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[Taricus]

"Still interested. I've got just the things to sort it out. Any extra information you have about this... Mundus would be helpful though."

[Dwarmin]

"...Get thee forth, you big dagoofus." Brooklyn says, wriggling out of Medulla's grip. "...My headbox felt as would a minime's has been pounding on a vesi's skint...

...Anyyou, we needs must cycle a few tics, afore this misty is revolved all about us. Shall we seek employ's, ye'thinks? I feel a high and mighty need to needle'up some bucc'smen, to appo the Great Green Gods of Pain and becred my acc's on account on the highhat imbib what be'floored me. And stuffs for you's, aye? Acctual, I might fashion a mod of proty myself. And sleeps...eh, real sleep, I viddy you snicksnackering at me!

...Er, mayb we cooled our affb's? Find elseways to clock out?

Cool or hot, I cares shure' not." She said, eager to punch someone.

[MonkeyHead]

Too many options, too little time, thought OCOS. Focus on what was known first.

So, beyond reasonable statistical doubt, it was the real Gouveia. Probability analysis indicated he was here with the permission or invitation of what passed for authority on the Ark, based on the seemingly pre-arranged meeting and lack of cover. The direct implication of this is the visit was to discuss the sale of some valuable information, based on who he was meeting. Blackmail also presented itself as an option. Almost certainly he was here without Orbital knowledge based on where she was told he was, so the fact that she was able to spot him was itself of value. Analysis of his actions strongly supported the hypothesis that Gouveia either did not care that he had been spotted, or did not know. Both presented OCOS with more than enough room to operate. As it stood, there was no rational reason to let him know he had been spotted. Why he was not still under lock and key nagged at OCOS, but she shunted that to one side and focused on the question of most value: why was Gouveia here? Gouveia obviously knew why, and so would the Overseer, but a direct approach at either was obviously going to let both know they were under observation, and be highly dangerous - those droids could be subverted, but OCOS thought simply storming in, brute forcing the answer and giving away all her secrecy so inelegant and distasteful. Besides, she could always try a direct approach as a last resort, or as a desired course of action once she knew more about the targets motivations. Less likely was that the secret OCOS wanted was in the encrypted communications, or known to whoever Gouveia visited, but that path of action lay on the low probability end of the spectrum of danger and detection. If nothing else, an incomplete picture was better than no picture, and would allow her to better decide what to do next.

Remain a passive watch on Gouveia/Overseer in order to see if/when they leave the bridge, and where they go/what they does next.

Meanwhile, head to the artists studio. Deceive the artist in order to gain entry, and apply mnemonic lace to find out what he knows about Gouveia and his visit, replacing memory of event with a bland commission meeting.

Finally, if time allows, head to the vicinity of Room 50 and establish as much as is possible about it without risking giving away my presence.


 

[GiglameshDespair]

"You, my darling, where the one who asked me to hold on to you, even if I was a 'overbig boltbucket wi' a damnedmost soul', or something along those lines." Her tone was vaguely amused. "You, my darling, where the one who asked me to hold on "You semed quite unwilling to take no for an answer. But yes, I think it would be worthwhile for us to look for some kind of employment."

[Digital Hellhound]

Zahir Spencer

"Still interested. I've got just the things to sort it out. Any extra information you have about this... Mundus would be helpful though."

'Yes. Yes. Mundus neurosurgeon. Expert. Brain augmentation. Dangerous. And killer. Mercenary. In past. Weapons unknown. Intelligence dangerous. Unpredictable,' the construct says. 'I. Send location. To you.'

So he has, Zahir notes - his Caster has a data packet waiting beneath all the spam and alerts. It seems the android is at least supposed to be at the Nexus, some kind of bar or place of entertainment for his kind. The idea of heading into a den of the worst kind of abominations is not too appealing, but what can you do.

