Futuristic Electric Sheep [Always Open] - [Androids | Space | Politics]

[Bang Bang]

ALWAYS ACCEPTING

ELECTRIC SHEEP

The year is 2214. Democracy has fallen. Poverty and dictatorship rule the traverse.

Humanity is alone.

No rich and bountiful alien races were ever discovered; only a myriad of planets in need of terraforming to facilitate survival. Humanity has, by large, become a slave race, ruled over by the wealthy elite who play games of politics and decadent luxury. These lower classes are little better off than the androids.

Not recognised as people, androids have no option of miraculous social ascension or buying their freedom from slavery. They are machines to do the bidding of their masters. Fast, strong, efficient, they are programmed so that they may never physically harm a human. Or at least, they are when they emerge from the factories of Mars.

Events shall begin as the head of the ruling house, au Augustus, has fallen sick and his biological and political heirs - along with challengers to his legacy - vie for the throne. Shall machine or human make use of the knife edge humanity stands upon and topple it to chaos for a chance of freedom? Or shall the exploitation of the masses continue on deep into the era?

And what is to be said of rumours of something other ruminating in the darkness of deep space, where a multitude of ships have gone missing as of late, be it due to some kind of lifeform, or something far, far worse.

ooc | sign-ups | lore | interest check

coding by cychotic

[imagefloat=left][heightrestrict=50][IMG]https://www.rpnation.com/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fvignette.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fvillains%2Fimages%2Fc%2Fc3%2FThe_Legion_of_the_Third_Eye_Symbol.jpg%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20141220023415&hash=b4325b0356f5506a38e7cabcf304a617[/IMG] [/heightrestrict][/imagefloat][FONT=Roboto Mono] Incoming File ...
[B]To[/B]: (Tag Relevant Players Here)
[SIZE=6][div=padding: 10px; font-size:50px; padding:0;]RE: CHARACTER NAME[/div][/SIZE]
[B]Location[/B]: (Primary Location of character Here)
[B]Bureau Notes[/B]: [inlineSpoiler](OOC Here)[/inlineSpoiler]
[URL='https://www.rpnation.com/threads/electric-sheep-lore.383880/']LORE [/URL]| [URL='https://www.rpnation.com/threads/electric-sheep-characters.383877/#post-8571951']CHARACTERS[/URL]
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[divide=thick]Classified[/divide]

 

[Bang Bang]

OPEN AND ACCEPTING

HOW TO JOIN

★ Check out the first few posts of the Interest Thread for Rules, Requirements, and what to expect.
★ Have a read of the Lore to get an idea of the world
★ Look over the characters to see what roles are available, and what people are looking for in relation to their characters for inspiration
★ A 'What's Currently Happening' will be provided here so you can jump in at any time.
★ Message Bang Bang with any questions or for any assistance required, including summaries of what's happened, lore, etc.

PREVIOUSLY ON ELECTRIC SHEEP...

(updated 11.01.18)

★ Emperor au Augtus announced The Passing due to degenerative illness, and has challenged her Counsel to prove they are worthy of controlling the Empire in any way they see fit
★ Swift and Scotch have been given a lucrative job by Boy themselves to deliver what they've been told is a crate of organs to Juno Station - to their surprise, they're to be accompanied by the enigmatic (and terrifying) Mr. Eye. Having arrived at Juno, they find it in a state of Civil war as the android crime faction The Blinders seek to seize control and wipe out humanity there, and then throughout the traverse. Accompanied by Nat and Nigel, a TV star and gun-totting techy man respectively, they are to find Boy and Mr. Knife and try not to die in informing him the payload has arrived.
★ Jamie au Olver has bought out The Agency to further his own agenda, but his plans were discovered by Isabel au Saara; in murdering her, he was brutally injured facially.
★ Hades has met with Madame Trouble with an offer to assist the Android Rebellion in a plot to abduct Maria, a palace android, but neither he nor Gwen seem taken by the idea.
★ Aria has been assigned by the Emperor herself to accompany Admiral Victoria on her next expedition.
★ Admiral Victoria and Admiral Lyud have been charged with the duty of wiping out the three biggest Private Armies of the Noblus Houses in secret by the Emperor, whilst Vic's brother remains AWOL
★ Fate strays into dangerous territory, unsuspecting that pick-pocketing Brutus might come with more consequences than just making a quick buck
★ Robert is due to meet with Madame Trouble herself back at his shop
★ Gwen continues to despair at everyone's overuse of references to Greek Mythology
★ After two years of vanishing from the public eye, The Blind Bureau and its Misters have returned to The Citadel for reasons unknown
★ Octavius, his slav Lyn, and Toni have all gone to Lab 18 on the Citadel following invitation by a mysterious letter, only to discover an unwelcome greeting service.
★ Hera has been charged with conducting psychological mind games on the Counsel to keep them on edge. She may or may not be also experience serious technical difficulties and

HELPHELPHELPSHENEEDEDHEHELPHESTOPHELP

FORMAT

Please use the header code below for your posts, or you may use your own formatting, provided it contains the same information (Clear character(s) names, OOC, tagging, and location)


​

Incoming File ...
To: (Tag Relevant Players Here)

RE: CHARACTER NAME

Location: (Primary Location of character Here)
Bureau Notes: (OOC Here)
LORE | CHARACTERS

Classified

[imagefloat=left][heightrestrict=50][IMG]https://www.rpnation.com/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fvignette.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fvillains%2Fimages%2Fc%2Fc3%2FThe_Legion_of_the_Third_Eye_Symbol.jpg%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20141220023415&hash=b4325b0356f5506a38e7cabcf304a617[/IMG] [/heightrestrict][/imagefloat][FONT=Roboto Mono] Incoming File ...
[B]To[/B]: (Tag Relevant Players Here)
[SIZE=6][div=padding: 10px; font-size:50px; padding:0;]RE: CHARACTER NAME[/div][/SIZE]
[B]Location[/B]: (Primary Location of character Here)
[B]Bureau Notes[/B]: [inlineSpoiler](OOC Here)[/inlineSpoiler]
[URL='https://www.rpnation.com/threads/electric-sheep-lore.403866/']LORE [/URL]| [URL=https://www.rpnation.com/threads/electric-sheep-characters.403949/']CHARACTERS[/URL]
[/FONT]
[divide=thick]Classified[/divide]

 

[Bang Bang]

Incoming File ...
To: All

RE: ELECTRIC SHEEP

Location: Citadel
Bureau Notes: Any problems/queries/requests regarding introduction, or if you'd like help steering the plot in a certain direction, pm me or message me on discord.

