in the same way. And also, I think that these ghosts have something to do with the fact that we think the world is wrong..."
>"We went looking for it again, last night. I touched it. I felt something... familiar. Memories, or something. I don't know what they are. It's like a half-remembered dream. But there was definitely something familiar... like it knew me. Then it ran off, and we lost sight of it. We split up to cover the block, but I came here instead. I couldn't even give you a good reason why, other than it felt 'right'. ...and the cat was on our doorstep. We saw it run into your room, jump onto you, and... uh, bond with you."
>"I think it's like the crow on my head. I think it must have come to me the same way, only there was no one there to see it."
>Do the most logical thing to do: Use the digital camera and take a picture.
>Show Orin the picture
>"Well, there it is."
>"No. Not at all. It's certainly weird, but not harmful."
>"No, they don't hurt. The crow and Stargazer are different, though. I can talk to Stargazer, and I can sense her; understand her. She can act independently. The crow... well, if it weren't for photos, I couldn't tell it was there, and Stargazer couldn't, either. It doesn't seem to do anything. Stargazer lost sense of your cat after it joined with you. I don't really understand what they are, or why they're with us. But now I think they're the reason we can sense that the world is wrong. Somehow."
>Ask Stargazer if she now notices something different about Orin. That she recognizes the wrongness in the way that we do. Does that make her feel more comfortable around her?
> "Well, first of all..." Give Orin another hug, she needs it.
> "Things are going to be ok, so don't worry." Ruffle her hair a bit. :3
>Remember if you had any plans for the day.
>Consider contacting Usami Investigations about this.
>And of course, console Orin.
>"Don't worry about it. I'm sure I'd be thinking the same thing if I were in your position. It's... not a nice thing to feel all alone in your craziness."
>Wake Stargazer up
>Consider saying, "By the way...I know some people who are interested in "extranormal" things, like these ghosts. Would you mind if I told them about this?" You're considering it because it may not be appropriate for this situation.
>Personally, I think she's already had enough to deal with. We can ask this later
>"Don't worry, she's harmless. I've kind of gotten used to having her around, actually. She was 'asleep', but I just woke her up. She's really extremely shy, and basically told me once that the reason she felt comfortable only around me was because I understand that the world was wrong. And she can sense that in you, too, now."
>"Stargazer, meet Orin. Orin, Stargazer."
>Tell Stargazer that Orin said hello to her
>"I guess the fact that she feels comfortable around you doesn't help you understand each other, sadly. But I can try to translate. She... doesn't understand human speech. She can generally understand what I say, but I think that has more to do with what I'm thinking about when I say it."
>"She's trying to reassure you that she's a friend and that there's nothing to be frightened about."
>"She doesn't really understand a lot about human society. She's... very alien. But she means well. She feels lost and isolated, too, and wants to figure out how the world is wrong, just like we do. I mean, you know that's what I've spent most of the past couple days doing, and I don't plan to stop, yet."
>"We'll figure something out, Orin. We have to. I'm sure you know now why I can't just let this rest."
>"Hey, I sympathize with her! You probably would, too, if you'd lived with her like I have. She's a really gentle soul, really. And I think she's felt pretty lonely, too. She's not a demon, by any stretch."
>"Anyway, you want me to grab you something to eat? Or do you not have any appetite?"
>Well, grab something quick to eat, anyway. Going to need something before work, at any rate.
>"You'll get a little used to the strangeness, after a while. In an odd way, the strangeness almost feels more right than the rest of the world. And goodness knows I've found myself doing enough strange things over the last couple of days."
>Answer the phone
>"Well, as well as can be expected. Which is not very, at the moment. But she'll pull through. I'm sure of it. I don't think I'll be back your way before work, but thanks for the thought."
>"Yeah, lunch sounds good. What time will you be free?"
>Get some cereal
>What kinds of cereal are there?
>Check current time and estimate how much time you've spent at home.
>Check if any quest details have changed.
