Full Version: The Found Arcana - Chapter 11 [IC]
Assassins always know delicate stuff. If I was running a criminal organization I'd be worried when someone else has access to such a person. Given the kind of things we suspect her doing, I'll investigate it in their shoes.
Bobby shrugged: "We'll have to work flawlessly then. First step is finding her. What we do with that info we can decide afterwards. We could always rat her out to the mayor. We have enough evidence to pin the murder on her after all.
The spirit search is undetectable, let's see if we can find her before we fret about what to do with her."
The spirit search is undetectable, let's see if we can find her before we fret about what to do with her."
I grin "I suspect that the knowledge of who the assassin is, and possibly where she is may be part of our pay-data. While not blackmail material it can be used as leverage against Potter. Depanding on who ordered the job - it might be very big"
<<Sunday Evening - 19:52 - April 9, 2079 - Snohomish Animal Clinic, Snohomish>>
Just after sunset, Raven summons a spirit of air and sends it to the International District to see if it can track down Saiki Kiki. The spirit suggests that it might take longer than usual since Raven hasn't seen Saiki Kiki herself, just an image of her. But it resolves to do its best and to report back.
Tamarind spends the evening studying the differences between Howard Cannon's platform and Corinne Potter's platform. This is a challenge since Corinne has only been the candidate for about four months. Having never held office before, she doesn't have a history of policy positions, or opinions about current events.
Reviewing footage of her campaign events, Tamarind finds that Corinne largely sticks to the Technocratic platform of "lower taxes, limited government, and belief in the individual." In this, she is very much aligned with Howard Cannon, who said all of the same things.
But Tamarind, with her analytical mind and mnemonic enhancer, does notice a difference of omission. Specifically, Howard Cannon was more likely to talk about "Peace Through Strength". Howard was a flag-waving patriot of the UCAS who had big opinions on Seattle's role in the country and in the region and as a global city. Conversely, Corinne rarely talks about that unless asked a direct question from the audience. Instead, she seems more inward-looking, more interested in squeezing out progress locally through technical innovation and social engineering.
The shadows are not generous to the Technocratic platform. They view it as a thinly-disguised policy of corporate support, suggesting that megacorporations will help improve the world if only the public gives them whatever they want. Not surprisingly, the Technocratic party appeals to many corporate managers and execs, and receives hefty donations from the corporate sector.
~~~
It's just about time for the volunteering session at the animal clinic.
Raven sits in the Americar in the parking lot of the animal clinic. She has a clear view of both the clinic and Corinne's apartment building across the street. There are now six spirits on guard: four on the astral and two on the physical plane. There are also two unmarked cars that - to a trained eye - are clearly Knight-Errant.
Tamarind can set up her drones to watch over the scene if she likes.
AM has put on some clean but functional clothes for her volunteering session.
Just after sunset, Raven summons a spirit of air and sends it to the International District to see if it can track down Saiki Kiki. The spirit suggests that it might take longer than usual since Raven hasn't seen Saiki Kiki herself, just an image of her. But it resolves to do its best and to report back.
Tamarind spends the evening studying the differences between Howard Cannon's platform and Corinne Potter's platform. This is a challenge since Corinne has only been the candidate for about four months. Having never held office before, she doesn't have a history of policy positions, or opinions about current events.
Reviewing footage of her campaign events, Tamarind finds that Corinne largely sticks to the Technocratic platform of "lower taxes, limited government, and belief in the individual." In this, she is very much aligned with Howard Cannon, who said all of the same things.
But Tamarind, with her analytical mind and mnemonic enhancer, does notice a difference of omission. Specifically, Howard Cannon was more likely to talk about "Peace Through Strength". Howard was a flag-waving patriot of the UCAS who had big opinions on Seattle's role in the country and in the region and as a global city. Conversely, Corinne rarely talks about that unless asked a direct question from the audience. Instead, she seems more inward-looking, more interested in squeezing out progress locally through technical innovation and social engineering.
The shadows are not generous to the Technocratic platform. They view it as a thinly-disguised policy of corporate support, suggesting that megacorporations will help improve the world if only the public gives them whatever they want. Not surprisingly, the Technocratic party appeals to many corporate managers and execs, and receives hefty donations from the corporate sector.
~~~
It's just about time for the volunteering session at the animal clinic.
Raven sits in the Americar in the parking lot of the animal clinic. She has a clear view of both the clinic and Corinne's apartment building across the street. There are now six spirits on guard: four on the astral and two on the physical plane. There are also two unmarked cars that - to a trained eye - are clearly Knight-Errant.
Tamarind can set up her drones to watch over the scene if she likes.
AM has put on some clean but functional clothes for her volunteering session.
"Now we do have a problem: If spirits are there to assense everyone, they will notice that AM is a full mage. I'm sure that will trigger some alerts - even if your SIN states the fact."
Bobby stated after seeing the security measures.
Bobby stated after seeing the security measures.
I don't bring much to the animal clinic; I have no deck in case I get searched and no guns. I wear regular clothes in a wide cut that hide more than they reveal, clearly not made for beauty or to impress, and some of them are often considered men's wear though I have eventually modified all of them to be unique to me. They play with two shades of color to create intricate patterns of spiderwebs in some not-so-obvious locations. All of that is covered by a black leather like jacket that I like to wear while riding my bike, though.
I bring my very expensive Fairlight Comlink, which has zero incriminating material on it and displays the SIN of Emma Miller. I also bring my blue Suzuki bike so as not to appear linked to the overwatching colleagues.
My heart is excited by the vulnerability of not having any firearm or my deck with me. Yes, I studied the names of the employees so I could have plausible explanations as to what I was doing there and who scheduled me. I approach the clinic without much ceremony wearing the sad face I get when I think about some other life long ago that Iktomi's grand plan has broken into a thousand pieces. It is a place of healing - so perhaps I'll get healed - or at least if I cannot find peace... I'll have to settle with the next best thing - being rich. Well-rich compared to other SINless. I approach the clinic without a ceremony once I park the bike in a legal spot.
To Bobby, I reply
"Well... I am an aspected sorcerer, but I get your point. I am at peace with what I am."
I bring my very expensive Fairlight Comlink, which has zero incriminating material on it and displays the SIN of Emma Miller. I also bring my blue Suzuki bike so as not to appear linked to the overwatching colleagues.
My heart is excited by the vulnerability of not having any firearm or my deck with me. Yes, I studied the names of the employees so I could have plausible explanations as to what I was doing there and who scheduled me. I approach the clinic without much ceremony wearing the sad face I get when I think about some other life long ago that Iktomi's grand plan has broken into a thousand pieces. It is a place of healing - so perhaps I'll get healed - or at least if I cannot find peace... I'll have to settle with the next best thing - being rich. Well-rich compared to other SINless. I approach the clinic without a ceremony once I park the bike in a legal spot.
To Bobby, I reply
"Well... I am an aspected sorcerer, but I get your point. I am at peace with what I am."
A few minutes before 20:00 you see a woman crossing the street from the direction of the apartment building. She has two beefy cops flanking her. Both are human and have some significant cyberware. (Muscle replacement from the looks of it, something on their bones, plus something affecting their nervous systems.)
Two of the six spirits from the apartment building also accompany her on the astral. They look like formidable guardian spirits (F7).
The woman looks like Corinne. She's wearing a trench coat that's rather too baggy and not terribly fashionable. It's a tan/khaki number while recent trends have favored darker colors, like hunter green, charcoal grey, or black. (Nikola Taul, Corrinne's opponent, has been pictured in an eye-catching crimson red trench coat. The wagging tongues have been debating whether it is made of leather or synthleather. Nikola, who figures it's good whenever people are talking about her, doesn't answer definitively.)
Corinne's hair is getting blown in the wind and is a bit unruly. She's wearing good-quality running shoes on her feet, but not the top-of-the-line model. Her aura doesn't show any obvious 'ware. She walks a bit ahead of her escort, seemingly uncomfortable by their presence. On the astral is looks like she has a sense of anticipation as she arrives at the clinic. The whole entourage goes inside, at which point you lose sight of them.
One of the spirits from the apartment building flies across the street and takes up overwatch on top of the animal clinic. That makes three spirits still at the apartment, and three at the animal clinic (two inside and one outside on the roof).
Two of the six spirits from the apartment building also accompany her on the astral. They look like formidable guardian spirits (F7).