Classified

• The Passing
• The Palace
• The Agency
• Syn | Boy's Syndicate HQ

• 
  
  No amount of money, cybernetics, or genetic enhancements can hold off death forever. Especially not for a Warper.
  
  At public speeches, formal affairs, and Counsel meetings, it has been impossible not to notice the intermittent trembling of The Emperor's left hand. For weeks, rumors have flourished regarding the cause, the most popular of which being Stim dependency (a tale all too common, even among the Noblus). Loathe or love the Emperor and all she and the Counsel stand for, all have been affected by the crack in the calm facade of the ruling elite. The Agency has been experiencing a previously unprecedented demand on resources, everyone from the Shadow Districts to the Space Platform growing restless in uncertainty. Even the disaffected have felt a certain unease stirring through the Citadel.
  
  Today [Tertiary Joves, Kore, 2214 - 26.2.2214] that uncertainty is over. Today, the banners of House au Augutus have been strung up and unfurled in the throne room of the Palace. Every news station, holoboard, and information stream is announcing it:
  
  The Passing has begun.
  
  With progressive degenerative nervous damage, Zera au Augutus can no longer hold the position of Emperor without running the risk of being deemed unfit and deposed. Thus, she has elected - with great broadcasted pomp and circumstance for the cameras, tinged with solemn nobility - to enter The Passing, and undergo voluntary euthanasia once an Heir has been chosen. With a minimum of two weeks to make her decision, and only as long as she can hold her power over the people to delay it, she and the rest of the traverse enter a time of peak instability.
  
  Counselors are summoned to the Palace. The Agency braces itself for the peak in crime and discord predicted by even the most incompetent sociologists. Meanwhile, below it all, the Shadow District senses - as it always does - vulnerability from above. And everyone who holds hopes for peace is doing their very best to pretend that the activity in the Wastes is nothing more than harmless scavengers.
  
  Brace yourself: The coming times will not be easy.
  
  
• 
  
  "Enough," Zera snapped at the android fussing over her. Yes, everything must be perfect, she must be perfect, but trepidation had knotted her stomach to the point where she might vomit.
  
  She soon discovered that was in fact the heavy medication she was on, and the 'might' was a misjudgment. Upon returning from the restroom to her private quarters, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she steadied herself. Drew her shoulders back. Checked herself over in the mirror.
  
  Were it not for the now incessant tremble in her hand, she'd look flawless. However, that one sign of weakness was enough to sow the seed of doubt, a seed the filth she was surrounded by so loved to water. She'd ruled this place too long to go out like this. But there was no other choice. She had an heir to choose. Worse, she had potential heirs to deal with, which meant even more assassination ploys, manipulation, exploitation, and treachery than usual.
  
  Examining the talon-like nails of her traitorous hand, she smirked.
  
  This was a climate she thrived in.
  
  Chin high, back arched, she swanned out her chambers to the Counsel Hall, where the rats she had come to call her advisers had been summoned. She refused the guards offer to open the doors for her; she was never one to pass up the opportunity for a theatrical entrance. Even with her weakened nerves, with a twinge of Warper Magic, the doors slammed open, hard.
  
  The hall was one of gigantic proportion, now flagged with the banners of her House, a mocking celebration more akin to an insult. Before her, there stood the long real stone table, the thirteen seats, hers the biggest of them all, furthest from the door. The chatter that had preceded her sobered.
  
  Boots clicking on the marble floor, she walked slow and careful to her chair, the tips of her nails trailing clack-clack-clack along the backs of the Counselors' chairs. "So," she said, voice as languid and purring as a hunting cat's, "Which one of you is going to be the first to start begging?"
  
  
• 
  As predicted, things at the Agency were giving new meaning to the term 'manic'. The only one keeping up by this point was Beta, the SAI, who, with their usual dry patronizing tone, was telling people to 'stay calm' and 'take deep breaths', all in between informing them that they were four assignments behind and that they'd forgotten to turn in half of their paperwork. Even Kali, the Android Co-Ordination Officer, was looking a tadge disheveled, wanted in ten places at once and confined to one physical body.
  
  Meanwhile, Ariel was up in the top of the Tower in her office, scrolling through updates on the Emperor situation on her holopad. Not only would this have implications for the Agency and future loyalties, but her own agenda and allegiance to a certain bribery donor had her less concerned with petty thievery, and more focused on 'the big picture'. The Passing having only been announced two hours ago, she was still awaiting a message and instructions from her friends in high places.
  
  
• 
  
  The popping of the champagne cork was, perhaps, a little tasteless. Boy did nothing to stop it though as below their perch in the VIP lounge, four bartenders stood atop the bar and poured fountains of spurting champagne from two bottle each over the gathered crowd. Someone on Syn's staff team had even dug up the file of the Old Earth song 'Ding Dong The Witch is Dead' for Violet - the HQ's SAI - to play over the systems, its jarringly childish notes intermingling with the cheers of patrons and gang members.
  
  It was maybe a little on the premature side, but regardless, those below were taking the recent news as just cause to celebrate. No matter how much they yelled and congratulated one another though, Boy got the feeling they weren't all quite as moronic as they were acting. After all, even down there in the Shadow District, they all relied on the stability of the Noblus to keep things in working order.
  
  "Want me to go shut them up?" Asked Cherry, legs thrown across Boy's lap, holopad in hand. It was a good thing the hologlass was tinted one way so they were rendered invisible to the crowd below; she was making no effort to keep her distaste from her expression. But then again this was her - if she didn't look as stormy as Noveria's weather, something would have to be seriously wrong.
  
  "Let them be," Boy answered, looking over their shoulder to watch the revelries. "The less they fret about it the better."
  
  "Can I at least throw them out?" She snarled with a nod in the direction of their three least welcome guests. Everyone was giving the three Mr.s tucked in the corner a wide birth, trying their very best to ignore the suited trio. What the Blind Bureau was doing here of all places, Boy had no idea, but the offer to have them removed was rather tempting.
  
  "Follow them when they leave. And I want our Agency contacts notified that they're in town... Drop a line to Hades as well. If they're watching us, no doubt they'll be paying a visit to The Underworld." Cherry looked about as eager to visit Hades as she would if he were the Greek God he took his name from, but she bit back any complaints and shrugged.
  
  "Think it's about the Emperor?"
  
  "No idea." Removing her feet from their lap, Boy stood, cybernetic arms stretching out behind them. "But either way, I want our District plants on daily reports. Juno's going to be hell once news reaches them."
  