>"After one probably works better for me. I'll give you a call, then."
>Devour cereal, if you haven't done so already.
>As in, actually physically pick them up?
>"So, finding that easier, now?"
>Observe Stargazer, because you have nothing else to do yet.
>"Have you ever been active for this long, before? Maybe you're just getting more used to it?"
>"Maybe it's your connection to me? Have you ever been connected to anyone else like this before?"
>Time.
>Determine if you have any time to handle quests before work.
>Observe surroundings.
>Remember how long your commute to work is.
>Unless other voices say not to, lounge around until it's time to go to work.
>If computer has internet, go on TV Tropes
>Observe game consoles.
>Study until 8:30 AM.
> Consider the events the day before we felt "wrong." Were there any times that the crow may have been able to connect to us?
> Console Rin one more time.
> Head off to work.
> Be on the look out for more "ghost animals".
>"I don't know. I've been to a lot of the more interesting places in town, already. But I found that just looking around helps. Gives you something to focus on. Makes you feel you're doing something, anyway."
>"One place on the list that I hadn't looked at yet was the new exhibit in the museum. Supposedly haunted or something. Might just be nonsense, but at this point, I'm willing to entertain nearly any ghost story. Other than that... I don't know. Maybe you'll find something I overlooked in some place I've already been?"
>This morning? Is that supposed to read yesterday, or something?
>"Oh, yeah, um... Orin really wasn't feeling well this morning, so I ended up spending some time trying to keep her company. I guess I got distracted by it. Didn't get a whole lot of sleep, actually..."
>Remember if you told Nitori about this "the world is wrong" thing.
>If you didn't, don't tell her.
>"I think she may be feeling a little better, now. She'll be ok. Was just busy doing the whole big sister thing."
>"Anyway, what's on the plate for today?"
>Enter work
>"Yeah, sounds like it's going to be a busy day, alright. Let's see if we can't get through all six before the day's out, eh?"
>Get to work
>"She's... quite a character, I'll give her that. I actually found her kind of amusing, although I can understand a person wanting to throttle her if you had to put up with that day in and day out. She really is the star of her own little show, isn't she?"
>"I... never realized you were a prof, Nitori. How'd you end up doing this kind of stuff for a living?"
>"Plus, no more Yumemi, which I'm sure is an excellent career perk."
>"What was that project about, anyway? What about it didn't you like?"
>"Not allowed to talk about it, even now? You say it's been years, and you don't even work for them, anymore."
>"Looks like there's still plenty of things going on in there that people aren't supposed to talk about, though. Fancy sealed doors that Yumemi almost tried to pretend did not exist. Evidently research projects even most of the facility staff aren't allowed to know about. Wouldn't even drop a hint when I tried to give her a chance to show off how brilliant she is."
>"Sigh... it's kind of frustrating. Are all the secret projects there associated with the military? Is that why they're secret?"
> "Well I suppose its fine as long we aren't assaulted by rogue super-soldiers."
>"Selected to get in there? How does that work, anyway?"
>"And you were one of the lucky few, then?"
>"I don't know... black projects give me the creeps. And even if you're only working in the up front areas, I think it would be unnerving knowing that god-knows-what is being developed down the hall from you. I don't even know what they do, and I think I already sympathize for you wanting out."
>"Up front? Really? I thought they weren't classified, though? At least, nothing serious-like."
>"Only certain things? Sounds pretty specific."
>"Why do you think they keep these things from the general public?"
>"Sorry, I'm not meaning to pry. Just can't help being curious, especially with all the rumors you hear coming out of that place."
>"...as strange as this might sound, I don't suppose any of what they do in there really does have any connection with what regular people might call... paranormal?"
> Ponder if it might be a good idea to hint that we have something weird going on even if we don't actually say what it is or imply that it's paranormal
>Decide it's a bad idea to even give Nitori a hint of...your predicament.
>Get back to work.
> It should be fine as long as she doesn't do anything too large-scale.