***

Spoiler: Zahir Spencer (Taricus) (click to show/hide)

Zahir Spencer [HP: 30/30] [Security: ¤]
-1 Kinetic Damage
Earthborn Hardened-Destroyer
Augs:
None
Equipment:
*Obsolete Caster [Security:¤] [Caster. An old-as-sin model of Caster barely compatible with more modern versions.]
*Ayers Battler Rifle [16/16] [Medium/2 Kinetic Damage/Clip 16/Dumbtech] [The mainstay of AD armies, this weapon is outclassed by practically everything off-Earth.]
*Skywatch MGL [4/4] [Medium/5 Kinetic Damage/Clip 4/Blast 1, Stunning 1, Dumbtech] [This AD Special Forces microgrenadelauncher allows for rapid and devastating attacks.]
*Skywatch Body Armor [-1 Kinetic Damage, +2 to resistance against Stunning and disorientation] [AD Special Forces body armor, notable for inbuilt shock-proofing layers]
-Breacher Charges (3) [Planted/10 Kinetic Damage/Piercing 2, Stunning 2, Blast 1] [Heavy-duty wall-breaching charges built using Orbital designs, if Earthborn materials.]
-Targeter Visor [Device. Simple targeting aid granting +2 to Aim rolls.]
-Enviroskin [Unequipped. Adaptive suit provides rudimentary full-body protection (+3) against extreme environments and conditions.]
Skills:
Aim I [+5]
Melee I [+5]
Piloting I [+5]
Intimidation I [+5]

OCOS-998

Remain a passive watch on Gouveia/Overseer in order to see if/when they leave the bridge, and where they go/what they does next.

Meanwhile, head to the artists studio. Deceive the artist in order to gain entry, and apply mnemonic lace to find out what he knows about Gouveia and his visit, replacing memory of event with a bland commission meeting.

Finally, if time allows, head to the vicinity of Room 50 and establish as much as is possible about it without risking giving away my presence.

OCOS formulates a plan of action and sets to executing it with all the efficiency of a cutting-edge Orbital intelligence synth. She has a monitoring subroutine maintain a watch on Gouveia's whereabouts and heads to the Water Rooms to check out the artist's studio, instead.

The Water Rooms prove to be a long, rather beautiful hall of seemingly endless fountains. A large, central walkway crosses the entire space, just above a layer of running water that covers a floor of what seems to be marble. Everywhere, water falls in tiny streams and bursts, bright and glittering in the faux-sunlight being filtered into the chamber. She identifies their sources quickly, fountains hidden in or shaped like little cherubs, drinking horns, long-extinct fish and dolphins, octopi and other sealife, lush artificial trees and many more objects built into the walls or coming out of the water. She can see signs of the utilitarian corridors beneath, but not that many.

Doors line the length of the hall, and she finds the artist's studio without any problems. The water runs beneath her feet as she walks over to the door. OCOS takes a few seconds to decide on a plan of action, doing a surface search on the artist - a local named Mosh Rozlov - and his works. He does not appear to be well-known outside the Ark, but here his 'Universe Rooms' - room-sized simulations designed down to the tiniest of details - have attracted some favorable reviews. They're said to 'deftly bring the vastness of the universe into simple, confined spaces' and 'project the visitor into a liminal state between divinity and subsapience'.

She considers an 'adoring fan' persona, but quickly discards that in favor of 'enthusiastic gallerist', and is fully in character by the time Rozlov opens the door. He proves to be an eager young man with a mess of dark hair and a high-end stimsim aug in his brain, with a drowsiness that tells OCOS he'd been engaging in some simulation before she called on him.

[Deception (Diff. 7): 10+5+4=19] He buys into OCOS' assumed identity without so much as a hint of hesitation. OCOS suspects she could get the information she wants out of him with enough time and charm - but she doesn't need to bother with the tools at her disposal. After a little discussion, the man offers to show her his newest works - multidimensional paintings, this time, that only those with multi-level vision and mental processors will truly be able to appreciate, or so he says - and OCOS simply waits for him to turn his back [Stealth (Diff. 5): 6+5=11] before plunging the Mnemonic Lace into the back of his neck.

The man goes limp at once, and OCOS takes care that he does not choke on his own tongue while the Lace burrows into his brain. The boy falls in her lap, eyes staring blankly at the floor of his own studio. A little drool falls from his mouth.

[Intellect (Diff. 8): 16] The Lace is not a simple tool. It takes a trained user to bring forth, identify and successfully alter specific sets of memories. It's trivial to replace the events of the past hour with a set of false memories and let the brain trick itself into constructing a proper narrative for them, but to find an earlier memory of Mosh's meeting with Gouveia and read it in an understandable way... It takes time, but OCOS knows what she's doing.