  "You off?" They gave a wry grimace, loading up their knapsack with the usual gear and grabbing the Neko mask required for going topside. The docks were going to be so much fun with all this chaos.
  
  "Someone's got to keep that place from imploding. Message me about the Misters. And tell Rey to keep an eye out for our friends in the Wastes. If this is going to prove useful to anyone, it's them."
  
  "Gotcha. Say hi to Blue for me. Oh, and remind Nigel he's a dick."
  
  "Always. Stay safe."
  
  

 

[ReverseTex]

Jaime au Olver

Location: Venus’s Den - The Palace
Interactions/Mentions: Zera, Ariel, All Consul Members Bang Bang


Jaime stood at the holographic mirror stationed in his office, running a hand through his sleek white hair. A light knock at his officer door drew his attention from his morning routine, which was quickly followed by a familiar monotone voice. “Mr. Olver? Your suit, freshly pressed as requested.” Opening the door, he gave a grateful nod to his guard as he took the suit, shutting the door behind him. Making his way back to the mirror, he gently layed the suit on his mahogany desk as he began to ready himself.

Buttoning his prestine black shirt, the gorge of a scar still leaving a large cascade in the man’s chest, he sighed. Once complete he slid on his silver fitted blazer trimmed in black, the jacket shimmering like metal. His slacks were also fitted to perfection, silver to match the blazer. His shoes were freshly polished, their black shine capping off the metallic look. The last piece to his outfit was his infamous trench, it’s large lapels embroidered in a charcoal-grey floral pattern. And at the center of his right lapel rested his broach, a shiny silver replica of his family’s crest.

Exiting his office, his usual pair of guards stood stoically at the door. “Good day au Olver, we have been instructed to escort you to the Palace by the Emperor. But, we are flexiable for any nessicary stops along the way.” “Lovely. I do believe I have a message I need to send before we leave...” He began to trail off, spotting Darla, his most loyal whore, pattering up the stairs. Pushing past his guards, Jamie smiled as he made his way to the woman. “Darla how are you! You look well, bow legged.. But well! I have a job for you dear, please take this letter to The Agency tower and say it’s from Olver.” “No problem Jamie! Oh before you go to that meeting I wanted to let you know that you should probably make a visit to the Shadow District tonight. There’s a Joybar that I think will intrigue you. Man told me last night about it. Called the Underworld, said our establishment was better of course, but still something i’d imagine peeks your interest?” Simpering, he rested a gentle hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Thank you dear... You do wonderful work you know?” Handing her the letter, which was sealed by a silver wax seal of his crest, he gently brushed a strand of auburn hair from her face. “Don’t open the letter, and only make sure the Captain of the Agency reads this letter. No one elses. You run into trouble let one of the my spotters know, and i’ll make sure to send help.” Darla nodded, her eyes glittering with excitement, before she skipped off...



Jamie made his way through the Palace, the banners of Zera’s house littered the royal halls, his guards following closely behind. “You may be a tad late... Our apologies.” His right guard spoke hurriedly, clearly worried about the consequences. “You’ll be fine I promise, wasn’t even your fault. But I promise the results for our tardiness will benefit you gentlemen greatly.” Keeping his words curt, knowing hundreds of cameras were watching their every movement closely, and most likely another pair of eyes watching the cameras. Approaching the grand Consul room door, his guards elegantly jutted ahead to catch the large doors for him, he slowed his pace down to his typical methodically walk. Setting his hands behind his back as the doors opened, he began to realize Zera had already started her teasing.

His shoes clicked methodically as he entered, a respectful smile plastered on his face, while his eyes told a different story. His seat was stationed in the center right side of the table, and sat patiently for him. Zera’s eye locked onto him, and his pair to her. “Sorry for my tardiness your Grace... Please continue on whatever you were saying.” Taking his seat, Jaime rested a arm on his armrest, and his icy eyes followed Zera carefully.

 

[s e v e n]

Maria

Location: Citadel, The Palace, House au Augustus, Vera's Room

✢ Interactions: Lexa
✢ Mentions: Gabriel, Vera Bang Bang , Jaime ReverseTex
​

​

x

As the lady had made her way out, Maria could have done nothing but watch the door close before her, leaving her all alone. The girl sighed- perhaps what may have been the equivalent of a sigh, as she dropped the brush and pins upon her lap. Of course, she felt- or more like her system told her- that it wasn’t exactly perfect yet. The Emperor’s hair wasn’t smoothed enough, the pins were inadequate, and her sleeves are a bit wrinkled on the sides. Regardless, what could she have done? To put it simply, the emperor’s next order served as an overwrite of system control- that instead of making it perfect, she should just leave the woman be. After all, she was nothing more than a simple, worthless android.

Maria tugged a lose strand of hair behind her ear as she began collecting the rest of the accessories inside the bag, taking extra precautions as she zipped it close. Imagine what could have happened to her if her clumsy robotic fingers manage to jam the zippers. In truth, Maria should not have known of pain, yet all she knew was when she had her arm ripped out around a year ago- she had not liked it too much. In fact, if only she could put out her opinions in anyway, she had not liked the house hold the slightest- especially Master Gabriel. Still, how could she ever perceive such emotions? In any case, whatever she might have felt- no, calculated, must not have been true.

This isn't healthy, she thought to herself. After all, feelings were very much outside an android's natural capability, if only they were natural. Stick to the protocol, and she should have been fine. Maybe. The female android stood, moving towards the dressing table to place the little bag down before turning to head towards the exit. That is, of course, before the door has swung open, without a prior knock. A girl with straight dark hair emerged by the door frame, clear blue eyes scanning the entire room- before stopping at her.

"Ah, Maria," Alexandra, or more preferably Lexa, has said. Maria held in a breath. Not her favorite person, certainly, yet perhaps not as horrible as her twin brother. The android regardless made a mental note to be extra cautious around the girl, nonetheless.

"Are you searching for Lady Emperor? She has just made her exit a while back," Maria said, fixing her posture by standing up straighter, her hands folded neatly in front of her. "How can I help you?"

Lexa made a small groan, sliding her weight over a leg as she leaned against the door frame. "I'm not searching for mother, Maria. I was searching for you," she stated, before furrowing her brows, re-contemplating. "Actually, I was searching for Gabriel, and I thought you usually know where he is, and-" Lexa grimaced. "I thought you have been specifically ordered to watch him while I'm gone. It is lucky that mother is on meeting right now- I've also seen that guy Jamie Oliver on my way here so it must have been another of those Counsel meetings, I suppose."