> "So when do you have to start the house calls?"
> Convey to Stargazer that Nitori may notice her if she doesn't put the screwdriver down.
> "She's doing good. Why do you ask?"
>"Well, we have a lunch date again, today, actually. I think we're pretty comfortable with each other, already, despite the short length of time we've known each other."
>Parsee said she wasn't free until after 1, didn't she?
>How long is our lunch break?
>Well, I guess we have a half hour to kill
>Give Orin a quick call and see how she's doing
>"Hey, sis. I just thought I'd check in and see how you're doing, now."
>Wait, is Nitori still around?
>If so, wave goodbye and head out of work while continuing the conversation, so that nothing unusual sounding is said within earshot
>"Sure, be my guest. I went there the other day, but you never know if you might find something I hadn't. I don't really have a lot of ideas of places to search that I haven't already looked. I might still drop by the museum later. Like you said, Stargazer might be able to pick up on something. Other than that, I just wanted to make sure you're ok. I'm getting together with Parsee for lunch in a little bit, but all 3 of us probably ought to get together later tonight and talk some of this over. There are a couple places I want to look that are kind of... problematic. I can give you the details later."
>"Well, I'll give you another call if something comes to mind. For now, your guess is probably as good as mine, I'm afraid. I'll let you know what time we're getting together when I know it myself. Keep hanging in there. I'll talk to you later."
>The museum is downtown, right? Presumably there's places to eat around there, too.
>If we have time to get there, eat something with Parsee, and get back more or less on time, head there now
[/quote>How long would it take to get downtown?
>"Okay," says Orin, "I'll call you if anything comes up."
>It would take you only a few minutes. Unfortunately, if Parsee leaves from the university district, she'd get there with only a few minutes before your lunch break ends.
>_
>Ok, in that case, head towards the university. Must be some place we can eat around there, to save time on our limited break
>Head towards the university gates, and wait for 1, then give Parsee a call
>"Well, there's a place near here that Orin and I ate at the other day. But I'm sure you know the area better than I do. If you have a preference, be my guest. I more or less picked the spot, yesterday."
>If Parsee has a preference, go to that restaurant. Otherwise, go to the one we already know
>"I'll take the burger joint if both are just the same to you."
>Head there
>"She's doing a little better, I think. Spent the morning wandering around town, like I did the other day. I think it helped, some. She's still off wandering about. I didn't really have anyplace specific to suggest she look into. Oh, she did drop by that supposedly haunted exhibit in the museum, but didn't find anything. But I'll probably have Stargazer take a look at it later, anyway. I said that the three of us ought to get together later today, and discuss our next move. She's in this nearly as deep as I am, now."
>Walk to the gates
>Assuming there's enough people milling around that a casual remark won't be noticed: "She's trying to preserve memories on paper, so she can read them later."
>Wave to Parsee
>"Hey there!"
>Take her hand
>"Lead the way! I'm starving! ...I seem to be doing a lot of that lately, don't I?"
>"Yeah, I'm sorry if I worried you. I just really needed to be with Orin then. I know just what she's going through, and... well, I'd never want anyone to ever have to go through that. It's... well, I'm not even sure I have the words to describe it any better than I already have. But it's profoundly terrifying in a way that you've probably never experienced and hopefully never will."
>We don't typically eat this much, right? I seem to recall that being commented on. If so:
>"And... well, I don't usually eat nearly this much. I don't know if it's all the stress or all the running around or what."
>Continue onward
>"Yeah, I agree. Although I'm not sure this is the best venue to be discussing the details at."
>Look around. Does it seem relatively safe to talk about this at our current location without inviting suspicion?
>Well, assuming we speak discretely:
>"Ok, as I see it, here's the problems in order: getting past the guards at the gate and into the building, getting past the guards inside, getting stuff past the metal detectors, being inconspicuous on security cameras, getting past the card locks, and then who-knows-what."