She finds the memory and sets the Lace to transcribe it into something her synth mind can experience. Then it's only a matter of waiting.

Spoiler: MEMORY TRANSCRIPTION: COMPLETE (click to show/hide)

The secondary trigger-memetic layer keeps glitching and I cannot take it anymore. Is a second-rate work obviously aping Xsima (they'll see it, how could they not see it) even worth fixing, at this stage? I close the 'simmer. I could use another glass of 'zia.

I receive an alarm. The door. Someone's at the door.

<Curiosity. Concern.>

I head over, open it. The outside light hurts my eyes.

I recognize the man waiting on my doorstep.

<Joy. Surprise. Confusion.>

'Alejandro?' I smile. The smile turns into a frown. 'But I thought-'

'Nice to see you too, my friend,' Alejandro says. 'Can I come in?'

'I- shit. Of course.'

We embrace. I look him over and smile. He looks identical to the last time we met, three years ago. I close the door.

<Confusion.>

'I... wow. I thought you were locked up, man.'

'So do they, so ssh,' Alejandro says, putting a finger on his lips and grinning. I know that grin.

<Amusement.>

'How did you get out?'

'A story I'll be happy to tell over a glass or two,' Alejandro says, nodding towards the bottle of Ziazia and glasses on my table.

I laugh, shake my head. I pour us drinks. We take them, sit down in my living room. He goes everywhere like he owns the place.

<Envy.>

'So?'

'So what?' Alejandro asks, smirking.

'You know what.'

Alejandro sips his drink and leans back, swirling his glass. 'So. I escaped,' he says, and for a moment I think he's going to stop there. There's an uncharacteristic look of uncertainty on his face when he continues. 'That place... that place, it breaks your mind up in a thousand little splinters and plays all of them against eachother. It's basically one huge simulation, yeah? Or a series of simulations... Lost track of who I was, for a while. You're always in flux, it's... it's weird. And when you're all over the place like that... good luck coordinating a plan of escape.'

<Disbelief. Concern.>

'Damn.' An idea for an art piece is beginning to take shape in my mind. 'So how did you escape?'

'Isn't it obvious?' Alejandro says, grinning again. 'I stole myself.'

<Amusement. Disbelief.>

'You... stole yourself?'

'It's what I do, no? What, you don't think I prepared for this eventuality? I'd stolen the plans for the place ages ago - made sense to make a plan for if they put me in there. And so they did. I only misjudged how quickly they'd get to me, so I had to stew there a while longer than I thought. But... it worked, so... I had the ship come in, switch my body, sweep up my splinters, and there I was, riding off into the sunset.'

'It can't have been that easy.'

'No, of course not,' Alejandro says, making a dismissive gesture. 'But I am good, my friend. I am very, very good.'

<Awe. Fear.>

'Of course,' Alejandro says. 'I think I may have missed a few of the splinters. There might be a few ghosts left in that system, thinking they're the one and only Alejandro Gouveia. They'll fool my wardens for a bit, I think - not that I really care. They won't get me again.'

<Curiosity. Awe.>

'What brings you here, Alejandro? I really don't think it's just my art.'

'Oh, but you've made a name for yourself - I'm glad,' Alejandro says. 'I would love to see your new works.'

<Pride.>

'But...?'

'Buuut... yes, I have... other business here, as well. You see... I was not the only prisoner in that place. And while I was leaving, I caught something very, very interesting...'

He trails off. I realize he won't continue.

'Ah. You're not going to tell me, are you? I get it.'

<Hurt.>

'I am glad. But, enough of that! May I see your art, my friend?'

The rest of the memory reveals little of interest - OCOS' victim shows Gouveia around and drinks with him until the thief leaves. Quite valuable, regardless. OCOS checks her monitor - Gouveia hasn't left the bridge, as far as she can tell, though a few hours have passed.

