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Entry tags:
The Case of the Misdirected Dectective [Open]
Who: Spinelli and you!!
Where: The City
Summary: Having an overactive imagination may not be the best thing when you get lost in a strange city.
It had all seemed so easy. The map on the Omnicomm that Splicer had shown him was clear and detailed, the place where the clothiers were clearly marked. It should be the simplest of matters for one with his intellect to follow said map from from the tube to where the stores in question were located. But he hadn't realized just how big the city was, and that things were much further away than they seemed. The areas of rubble didn't help matters much, and there were a few times he had to detour to get around blocked off areas. After some time had passed and he still hadn't found the shops in question, he could only come to one conclusion.
Damian Spinelli, computer hacker, assistant author, some-time video game designer and private investigator...was lost.
The simplest option, of course, was to turn around and go back the way he came. Or...he could pull out the Omnicom again, check the map and see if he could figure out where he had wound up. Pausing by a pile of rubble that might have at one time been someone's house, he started to hunt around his messenger bag to find the small communications device to try that second option when he heard a noise. Could it be someone, or some thing, had tracked him here? There had been that battle not too long ago. What if he had stumbled upon a place where not everything had been defeated?
Grabbing the nearest thing to hand, he rounded the corner, brandishing the item like a weapon, although not terribly effectively. It was a ratty old cloth purse, made from a fabric covered in pink roses. The thing looked utterly ridiculous in his hands, and quite possibly not at all intimidating. Well, unless there was some reason to feel threatened by a handbag that might fall apart at any second. His voice - not terribly deep to begin with - went up about a half octave as he cried out a warning.
"Cease and desist, vile evil doer!"
Where: The City
Summary: Having an overactive imagination may not be the best thing when you get lost in a strange city.
It had all seemed so easy. The map on the Omnicomm that Splicer had shown him was clear and detailed, the place where the clothiers were clearly marked. It should be the simplest of matters for one with his intellect to follow said map from from the tube to where the stores in question were located. But he hadn't realized just how big the city was, and that things were much further away than they seemed. The areas of rubble didn't help matters much, and there were a few times he had to detour to get around blocked off areas. After some time had passed and he still hadn't found the shops in question, he could only come to one conclusion.
Damian Spinelli, computer hacker, assistant author, some-time video game designer and private investigator...was lost.
The simplest option, of course, was to turn around and go back the way he came. Or...he could pull out the Omnicom again, check the map and see if he could figure out where he had wound up. Pausing by a pile of rubble that might have at one time been someone's house, he started to hunt around his messenger bag to find the small communications device to try that second option when he heard a noise. Could it be someone, or some thing, had tracked him here? There had been that battle not too long ago. What if he had stumbled upon a place where not everything had been defeated?
Grabbing the nearest thing to hand, he rounded the corner, brandishing the item like a weapon, although not terribly effectively. It was a ratty old cloth purse, made from a fabric covered in pink roses. The thing looked utterly ridiculous in his hands, and quite possibly not at all intimidating. Well, unless there was some reason to feel threatened by a handbag that might fall apart at any second. His voice - not terribly deep to begin with - went up about a half octave as he cried out a warning.
"Cease and desist, vile evil doer!"
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"You do realise you look ridiculous, don't you?"
Chill, relaxed. Nothing's getting at him right now.
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"Deepest apologies, oh Extremely Tall and Armored one. The Jackal had not meant to disturb you in whatever task you were currently attempting to complete." He flicked a glance down for a moment, looking at the purse, and grimaced "The...ah...regrettably pink handbag was the first thing to hand. It might not quite have been the best choice in this circumstance."
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"Unless you've got several RPGs, or a lot of bullets, I doubt a lot of things could get through this armour."
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Spinelli looked up again, wondering off-hand if the very tall armored man would have any issues with having the middle of his chest addressed in general. It would save him developing a crick in his neck.
"Might the Jackal inquire if there is a reason for the choice of bodily protection? I only ask, of course, because there seems to be a notable amount of crew aboard this ship that seem to prefer wearing armor and I was wondering if there was some immediate danger that I am currently unaware of."
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Best be polite. This dude sounds a bit crazy, with the constant shifting tenses, there...
Jorge also doesn't mind his chest being addressed, but he wouldn't say anything if he did...
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"I am most gratified to know that things are currently not as I had feared, then. Thank you. I don't suppose you would know which way I might go to find one of the tailors that have been spoken of? You are correct about the plantsuits being a mite bit uncomfortable."
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As Spinelli turns round the corner there's a grey girl crouched at the top of a pile of rubble, with a half pulled out gilded framed mirror that's caught her eye. Somewhere in the city she's hoarding all this stuff, it'll come in useful, she's sure of it.