The woman looks like Corinne. She's wearing a trench coat that's rather too baggy and not terribly fashionable. It's a tan/khaki number while recent trends have favored darker colors, like hunter green, charcoal grey, or black. (Nikola Taul, Corrinne's opponent, has been pictured in an eye-catching crimson red trench coat. The wagging tongues have been debating whether it is made of leather or synthleather. Nikola, who figures it's good whenever people are talking about her, doesn't answer definitively.)
Corinne's hair is getting blown in the wind and is a bit unruly. She's wearing good-quality running shoes on her feet, but not the top-of-the-line model. Her aura doesn't show any obvious 'ware. She walks a bit ahead of her escort, seemingly uncomfortable by their presence. On the astral is looks like she has a sense of anticipation as she arrives at the clinic. The whole entourage goes inside, at which point you lose sight of them.
One of the spirits from the apartment building flies across the street and takes up overwatch on top of the animal clinic. That makes three spirits still at the apartment, and three at the animal clinic (two inside and one outside on the roof).
Tamarind sticks with one of her favorites, putting a couple of flying eyes in each delivery drone, then letting the delivery drones fly routes in the area, trying to keep one reasonably close by at all times. The plan being that she can open the doors in flight and deploy the Flying Eyes into the area quickly, without either making it obvious they come from her or leaving them out where someone alert might spot them.
When they get the report from Raven, Tamarind asks her to place the spirits on a map. She wants to know if there is a possibility to drop AM from a van, in a way that would block view of all the spirits while she goes into the clinic. Probably the other side are professional and have the angles covered, but it it worth it to check.
When they get the report from Raven, Tamarind asks her to place the spirits on a map. She wants to know if there is a possibility to drop AM from a van, in a way that would block view of all the spirits while she goes into the clinic. Probably the other side are professional and have the angles covered, but it it worth it to check.
Bobby had decided: "Alright. I won't accompany you directly - to risky for your cover. I'll make my own way in."
The roof was out with the spirit in position there, but since Bobby had scouted out the clinic earlier, he knew about a lose panel where he could weasel his way in - so he did just that, making sure to erase any traces of his magic when he transformed between two dumpsters.
The roof was out with the spirit in position there, but since Bobby had scouted out the clinic earlier, he knew about a lose panel where he could weasel his way in - so he did just that, making sure to erase any traces of his magic when he transformed between two dumpsters.
There's only one spirit on the roof, and it can only look one direction at a time, so it seems possible to time it just right so that AM can slip inside without being observed/assensed.
However, presumably the two spirits inside will see her at some point. They will identify her as Awakened, but AM's SIN (which is connected to the volunteer appointment) already announces that. This might earn AM some additional questioning, but being Awakened isn't illegal.
However, presumably the two spirits inside will see her at some point. They will identify her as Awakened, but AM's SIN (which is connected to the volunteer appointment) already announces that. This might earn AM some additional questioning, but being Awakened isn't illegal.
I figured out that even if I tried, I was not good enough to avoid so many spirits, and volunteering in an animal clinic should not get me arrested. So, push comes to shove; I see if I can help any animals in the clinic. Or clean up or whatnot. If I get past the police and spirits and... Iktomi.
AM heads inside. The spirit on the roof of the clinic either doesn't visibly react. It's unclear whether it doesn't notice AM or doesn't care.
Inside the animal clinic is fairly quiet. The clinic closed to the general public at 18:00, so there's nobody in the lobby except the receptionist and the two beefy Knight-Errant officers. One officer has a bushy black mustache and looks to be of Italian descent. The other has a buzz cut, a ruddy complexion, and looks maybe Irish.
The lobby is a rather depressing waiting area, full of fluorescent lighting, plastic furniture, and floors that can be easily pressure washed. On the astral, there's a general tone of anxiety and despair that lingers uncomfortably about the place.
"You're the volunteer?" the receptionist asks. "Emma Miller?"
She's a dark-skinned human woman, although not the same one Bobby spoke to earlier. She's wearing scrubs and has a nametag on that says "Ifeoma". The woman gestures for AM to step forward.
"I'll need you to sign in here. We have additional security procedures in place tonight. You'll need to press your finger here." She indicates a small scanner.
"The gentlemen may have a few questions for you. I'll get you some scrubs while you speak with them."
Inside the animal clinic is fairly quiet. The clinic closed to the general public at 18:00, so there's nobody in the lobby except the receptionist and the two beefy Knight-Errant officers. One officer has a bushy black mustache and looks to be of Italian descent. The other has a buzz cut, a ruddy complexion, and looks maybe Irish.
The lobby is a rather depressing waiting area, full of fluorescent lighting, plastic furniture, and floors that can be easily pressure washed. On the astral, there's a general tone of anxiety and despair that lingers uncomfortably about the place.
"You're the volunteer?" the receptionist asks. "Emma Miller?"
She's a dark-skinned human woman, although not the same one Bobby spoke to earlier. She's wearing scrubs and has a nametag on that says "Ifeoma". The woman gestures for AM to step forward.
"I'll need you to sign in here. We have additional security procedures in place tonight. You'll need to press your finger here." She indicates a small scanner.
"The gentlemen may have a few questions for you. I'll get you some scrubs while you speak with them."
"Yes, I am. " I step forward a bit out of my element Thanks, Ifeoma. I nod to the woman's assertions and then place my finger on the reader. I did not bring the illegal cyberdeck so there is no hacking this badboy. Nothing quite explains the rush of placing that finger on that scanner. Not hot siming, not speeding up in the bike, not the lost control with Ayahuasca. My entire existence is on the line briefly as I place my finger on the scanner. Whatever comes next, to the very least, I am feeling alive.
After thinking it a moment, the scanner gives a strange noise. It's not quite an alarm; more like an error sound that someone might encounter when they do something wrong in a Matrix program.
The two cops perk right up. Ifeoma scowls.
"Something is odd here," Ifeoma says, trying to puzzle out what the machine is saying.
"Why don't you come over here?" says the Italian cop.
"Let's have a little chat," says the Irish cop.
Their requests don't really sound like suggestions. The men are businesslike, bordering on stern.
"My name is Officer Russo; this is Officer Boyle."
"Doyle."
"That's what I said: Officer Doyle.
"For the record, please state your name, birth date, place of birth, and your country or extraterritorial corporation."
AM knows that all of these are encoded in her SIN, so they're effectively quizzing her on her own identity.
Officer Russo is staring intently at AM, his eyes drilling into her. Officer Doyle's vision is focused on something else, likely an AR readout of the scanner results.
The two cops perk right up. Ifeoma scowls.
"Something is odd here," Ifeoma says, trying to puzzle out what the machine is saying.
"Why don't you come over here?" says the Italian cop.
"Let's have a little chat," says the Irish cop.
Their requests don't really sound like suggestions. The men are businesslike, bordering on stern.
"My name is Officer Russo; this is Officer Boyle."
"Doyle."
"That's what I said: Officer Doyle.
"For the record, please state your name, birth date, place of birth, and your country or extraterritorial corporation."
AM knows that all of these are encoded in her SIN, so they're effectively quizzing her on her own identity.
Officer Russo is staring intently at AM, his eyes drilling into her. Officer Doyle's vision is focused on something else, likely an AR readout of the scanner results.
I am a bit nervous, but I am Iktomi the Trickster, and I take comfort in knowing that. It provides me a serene layer in the sea of alertness. I know Emma's biography by heart; "Aham... Nice to meet you officers thanks for keeping us so secure." I answer; I have done that a hundred times in my mind. "My name is Emma Miller, Born on 13.6.2050, in New York city. UCAS citizenship." I say confidently. I am obeying their orders politely and not externalizing my concerns or the Trickster's immense joy.
The officers seem to relax a tiny bit at AM's confident answers.
"Ms. Miller," says Officer Doyle, "there are some ... discrepancies here with your biometrics.
"Your fingerprints... sort of match? The crossover, core, bifurcation, ridge ending, island, delta, and pores all align... but the ones on record look like the fingerprints of a child. Either that or your fingers are currently... swollen?" He looks at AM questioningly, his eyes shifting from whatever he was looking at in AR to AM's real-world reaction.
AM can feel a presence that she identifies as an astral entity passing through her. It gives her a little chill. Even without assensing, she can tell that's she's being observed from the astral.
"Ms. Miller," says Officer Doyle, "there are some ... discrepancies here with your biometrics.