***

Spoiler: OCOS-998 (MonkeyHead) (click to show/hide)

OCOS-998 [HP: 30/30] [Security: ¤¤¤¤]
-2 Energy Damage, -1 Kinetic Damage, -2 Biochem Damage
Synth Operative-Tech Head
Augs:
+Integrated Caster [Security: ¤¤¤] [Caster. A cutting-edge Caster built into OCOS-998's brain infrastructure for maximum speed and processing capability.]
+Nanoblood [Overcharge available.] [Cutting-edge Orbital regenerative blood cells maintain the unit in the long-term. May be overcharged for faster repairs of 5-10 HP, with 1-day cooldown.]
+Null Point Projector [Inactive] [Data aug turning the user into a 'null point' practically invisible to automated system security (+20 against Passive Security). Can be maintained for up to 5 turns. Masked 1.]
+Advanced Ocular Implants [Cutting-edge ocular enhancements grant the unit +5 to Senses rolls of vision and +3 to Aim rolls. Masked 1.]
+Data Guard [A security processor enhancing the user's defenses, granting +¤ Security Masked 1.]
+Autohacker [Simple hacking aid granting +3 to Data rolls. Masked 1.]
+Falsesmile Processor [Behavioral processor designed to aid the user to perfectly mimic emotional responses and states, granting +4 to Deception rolls. Masked 1.]
+Scrubber Implant [Cleanses breathing of toxics and harmful agents, granting +5 to Endurance rolls of resisting poison, toxins, disease and granting 1 Biochem Resistance.Masked 1.
+Masking Aug [Full-body nullsense augmentation grants all augs Masked 1.]
Equipment:
*Synthskin [2 Energy Resistance, 1 Kinetic Resistance, 1 Biochem Resistance] [Standard Orbital hardened skin layer for synths, providing a measure of protection while still appearing flesh-like to touch.]
-Ocular Parasites [3 Deployments] [Farnet Device. Mobile nanocams capable of broadcasting video back to the controller; when dispersed in high-population areas, attach themselves to the optic nerves of unsuspecting targets to produce a widespread net of very personal surveillance.]
-Mnemonic Lace [Device. Resembling a curled silver worm, this advanced Orbital tool can be inserted into the brains of organic beings to remove or alter memories, with only minor risk of brain damage.]
Skills:
Charm I [+5]
Deception I [+5]
Stealth I [+5]
Data I [+5]

[Taricus]

Well, Guess it's not often that one gets paid for community service. Zahir thought for a moment, before snapping his attention back to reality.

Zahir goes over the files the construct has sent, taking in what data they have before continuing with any questions.

[GiglameshDespair]

While she waited for her companion to properly rally her faculties, Medulla decided to look for jobs of varying violence.

[Dwarmin]

Taking that as a sign, Brooklyn led the way.

"Let's cavo up then!

...Also, gird an ocular for an especial cut-emup I might be looking to covey! I left my elde' dagg-a-man with that nice flesh merch man, so he could provvy persdef. Figgerd' he needed it more than I."

She hoped up on Medulla's saddle. It was much easier to ride than walk!

Action: We're looking for jobs! As noted.

Also, Brooklyn is in the market for a melee weapon of some sort. Preferably stabby.

[GiglameshDespair]

"I suppose for you smaller humans, it does help to have some kind of weapon."
She bore Brooklyn mounting her before she raised one bulky fish and clenched it.
"I always found most of you just come apart if I pull hard enough, though. Perhaps I should get something that can slice too, but it'd be a pain to carry around."

[MonkeyHead]

A valuable segment of the puzzle, mused OCOS. If Gouviea was still on the bridge, maybe there was time to see what intel Room 50 held.

Maintain watch on bridge. Head to room 50 and investigate.

[Dwarmin]

"I always found most of you just come apart if I pull hard enough, though. Perhaps I should get something that can slice too, but it'd be a pain to carry around."

Assuming they made it to the market...

Brooklyn modeled herself vainly in a 3d booth, checking out the holo-ads (holograms superimposed onto ones form) for body augments that consisted of ridiculously long sword blades, that sprang out of your wrists, or wrist analogues. She found them a bit unwieldy-you might have trouble opening doors...

"...Whad' you viddy circa these, you? Snnnnkt!" She said to Medulla, cross chopping a holographic robot in two. Given the holo-ads on the station were tailored to the individual, and Brooklyn was essentially a ghost in the system-this ad has assembled a robotic foe for Brooklyn that resembled a rough, untextured version of Medulla herself, who was standing nearby.