"Cease and what you krastic fahrbot!" She all but laughs at the man brandishing the purse.
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"Krastic fahrbot? I-I-I beg your pardon, oh Dove-Hued one, but you seem to have the advantage of me. I find myself quite uncertain as to what the meaning is you are trying to convey at this time. Perhaps the translation device aboard this vessel is malfunctioning?"
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"You know, like a crazy person?" She stops and sits half way down, far enough away to run for it, but close enough to talk. "You know you're not gonna do any damage to anyone with that. Might as well just wear a sign round your neck sayin' 'mug me'"
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He seems to be blissfully unaware that referring to himself in the third person isn't likely going to help his case here - but he's not completely clueless. The fact she only comes about halfway at least gives him the idea that it might not be prudent to close the gap at this time - or continue to brandish a useless weapon. With a last rueful glance at the purse, he lets it drop to the ground.
"Truly, I cannot argue the point you make there. Alas, the Jackal had to make do with what came to hand when faced with the sudden possibility of combat. Were I Stone Cold, of course, this would not be an issue, for he would have no problems defending himself should the need arise."
He quickly holds out a hand though, lest she think that he had any designs on initiating a fight. "Not that I believe you would wish to attack without sufficient provocation, of course. The simple fact of the matter is that I was unsure what awaited me around the corner. This whole situation has been most...strange, I must admit. Would I be correct in assuming you would be another member of the crew aboard this vessel?"
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This one in particular had nine gorgeous tails fanning behind her as she looked over in his direction with her honey-colored eyes. She didn't make a move to his presence, at least not yet. But it was clear that her studious gaze was upon him.
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"A nine-tailed kitsune? Surely that is something only out of myth..." He murmured, then nodded to himself, a slightly rueful expression on his face. "But then again, there was that rather large and impressive dragon that was taking up a great deal of the room in the Obs deck upon the Jackal's arrival, so perhaps a most wise and noble fox is not so unexpected."
He lowered the purse slowly, so as not to alarm the vixen and bowed his head a little by way of apology. "Your pardon. The Jackal had not meant to cause any alarm with his precipitous arrival."
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The vixen moved slowly, circling around him from a safe distance, studying him, her honey-golden eyes almost peering into his very essence as she moved with a refined grace.
After a while, she finally settled nearby as she faced him and her head tilted slightly.
"Tell me... What exactly were you doing earlier?" She asked curiously, not moving from her spot other than her tails fanning behind her.
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...but his mind digressed. Slowly, so as not to startle - her? - he lowered the bag.
"Would the fair vixen be referring to the Jackal's overall journey as of late or simply the use of the rather regrettably pink handbag? I can assure you, I mean no harm. It was just a...ah...an attempt to have something to hand if the matter of defense became an unfortunate reality."
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"I see~ A most unique of weapons that bag. However I believe should you have been in any danger, mayhaps some debris from around the City around you could have provided better defense." she mused as she slowly stepped forward, daintly pawing her way towards him before, in a flash of blue fire, a slender and curvacious woman appeared in her stead.
She still possessed the ears of a fox and the majestic nine tails that danced behind her as she sauntered slowly towards him before she stopped a few feet away.
"I suppose you must be from the new arrivals then~?" Ahri mused.
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The sane and rational part of his mind told him that this was nothing to be concerned with - of course there were to be powers unexpected when it came to one of the Japanese spirits. However, the part of him that was still trying to adjust to everything that was happening meant that he wound up gaping for a few moments before recovering enough to speak.
"A-ah, yes. Damian Spinelli, Jackal P.I., at your service, oh Fair Spirit. I have only recently awoken upon this vessel. Might I surmise from the question that you are perhaps a more long-term resident here?"
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"Not by much longer admittedly. I arrived in the prior slime release~ It's been an interesting ride I have to say. It has had it's fair share of twists and turns, unpleasantries and fascinating surprises."
She smiled at him and winked.
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Fascinating surprise would be closer, as he turned in place as she circled him. She seemed fairly amused at the moment, which was much better than him having angered her...or was it? A playful fox-spirit could be a handful, from what he'd read.
"Would the Fair Vixen have any specific advice for a more newly-arrived compatriot, in that case?"
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"Try to find something to do, and quick. The vast downtime in this place can really take it's toll on you if you let it. There's plenty of places to seek in order to make the best of your time, that will help you adjust greatly." Something she hadn't taken up herself.