"Your fingerprints... sort of match? The crossover, core, bifurcation, ridge ending, island, delta, and pores all align... but the ones on record look like the fingerprints of a child. Either that or your fingers are currently... swollen?" He looks at AM questioningly, his eyes shifting from whatever he was looking at in AR to AM's real-world reaction.
AM can feel a presence that she identifies as an astral entity passing through her. It gives her a little chill. Even without assensing, she can tell that's she's being observed from the astral.
Well, I can't hide being a witch. I realize that there is a plausible explanation to the entire situation.
I grin . "Oh, that! I guess they are swollen." I say as if realizing something. "I am normally shorter. I say, feeling a bit vulnerable.
I take a deep breath. "I... do not like my natural body; I felt like a child and many got confused. So I made myself magically taller. I suspect that as fun as it is, it also got me into this uncomfortable situation. I do not feel the need to state that I am an aspected sorcerer; as the SIN says it all and the astral watcher can just plainly sees it. Perhaps Bobby can lie about such things but not me.
I grin . "Oh, that! I guess they are swollen." I say as if realizing something. "I am normally shorter. I say, feeling a bit vulnerable.
I take a deep breath. "I... do not like my natural body; I felt like a child and many got confused. So I made myself magically taller. I suspect that as fun as it is, it also got me into this uncomfortable situation. I do not feel the need to state that I am an aspected sorcerer; as the SIN says it all and the astral watcher can just plainly sees it. Perhaps Bobby can lie about such things but not me.
Doyle seems to nod at the explanation. Russo has a hard look in his eyes.
"Tell us, how does your Talent express itself?" Russo asks.
"Does it work for weight loss as well as weight gain?" Doyle asks, perhaps a bit hopefully.
"Do you know any combat magic?" Russo adds.
"What's your profession?" Doyle asks, not really waiting for the response to Russo's questions. Perhaps the barrage is meant to expose any cracks in the subject's story.
"Have you ever harmed anyone with magic?" Russo asks, leaning forward as his eyes drill into AM.
"Tell us, how does your Talent express itself?" Russo asks.
"Does it work for weight loss as well as weight gain?" Doyle asks, perhaps a bit hopefully.
"Do you know any combat magic?" Russo adds.
"What's your profession?" Doyle asks, not really waiting for the response to Russo's questions. Perhaps the barrage is meant to expose any cracks in the subject's story.
"Have you ever harmed anyone with magic?" Russo asks, leaning forward as his eyes drill into AM.
Wow, these are a lot of questions; I try to answer them to the best of my ability, giving only the truth but perhaps not the whole truth. I reason that if I say 90% of the truth, then there are fewer chances of problems within my story. I also aim to appear inconvenienced and friendly instead of intimidated, as if ending the evening in a prison cell is not a genuine concern. This is all a big misunderstanding. So I answer their questions patiently and then tell them mostly true things, which are rather easy to cross-validate given our website and other public records of my activity.
"Well, Officer Russo, I am an aspected sorcerer and mainly use magic to make life a bit easier for people around me—treating hangovers, helping sick people, tailoring clothes, changing hairstyles, or fixing broken objects. I sometimes use it to clear my head and solve puzzles... I look at Officer Doyle and comment I cannot help you lose weight. It would have been amazing if I could." I muse about the implications for a brief moment. I look intently at Russo; his suspicion makes me uneasy, but I do not externalize it much. I speak truthfully, figuring out there is no reason to lie, especially when the man is so alert. I do not know any combat spells and have never used my talent to harm people. ". This is truthful, as while some of my spells can be weaponized in a bind (and I have done so), none of them are combat spells, and each spell has legitimate usages. "As to my profession...I am a secretary at the moment," I answer, which is my formal job title at SIS and is detectable by searching for Emma Miller on the Trix. I am not happy with that title. I do my best to advance, so I do computer stuff and prepare the team for meetings. One of our seniors has recently left, and I wanted to replace him, but they brought in a full mage instead. I say, which is also true and can be verified given Jawsiey's departure and Raven filling in his niche as a magical investigator. However, I selected such a modest title for myself mainly not to attract attention to my fake SIN, putting the real people in the front of the business. Thus, I do not intend to upgrade my title unless I can somehow upgrade my SIN to a proper one. Still, I don't like it.
"Well, Officer Russo, I am an aspected sorcerer and mainly use magic to make life a bit easier for people around me—treating hangovers, helping sick people, tailoring clothes, changing hairstyles, or fixing broken objects. I sometimes use it to clear my head and solve puzzles... I look at Officer Doyle and comment I cannot help you lose weight. It would have been amazing if I could." I muse about the implications for a brief moment. I look intently at Russo; his suspicion makes me uneasy, but I do not externalize it much. I speak truthfully, figuring out there is no reason to lie, especially when the man is so alert. I do not know any combat spells and have never used my talent to harm people. ". This is truthful, as while some of my spells can be weaponized in a bind (and I have done so), none of them are combat spells, and each spell has legitimate usages. "As to my profession...I am a secretary at the moment," I answer, which is my formal job title at SIS and is detectable by searching for Emma Miller on the Trix. I am not happy with that title. I do my best to advance, so I do computer stuff and prepare the team for meetings. One of our seniors has recently left, and I wanted to replace him, but they brought in a full mage instead. I say, which is also true and can be verified given Jawsiey's departure and Raven filling in his niche as a magical investigator. However, I selected such a modest title for myself mainly not to attract attention to my fake SIN, putting the real people in the front of the business. Thus, I do not intend to upgrade my title unless I can somehow upgrade my SIN to a proper one. Still, I don't like it.
AM's profession, which was meant to sound innocuous, seems to produce the opposite result.
"A secretary?!" Russo says - almost shouts - incredulously.
"A spellcaster who can heal the sick and you 'do computer stuff and prepare the team for meetings'??" His doubt is fully apparent as he eyeballs AM skeptically.
He shakes his head vigorously. "No, that doesn't scan. There isn't a corp or a megacorp who wouldn't extract you off the street right now and set you up in some gilded cage making six figures a year."
Doyle nods along with Russo's thinking. "Either you've seriously underestimated your market value or..."
"Your story is bulldrek."
"A secretary?!" Russo says - almost shouts - incredulously.
"A spellcaster who can heal the sick and you 'do computer stuff and prepare the team for meetings'??" His doubt is fully apparent as he eyeballs AM skeptically.
He shakes his head vigorously. "No, that doesn't scan. There isn't a corp or a megacorp who wouldn't extract you off the street right now and set you up in some gilded cage making six figures a year."
Doyle nods along with Russo's thinking. "Either you've seriously underestimated your market value or..."
"Your story is bulldrek."
I am unshaken by their suspicion - it is my story, after all . "Well, first of all, I am here to volunteer, so let's agree that I am aware that I do not maximize the monetary value of my time." I sigh You are touching a soft spot... Computer stuff - does not pay the bills out of the right context; I tried, but nobody cares that I can fix commlinks and update websites or do research.
As for being a spell slinger, that is a winning lottery ticket, but I have only developed that talent recently, and when I applied for the job, I was not yet confident of these abilities. I made good progress and received my first job offer as a sorcerer several months ago, so I am painfully aware of what you are saying. It was a very lucrative and flattering offer, and rejecting it was painful. In my mind, I see the gorgeous Urubia and the allure of working for her.
I sigh as if ripping a bandage, take a deep breath, and say what is not easy for me to say. ...I came here after a nasty breakup from an unhealthy relationship. I haven't felt any desire for intimacy with anyone since. I am not mourning; I am not angry. I feel empty, as if something in me has given up. Being here is a step toward healing, as bonding with animals is sometimes easier. How painful is it to admit that I am fundamentally flawed - and the coppers only get the short version? What should I tell them - that I will never get to be truly happy?
If you must ridicule my life decisions... I refused the offer because I have a safe work environment and close relations with my peers to the point where it feels like a family. Their support is more important to me right now than money. I'll have time to make money. My talent is not going anywhere, and elves can live very long lives, so healing takes priority over my career right now. I pause and ponder what I just surfaced briefly;
Is there anything else? " I ask quietly, my voice hollow. That speech was painful, and I feel the same as before the spell on 160 centimeters. Is this the moment where the fantasy ends and everything breaks? I was shooting for some sympathy from Potter, and I end up getting arrested for being a strange fruit and then having my SIN burned. Will I recover from losing everything AGAIN?
As for being a spell slinger, that is a winning lottery ticket, but I have only developed that talent recently, and when I applied for the job, I was not yet confident of these abilities. I made good progress and received my first job offer as a sorcerer several months ago, so I am painfully aware of what you are saying. It was a very lucrative and flattering offer, and rejecting it was painful. In my mind, I see the gorgeous Urubia and the allure of working for her.