[GiglameshDespair]

"I'm personally wondering how those are meant to fit back in your arms, my sugar.
She tutted at the shoddy rendering of her insides, which appeared to be some kind of mechanical system. Why was it thinking she was a  machine? The bioroid shook her head.
"Hmm. Internal implants might be a weakness in my carapace. Perhaps something more to attach to my arms? Still, there's not a huge amount of point if I can pull people's heads off. Perhaps some kind of exoskeleton, to make me even stronger? Of course, not like I have any money to pay for it, so I suppose it'll remain theoretical. How well are your funds doing, my lovely?"

[Dwarmin]

"Somewheres along the length of 140 deng my cred account lies, I reck..."

She adjusted some of the holo-ad-controls, and a weapon-a gun barrel-appeared embedded on her forehead. It seemed to block vision somewhat...not to mention the method of storing miniature explosive rounds in your ear canal...

"...This is truly zero-point, you!

It's so-beclassed a Skull-gun. This addy states, the thinks from mine own beatbox, jump to the riff faster, than they'd so thoughts, travel likee down my manips-I needn't doit me foine pinchers, with the dis-integrity of a triggman. Firefie with't an appreciable delays!

Take this de-blight upon you, bewinged Earthey beasters!" She said, vollying bullets wildly at a flock of miniature holographic birds which are probably a historical representation of ducks. Medulla also probably notices the trajectory and aim of the holographic bullets seems somewhat...generous...

She also might notice Brooklyn is probably enjoying herself alot.

[GiglameshDespair]

"Well, you've killed everything but the ducks, my darling."
She smiled at the rather riduculous sight of the gun barrel protruding from her friend's forehead.
"I'm not terribly sure it's your style, however. Besides, it might be rather awkward to wear a helmet, with a great gun barrel sticking from your head. No, my dear, I'd say perhaps something else."
A mouth-tendril moved forward and adjusted the controls a tad, and suddenly Brooklyn had a quartet of holographic combat tentacles looping round from her back.
"When I was being designed, Science-Aggregate Hiroshimo wanted to give me tentacles, but he was overruled. I always felt it was a shame. The more limbs the better, I always felt, considering the sort of stories Medulla-4 used to tell me."

[Digital Hellhound]

Turn 4

Zahir Spencer

Well, Guess it's not often that one gets paid for community service. Zahir thought for a moment, before snapping his attention back to reality.

Zahir goes over the files the construct has sent, taking in what data they have before continuing with any questions.

The gorilloid's files prove to be fairly barebones. There's a 3D map of the Nexus, showing some alternate ways in. It doesn't seem he'll have to necessarily go in the front doors. It remains to be seen how feasible attacking the android in the Nexus is, of course. There's also a description of Mundus' usual tech and capabilities. Combat-wise, he has a shield generator and a powerful stun weapon built into his body. He likely has a high-level tactical processor. The rest of the items listed mean nothing to Zahir.

There are contact details for the bioroid, who appears to be named Nineblack. Leave it to abominations to give themselves such strange names.

***

Spoiler: Zahir Spencer (Taricus) (click to show/hide)

Zahir Spencer [HP: 30/30] [Security: ¤]
-1 Kinetic Damage
Earthborn Hardened-Destroyer
Augs:
None
Equipment:
*Obsolete Caster [Security:¤] [Caster. An old-as-sin model of Caster barely compatible with more modern versions.]
*Ayers Battler Rifle [16/16] [Medium/2 Kinetic Damage/Clip 16/Dumbtech] [The mainstay of AD armies, this weapon is outclassed by practically everything off-Earth.]
*Skywatch MGL [4/4] [Medium/5 Kinetic Damage/Clip 4/Blast 1, Stunning 1, Dumbtech] [This AD Special Forces microgrenadelauncher allows for rapid and devastating attacks.]
*Skywatch Body Armor [-1 Kinetic Damage, +2 to resistance against Stunning and disorientation] [AD Special Forces body armor, notable for inbuilt shock-proofing layers]
-Breacher Charges (3) [Planted/10 Kinetic Damage/Piercing 2, Stunning 2, Blast 1] [Heavy-duty wall-breaching charges built using Orbital designs, if Earthborn materials.]
-Targeter Visor [Device. Simple targeting aid granting +2 to Aim rolls.]
-Enviroskin [Unequipped. Adaptive suit provides rudimentary full-body protection (+3) against extreme environments and conditions.]
Skills:
Aim I [+5]
Melee I [+5]
Piloting I [+5]
Intimidation I [+5]

Brooklyn of Clan Spyche and Medulla-3

While she waited for her companion to properly rally her faculties, Medulla decided to look for jobs of varying violence.