>"All of these are hard problems, but some have more obvious solutions than others."
>"Well, the card locks can be solved by getting a card. While getting it may be an issue, we do know more or less where to find one."
>"The metal detectors limit what we can take in... but we mightn't need a whole lot. The issue is more if Ace needs to bring in computer gear, I think. But she might be able to make do with stuff we can find inside. If need be, we can probably find some non-metallic tools to hide on us."
>"The real live people are the major problem, in my mind. An ID card isn't going to fool them, so we either need a way to evade the guards completely, disable them directly, or trick them into thinking we're allowed in there. The last of these would be the safest, if we could figure a way to get it to work. We don't want the whole facility on alert before we even get in the door."
>Naturally, think of ways to trick the guardsinto thinking we're allowed in there.
>And find ways of getting around the security cameras.
>"Well, one thing happened this morning that could be useful. Stargazer's getting better at moving things, and surprising even herself. She lifted a screwdriver at work while still invisible. There's a lot of things we could do with that. We might even be able to get her to swipe the ID right out from under Yumemi's nose. We might be able to create some sort of distraction via randomly moving and flying objects. Of course, that might involve her showing up on the cameras, too. But if we can wipe the footage afterwards..."
>"It's a long shot, but one possibility for getting a guard to wave us into the facility might be to claim that we were delivering a message or package on behalf of Yumemi. We could even show him the ID that she'd 'lent' us for temporary clearance for this purpose. Say it was something urgent and she had to be elsewhere. I don't know. It's a little far-fetched, and they might just confiscate the ID and the package and say they'd deliver it themselves. It's.... kind of a hard problem."
>Well, if we're hungry, we're hungry. We can have a few indulgences, given all the other crap we've had to put up with these past couple days. Just don't overdo it TOO much
>Stated more directly: order something sizable, without going over the top
>"As in, you get some of it, and she gets some of it? I suppose it's possible. You two might be interested in different things, after all. I don't really know what kind of information she deals in, or who she sells it to, but it's possible there's stuff she wouldn't care about. Or would at least be willing to part with. Like, say, you post information on the substantive nature of various 'dubious' projects, while she gets technical schematics that you probably wouldn't be able to do anything with, anyway. That kind of thing?"
>"I talked to Nitori about her time in the facility this morning, actually. Was kind of hoping she'd let something about what goes on it there slip, but she was pretty tight-lipped about it, too. Although she stopped working there ages ago, apparently some of the stuff she was involved with is still classified. But she did make it pretty clear that the military has a hand in a bunch of the more secret stuff, there. In fact, it was a military project that led to her quitting in the first place."
>"Now that I think of it, if they really ARE making weapons there, I'm not sure how I like the idea of helping weapon blueprints hit the open market... Maybe Ace doesn't deal in that kind of stuff. I hope to hell she doesn't."
>"Yeah, well, you know... despite what we're trying to do, I really don't want anyone to end up getting hurt because of us. And who knows what dangerous stuff they have in there that someone else might like to get their hands on? Hopefully I'm overreacting, but this is all really over my head. And yours, too, you know, whether you like it or not."
>"And I considered telling Nitori. It's possible that if she was convinced that there was a real serious issue at foot, her past connections might be useful. Her heart's in the right place. I'm sure of it. But, like you say, she may still have ties to could come back to bite me if I try it. I'm sure she wouldn't try to get me in trouble, but that doesn't mean she'd agree with what I think needs to be done."
>"Well, I considered just having Stargazer grab it from her pocket, or wherever she keeps it, now that she can do that. But she could probably still FEEL someone rifling through her stuff, if it was on her. But possibly not if she's properly distracted at the time. If she possibly keeps it in a desk drawer in her office or something, Stargazer might be able to just slip in and retrieve it, if I could describe what it looks like. And there's still the possibility of just slipping into her house at night and taking it."