No. No one has told me to keep an eye on him. And his name is Jaime Olver, Maria thought, and it must have been proven most of the chances accurate, considering her android capabilities. However, she chose to hold herself for it certainly would not have been wise for her to talk back.

"Apologies, Lady Lexa, but I do not know where Master Gabriel has run out to this time. Might I suggest the possibility of
JoyBars-"

It was reasonable, after all, yet Maria must have overlooked the fact that it might have been a sensitive topic for their family- for the Emperor's son to roam around anonymously at the darker parts of society. No one knew, of course- no one but herself and Lexa. Yet the look upon the dark haired girl's face was enough to stop her from speaking any further. Of course, was she stupid? Lexa must have already thought of the same thing.

"Forget it," Lexa said with a sigh. "I'm going to go look for him. Maria, cover for me, will you?"

"Certainly," the female android said without hesitation. And the door closed before her once more.

​

​

​

 

[Sir Galahad II]

Incoming File ...
To: s e v e n Collidias Rex

RE: ROBERT HANCOCK

Location: Lexington Armory, then Underworld
Bureau Notes: In this post: Soldier 76 visits a brothel.

Classified“And I usually just do this about once a week, if I see smudges or dust or anything,” Rob told Lukas, showing him how to properly polish his display cases. The one he was cleaning presently displayed old American money, from one cent to one hundred dollars. In the background, the speakers in the corners of the room were playing the Star Spangled Banner. His entire shop was actually kind of like walking into a museum, with wooden floors and walls, mannequins displaying minutemen outfits, and an American flag hung up on a wall behind the counter. And, of course, there were cases displaying weapons of all sorts- antique guns, modern guns, even some riot batons. The store had closed for the night shortly before, but Rob had to show his new employee the ropes at some point.

“Now if you don’t have any other questions, I’ll be heading out to go enjoy myself,” he said, which was code for “I’m heading out to try a new joybar.” He pulled out his key to the back room, which was where he slept, and handed it to him.*

*((Lukas can stay there too, if he doesn’t have any place else to go.))

“No parties while I’m gone,” he said, jokingly. Even though he had only hired him recently, he could still tell Lukas was a good kid. He grabbed his leather jacket off the counter, which had a holster for his riot baton on the inside, and walked out the door, putting it on as he did so. The window of the shop, which was reinforced to deter burglars, had "Lexington Armory" engraved over the front, and a copy of the Declaration of Independence taped beneath it, behind the glass. He always smirked when he saw John Hancock's signature.

As he walked over to the elevator system that would eventually lead him down to the Shadow Districts, waving hello to anyone who recognized him, he saw holovid after holovid talking about the Passing. Though he was faintly happy that the current emperor was finally dying, he knew that this could potentially spell disaster for the Citadel, and possibly for the Empire as a whole. Lord knew there were plenty of people itching to step up once au Augustus was out of the picture. Perhaps he would finally have a chance to shine, however...

He finally got to the first elevator, and he started to make his way down to Underworld. Normally he'd go to Rita's because of the music, but he had heard interesting things about Underworld. He could use some more variety, anyway. Of course, as he went further down, the workings of the Citadel dropped in quality, along with the air. You got used to the air after a while, of course, but you don't quite get used to the feeling that the elevator you're riding in is about to give out.

After making it to the Citadel's token crime-ridden hellhole, he made his way to the Underworld based on the directions he had received. He knew it probably wouldn't be anything like he expected, but when he finally got there, it managed to surprise him in more ways than one. For one thing, it looked different. For another thing, the atmosphere and tone just didn't seem like what he expected either, with no way to tell the androids from the other "joy" workers based on outfit or anything. He had heard that the androids were treated like people, but he didn't expect that to be actually true. Rob managed to respect the place already. He stepped inside.

 

[Bang Bang]

Incoming File ...
To: RyanDiaz ReverseTex

RE: BELLA AU SAARA

Location: Counsel Hall
Bureau Notes: Can't these guys all just get along and be friends?

Classified
"Why am I not surprised you're late?" Bella said into the awkward silence that followed their Emperor's blunt wording and Jamie's- well, Jamie's being Jamie. "Do we want to know what kept you from such an important meeting?"

She herself had arrived within fifteen minutes of the announcement, well aware a counsel meeting would follow shortly. Hanging around in the halls had proven less pleasant than even she'd anticipated; The sight of three Mr.s already there, circling like vultures as the Palace went into overload, had done nothing to ease her nerves. This was a moment of opportunity; She didn't need another set of eyes watching over her back.

Forcing a smile for their mighty ruler, she looked down the table as Zera took her seat. "I don't imagine we do," The Emperor seconded, in that ever condescending voice of hers. Bella had to confess; she would be glad to be rid of the woman. Especially if it afforded her the chance for ascension. "But you, Jamie. Are you going to try and convince me the man who runs an empire of brothels is really the man to rule this kind of Empire?"

Laughing internally, Bella made no attempt to cover the mocking smirk she sent in Jamie's direction; She'd never liked the man, his business nor his demeanor. Though, she had to give him that he was a devastating politician. After what happened with House au Descartes, she'd learned better than to step on his toes.

 

[ReverseTex]

Jamie au Olver

Location: The Consul Room Bang Bang

Jamie sat silently, allowing the Counselors their jabs and quips at him. He had always been a methodical man, never displaying his fold nor speaking indirectly. His words always had purpose behind them, never one lacking meaning...

His eyes followed Zera as she took her seat without protest, allowing Bella to do most of the talking. She was a smart woman, but not enough. He could read her like a book, and still have time to yell at a whore or two.

Locking his icy eyes upon Bella, his face still besides the slight smirk. “I'm a purveyor of beauty and discretion, both equally important, Bella... And to all I say this. The past is the past, the future is why we sit here, and the only matter that is worth discussion.” His eyes scanned the entirety of the table as he spoke, then finding their home upon Zera as the last word escaped his breath. “We all sit here for some reason or matter, and we all play the same game. A silent one at best, but still a game. And to that I say, good luck...” Setting both his hands in his lap, Jamie sat as emotionless as he entered. He knew his words hit home, and he didn’t need anymore to prove his point.

 

[Error 420]

Location: The Imperial Garden, Citadel level 1. Near the Consulate.
Andie stood along one of the guard rails, looking down the miles and miles to the bottom of the Citadel. Perhaps, he thought, he would make a visit to the "Underworld" some day, to see what the fuss was about. It had been a little under a century since his last visit, and then it was a different place. Andie turned back, taking in the vibrant heximadecimal color codes of the Imperial Memorial Garden, making a spectro-analysis of the pollen, and listening intently to the .WAV file of birds chirping blaring through not-so-hidden speakers. He came to the conclusion that it was beautiful, and set his endorphine simulators to "content". The museum curator sauntered up to Andie and placed a hand on his shoulder. He spoke with a weathered but tender voice, speaking to the machine he even called his friend. "Alright, Mr. Seymour. Let's get you back to the exhibit." Andie's fists clenched as he quickly turned his emotion back to content. They walked back to the museum together, a familiar hate filling up Andie.