I sigh as if ripping a bandage, take a deep breath, and say what is not easy for me to say. ...I came here after a nasty breakup from an unhealthy relationship. I haven't felt any desire for intimacy with anyone since. I am not mourning; I am not angry. I feel empty, as if something in me has given up. Being here is a step toward healing, as bonding with animals is sometimes easier. How painful is it to admit that I am fundamentally flawed - and the coppers only get the short version? What should I tell them - that I will never get to be truly happy?
If you must ridicule my life decisions... I refused the offer because I have a safe work environment and close relations with my peers to the point where it feels like a family. Their support is more important to me right now than money. I'll have time to make money. My talent is not going anywhere, and elves can live very long lives, so healing takes priority over my career right now. I pause and ponder what I just surfaced briefly;
Is there anything else? " I ask quietly, my voice hollow. That speech was painful, and I feel the same as before the spell on 160 centimeters. Is this the moment where the fantasy ends and everything breaks? I was shooting for some sympathy from Potter, and I end up getting arrested for being a strange fruit and then having my SIN burned. Will I recover from losing everything AGAIN?
When the team had prepared for the meeting with Andrew, Rachel had commented on AM's dress. "Lovely dress. Just not entirely sure, it is the best choice to wear traditional chinese fashion to a meeting with a japanese guy. Hopefully, he will appreciate the look more than the cultural reference. Anyways, whatever you do: Do not sip four times in a row. That is considered a death threat or something. At least, I think so. I read* about it somewhere..."
As Bobby mentioned the spirits, Rachel agreed: "Just like the nice lady in the park told me. There is an entourage of spirits to protect her. Seems a bit wild, as that is some very expensive protection."
At the scene, Rachel stays in the car, and has her aura masked, only using her astral senses for a short time as necessary. She is far enough away to not pose a direct threat, and tries to keep her presence hidden in general.
She wants to deduce, whether all the spirits come from the same mage, or several different ones. Either way, it must cost a fortune to employ them. And, of course, she wants to get a really good look at Ms. Potter's aura, so she puts some extra effort into that one.
[ Spoiler ]
* * * * *
As Bobby mentioned the spirits, Rachel agreed: "Just like the nice lady in the park told me. There is an entourage of spirits to protect her. Seems a bit wild, as that is some very expensive protection."
* * * * *
At the scene, Rachel stays in the car, and has her aura masked, only using her astral senses for a short time as necessary. She is far enough away to not pose a direct threat, and tries to keep her presence hidden in general.
She wants to deduce, whether all the spirits come from the same mage, or several different ones. Either way, it must cost a fortune to employ them. And, of course, she wants to get a really good look at Ms. Potter's aura, so she puts some extra effort into that one.
[ Spoiler ]
The two officers listen to AM's speech. They do not appear deeply moved.
"Ms. Miller, may I be direct?" says Officer Russo, although the question seems purely rhetorical. "This is your first time here, and you haven't even asked why you're providing your fingerprint or interviewed by two cops. That suggests to me that you know why."
"There was a security event yesterday," Office Doyle adds euphemistically. His tone is a little warmer; he must be the 'good cop'. "You may have read about it in the news. Precautions are high at the moment."
"So the short answer is that now is not the best time for spellcaster with questionable biometrics to be volunteering. If this is important to you, you should reschedule for a different day."
"Or we can segregate you, keep you in a separate part of the building. You'd be under astral surveillance the entire time. I can understand that may not be appealing."
"Officer?" Ifeoma interrupts. They look to her.
"She could help me up front," Ifeoma suggests. "If she's good with computers then that would be a big help."
The two officers exchange a look. Russo looks annoyed; Doyle's expression seems to suggest that it's viable.
"The alternative is cleaning out the cat cages," Doyle says, looking to AM for a response.
[OOC: Almost midnight here. Will respond to Raven's post in the morning.]
"Ms. Miller, may I be direct?" says Officer Russo, although the question seems purely rhetorical. "This is your first time here, and you haven't even asked why you're providing your fingerprint or interviewed by two cops. That suggests to me that you know why."
"There was a security event yesterday," Office Doyle adds euphemistically. His tone is a little warmer; he must be the 'good cop'. "You may have read about it in the news. Precautions are high at the moment."
"So the short answer is that now is not the best time for spellcaster with questionable biometrics to be volunteering. If this is important to you, you should reschedule for a different day."
"Or we can segregate you, keep you in a separate part of the building. You'd be under astral surveillance the entire time. I can understand that may not be appealing."
"Officer?" Ifeoma interrupts. They look to her.
"She could help me up front," Ifeoma suggests. "If she's good with computers then that would be a big help."
The two officers exchange a look. Russo looks annoyed; Doyle's expression seems to suggest that it's viable.
"The alternative is cleaning out the cat cages," Doyle says, looking to AM for a response.
[OOC: Almost midnight here. Will respond to Raven's post in the morning.]
To myself "Praise the Trickster for keeping my life interesting." I say quietly.
I look at Officer Russo and sayI understand that you don't want a wildcard in here, and that scanner glitch is a good excuse as any—fewer moving parts for your security. I have some theory as to why you are interrogating me, but the two of you are a lot to stomach... For what it's worth, I am sorry for causing all this mess, and I hope I did not distract you from your work for too long. To Doyle, I give an ironic sigh I'll stay with Ifeoma this night. I've caused enough trouble. Keeping me separated from everyone else seems like a lot of effort I really do not want to impose too much.
I put on my big girl smile, took what was left of my pride, and looked at Ifeoma. Thanks for rescuing a damsel in distress; how can I help?
I look at Officer Russo and sayI understand that you don't want a wildcard in here, and that scanner glitch is a good excuse as any—fewer moving parts for your security. I have some theory as to why you are interrogating me, but the two of you are a lot to stomach... For what it's worth, I am sorry for causing all this mess, and I hope I did not distract you from your work for too long. To Doyle, I give an ironic sigh I'll stay with Ifeoma this night. I've caused enough trouble. Keeping me separated from everyone else seems like a lot of effort I really do not want to impose too much.
I put on my big girl smile, took what was left of my pride, and looked at Ifeoma. Thanks for rescuing a damsel in distress; how can I help?
Ifeoma brings AM back behind the counter. The cops go back to what they were doing, although they're still within earshot.
"My agent is on the fritz," Ifeoma tells AM. "I don't know what got into it. It used to be helpful but now it's gone haywire and does its own thing. It messes up the calendar, moves appointments around, corrupts contact information, and generally acts as an obstacle to getting anything done. Can you tell if it got infected, or a sprite is playing a trick on it?"
Once Ifeoma and AM are chatting about work, and the cops lose interest in the conversation, Ifeoma whispers covertly to AM.
"Did you want to meet her?" she asks. "Are you a big fan?" Ifeoma has a warm smile that suggest she's a big fan and would totally understand it if AM is too. "She's sooo nice! A real sweetheart."
~~~
Outside, Raven gets a good look at all six spirits. She notes that none of the six are bound spirits; the ones that Bobby saw yesterday must have been relieved for dereliction of duty. Since it's just after sunset, all six must have been freshly summoned and assigned to their duty. Raven can tell that all six came from different summoners. It does suggest a very significant dedication of resources. Would Knight-Errant really pony up for this level of security, or are third parties contributing resources as well?
Then there's Ms. Potter. At first the most curious thing about her is that she doesn't have any obvious 'ware, or even not-that-obvious 'ware. It's quite common for professionals to have datajacks or internal commlinks or sleep regulators or mnemonic enhancers or symbionts. The really rich might spring for cerebral boosters or cerebellum boosters or even tailored pheromones. But Ms. Potter doesn't have any of that. Has her rise to fame been to recent? She was a modest campaign manager until recently, although even those could greatly benefit from anything that improves organization.
But then there's a ... glitch. There's a flux in Potter's aura. It only lasts for about two steps - maybe she passed through an odd piece of astral energy - but Raven suddenly has a very different view of Corinne. Instead of a frazzled mundane, she appears to be a hyper-confident adept of some sort. Raven knows some of the techniques of masking and realizes that many of those tricks are currently in play, plus some others that Raven doesn't know. Furthermore, it looks like she's carrying a masking focus to help reinforce the effect. It's a simple pendant that she wears around her neck, a lowkey piece of jewelry that isn't even visible to mundane eyes.