>"It's worth mentioning that we'd probably have to steal it shortly before we plan to use it, so that she doesn't realize it's missing, and inform security. Or get the card remotely deactivated or something. Grabbing it from her house at night would probably be an advantage for this, if she was actually asleep and we manage to keep her that way."
>"Well, if we are going to go to her house to take the ID, we should try to find something that helps build us a cover story. But we should make up a reason beforehand...but of course, like I said, a lot of this is going to be improv."
>Avoid using too many "but"s in a sentence.
EDIT: (...Crap. This part may not work.)
>"What sort of alibi? Did you have something in mind?"
>"And... to be honest, do we know that Renko and Maribel would even approve of us stealing things and breaking in?"
>"Yeah, I suppose."
>"I wonder what the usual policy for 'guest access' to the facility is, like delivering that 'package', if there even is such a policy?"
>"Actually... do you think it would be possible to take Yumemi's ID and make a doctored version with a different name/photo, somehow? We could use hers for the actual locks, and the photo ID to get past the guards?"
>"Of course, what would be ideal is if we could copy the key signature on her card, and get it back to her before she knew it was missing. Now, that kind of tech is obviously out of my league. I wonder if Ace would know how to do it? Might work kind of like a card skimmer, depending on how the card itself works. None of this might be possible, of course."
>"I'll look into it later today. It seems like it would be the safest route, assuming it's possible at all. Everything else I can think of involves a lot of luck."
>Did we notice where Yumemi appeared to carry her ID on her the other night? Did we actually see her show it to the guard?
>"Well, let's hope we can, because we're gonna try, anyhow."
>"I'll talk to Ace after work, today, about the mock ID and information sharing."
>"Now, this may be something Yumemi carries on her person at all times, but there's always the chance that she keeps it locked in a drawer in her office or something while she's teaching. Could you check her schedule and find out when she teaches, so we know when she will be on campus, but certain to be aware from her office? Me and Stargazer can poke around in there, then, and see if we find anything. Otherwise, we may have to resort to the home invasion plan."
>"Yeah. Might be a few ways to do that. Would be great if she didn't bring that to class with her in the first place, but barring that, we may only need to distract her from it long enough for Stargazer to slip it out. I mean, Stargazer should be able to find it in the bag before she even needs to touch anything. She can look INSIDE it, after all."
>"Yeah, that may be the best idea. I might be able to come up with some suitable pretext. Wait, does that mean we can't try until Monday? Won't be able to arrange anything about the card with Ace until later this evening, probably long after office hours are over. And I doubt she'd have any over the weekend..."
>"I suppose I could. But that would need a better pretext than just dropping by. I might even be able to pass the latter off as 'I was in the neighborhood and had a question or two for you.' An appointment would need something more than that, and I'm not sure what, off the top of my hat."
>"I suppose Monday isn't the worst thing in the world, though. Might also give us more time to set other things up properly."
>"That's a good point. I hadn't figured Nue was connected with these people, but I suppose even if she isn't, giving whoever it is more time to do whatever they're doing can't be a good thing."
>"For now, I guess, try to get her schedule and call me with it at work. Maybe we'll luck out, and it'll be possible to get this working tonight, after all."
>"Yeah, whatever it is, it's awfully hush-hush. Ace can't find any reason why someone would be after me, and she said that bothers her. Said 'Nue does't work for chumps' or something like that."
>"Really, despite all the hints of leads we've gotten, I'm not sure we've found a single bloody answer to anything important, yet."
>Dig into lunch, if we haven't already
>"It's possible Yumemi is, but if she wanted to detain me, she had plenty enough opportunity. And she could easily have refused to let you come along if she really didn't want witnesses for that. She may be involved in what's going on, but I'm not sure she knows that I am."
>"And yeah, you're right. I know that we've learned a lot. It's just that we still don't have a clue as to HOW or WHY the world is wrong. These ghosts and such are certainly anomalies, but there's something more fundamentally wrong here than a little paranormal activity. I'm certain of it. I just hope we can find what we're looking for in that place."