Action: We're looking for jobs! As noted.

Also, Brooklyn is in the market for a melee weapon of some sort. Preferably stabby.

The odd couple of Brooklyn and Medulla-3 tour the Markets while they take in job offers and notifications of interest on their Casters. Brooklyn keeps her eye open for a melee weapon and comes across a few that catch her interest.

Spoiler: Monofab Blade (click to show/hide)

[A simple, discreet combat blade with good cutting power.]
Damage: 3 Kinetic
Range: Melee
Traits:
+Stealthy I [This gear is cloaked, discreet or otherwise easier to keep hidden and use.]
Price: 50 Tharsis Credits

Spoiler: Energy Blade (click to show/hide)

[A deadly contained energy weapon capable of cutting through most armor.]
Damage: 7 Energy
Range: Melee
Traits:
+Piercing III [Bypasses 3 levels of Kinetic Resistance]
Price: 600 Tharsis Credits

Brooklyn takes a closer look at the costs of the things she'd tried on, just out of curiosity. The impossibly long wrist-blades appear to be part of a larger packet that's a little beyond her means at the moment.

Spoiler: Whip Blade (Aug) (click to show/hide)

[These mechanized blades, built into the user's limbs, can unfold and fold back into flexible, whip-like tools on command.]
Damage: 5 Kinetic
Range: Melee/Low
Traits:
+Hidden [This gear is physically hidden, but it may still give off emissions or signals.]
+Alternate Form [Can unfold into long, whip-like form for an increase in Range and Tearing III. Takes 1 turn.]
Price: 800 Tharsis Credits, 2 hours procedure

There's plenty of things of interest to sift through. Some of them have been buzzing around the datastream for a while, others are quite fresh.

Scavengers sought! Need crew for retrieving a crashed ship on Mercury. Provide own protection or augs.

Team or sole body sought for confidential mission. Contact Akhigbe, Mwenye, information broker, for further details. Payment in tech, information, or currency of choice. Those seeking to waste my time should not expect to live pleasant futures.

QUERY. 60203430. ATHWHKLGL. NN42009991. KEY CODE: ZENITH. AWAITING ANSWER.

We, Seventh Iteration Clan of the amparosi, seek stolen memories. Information or assistance required. Payment ensured.

...name is Líle de la Croix. I require assistance. I dare not speak more here. Please, if there is a merciful soul out there, seek me out on the Observation Deck...

Employment: Retrieval of stolen property. Employer: BioHab Consortium. Payment: Negotiable.

LOOKING FOR KILLERS! Need mercenaries for challenging job. 10,000 Tharsis Creds to be spread evenly among survivors.

There are more, but these seem to be the most worthwhile, or atleast interesting.

***

Spoiler: Medulla-3 (GiglameshDespair) (click to show/hide)

Medulla-3 [HP: 40/40] [Security: ¤¤¤]
Shields: 4/4 charge, -6 Kinetic Damage, -4 Energy Damage
Ganymedean Hardened-Destroyer
Augs:
+Integrated Caster [Security: ¤¤¤] [Basic Caster integrated into Medulla-3's biomachinery.]
+Biological Deassemblers [Meduila's advanced biomachinery allow her to consume and analyze biological matter and beings. Length of consumption depends on target.]
+Gas Emitters [Gas available.] [Medulla's vents allow the deployment of varieties of gas: Toxic, Thruster, Corrosive, and EMP. 5-turn-cooldown after each use.]
+Combat Glands [Available.] [Artificial glands can be activated for a 3-turn biochem rush of combat stimulants, granting +10 to Endurance rolls and +5 to Aim and Melee rolls. 1-day-cooldown.]
+Photosensitive Shell [Motion detectors along Medulla's shell provide +2 to Aim rolls and +3 to Senses rolls.]
+Exoskin Layer [Adaptive skin granting +4 to Endurance rolls against extreme temperatures, hostile atmospheres and other conditions.]
+Titan Plating [Heavy limb plating providing +5 resistance to being knocked over.]
+Armoured Heart [Enhanced and armoured heart grants +10 HP.]
+Augmented Musculature [Extensive, high-grade enhancement to musculature provides Augmented Strength 1.]
Equipment:
*Ganymedean Shield Generator [4/4 charge/+1 charge per turn/-6 Kinetic, -4 Energy]
Skills:
Augmented Strength I [+5]
Aim I [+5]
Melee I [+5]
Intimidation I [+5]