 

[Bang Bang]

Incoming File ...
To: ReverseTex Shannon Trevor Mourning Dove Collidias Rex

RE: ARIEL

Location: (Primary Location of character Here)
Bureau Notes: scheming. everyone's at it, dammit

Classified
The message, in the end, turned out to be not digital, but physical. Handed over by some plaything, it was crisply sealed and smelt faintly of sex and perfume. Without even needing to open it, Ariel thus knew exactly whom it was from. If the man could be any less subtle-

Casting aside disparaging thoughts, Ariel turned to slicing the letter open with a nail and extracting the contents. She scoffed: 'I am a man of clean hands' indeed. Nothing about Jamie gave her the impression that his hands were the slightest bit clean. But, she had made her bed, and now it was time to sleep in it.

Sweeping back into her desk, she brought up the three through-line screens and tapped through to the mailing system - a minute on the keyboard and systems were encrypted. "Beta?" She called, the SAI's hologram popping up a moment later.
"Yes, Captain?"
"Let command know we're on stand-by. And more importantly, let them know we may have a bonus on the way. They'll know what I mean."
"This about Olver, Captain?"
"You're not supposed to know anything about that, Beta."
"But you-"
"Yes. But we don't speak of it. I know subterfuge is against your programming, but let's put a little effort in, shall we?" Shooting of a reply that merely read 'Confirmed' to Jamie, the Captain wiped her hard-drive for good measure and looked down at the letter. 'Destroy this letter once you have read it' lay printed at the bottom. Delicately, she ran her thumb over the print, paused, folded it, and tucked it into her jacket's inner pocket. Jamie au Olver was the kind of man you'd be wise to keep evidence on. She knew he was ready to turn again the Empire. It would be all to easy for him to turn it all back around on her the moment things went south.

"Messages sent, Captain."
"Good," Ariel replied. "And send orders to John. I want him and an agent of his choosing undercover in Underworld. If things are stirring up down there, I want to know how and what's happening. As for Boy-"
"A message just through from them. Payment transferred."

Ariel smirked, one long, indulgent expression, just this once. "Noblus, Syndicate, all the same. Now Beta," Ariel turned to face the hologram. "I want you to engage the Perceus protocols."
"Whatever you say, Captain. Still think it's stupid though."
"And that, Beta, is where your programming malfunctions. You're not supposed to be telling me these things. Protocols, engage."
"Yes, Captain."

 

[Collidias Rex]

Incoming File ...
To: Bang Bang Sir Galahad II

RE: HADES

Location: Underworld
Bureau Notes: Doggo girls best girls

Classified
Pale red light blossomed across Sabrine's riot shield, growing and coalescing at the apex of the curved face, then shrinking away again. Lights pulsed in time with a thrumming bass backtrack, and Underworld's head bouncer peeked over the top of her shield at the newcomer. The android's face was masked, a simple eye mask with a pair of triangular wolf-ears perched on top. The surface was scarred and dull - the stone mask.

"Yellow." She whispered.

"Yellow light." A hushed echo replied.

"Yellow light." The echo rippled again, softer this time.

Two more heads peeked around the edge of the shield, masks identical in shape to the first - one glossy steel, another dark wood.

The stone mask stood, Sabrine raised herself to her full impressive height and bared down on the newcomer from the podium.

"Welcome to Underworld." She smiled thinly and stretched a hand out, sweeping it slowly outward in a grandiose flourish. Wood-mask emerged from her left, sliding out from behind the riot shield and dragging the barrel of a machinegun against the podium. Even as she smiled and bowed her head, her finger rested firmly against the receiver of the weapon, just above the trigger.

"I do not recognize you." The wood-mask mused, "A new customer is always welcome."

Right on cue, steel-mask emerged from the right of the shield, a carefully choreographed reflection of her wood-masked partner.

"If you please, make your way holy shit, nice piece dude."

...

The wood and stone masked figures paused, and their heads snapped to their comrade. Steel mask abandoned form and dropped off the podium, shooting a friendly wave to the newcomer.

"Kello." Stone-mask growled.

Wood mask nodded to her partner, then turned her glare on the rogue bouncer. "Kello, you're acting very unproff-"

"I'm acting friendly." Kello snapped over her shoulder, "You think customers show up at a whorehouse to review their portfolios? The fella just wants some company, not a fucking legal consultation." Kello halted a few feet in front of their new guest and propped a hand on her hip. "Sorry about them, dropped on their heads on the way out of the foundries. Heya, I'm Kello - now what brings a ..." Her eyes dipped to the sliver of metal on the newcomer's belt - a revolver. "... a classy motherfucker like you to a place like-"

"Kello."

The android stopped mid-sentence and shut her eyes tight. Her shoulders had hiked up and her fists had clenched, and it took a long moment of silence for her to regain herself. The other two had gone silent, staring into the rear of the club where a figure was hunched over the bar.

Kello nodded stiffly. "Yes mast-"

"Get back on your fucking podium." Hades glared daggers at her from across the bar, arms folded and elbows propped on the countertop. His eyes stayed glued to her as she skipped back to her post and scrambled up, her friends wordlessly grabbing her wrist and pulling her up into place.

"Hey." Hades raised a hand and gestured sharply to the man. "Over here. Pick your drink - the first one's free for every new customer." He took a seat on the stool behind him and sized up his new guest, shooting a nod at the entry podium once he'd done. "Don't feel bad for her, she knows better. Can't slack on security."

 

[Bang Bang]

Incoming File ...
To: ReverseTex Dover

RE: BELLA AU SAARA, ZERA AU AUGUSTUS

Location: Counsel
Bureau Notes: Using my own characters to bully my own characters feels... masochistic somehow

Classified
It was no easy task keeping her temper in check. No one turned Bella's stomach as well as Jamie au Olver - the rumors about what he'd done to get where he was could do that well enough alone. As for his utter, unrivaled arrogance, his ice-sharp condescending smirk, his attitude towards people as if they might as well be livestock? Bella might be Noblus, but she still retained some sense of the value of... perhaps honor? Decency? Whatever it was, it was sorely lacking in the shit-faced man regarding the Emperor with those steady, cold eyes of his.