>"Thanks. It's nice to hear that coming out of someone else's mouth, too. This whole affair is a higher stakes gamble than anything either of us has ever been involved with. I'm sure it goes without saying, but you know that there's a decent possibility we could end up in very, very serious trouble, if something goes wrong. I... want to know that you're fully prepared to accept that possibility. It may be a little late to say this, but I don't want you getting hurt because of my mess."
>Finish up eating
>"Sacrificed....? That's... a really brave and a really terrifying thing to say. I... admire your idealism. I really do. But, I'm not prepared to let you get sacrificed for a cause, here. Not as long as I have a breath left in my body. I swear it. We have to succeed. We WILL succeed. That's the only option open to us."
>"Oh, Parsee... I- I think I might be terrified of all this, if I wasn't even more terrified of never finding out the truth about this world. I hope I can still say that in a few day's time...."
>"Oh, that sounds smart. I'm glad you've got that one covered."
>"Well, I probably should get back to work soon. Remember to check Yumemi's schedule and call me as soon as you have it. Or anything else of interest for that matter. I'll give you a call after work."
>Pay the bill and head back to work
>Answer the phone
>"Hello?"
>"...they do? I went there and asked for advice about how I was convinced the world was wrong, and they came much closer to suggesting I see a shrink than get exorcised. What did you tell them?"
>"Oh, well... um... I suppose I didn't know anything about my own guest at the time. Do they claim they can sense it in any way, themselves? Or are they just taking your word for it?"
>Ask Stargazer if she can remember the shrine we tried to enter the other day that she really, really did not want to be. Can she explain why, now? Was it because she was worried she would be exorcised?
>"I... don't think you should go through with it. Not yet, at least. I don't think the cat means you any harm, and it's connected to... whatever it is that's wrong. I... I know it must be tempting, if doing it would get rid of the feeling you woke up this morning with. I certainly can't say I'd blame you for wanting that. Of course, we don't know that it'll help. Maybe now that you realize things, you can't STOP realizing them. But even if it would make that sense of wrongness go away, the world itself is still wrong. I'm not going to rest until I find out what, and how, and how we can fix it, if that even makes sense. And I don't want to discard any link or clue we might have to the source of this, no matter how vague. You understand where I'm coming from?"
>"Won't take no for an answer? Shouldn't this kind of thing be your own choice, if the spirit isn't harmful to others? Maybe they think it's impairing your judgment... If they had already made up their minds, how'd you end up calling me to ask, in the first place?"
>"Hmm... I wonder how she figured we were related. Did you say that something similar had happened to your sister? Did you mention the cat to her?"
>"Out of curiosity, WHICH shrine maiden is this? Can you describe what she looks like?"
>"And no, I don't think you did anything wrong. She was probably the most open-minded about my issue, actually. Maybe I will go back there when I have the time. It's actually kind of nice that she's wondering after me. I don't think Buddhists do the whole exorcism thing, anyway."
>"Oh, maybe I should mention that Stargazer was absolutely terrified of the Moriya shrine when I tried to visit there for a second time. Even she's not sure what she was afraid of, but maybe it really IS the whole exorcism business. For now, it probably really is best if you try to slip out before they get back."
>"Yeah, I was wondering if it might have been her. Not the same one I talked to. That one was older, and had purple-ish hair. The green-haired one is, uh... also a military test pilot, believe it or not. She wasn't there the first time I went there. I was hoping to meet her, for a couple reasons. That's why I went back. But I wasn't going to take Stargazer to some place she was that terrified of. Made me wonder if maybe I shouldn't be there, either."
>"How much information did you give her on us, anyway? Names? I'm probably just being paranoid, but goodness knows I've got enough reason to be, given some of the stuff going on at the moment."
>"Ah, ok. The shrine maiden's military connection is part of the reason I'm nervous, to be honest. I'll explain that bit in detail when we get together this evening. I'm not really that concerned about Hijiri."