Then the effect fades and Potter goes back to looking like Potter. But Raven is confident that she was able to peek behind the curtain, if only for a couple seconds. There's something there which reinforces Bobby's suspicions based on the arrangement of Corinne's bedroom.
"My agent is on the fritz," Ifeoma tells AM. "I don't know what got into it. It used to be helpful but now it's gone haywire and does its own thing. It messes up the calendar, moves appointments around, corrupts contact information, and generally acts as an obstacle to getting anything done. Can you tell if it got infected, or a sprite is playing a trick on it?"
Once Ifeoma and AM are chatting about work, and the cops lose interest in the conversation, Ifeoma whispers covertly to AM.
"Did you want to meet her?" she asks. "Are you a big fan?" Ifeoma has a warm smile that suggest she's a big fan and would totally understand it if AM is too. "She's sooo nice! A real sweetheart."
~~~
Outside, Raven gets a good look at all six spirits. She notes that none of the six are bound spirits; the ones that Bobby saw yesterday must have been relieved for dereliction of duty. Since it's just after sunset, all six must have been freshly summoned and assigned to their duty. Raven can tell that all six came from different summoners. It does suggest a very significant dedication of resources. Would Knight-Errant really pony up for this level of security, or are third parties contributing resources as well?
Then there's Ms. Potter. At first the most curious thing about her is that she doesn't have any obvious 'ware, or even not-that-obvious 'ware. It's quite common for professionals to have datajacks or internal commlinks or sleep regulators or mnemonic enhancers or symbionts. The really rich might spring for cerebral boosters or cerebellum boosters or even tailored pheromones. But Ms. Potter doesn't have any of that. Has her rise to fame been to recent? She was a modest campaign manager until recently, although even those could greatly benefit from anything that improves organization.
But then there's a ... glitch. There's a flux in Potter's aura. It only lasts for about two steps - maybe she passed through an odd piece of astral energy - but Raven suddenly has a very different view of Corinne. Instead of a frazzled mundane, she appears to be a hyper-confident adept of some sort. Raven knows some of the techniques of masking and realizes that many of those tricks are currently in play, plus some others that Raven doesn't know. Furthermore, it looks like she's carrying a masking focus to help reinforce the effect. It's a simple pendant that she wears around her neck, a lowkey piece of jewelry that isn't even visible to mundane eyes.
Then the effect fades and Potter goes back to looking like Potter. But Raven is confident that she was able to peek behind the curtain, if only for a couple seconds. There's something there which reinforces Bobby's suspicions based on the arrangement of Corinne's bedroom.
"Now, what would Ksa think about this agent..." If I look weird, it is because I just invited some more juice into my brain. I explain to her, and let the wisdom of my totem inspire me to analyze the agent's code and fix it. I'll briefly explain the problem to Ifeoma without getting technical about it once I diagnose it and fix it.
To her other question, I respond naturally. "Well... I came here to volunteer, but I figured out Miss. Potter was here even before I entered because I noticed the security. There was a tiny favor I wanted to ask her, and I felt like all the stars aligned perfectly and thanked my good fortune. Then started the glitches with the SIN scanner, and everything went crazy. Thanks again for rescuing me...
I wanted to arrange a meetup in my neighborhood. Half the people support her, and the other half support Taul, but they mainly debate fashion choices. I knew that once they heard Miss Potter in person, they would all vote for her. I mean, how can you not love her? Then I contacted the campaign manager, and she is still unresponsive. So I figured perhaps if I could seize the opportunity and ask Miss Potter in person but - well, you know the rest of the story. Doesn't look like I'll get anywhere near her. What is she like in person?"
To her other question, I respond naturally. "Well... I came here to volunteer, but I figured out Miss. Potter was here even before I entered because I noticed the security. There was a tiny favor I wanted to ask her, and I felt like all the stars aligned perfectly and thanked my good fortune. Then started the glitches with the SIN scanner, and everything went crazy. Thanks again for rescuing me...
I wanted to arrange a meetup in my neighborhood. Half the people support her, and the other half support Taul, but they mainly debate fashion choices. I knew that once they heard Miss Potter in person, they would all vote for her. I mean, how can you not love her? Then I contacted the campaign manager, and she is still unresponsive. So I figured perhaps if I could seize the opportunity and ask Miss Potter in person but - well, you know the rest of the story. Doesn't look like I'll get anywhere near her. What is she like in person?"
[ Spoiler ]
Bobby meanwhile took the one way he had found beforehand: The massive heat exchanger from the ancient HVAC had sagged a bit over time and exposed a small crack to the maintenance shaft. Turning into a weasel, he managed to squeeze in relatively comfortable. After that it was just running along hot and cold pipes and avoiding the cockroaches roaming inside the insulation. His next station was the janitor closet, where the hanged ceiling was left open. Once inside there he paused and listened if anyone was close by.
[ Spoiler ]
<< I got quite some information here... First, all six spirits outside have different signatures, which means there are six mages summoning spirits to protect her on the regular. And second... We have someone here, who is awakened. Not a full mage, an adept of some kind. She oozes confidence. And she must have had multiple initiations, because she knows a few more tricks about masking than I do. There is a masking focus in play as well, I must have been pretty lucky to break through at all. >>
Bobby finds himself in the janitor closet.
Listening, he hears a great deal of meowing. He hears someone cleaning a cage and speaking to the cats. It doesn't sound like Ms. Potter's voice, which Bobby has heard in interviews. It's a different voice, but still female.
"Hi, Copurrrnicus, I'll be with you shortly.
"Edgar Allan Paw, I see you there.
"Hello, Pookiebutts! I'll be right with you, just you wait.
"Mr. Meowington... why did you have to knock over your kitty litter? What a mess!"
Bobby hears the kitty litter being cleaned up, with the occasional commentary of "ew" and a sporadic heavy sigh.
"Okay, kitty litter... kitty litter... ah, the janitor's closet."
The person is coming to open the door. Bobby is right next to the kitty litter.
~~~
"She's amazing," Ifeoma says. "Always so kind and down-to-earth. She looks you straight in the eye and when she listens you feel like the only person in the world.
"She remembers personal details. Like she remembered that my son had a soccer game, so she asked how it went! She and I trade recipes! I gave her one for an African peanut soup and you know what? She made it and brought me some! She put shrimp in it, like you're supposed to!"
Ifeoma looks like she's getting misty at the memory. It made a real impression on her.
(Bobby's jaunt through the kitchen found it spotless, like it hadn't even been used. Either she's a fastidious cleaner, or she hires fastidious cleaners, or the soup was made somewhere else.)
Fixing the agent is routine for AM. There was a bad software patch that didn't apply correctly and corrupted it. AM manages to undo the patch and then reapply it correctly. Once done, the agent works as it should.
"You're a genius!" Ifeoma exclaims, throwing up her hands in delight.
When AM mentions that Shir hasn't reached out yet, Ifeoma waves her off.
"Ms. Potter insists that all employees take at least one day off each week, but preferably two. She insists. She gave me a speech about diminish returns. I didn't understand half of it, but I hung on every word.
"One time she even told me she checks the office's connectivity records to make sure that folks aren't logging in when they're not supposed to be!" Ifeoma beams proudly, as if the idea to require time away from work was her idea.
"So the campaign manager probably just had the weekend off. She'll reach out to tomorrow, I'm sure of it. Her people start the week refreshed and recharged."
Listening, he hears a great deal of meowing. He hears someone cleaning a cage and speaking to the cats. It doesn't sound like Ms. Potter's voice, which Bobby has heard in interviews. It's a different voice, but still female.
"Hi, Copurrrnicus, I'll be with you shortly.
"Edgar Allan Paw, I see you there.
"Hello, Pookiebutts! I'll be right with you, just you wait.
"Mr. Meowington... why did you have to knock over your kitty litter? What a mess!"
Bobby hears the kitty litter being cleaned up, with the occasional commentary of "ew" and a sporadic heavy sigh.
"Okay, kitty litter... kitty litter... ah, the janitor's closet."
The person is coming to open the door. Bobby is right next to the kitty litter.
~~~
"She's amazing," Ifeoma says. "Always so kind and down-to-earth. She looks you straight in the eye and when she listens you feel like the only person in the world.
"She remembers personal details. Like she remembered that my son had a soccer game, so she asked how it went! She and I trade recipes! I gave her one for an African peanut soup and you know what? She made it and brought me some! She put shrimp in it, like you're supposed to!"