He was the kind of man to make you believe in monsters.

"You might be playing a game," she responded coldly, without looking at him. "But we are here to help the Emperor choose a successor. More importantly, the most suitable one. We all know things have been growing- well, unsettled in the lower levels as of late. We'll all need the best leader to get us through this. Someone who isn't late to the most important meeting of their lives because they couldn't keep it in their pa-"

"Enough," Zera said, a curl of her fingers and a simmer of her MG knocking the air out of the speaking counselor. Gaze steady, unreadable but watching, the Emperor looked down at Jamie au Olver, resident monster. It was to him that she gave a small, careful smile. "And you? Don't run your mouth like that in public. If you understand the game a silent one, voicing it is merely crass. I don't for a second think any one of you has anyone's interests but your own at heart. Which suits me just fine. Your best interest is keeping this place strong. We may have whatever morals we like-" She shot a glance in Bella's direction. "But if they get in the way? They're worse than useless. They're dangerous."

Leaning forward on the table, she looked at each of the Counselors in turn. "All of you. You have two, perhaps three weeks to prove to me who is best suited to keeping my family's legacy alive. My wards, as you well know, are weak at best, unstable at worst. You twelve are my best hope at getting someone who can defend what we have built, what I have built."

Standing, she drew her holopad from her pocket and dangled it midair. "Give me a good show, won't you? Hera?" She called, not waiting for a response from the SAI. "Keep an eye on all of them for me. Shadow District too, if you can - you have my permission to override privacy codes there. I want to know which players know how to play. And next time?" She tucked the holopad back into her breast pocket, along with her chair. A sharp glance in Jamie's direction was accompanied by a smirk. "Don't be late."

 

[Dover]

location: StimHaunt in the Shadow District
tagging: Mourning Dove
ooc: in the post: whining and drugs

Sami 'Swift' Tanyag​

I want to come in.

“You can’t. Stay out here,” Sami said. He shoved his drone, Dolly II, who was hovering at his side, and the flying bucket of bolts wavered before righting herself. Someone passing by gave the two of them an odd look, but Sami ignored it. He was used to the looks.

People throw rocks at me, Dolly II continued to whine.

“So fly up higher. Camouflage. You’re not completely incompetent.”

Dolly II paused—the metal plates that made up her body flickering as she turned on her subpar camouflage system. The plates reflected their surroundings, and from a distance or a cursory glance, Dolly II could keep herself well hidden. But so low to the ground, and with her constantly flickering plates switching between metal and near invisible, she was just making a spectacle. But that wasn’t the worst of it.

Sami shoved her again. “Turn off your lights, idiot.”

After wobbling back into place, Dolly II’s turquoise coloured lights flipped off.

Now can I come in?

“Why the hell—Nevermind. Stay out here. And I swear, if I so much as see a plate flicker, I’m scrapping you for parts.”

You are very rude.

Sami ignored her. Like the stares, he was used to her constant complaining. With one last look over his shoulder to make sure she stayed outside and waited for him, Sami headed into his usual StimHaunt.

Music blasted at him as soon as he opened the front door. The place was packed to the gills, as it always was, and Sami had to push his way through tight crowds of people getting high off their asses, but he finally made it up to the front bar with a relieved sigh. One of the attendants at the bar, a burly looking human man with arms that could probably snap Sami in two, immediately took notice of him.

“Your usual?” the burly man asked.

Sami pursed his lips and scratched at the barcode on his wrist. Couldn't use that, but he still had a Silver Drive. He was painfully aware of how few credits he had to his name. It’d been too long since his last job. “Uh, no. Let’s do half.”

“You got it.” The burly man left for a moment and came back with five Stims, which he wrapped up and set on the bar. He pushed a scanner over to Sami first. Sami swiped his Silver Drive under the scanner, trying not to think of how close to zero this was bringing him.

The burly man nodded and pushed Sami’s order to him. “Here. Seeya in a few days.”

Forcing himself not to scowl at the comment, Sami grabbed his Stims off the bar. “Yeah, in a few days.” He turned from the bar, looking for a place in the StimHaunt where he could get some relative privacy.

 

[Sir Galahad II]

Incoming File ...
To: Collidias Rex

RE: ROBERT HANCOCK

Location: Underworld
Bureau Notes: Captain America’s adventures continue.

ClassifiedThree androids had greeted Rob at the entrance to Underworld, though he couldn’t tell they were androids. One of them menacingly swung an impressive looking machine gun over the edge of the shield guarding them. Looked like Hades had some pretty tight security. Or so he thought, before one of the androids hopped down to greet him. He was amused as he listened to them bicker, one of them even complementing the antique gun on his hip. Finally, however, Hades kept the woman in check, sending her climbing back to her post.

Rob walked over to Hades, the multi-colored lights bathing the flag on the back of his jacket in bright, neon colors. He sat down next to him on the barstool, appreciating the free drink.

“Whiskey, please,” he said to whoever was running the bar.

Looking back at the front entrance, he replied, “I suppose you’re right. Can’t be too careful on the Citadel.” Once he received his drink, he took the shot before looking over at the man to his right, and offered him a handshake.

“Name’s Robert. You can call me Rob. You must be Hades.” He looked around at his surroundings once more before saying, “I must say, I like what I see so far.”

 

[NUSKI]

Incoming File ...
To: All/None

RE: VICTORIA

Location: Level One, Zeta District - Military Training Facility
Bureau Notes: got no interactions so here

Classified

Too slow.

Victoria grabbed her wrist, pulling her in closer and punching hard in the stomach. Her body relaxed, leaning on Victoria in pain. Victoria pushed the body off of her and bent down so she could get a closer look at her. She had been personally training this girl for two weeks and she had seen almost no improvement. It was almost sad. Victoria had to face facts, she was too slow and had zero potential. Victoria sighed and shook her head in disappointment.

"How long have we been doing this young lady? I might have to stop giving you lessons." Of course, Victoria didn't want to stop. She loved helping the others but she had only so much time in a day. Before the Petty Officer could respond, Victoria waved her off and stood up, looking over her with shame. The girl's eyes welled up with tears but quickly put her hands over her mouth so she couldn't cry. She an off to the dressing rooms while the remaining soldiers look at her, clearly amused which frustrated the Fleet Admiral even more. "Who is laughing?!" she yelled so everyone in the room could hear.

Silence.

Victoria nodded and walked in the center of the mat, placing her hands behind her back. "If you all are so confident in you're abilities, come at me. I encourage it!" she said while the corners of her mouth smugly flew upwards. "No? I see. The first one to beat me gets 500 Credits." As soon as the word credits left her mouth, the attention of all the soldiers in the room belonged to her.