>"Otherwise, you think you're far enough away from the place now that she isn't likely to catch up to you?"
>"Ok, well, how about we keep this line open until you actually get on a bus. Just for my own peace of mind."
>"Not really since we talked last. Me and Parsee are working on a plan for something big, though. I'll fill you in on that later today, though. Not the kind of thing I want to get into on the bus."
>"Ok, well, good luck and I'll talk to you later, then. If you run into any kind of trouble, give me a call the moment you think something might be up."
>Answer the phone
>"Hello?"
>"Hmmm.... six to seven... Well, I can certainly be there, then, but that doesn't really leave much time to arrange things. I wanted to talk to Ace before we do it, about the possibility of doctoring the ID. Or, at the very least, getting her to come along shortly afterwards. After we take the ID, we want to slip in as quickly as possible, so we don't give Yumemi much chance to notice anything's amiss.
>"I was originally planning to get together with Orin beforehand. I was thinking all three of us might be able to talk this over. She's in deep enough herself, now. I don't know that she'd have anything helpful to add, but I wanted to at least give her the chance. Might have to cut it if we're pressed for time..."
>"Orin actually had a run in with that shrine maiden test pilot a few minutes ago. Ended up mentioning the cat to her, and shrine maiden insisted she exorcise her. Luckily Orin managed to get away. I think the shrine maiden might have been chasing after her until she got on the bus, though..."
>"Would be nice if we knew whether Yumemi was actually heading home after seven, or just over to the labs to get some more work done. I mean, it IS seven on a friday night, but she strikes me as a workaholic. If we try to enter the facility during office hours, we can be pretty sure she won't be there, or have discovered the missing ID. But if we give the guards any excuse involving her, she'd still be in her office to call and confirm with, which would be very bad. And that still gives us a small safe window. Ideally, we want her to be off-campus when we do this."
>"So, timetable-wise... I get off work. I go to contact Ace. Then I'd like to be at her office slightly before office hours so that Stargazer can have a look around inside with no one there, in case we get really lucky. If not, we drop by during office hours and swipe it while she's distracted, somehow. I'll have to figure out exactly how."
>"Not a lot of time to get to home or your place, talk to Ace, and then get back to the university comfortably before six, though..."
>If Nitori's going to be away for parts of the afternoon, is there a computer we could use to discretely contact Ace, while erasing all record of this conversation afterwards?
>"Well, Nitori'll be out of the shop for some of the afternoon. I'll try to contact Ace from here, while she's gone. Otherwise, I guess we'll meet on campus right after I get off work. Hopefully, I'll have figured out a reasonable way of getting what we want, by that point. Contact me if anything changes."
>"Oh, and... well, I hate to follow this line of reasoning, but do you have anything small you could slip into the facility with you as a potential weapon that wouldn't trip the metal detectors? Mightn't accomplish much, and I'd hate to have to use it, but it mightn't hurt to be prepared for that possibility. I don't know, like a wooden or ceramic knife, or something."
>"Um, well... that might be a little bulky. I don't know. I'll see if I can find something, myself."
>"What, you mean Stargazer? I'm not sure how good she would be as an actual weapon. There's a bunch of things we could use her for, but physically, I don't even think she's as strong as either of us unarmed. Let alone the fact that she mightn't even be willing to harm someone. She's not the fighting sort. I mean, I could ask her for that kind of help if we're desperate, but I'd rather have as many options as possible."
>"Oh, I'm sure we WILL need her, whether things go wrong or not. Not arguing that. Doesn't mean I mightn't want a few other things, too. In any case, I'll see what I can find, and give you a call later. See ya."
>Enter the shop
>"We're making pretty quick work of them, today, considering."
>Start working on the next unit in line
>"Aww... not even any little ones? You're no fun."
>Smirk at her
>"Don't worry, I'll hold down the fort."