Ifeoma looks like she's getting misty at the memory. It made a real impression on her.
(Bobby's jaunt through the kitchen found it spotless, like it hadn't even been used. Either she's a fastidious cleaner, or she hires fastidious cleaners, or the soup was made somewhere else.)
Fixing the agent is routine for AM. There was a bad software patch that didn't apply correctly and corrupted it. AM manages to undo the patch and then reapply it correctly. Once done, the agent works as it should.
"You're a genius!" Ifeoma exclaims, throwing up her hands in delight.
When AM mentions that Shir hasn't reached out yet, Ifeoma waves her off.
"Ms. Potter insists that all employees take at least one day off each week, but preferably two. She insists. She gave me a speech about diminish returns. I didn't understand half of it, but I hung on every word.
"One time she even told me she checks the office's connectivity records to make sure that folks aren't logging in when they're not supposed to be!" Ifeoma beams proudly, as if the idea to require time away from work was her idea.
"So the campaign manager probably just had the weekend off. She'll reach out to tomorrow, I'm sure of it. Her people start the week refreshed and recharged."
After fixing the agent I say I guess I am a bit of a computer geek.
"Well, I hope you are right. I live in this new neighborhood and try to make a good impression." I reply to
I sigh she cooks! I cry with astonishment as if it is an essential merit of a politician. Well, the woman has mastered social interactions. It is more inspiring than cooking, considering I made Andrew lose it despite trying hard. How can she not feel the stress or all the negative feelings others are feeling... Also, the cameras are off. How can she be so lovely? I mean, gosh, I wish I was that nice, and I have tons of free time. She must be so busy, and the stress of emotional trauma and of running for office.
Now, let's see how much of a real person she is. I try to probe seeking some answer as to her involvement before the campaign. Oh, she sounds like a great person to work with, and you two seem genuine friends; I am so jealous... how long have you known her?
"Well, I hope you are right. I live in this new neighborhood and try to make a good impression." I reply to
I sigh she cooks! I cry with astonishment as if it is an essential merit of a politician. Well, the woman has mastered social interactions. It is more inspiring than cooking, considering I made Andrew lose it despite trying hard. How can she not feel the stress or all the negative feelings others are feeling... Also, the cameras are off. How can she be so lovely? I mean, gosh, I wish I was that nice, and I have tons of free time. She must be so busy, and the stress of emotional trauma and of running for office.
Now, let's see how much of a real person she is. I try to probe seeking some answer as to her involvement before the campaign. Oh, she sounds like a great person to work with, and you two seem genuine friends; I am so jealous... how long have you known her?
Bobby had to be quick. The weasel was good for small spaces, but it wasn't stealthy enough. With a decisive bite, he tore open a hole at the side of the kitty litter bag. That should keep the attendant occupied for a few seconds. Then he climbed up over the door and waited to make his escape in the form of a New Caledonean gecko.
[ Spoiler ]
"Hmm, well she started volunteering here about six months ago?" Ifeoma asks, seemingly uncertain about the correct answer. "So I talk to her once a week for six months, so maybe twenty five times. She even sent me a Christmas card!"
Ifeoma has it proudly on her desk, even though it's now April. The card is real: ink printed on paper. Old-fashioned, but it made an impression.
Ifeoma gets modest. "I can't claim that we're friends," she says, although it's clear she wishes it were true. "We're work wives!" she concludes brightly. "... but only two hours, once per week." She seems dejected that it's not more.
"Do you think..." Ifeoma hesitates. "Do you think she would keep coming, even if she gets elected?" The thought seems to be weighing heavily on her.
~~~
Bobby's distraction works a treat. A reasonably attractive elven woman - seemingly more attractive than you would expect of someone cleaning animal crates - opens the door.
She picks up the kitty litter bag and immediately notices that it starts spilling out of the hole that Bobby created.
"Oh no!" she exclaims putting the bag back down. "What a mess!"
The cats in the room meow a symphony, either commiserating with the woman or mocking her.
The exchange takes a few seconds, which is enough time for Bobby to scrub his astral signature and slip out of the closet while the woman's attention is on the mess on the floor.
Bobby is in a long room that's lined with pet cages that are stacked on top of each other up and down the side walls. The far end of the room looks like a dead-end, but maybe there's something down there that he can't see. To his right is a closed door that leads to the rest of the hospital. It looks like a heavy door, one that looks soundproofed to keep the cat chorus from echoing throughout the rest of the clinic. As such, there are no gaps around it to slip through. There is a narrow glass panel on the door to see what's on the other side.
Ifeoma has it proudly on her desk, even though it's now April. The card is real: ink printed on paper. Old-fashioned, but it made an impression.
Ifeoma gets modest. "I can't claim that we're friends," she says, although it's clear she wishes it were true. "We're work wives!" she concludes brightly. "... but only two hours, once per week." She seems dejected that it's not more.
"Do you think..." Ifeoma hesitates. "Do you think she would keep coming, even if she gets elected?" The thought seems to be weighing heavily on her.
~~~
Bobby's distraction works a treat. A reasonably attractive elven woman - seemingly more attractive than you would expect of someone cleaning animal crates - opens the door.
She picks up the kitty litter bag and immediately notices that it starts spilling out of the hole that Bobby created.
"Oh no!" she exclaims putting the bag back down. "What a mess!"
The cats in the room meow a symphony, either commiserating with the woman or mocking her.
The exchange takes a few seconds, which is enough time for Bobby to scrub his astral signature and slip out of the closet while the woman's attention is on the mess on the floor.
Bobby is in a long room that's lined with pet cages that are stacked on top of each other up and down the side walls. The far end of the room looks like a dead-end, but maybe there's something down there that he can't see. To his right is a closed door that leads to the rest of the hospital. It looks like a heavy door, one that looks soundproofed to keep the cat chorus from echoing throughout the rest of the clinic. As such, there are no gaps around it to slip through. There is a narrow glass panel on the door to see what's on the other side.
I grin . "So you have been here for a long while? What do you like most about this place?" As to her other question, I muse a bit "I... I think she would. I believe she genuinely likes it here. She'll be here if she is serious about a weekly day off work, that is for sure. I suspect you are the closest thing she has to family, but it is my first time here, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I, Trix, searched this clinic before I came here."
I take a moment to assense the woman and appreciate it with my astral senses because it is a tad strange that she refers to Corrine as a "work wife", not entirely but she seems almost in love with the woman. I doubt I ever made such a lasting impression on anyone, well at least on anyone.
When I can, I text the team >> I am in at the reception, but they would not let me meet Potter. My biometrics are apparently questionable.
I take a moment to assense the woman and appreciate it with my astral senses because it is a tad strange that she refers to Corrine as a "work wife", not entirely but she seems almost in love with the woman. I doubt I ever made such a lasting impression on anyone, well at least on anyone.
[ Spoiler ]
When I can, I text the team >> I am in at the reception, but they would not let me meet Potter. My biometrics are apparently questionable.
Bobby speedwalked away in his gecko form, keeping to the ceiling and doing his best to adapt his skin color to the rest of the building's color. His first order is to check out the seeming dead end of the hall. What he needs now is a hiding spot. Cats aren't the place to stay though - their target is a dog person. So he needs to find the kennels.
[ Spoiler ]
<< @AM: You wanted her to visit the neighborhood, right? Maybe you can have someone else relay a message? >>
I text Raven back >>Working on it...
The walls and the ceiling of the cat room are white. The cat cages are white as well. The room is brightly lit.
Bobby scampers along the ceiling. The elven woman doesn't notice, but the cats definitely do. Their eyes all follow him and there's a great deal of meowing. However, there was also a great deal of meowing before so the change is not so obvious. There is a risk that all the cats looking in the same direction will reveal that something is amiss.
Bobby gets down to the other end of the room and finds that it's not technically a dead end. There's an emergency exit on the left that leads back out the parking lot. On the right there are some shelves with supplies.
~~~
"Oh, that day off work is for her people, not for her," Ifeoma tells AM. "She works all the time! She's a hard worker, that's the truth."
Ifeoma looks pleased at the suggestion at the suggestion that the clinic might be the closest thing that Corinne has to family.
"What do I like most about it here?" she asks, thinking about it. "I guess I like doing a job where, at the end of the day, I feel like I've helped. The world can feel like a soul-crushing machine sometimes, but animals help you see the world with a different set of eyes.