It was a rest day, meaning that there was no set training or drills scheduled but still many members of the Imperial Fleet showed up. Whether it be for fighting each other, doing runs, or just working out this group was her favorite. This training facility was big but she tended to go to Block 1B, where the stronger group of soldiers usually stayed. Victoria admired those who put in the extra effort to get ahead because truthfully, it would help them in the long run. Plus, since she was the Fleet Admiral she didn't have too much time with her soldiers. The one flaw to having power; you barely had any time for yourself.

The first person to step up was a Second Class Petty Officer who was probably the same age as her brother. His name started with an F, but she didn't have too much time to dwell on it now. She knew that from previous exercises, he always started with a right hook and despite his slim figure was incredibly slow. She would use that to her advantage. The man sprinted towards her, completely reckless and vulnerable to an attack. Like she expected, he started with a right hook which Victoria easily evaded by moving to the right and smashing her foot down on his right ankle. The man winced in pain but got back up, trying not to show that he was in pain.

"Oh, it looks like I am on the offensive now! The tables have turned, no?" Victoria jokingly said. The soldier faked a punch with his right arm, guessing that Victoria knew his moves. As Victoria blocked the punch, she received another one from his left arm. It was almost too easy, Victoria thought right before grabbing both of his arms and bending them backwards until she was sure he wouldn't be able to use them for the rest of the day. In pain, the man dropped to his knees and Victoria frowned. "You're still too slow. It seems Block 1B isn't as impressive as I thought? Or maybe you all are better with guns? Either way, no Credits for you. Anyone else?" Victoria said confidently. It seemed the soldiers were no longer interested in her offer, and they all returned to doing their own thing.

Maybe next week. Yes, every week she would go to a different facility whether it be in the Theta or Zeta District, choose a random block and give her soldiers that offer but no one was able to relieve her of 500 Credits. Honestly, she wasn't planning on going today but she wanted to speak to Bella to find out what was going on at the palace but she was probably busy. Victoria walked away from Block 1B, lost in her own train of thought. The facility was also colder than she remembered, but she couldn't feel it too much under the metal suit. As Victoria walked through the large halls, many officers saluted before returning quickly to her duties.

"I'll go check on Lincoln" Victoria whispered to herself.

*-*

"I apologize Fleet Admiral au Saara. I have not seen him in two days. Is there something that the Emperor wanted from him?" the man said. Victoria wasn't too fond of going to the Agency Tower; she found it dull. It was risky for her to publicly ask for her brother's location but she had done it before and people just assumed that she was making sure he was doing his job which she kind of was.

"Nothing that you need to know. If you see him, tell him to get back to work" Victoria said before turning around and exiting the tower. She didn't know the man, he was just a random agent but that way, someone higher up wouldn't be too suspicious of her. When Victoria wasn't at the training facilities, she was usually accompanied by two armed guard which she thought was ridiculous but they insisted. She figured she would just wait at her residence until she was summoned. Victoria turned around and shook her head in the direction of the guard on the left of her.

"Stay here until he returns. If you don't see him by the end of the day, tell me or alert Ariel. He knows he has to check in daily as part of his punishment" the guard nodded and backed away from the Fleet Admiral.

Where could that idiot be?!

 

[ReverseTex]

Jamie au Olver

Location: The Consul Room Bang Bang

Jamie’s eyes locked into Bella as she upbraided him for his words, something he was quite numb to. Her reaction was greater and more dramatic than it needed to be, only proving his words hit their target just as he had hoped. He couldn’t help as a smile began to erupt his face, having to tuck his face in his hand as Zera began to silence the angered woman.

Having finally composed himself, his attention was turned in full to the Emperor as she spoke. He did admire that the woman openly acknowledged the corruption of her Council, although it was also a fault. Pushing the thought back as she continued on, talking of the upcoming weeks knowing they’d be absolute hell for the entire Citadel, he began to loose interest. Until he felt a pair of eyes upon him.

“I’ll make sure to schedule my meetings accordingly,” Jamie said with a nod, respecting the Emperors words. Standing from his seat, the meeting clearly over, he slowly made his way to Bella. "Which is more dangerous, the dagger brandished by an enemy, or the hidden one pressed to your back by someone you never even see...?” Giving the woman a pleasant smile, he turned away, his trench flapping behind him.

As he exited the room, his guards quickly formed around him, encasing him. Where to au Olver? “Take me to the Underworld first, I care to meet whoever is running that establishment. Then we’ll see about making a trip to the Agency to speak with your Captain... Or possibly we’ll head to one of my establishments, frankly depends on my mood.”

 

[Bang Bang]

Incoming File ...
To: Collidias Rex Sir Galahad II

RE: GWEN (i.e. NOT GWENDOLYN/PERSEPHONE)

Location: Underworld
Bureau Notes: Gwen's with me on this one

Classified
'The walk of shame' really shouldn't be a thing for someone in Gwen's position, and yet, returning from a certain strain of missions felt exactly like that. Carrying her heels in hand like some drunk human girl - she didn't want them getting covered in the monstrosity that was the sticky substance of Underworld, and all Joybar floors - she headed down the tight corridors, ignoring wolf whistles from assholes. Her tits were decidedly out, but they were an aspect of her body she'd always felt oddly disembodied from - perhaps because others put so much focus on them, as if her whole person was contained within two sacks of fat. She would never understand humans.

Face tightly fixed into a grimace, she at last saw the familiar lights of home - Underworld awaited. A rather abashed looking Kello and the other two of the Cerberus squad - again with the ridiculous Mythos thing - were out there as always, shaking down the unfamiliar faces. She had only to give them a cursory glance, swanning past the unusually long line waiting to get in. Seemed news of The Passing had given everyone the itch for a drink. Now that was an aspect of humanity she could understand.

Facing Hades dressed like this was her idea of a nightmare made reality, thus before checking in with the big boss, she slipped upstairs to her room, ignoring the delightful sensation of sticky squelching on the pads of her feet.

Home sweet home. Nothing felt better than being back after one of those kinds of missions. She was quick to strip off the scent-stained dress clinging too tight to her body and vanish into the shower, sluicing off the remains of evidence from her duties. It was nothing like the old days, but it brought back enough to leave her feeling as if dirt were buried so deep into her skin it'd never come clean. Three layers of heavy duty scrub did their part to help though.

Towelling off, she dressed, put on some sensible (cheap) shoes and gathered herself. After tuning out of everything to such an extent for so long, it left her feeling... numb. Tired. So impossibly tired.