Spoiler: Brooklyn of Clan Spyche (Dwarmin) (click to show/hide)

Brooklyn of Clan Spyche [HP: 30/30] [Security:¤¤¤]
-2 Kinetic Damage, -2 Biochem Damage, -1 Energy Damage
Remnant Operative-Hardened
Augs:
+Embedded Caster [Security: ¤¤¤] [Caster. Despite looks, this neurally linked arm-borne Caster can match the power of any cutting-edge model.]
+Recycler Implant [Recycles nutrients, oxygen and other necessary matter in the user's body and surroundings for longer survival in hostile environments.]
+Exoskin Layer [Adaptive skin granting +4 to Endurance rolls against extreme temperatures, hostile atmospheres and other conditions. Masked 1.]
+Suspension Webs [Launchers in the limbs and torso capable of deploying durable hardmesh 'webs' to attach the user to almost any surface. Masked 1.]
+Masking Aug [Full-body nullsense augmentation grants all augs Masked 1.]
+Softstep Padding [Stealth padding muffling the sounds of movement, granting +2 to Stealth movement rolls.]
+Needle Weapon [5/5] [Close/3 Kinetic Damage/Clip 5/Critical, Hidden, Masked 2]
+Sensory Amp [Extensive augmentation providing Augmented Senses 1. Masked 1.]
Equipment:
*Scavenger Suit [2 Kinetic Resistance, 2 Biochem Resistance, 1 Energy Resistance] [A ramshackle protective suit added to by Brooklyn along the years.]
-Silencer [Proxnet Device. This device projects a field of visual obstruction, signal jamming and noise to create a safe space for discussion or data transfer.]
-Microcam [Proxnet Device. A remote-controlled drone the size of a grain of sand, capable of streaming high-quality video and sound.]
-Scavenger Kit [A set of tools and materials for field repairs or modifications, granting +2 to Engineering rolls.]
-140 Tharsis Credits
Skills:
Augmented Senses I [+5]
Charm I [+5]
Deception I [+5]
Stealth I [+5]

OCOS-998

A valuable segment of the puzzle, mused OCOS. If Gouviea was still on the bridge, maybe there was time to see what intel Room 50 held.

Maintain watch on bridge. Head to room 50 and investigate.

Satisfied, OCOS replaces the artist's recent memories with her fabrications - he most likely won't suffer any significant brain damage - and heads on to the other location Blackheart visited. Her monitoring program remains clueless about Gouveia.

The Hall of Stars proves to be a long, chapel-like space with a domed ceiling where a simulation of the void outside plays in silence. This seems like a well-off, private area; there are few off-ship visitors here, and she catches some looks. Doors lead to apartments and it does not take long for her to find Room 50.

[Senses (Diff. 7): 1+5=Critical Failure] Just as she's about to scan the room, her ocular enhancements glitch out. She gets a number of conflicting readings and sharp 'pain' shoots out in her brain to warn her of possible overheating. The upgrades reboot with agonizing slowness, during which she's limited to her most basic senses.

Thankfully, she's in no hurry. She tries again. [Senses (Diff. 7): 6+5=11] This time, her vision sweeps right through the door of the house as she filters through her modes of vision and takes stock of the apartment. It appears to be deserted; few lights or devices are on and she can detect no bio-signs within. The door is locked and there's a security system. Should be easy enough to crack, if she wishes to investigate inside.