"And when we can help someone's beloved pet, or help an animal find a new home, it just makes you feel so, so good."
She glows. Switching to the astral, AM can see the sense of well-being flow through Ifeoma. (Ifeoma doesn't have any 'ware. However, she does seem to have disease that looks like dark tendrils in and around her liver. The black wisps float through her blood, like smoke rising from a flame.)
There is a spirit on the astral that gives AM a stern look. NO is the overwhelming sense that it is giving off. Evidently AM has displeased it, either with her spellcasting or with her assensing.
Bobby scampers along the ceiling. The elven woman doesn't notice, but the cats definitely do. Their eyes all follow him and there's a great deal of meowing. However, there was also a great deal of meowing before so the change is not so obvious. There is a risk that all the cats looking in the same direction will reveal that something is amiss.
Bobby gets down to the other end of the room and finds that it's not technically a dead end. There's an emergency exit on the left that leads back out the parking lot. On the right there are some shelves with supplies.
~~~
"Oh, that day off work is for her people, not for her," Ifeoma tells AM. "She works all the time! She's a hard worker, that's the truth."
Ifeoma looks pleased at the suggestion at the suggestion that the clinic might be the closest thing that Corinne has to family.
"What do I like most about it here?" she asks, thinking about it. "I guess I like doing a job where, at the end of the day, I feel like I've helped. The world can feel like a soul-crushing machine sometimes, but animals help you see the world with a different set of eyes.
"And when we can help someone's beloved pet, or help an animal find a new home, it just makes you feel so, so good."
She glows. Switching to the astral, AM can see the sense of well-being flow through Ifeoma. (Ifeoma doesn't have any 'ware. However, she does seem to have disease that looks like dark tendrils in and around her liver. The black wisps float through her blood, like smoke rising from a flame.)
There is a spirit on the astral that gives AM a stern look. NO is the overwhelming sense that it is giving off. Evidently AM has displeased it, either with her spellcasting or with her assensing.
"Oh wow" I comment when she mentions Corrine's work ethics. "What a lovely distraction I am..." I appreciate the irony, and the attention I'll be getting would make it easier for Bobby as I don't strictly do anything wrong or intend to leave the room. Getting arrested would be disastrous even if I could handle the spirits, which I likely can't. I send an equivalent of a smile at the spirit, acknowledging its existence.
I sense her when she speaks about work, and I feel tormented mentioning an illness she may not be aware of is likely not a very good direction to take the conversation, but I am not cynical enough to ignore it. I can tell it works; you feel content and peaceful. You are the equivalent of a ray of light. I don't meet many people like you. Do you keep pets of your own?"
I bite my lower lip and zone out when I realize she is sick. I am not entirely certain how advantageous it is to tell the woman what I see, but I am not yet psychopath enough to ignore it. How do I mention something like that? Ifeoma...? I say quietly as if I have seen something I shouldn't. There is something that you need to look into. I know it is not my place to say, but I am worried about it... and it may be important for you. I say quietly, unsure how I can tell her about the liver but unable to look the other way and dismiss it.
I sense her when she speaks about work, and I feel tormented mentioning an illness she may not be aware of is likely not a very good direction to take the conversation, but I am not cynical enough to ignore it. I can tell it works; you feel content and peaceful. You are the equivalent of a ray of light. I don't meet many people like you. Do you keep pets of your own?"
I bite my lower lip and zone out when I realize she is sick. I am not entirely certain how advantageous it is to tell the woman what I see, but I am not yet psychopath enough to ignore it. How do I mention something like that? Ifeoma...? I say quietly as if I have seen something I shouldn't. There is something that you need to look into. I know it is not my place to say, but I am worried about it... and it may be important for you. I say quietly, unsure how I can tell her about the liver but unable to look the other way and dismiss it.
Bobby headed for the shelves to take cover. He needed to find the dogs - and for that he needed the area map. Thankfully, the Spatial Sense was a passive spell and wouldn't likely get attention from the spirits inside or outside the building.
So, he found a hiding hole first, cast his spell second and began searching for the room with the large kennels.
So, he found a hiding hole first, cast his spell second and began searching for the room with the large kennels.
[ Spoiler ]
"I do have pets," Ifeoma nods. "If one just can't seem to find a home... I don't seem to be able to resist it! Plus my kids love them. My son and daughter fight over who loves them more. When they're done with that argument, they fight about which one of them the pets love more!" She laughs warmly.
Ifeoma looks at AM with raised eyebrows when AM says she has something to share.
~~~
Bobby finds a hiding spot from which to extend his senses.
He finds that the clinic is roughly a horseshoe shape, with the front of it to the north. Bobby is currently in the right/eastern wing. The top part is the office, bathroom, and reception area, and the left/western wing seems to have pet kennels in it too. Presumably the dogs are over there.
There are some vents that run through the building in the ceiling, but Bobby would have to get through the vent covers somehow. They are metal and appear screwed into the ceiling.
Ifeoma looks at AM with raised eyebrows when AM says she has something to share.
~~~
Bobby finds a hiding spot from which to extend his senses.
He finds that the clinic is roughly a horseshoe shape, with the front of it to the north. Bobby is currently in the right/eastern wing. The top part is the office, bathroom, and reception area, and the left/western wing seems to have pet kennels in it too. Presumably the dogs are over there.
There are some vents that run through the building in the ceiling, but Bobby would have to get through the vent covers somehow. They are metal and appear screwed into the ceiling.
I nod in approval when Ifeoma mentions the pets and children, and I can't help but admire her. It makes being the bearer of bad news all that more difficult, but I can't just let a potentially severe illness go unchecked and stay single-mindedly focused on getting some impression of Potter. Perhaps I once would ignore it when I was broke, but not now.
I take a deep breath and choose my words carefully, unsure how to deliver such news - or if it is news. "I don't want to alarm you, but I sensed something during our conversation... In your aura... Now, I am not a doctor, and it is not my place to intrude or diagnose, but I did see something in your liver, and I couldn't ignore it. I feel that it might be vital for you to look into it. Maybe you can consult a professional just to be sure?"
I take a deep breath and choose my words carefully, unsure how to deliver such news - or if it is news. "I don't want to alarm you, but I sensed something during our conversation... In your aura... Now, I am not a doctor, and it is not my place to intrude or diagnose, but I did see something in your liver, and I couldn't ignore it. I feel that it might be vital for you to look into it. Maybe you can consult a professional just to be sure?"
Bobby saw now the building and surrounding in exquisite detail. He still had to ponder a moment or two about how to get from here to there. Finally, he decided to move through the air ducts once more. For that he would have to go roach once more. He didn't particularly like this form. It was cumbersome to move his fetish around. At some point he'd have to transcend this crutch to bear the drain fully. Something to look out for during his next initiation.
Once he had shoved the elastic band through, he followed as a roach, pulled the feather with him and then turned into a large spider, so he could secure the fetish on his body once more and move silently through the ducts, always following his mental map.
Once there, he looked out through the grate, before doing anything else. With any luck the target could be seen from there, without him having to expose himself.
Once he had shoved the elastic band through, he followed as a roach, pulled the feather with him and then turned into a large spider, so he could secure the fetish on his body once more and move silently through the ducts, always following his mental map.
Once there, he looked out through the grate, before doing anything else. With any luck the target could be seen from there, without him having to expose himself.
[ Spoiler ]
Ifeoma stiffens at AM's inquiry.
"You're right," she says tightly, "it is not your place to intrude." It's clear she's unhappy.
"It's Hepatitis B," she says. "Chronic, if you must know. It will likely be the death of me.
"You are not a doctor, nor did I give you permission to examine me. In my culture, it is offensive to look at someone's soul like that."
She turns back to her desk.
"Oh, look at the hour! Looks like your time is up. Let me know if you need me to sign anything to acknowledge your participation."
AM can tell she's being dismissed.
~~~
Bobby gets up through the grate. As he looks down the vent, he sees a watcher spirit plodding away. It has the look of a garden gnome with a not-terribly-bright look on it's face. It's marching like it is in a parade, goose stepping down the vent. Each leg remains rigidly straight as it kicks its way on its patrol. Its back is to Bobby, so for the moment he's unobserved.
"You're right," she says tightly, "it is not your place to intrude." It's clear she's unhappy.
"It's Hepatitis B," she says. "Chronic, if you must know. It will likely be the death of me.
"You are not a doctor, nor did I give you permission to examine me. In my culture, it is offensive to look at someone's soul like that."
She turns back to her desk.