"And I'd say to socialize as quickly as with as many people as possible, I've also noticed that there's a distinct need to huddle in groups around the ship, almost like packs, and even acting like some at times. Odd for humanoid behavior as far as I know~ So it might be best to make as many friends as you could!"
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She certainly seemed cheerful enough, and very...ah...bouncy, he would even go so far to admit. Not anything like his beloved Maximista, of course, but she was friendly enough, and he wound up giving her a small smile.
"And what does the most Wise Spirit do in her spare time, if the Jackal might be so bold as to inquire?"
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"Until I am needed, or something changes, I plan to simply explore, learn, and gain as much knowledge as I can through whatever means."
That, and play, but she'd keep that bit to herself for now.
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"A most excellent idea! Yes, I believe that will do nicely." He bowed briefly, then straightened up with a smile. "Gracious thanks, oh Wise Spirit. The Jackal will also take your words to heart and begin his explorations post-haste!"
He spun on his heel, ready to do so, only to find himself face to face with a brick wall. He opened his mouth, and held up a finger, which he waggled in a decidedly thoughtful way, then turned back to Ahri.
"Ah, perhaps another way might make for more productive a start." He tilted his head then, giving Ahri a thoughtful look. "Would the Fair Vixen care to accompany the Jackal on his new mission? At least for a short while?"
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"Ah, a quest? I most certainly can do as such~" she mused. "I don't have any prior engagements at the moment, so I can accompany you, should you remain as entertaining as you've been thus far."
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"I'll surrender," she said with a grin. "And to think, I had no idea I was so vile."
She'd been out exploring the streets, supposedly looking for the library but really just looking around. And running into people she knew, apparently.
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Unable to actually come up with the words he wanted to use, he gestured wildly around him for a moment. Finally, after a bit of grasping, he managed to blurt out, "This is a most unsettling place, and I-I could not be certain if there was danger lurking about. Have you read through the posts on the Omnicom? There was a battle here not too long ago."
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"It isn't very safe, is it? I'm sorry," she said. "I shouldn't have teased you so much. How have you been doing?"
He was clearly more than a little high-strung, so teasing wasn't very helpful.
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And some not-quite so good-natured, but he does his best not to dwell on that at the moment. There was no reason for him to believe she meant it to be anything other some light-hearted humor, and he smiled.
"Apart from a few minor inconveniences, all seems to be going as well as can be expected, given the situation." His eyes fixed on her apron, his head tilting slightly as he gave it a curious look. It wasn't something he would have expected to see on most people, but it somehow seemed to suit her, garish stone or no. "I see you have been successful in acquiring some clothing, it seems. Alas, the Jackal has not had such luck so far."
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"It's mine from home," she said, fingering the strap. "I'm a blacksmith by trade. This has been with me for a while. I'm glad to see it again. It seems that most people don't wear much besides the plantsuits." She wrinkled her nose. Not a fashion statement, and not particularly comfortable in her opinion. "Are you out looking for a tailor?"
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Lifting his hand to punctuate his words with a finger, he wound up waggling the purse instead before realizing what he had done and hurriedly setting it back down again. "But, we need not focus on that at the moment. Once I have time to restudy the map, I am certain that I can find my way to one to procure something more fitting, as it were. Tell me, though, you said a blackmsmith? Truly, I cannot say as I have had the privilege of meeting someone with such talents before. Is it terribly difficult work?"
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She was idly smacking the multimeter into the palm of one hand while she eyed a tiny building that was shaped like three interlayered cylinders – it didn't seem to be anything but kitchen inside, but maybe that would come in handy? – when she heard the challenge and caught motion out of the corner of her eye.
They know me, they've found me!
Long-buried impulses leaped against their confinement for an instant, and were suppressed. She did turn around very quickly, true, and her smile did stretch from ear to ear, showing square white teeth sharp as chisels. But she didn't scream, she didn't leap, and she didn't look for the cameras.
But it wasn't – it was the Jackal. With a purse.
She folded most of her smile back, and tried to look puzzled instead of enraged. "I'm sorry?"
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"Fair Yet Unearthly One, it is you! Please, forgive my untoward reaction. The Jackal is still quite unaccustomed to the comings and goings on this vessel. It is much bigger than the documents on the Omnicom had led me to believe."
A flash of pink caught his attention, and he glanced down at the purse that was still clutched in his head. With a slightly nervous chuckle, he lowered it. "I am afraid I must be making quite an unusual impression upon you. It is truly not my intent to do so, but all this is very new for me. Pray tell, what brings you down to this particular locale?"
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Compared to some of the surprises that new arrivals have brought with them, a purse-pummeling was no more than a amusement.