***

Spoiler: OCOS-998 (MonkeyHead) (click to show/hide)

OCOS-998 [HP: 30/30] [Security: ¤¤¤¤]
-2 Energy Damage, -1 Kinetic Damage, -2 Biochem Damage
Synth Operative-Tech Head
Augs:
+Integrated Caster [Security: ¤¤¤] [Caster. A cutting-edge Caster built into OCOS-998's brain infrastructure for maximum speed and processing capability.]
+Nanoblood [Overcharge available.] [Cutting-edge Orbital regenerative blood cells maintain the unit in the long-term. May be overcharged for faster repairs of 5-10 HP, with 1-day cooldown.]
+Null Point Projector [Inactive] [Data aug turning the user into a 'null point' practically invisible to automated system security (+20 against Passive Security). Can be maintained for up to 5 turns. Masked 1.]
+Advanced Ocular Implants [Cutting-edge ocular enhancements grant the unit +5 to Senses rolls of vision and +3 to Aim rolls. Masked 1.]
+Data Guard [A security processor enhancing the user's defenses, granting +¤ Security Masked 1.]
+Autohacker [Simple hacking aid granting +3 to Data rolls. Masked 1.]
+Falsesmile Processor [Behavioral processor designed to aid the user to perfectly mimic emotional responses and states, granting +4 to Deception rolls. Masked 1.]
+Scrubber Implant [Cleanses breathing of toxics and harmful agents, granting +5 to Endurance rolls of resisting poison, toxins, disease and granting 1 Biochem Resistance.Masked 1.
+Masking Aug [Full-body nullsense augmentation grants all augs Masked 1.]
Equipment:
*Synthskin [2 Energy Resistance, 1 Kinetic Resistance, 1 Biochem Resistance] [Standard Orbital hardened skin layer for synths, providing a measure of protection while still appearing flesh-like to touch.]
-Ocular Parasites [3 Deployments] [Farnet Device. Mobile nanocams capable of broadcasting video back to the controller; when dispersed in high-population areas, attach themselves to the optic nerves of unsuspecting targets to produce a widespread net of very personal surveillance.]
-Mnemonic Lace [Device. Resembling a curled silver worm, this advanced Orbital tool can be inserted into the brains of organic beings to remove or alter memories, with only minor risk of brain damage.]
Skills:
Charm I [+5]
Deception I [+5]
Stealth I [+5]
Data I [+5]
Electronic Warfare [+5]

Karysse Sharid

Dogbite is a long way from home. With her last wages in her pocket, she's come to the Ark Bharatama, said to be the perfect place for people like her looking for a new way to go. It's certainly popular, full of Solars from nearby and far away alike. If any place has something to offer for a pirate-turned-analyst, it's - hopefully - this.

She's come to the Markets, where job offers float in the datastream like debris caught in the upper atmos of Venus. Any one of them could be the start of something new - if she doesn't want to get some shopping done, first, or if she has something different entirely on her mind.

***

Spoiler: Karysse Sharid ('Dogbite') (click to show/hide)

Karysse Sharid [HP: 30/30] [Security: ¤¤¤]
-2 Kinetic Damage, -2 Energy Damage, -2 Biochem Damage
Space Pirate Hardened-Tech Head
Augs:
+Embedded Caster [Security: ¤¤¤] [Caster. This bulky neural caster can match the power of any cutting-edge model.]
+Ocular Replacements [Bio-engineered resistant eyes grant +3 to Senses rolls of vision and +3 to rolls against vision impairment.]
+Exoskin Layer [Adaptive skin granting +4 to Endurance rolls against extreme temperatures, hostile atmospheres and other conditions.]
+Filter Nodes [Extensive filters built into lungs provide +5 to Endurance rolls against ingested disease, toxins, biochems.]
+Breach Protocol Unit [Specialized data aug granting +3 to Breaching target systems.]
+Sealed Systems [Improving the security of your augments with redundancy, data seals and closed nets will allow your augs to continue functioning even if a part is compromised, requiring each aug or system to be Breached separately.]
Equipment:
*Venusian Armor [2 Kinetic Resistance, 2 Energy Resistance, 2 Biochem Resistance] [High-quality armor popular among the assorted denizens of Venus, with protection against weapons and biochemical attacks alike.]
-500 Tharsis Credits
Skills:
Data I [+5]
Electronic Warfare [+5]