"Oh, look at the hour! Looks like your time is up. Let me know if you need me to sign anything to acknowledge your participation."
AM can tell she's being dismissed.
~~~
Bobby gets up through the grate. As he looks down the vent, he sees a watcher spirit plodding away. It has the look of a garden gnome with a not-terribly-bright look on it's face. It's marching like it is in a parade, goose stepping down the vent. Each leg remains rigidly straight as it kicks its way on its patrol. Its back is to Bobby, so for the moment he's unobserved.
"I am sorry for hurting your feelings, Ifeoma... I sigh and stand up, not wanting to impose myself but do want to help, if only to please the great spirits. If there is anything my friendship, money, or magic can help you with I will do it... Anything within my power to keep your family whole. I have No idea if she believes me - but I mean what I say. I wish someone had helped my mother and me when things were rough. Feeling so remorseful for hurting her feelings, I take a few heavy breaths to calm myself. "I just came here to care for animals; you don't need to sign anything... I will hide under a digital rock and cry myself to sleep. I'm genuinely sorry, Ifeoma... I couldn't keep such a terrible insight to myself when you have shown me nothing but kindness.
I leave with a heavy heart and realize nothing good will come out of this night. I mentally text my train of thoughts to the girls on overwatch. >> Gals, take me away from here before I do any more damage. I somehow managed to say the wrong things to the bad people. I want this night to end.
Here is what I like about the Trix: I don't see people's problems unless I try to uncover them. In my despair, I make a small prayer to my totem. "My loved Iktomi, I guess the joke is on me. Thank you for putting me up for a test. I would take your torments with love. Happy or miserable, I am forever grateful for your divine attention."
I leave with a heavy heart and realize nothing good will come out of this night. I mentally text my train of thoughts to the girls on overwatch. >> Gals, take me away from here before I do any more damage. I somehow managed to say the wrong things to the bad people. I want this night to end.
Here is what I like about the Trix: I don't see people's problems unless I try to uncover them. In my despair, I make a small prayer to my totem. "My loved Iktomi, I guess the joke is on me. Thank you for putting me up for a test. I would take your torments with love. Happy or miserable, I am forever grateful for your divine attention."
Bobby stopped and very carefully assensed the watcher. Just how many ressources did the party invest in their candidate here?
[ Spoiler ]
Bobby finds that the watcher is quite formidable (F7). Its astral signature matches one of the spirits seen on patrol (which was also F7).
Once upon a time, Bobby would have gone in guns blazing - or rather claws flying. Now he had to consider consequences - both for him and his colleagues. Someone had spend quite a lot of effort and money to call up a high powered watcher - and likely not just one. The more powerful those constructs were, the harder it was to fool them.
He retraced his steps, slipped out again into the cat area and went for the emergency exit. Once there - and sure that there weren't any observers beyond some cats, he dropped his spells and instead weaved a physical illusion of the vet tech he had met this morning. Then he erased the traces of his casting and made sure his aura concealed the active spell as well.
Then he left the building as if for a smoke break, moving down the alley, until he reached the parked car where Tamarind waited.
He retraced his steps, slipped out again into the cat area and went for the emergency exit. Once there - and sure that there weren't any observers beyond some cats, he dropped his spells and instead weaved a physical illusion of the vet tech he had met this morning. Then he erased the traces of his casting and made sure his aura concealed the active spell as well.
Then he left the building as if for a smoke break, moving down the alley, until he reached the parked car where Tamarind waited.
[ Spoiler ]
Everyone is sounding glum after the experiences at the clinic. Tamarind knows that the classic solution is to buy people a drink, but that is not apt to be a hit with either Ana Maka or Bobby. She thinks a bit more, really not having much experience with all of the social outlets of a big city, when you have some cred in pocket. But the matrix is full of suggestions, and once she has filtered for proximity, being open on a Sunday night, lack of tight security -- in deference to AM's concerns around SINs -- she has her plan.
<<OK, whisking you away, but to have a bit of fun for an hour. I won't keep you up too late, dog knows I don't handle late nights like I used to.>> However she does stick around to also gather up Bobby once he comes out, then she heads off back to Bellevue, but not home. Instead she takes them to Wingding's Pinball Heaven, apparently home to Seattle's largest collection of playable vintage pinball machines. She doesn't know if it will boost anyone's mood that much, but an hour of distraction will hopefully set them all up for clearer thought. Besides, just in case they had any magical or technological trails, she figures it doesn't hurt to head somewhere with a lot of noise and flashing lights, excited people, and a credible excuse for not being home.
When they get there she promises to buy everyone tokens and that she'll drive them elsewhere after an hour, but they are stuck here having fun until then. In the matrix she adds <<Whether that is heading home, or to to the University printing offices, I'm easy.>>
<<OK, whisking you away, but to have a bit of fun for an hour. I won't keep you up too late, dog knows I don't handle late nights like I used to.>> However she does stick around to also gather up Bobby once he comes out, then she heads off back to Bellevue, but not home. Instead she takes them to Wingding's Pinball Heaven, apparently home to Seattle's largest collection of playable vintage pinball machines. She doesn't know if it will boost anyone's mood that much, but an hour of distraction will hopefully set them all up for clearer thought. Besides, just in case they had any magical or technological trails, she figures it doesn't hurt to head somewhere with a lot of noise and flashing lights, excited people, and a credible excuse for not being home.
When they get there she promises to buy everyone tokens and that she'll drive them elsewhere after an hour, but they are stuck here having fun until then. In the matrix she adds <<Whether that is heading home, or to to the University printing offices, I'm easy.>>
I almost enter Tam's car, well almost is a strong word, but for a moment, being off balance, my legs take me there. I recovered quickly, however, and then headed to my bike. Wearing my helmet and jack, I text Tamarind (and the rest) >> Wingding's Pinball Heaven; I'll wait for you there... There is no way I am going to let a van arrive there faster than a sleek race bike. Not when I am driving the bike, and while I am not exactly speeding up downtown, I am not entirely patient as well. When I get on location, I stow my helmet on the bike, and my eyes search for the van.
Today is one of these days when I felt like things were going my way and then grew a bit slack and reckless. It still feels like shit, and my heart is for Ifeoma, even though I barely know the lady. What's worth knowing all these things and keeping it all to myself? Is it a wonder that I rarely connect to people? The entire concept is easier online where I know nothing more than what is there - well, unless I get obsessed about someone but then I actively search and work my ass out to find things - the Wakan Tanaka don't just hand me sensitive information without context and without any way to act on it. Perhaps it is one of the many drawbacks of being able to look at people's auras, and still giving up that ability feels like giving up eyesight, smell, or hearing as it is part of my senses of the way I can see the world around me. It just sucks that I never got any closer to Potter and annoyed the hell out of anyone that talked to me.
Gosh - there really is no rest for the wicked.
Today is one of these days when I felt like things were going my way and then grew a bit slack and reckless. It still feels like shit, and my heart is for Ifeoma, even though I barely know the lady. What's worth knowing all these things and keeping it all to myself? Is it a wonder that I rarely connect to people? The entire concept is easier online where I know nothing more than what is there - well, unless I get obsessed about someone but then I actively search and work my ass out to find things - the Wakan Tanaka don't just hand me sensitive information without context and without any way to act on it. Perhaps it is one of the many drawbacks of being able to look at people's auras, and still giving up that ability feels like giving up eyesight, smell, or hearing as it is part of my senses of the way I can see the world around me. It just sucks that I never got any closer to Potter and annoyed the hell out of anyone that talked to me.
Gosh - there really is no rest for the wicked.
Bobby was a bit depressed after he had delivered his failure report.
<<Looks like we'll have to try this another time. Though it feels as if time is slipping away. The election draws nearer. Can we try and track the killer after we do Tamarind's relaxing?
I'm itching to get this done.>>
Once at the arcade, Bobby went for a racing simulator. After a few laps, he felt bored and instead slipped into his meditation trance, while the machine went through his tokens. When they were used up, he exited and went to thank Tamarind. "Thanks for the treat - I needed that."
<<Looks like we'll have to try this another time. Though it feels as if time is slipping away. The election draws nearer. Can we try and track the killer after we do Tamarind's relaxing?
I'm itching to get this done.>>
Once at the arcade, Bobby went for a racing simulator. After a few laps, he felt bored and instead slipped into his meditation trance, while the machine went through his tokens. When they were used up, he exited and went to thank Tamarind. "Thanks for the treat - I needed that."
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