"I was looking to see if any of these buildings had power, actually. I was thinking of choosing a home for myself down here. And if I do, I'll probably want to do computer work on site as well - I'm used to waking up at odd hours and feeling the need for screen." And it had occurred to her that right now, Stacy could keep them all out of Engineering simply by closing one door. Better to have some equipment outside of her reach, as it were.
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However, he looked somewhat surprised as to why she was here, and promptly turned in place to look around him, as if that would actually answer the question as to whether any of the buildings here had power. It didn't, of course, and he quickly turned back.
"I did not realize that the buildings down here might have power. That would come in useful for the Jackal's own need to exercise his cyberskills," he commented, placing one hand on the messenger bag that held his laptop. "Might I inquire if you have you had any success so far in your search?"
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"All the ones that have power so far seem to be larger buildings - I'm looking for something a little more snug. Also, a number of buildings are currently scheduled for demolition because they are unsound. I can send you a map from Celena Ventari, who runs Infrastructure, if you like." She tapped the pocket that holds her omnicomm.
She looked at the messenger bag. "Did you have a laptop that came with you? A friend of mine who was repodded, Alex Furest, arrived with a laptop. He was brilliant with computers."
I apologize for the late tag. My brain has not wanted to cooperate with tagging. :(
And, unfortunately, the map he already was using hadn't done much good. But a thoughtful expression crept over his face all the same. Even if the first map wasn't of much use, it might not be such a bad idea to have it. Eventually he'd figure his away around, and even if he didn't find a building with power, it would be good to know which ones to avoid.
"Although, upon further consideration, perhaps I will accept after all. In future it might prove to be useful, indeed. Thank you, Fair Yet Unearthly One."
He bowed slightly, then straightened up, a smile appearing as he nodded. "And you have correctly surmised that I am in fact of possession of such a device. The Jackal has had a long history with computers over the years. It is a shame your friend has been repodded, as you put it. I always enjoy talking shop with fellow aficionados. But...you were re-awoken, as it were. Is it not possible he might someday do so as well?"
Re: I apologize for the late tag. My brain has not wanted to cooperate with tagging. :(
"My pleasure." She took out her omnicomm and transmitted the map to him; the omnicomm should be able to superimpose them for maximum reference use.
"Alex might come back, and I would dearly like to see him again. But he was very young, and not much inclined to fighting. Some of his friends were repodded before he was ... I think he might be lonely again, if he came back. The pods are safer than the ship ... most of the time." She winced and thought of SHODAN.
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He trailed off, looking thoughtful, but then shook his head and refocused. While he was sympathetic to Alex's plight - it must be hard to keep friendships if your friends were repodded - something else in her words caught his attention.
"Most of the time? I take it that something untoward must have happened, by those words." And her expression, but he wasn't going to point that out. "Was that tied into the recent attack on the City that I had heard about?"
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Yes," she said, the corners of her mouth stretching down. "When I was here last, there were missions, people sent off the ship into various perils; and also Ohm attacks on Stacy. But on a ship the size of a moon, there can be all sorts of things stored that we know nothing about. A hostile AI seized control of multiple robots stockpiled in the ship, and attacked the crew - including killing people in the pods."
Not Alex. Not anyone she knew. But every one of them dead was someone that she would never know.
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"You mean...I-I could have been killed? Or Stone Cold, or Maximista..." The thought of it was almost more than he could bear. What if something had happened to them. He had assumed when he found out their worlds were gone, they were safe in the pods. All his friends, and even those like Mr. Sir, not friends but still important to people he knew. Were they dead, killed by the robots.
"Is...is there a way to find out who died? A list, somewhere, perhaps?"
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Yes, and when was a formal news service going to start up? The crew definitely needed one, especially when the only person or person who knew vital things could be whisked away at any moment.
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"My apologies for seeming distracted, but this is troubling news indeed. I-I have friends, you see, who surely must still be in the pods."
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She would almost guess the second.
"Your friends could awaken here, or the war could be won and they could all be released." Hopefully.
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His eyes flicked open again after that, the worry he was feeling set aside for the moment. He would go and look at the lists, and find out what he could. "You have been most kind, Fair But Unearthly One. The Jackal gives you his thanks. If...if I am able to find any locations within the city on his own explorations that hold electricity, I will most certainly pass along that information in return. But would you forgive me if I took my leave of you for the moment so I might see what information I am able to procure in regards to my friends that still sleep within the pods anyway?"
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"Of course. I wish you good luck in your search. You might want to put a message on the omnicomm channel saying that you are here, and who you are looking for; even if your friends are not awake yet, when they do awaken, they will know that you are here."
Or were here.