>Continue working until we're quite certain Nitori has driven away, then go to the computer and log into our AIM (if the program needs to be downloaded and installed, do so)
>Type a message:
>"Hey, there. We've worked out more details about the research facility project, and think we'll be able to obtain a pass key this evening. I don't know if this is within the realm of what you do, but if I could get you this ID, are you capable of making a doctored copy with my own photo and identification on it? Something that could fool a cursory look from a guard, anyway?"
>"Run it? Well, Yumemi just showed it to them and they waved her through. Although they probably recognized her, anyway. But there's lots of grad students and such that work in the non-restricted areas. They probably don't know them all."
>"How long would it take you to make this? And how would I even get it to you?"
>"A couple hours after I get it to you, I assume? I expect I'll have it by 7PM, there abouts."
>"Yes, I realize this. The plan is to do it tonight. The longer we wait, the bigger the chance of something going wrong."
>"What, for getting the ID, or after we get it?"
>"Well, the ID will get us past the locks on the inside. And we know the layout of the place, so we know where we have to go. The guard posts at the front are the only issue."
>"If you could make a fake ID for all of us, we could pose as a group of grad students. Beyond the entrance of the building, there was no active security presence that we could see, so we shouldn't attract attention. But I don't know if making more than one fake ID would take more time than we have, now."
>"This is going down sooner than I expected, because the window of opportunity on getting the original ID this way will be closing soon, and I don't want to pass it up."
>"Well, we should only need one functioning key. The rest are just to get nodded past the guards."
>"Well, if they challenge us about the ID, I have a few resources that could provide a distraction to the guards, but it would be pretty hard to raise gate and get people through without someone noticing, which would probably put the facility on alert. That bit's a last-ditch solution."
>"I could also claim to be delivering important documents on behalf of Yumemi, who's pretty high up the food chain as far as I can tell. I can ensure she wouldn't be in her office to answer any call about this if they decided to double-check. So, while I couldn't get her to vouch for us, her name alone might pull some weight."
>Was there only a single guard at the outside guard station last night?
>"Well, I have something of a concealed weapon I'll be bringing into the facility that could be used in a pinch."
>The metal detector was one of those gate-type things you walk through, right? Meaning there would be a way to pass objects around it, rather than through it, if no one saw it happen, correct? Assuming so
>"I think I may also be able to get a stun gun pass the metal detector, if the guard isn't looking at the time."
>"Well, the facility's on campus, on that's where I'll be retrieving the ID from, so somewhere in that area would probably be best."
>"Ok, so head over there after I swipe the card? Where can I find you?"
>"I'd ask how you know this... but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Do you already know where it is, then?"
>Give Ace our cell number
>"Actually, the person I'm staying with is touchy about privacy, so give me a second to ask her first."
>Call Parsee
>To Ace: "No worries. I won't."
>To Parsee: "Hey, there. I'm talking to Ace now, and we're setting up a meeting. She can manage the fake ID bit. They won't be functional, but she says they should pass a visual inspection. Anyway, she seemed to know I was staying with someone in the industrial district, and wants to meet up at your place since it's near her own place. I know you're touchy about that, so I didn't want to give her an actual address unless you were ok with it."
>"Ok, just wanted to make sure. See ya!"
>Give Ace Parsee's address
>"Sure, I'll give you a call when we've got it. Otherwise, you can give me a call if anything important happens."
>Communicate to Stargazer it's nothing to worry about.
>Get back to work.
>Check details on quest involving the facility.
>"Oh, hi. Things went well over here."
> "Sounds good."
>"Have a good weekend!"
>Wave goodbye and leave
>Head towards Parsee's
>While on our way, call Orin
>"Hey, Orin how's things?"
>"I'm gonna be getting together with Parsee to discuss our plans for tonight, and I was wondering if you could come along."
>"That's good, anyway. Some kinds of eventfulness we can probably do without, at this point."
>Give her directions to Parsee's place
>"Ok, well I'll leave you to it, and see you in a little bit. Bye!"
>Continue to Parsee's