But downstairs lay the promise of alcohol, and the man she was overdue to report to. She didn't have time to unpack whatever was weighing down her synthetic bones; she grabbed her jacket and took to the stairs, spotting Hades over with some new guy. She returned just in time to hear the newbie say, 'You must be Hades. I must say, I like what I see so far."

A small smirk escaped her. "Sorry, darling," she said, slipping up to the two and giving the newbie a wry smile. She was nearly all out of good manners, but she'd find reserves somewhere; She always did. "Our local King doesn't swing that way." Turning to Hades, she knew she'd spoken out of turn. Stupid missions, dulling her to the obvious, the way she should be acting. Brushing through, she gave him a curt, respectful nod. "Ready to report whenever you need, Sir." As a sort of apology, she gave the patron a smile, one of her best. "Enjoy the club. It's always good to see a fresh face around here."

 

[Dover]

location: The Counsel Room, The Citadel
tagging: Bang Bang ReverseTex Collidias Rex (mentioned)
ooc: to see how and where Hera can manifest, please check 'Requesting Hera' in the backstory section of her CS: https://www.rpnation.com/threads/electric-sheep-characters.383877/#post-8579077

Hera​

Ever since the Emperor had announced The Passing only a few hours ago, Hera had been asked ‘What is The Passing?’ 125,378 times- 125,379 times and counting. There were so many new citizens on the Citadel that a great many of them had never born witness to a Passing. Luckily, Hera had plenty of files in her databanks on the matter. It was easy enough to compile together a quick, digestible bit of information on the event, and most citizens were happy with the response. A few others wanted more information. She was already bored of it, though she knew the question would be asked many more times as more people heard the news.

The Emperor requesting her was the only break Hera had from her usual duties and the excruciating repeated questions. It took barely a second after she was called to bring her attention to Emperor Zera’s holopad. Before Hera could even give her usual how may I assist you, Emperor Zera? speech, the Emperor was giving orders. She’d never been one to mince words.

“Yes, Emperor Zera. I’ll begin immediately,” Hera said.

The holopad was tucked away, but Hera lingered, listening to the bits of conversation from the Counsel. Even without the holopad giving her a more direct link, Hera was tuned into most places on the Citadel. Permission, of course, was always an issue, but now she had that from none other than the Emperor herself. She’d be more pleased with it if it weren’t for the circumstances that allowed it.

The Shadow Districts was another issue. Lately, it seemed like every other week that passed, she had less control over the whole area. The unvandalized terminals than she could materialize at were few and far between now. Gathering intel from that area was going to be a serious problem, even with privacy codes overwritten. She wasn’t sure what she was going to tell the Emperor.

This whole Passing debacle terrified her. More than the Emperor would be dead by the end of this, Hera was certain of it. She flipped through her cameras to get eyes on all the Counsel members that she could. One caught Jamie au Olver leaving the Counsel Room with his entourage of guards surrounding him. She continued cycling through cameras as he left, always trying to keep an eye on him. There was a blind spot in-between two of them, and she grudgingly sent a report to Beta for The Agency about the security problem.

She’d keep a careful eye on au Olver. The man couldn’t be trusted. Not after what he’d done to Wilhelm. And the possibility of working for Jamie au Olver if he became the Emperor? Hera couldn’t bear the thought of it.

 

[Mourning Dove]

Incoming File ...
To: Dover

RE: Scotch

Location: StimHaunt in the Shadow District
Bureau Notes: In which Scotch is easily excitable and mostly just wants to brag, actually

Classified
Scotch actually got lucky for once.

In the shadows districts, people tended to come knocking at your door (or the plate of scrap metal you’d pushed in front of the entrance to your hiding hole, depending on just how down on your luck you were) at the worst possible times, but as soon as you started looking for a bastard, they were just gone. Good luck finding them, because asking questions down here was going to get you nothing but suspicious glances and stone cold silence. Or an entire crime syndicate on your ass. That was a possibility too.

So Scotch did exactly that, of course – asked some questions. Though she was just careful enough to ask the right people. The ones that knew she wasn’t some Agent trying to snuff out information. The ones that liked her well enough and weren’t about to start threatening her about an old (and frankly unimportant) unsettled debt.

Most of them still told her to piss off and mind her own business, yeah, but she actually got a hit on her fourth try: The name of a StimHaunt she might just find Swift in. It wasn’t a lot, but it was far preferable to sending him a message and setting up a meeting in some smelly backroom. Because setting up a meeting meant waiting, and Scotch was far too excited to wait right now, ever since she got that rose-scented envelope that morning.

Her lucky streak continued when she arrived at the StimHaunt and a flicker at the edge of her sight caught her eye. She turned, and there was nothing. And then she looked a bit closer, and the Tincan was there, just hovering right outside the door. Her last meeting with Swift may have been a few months back, but Scotch wasn’t about to forget that weird drone he dragged around with him.

Scotch felt a grin take over her face, throwing open the door to the StimHaunt and making a beeline for Swift the moment she spotted his back amongst the crowd. “Well if it isn’t my favourite coworker,” she said, voice loud enough to cut through the blaring music and most likely ring uncomfortable in his ear. She threw an arm across his shoulder, just for good measure, even though she fully expected to be shrugged off in the fraction of a second.

“Funny I’d run into you here. Listen, Swifty, I’ve got a job on the horizon profitable enough even a person with a stick up their ass as big as yours will be interested. It’s not a sure deal yet, yeah, and I might need some days to work out the details, but you’ll want to hear about it now, before I decide I’d be better off working with someone else. So why don’t you just put those things away for a sec,” she gestured down at the Stims in his hand, a wicked smirk on her face, “and talk some business with your good pal Scotch.”

 

[Sir Galahad II]

Incoming File ...
To: Bang Bang Collidias Rex

RE: ROBERT HANCOCK

Location: Underworld
Bureau Notes: Why am I so bad at increasing post length?

Classified
Suddenly, as he was about to shake the man’s hand, he heard a woman’s voice behind him, saying something about swinging.

“Huh? Wait...”

He took a moment to process what she said.

And another, clearly confused.

...

“OH! I get it!” he said, to the woman, laughing. “The bar, I meant the bar. But thank you for the laugh, though.” He listened as she spoke to Hades, then to him. He responded with a “you too” and waved as she walked away. Pretty, he thought. In the back of his mind he wondered whether she was one of the joybots, but figured that was a rude thing to think before actually meeting her, so he quickly focused on something else. He turned back to Hades and offered his hand again.

“Now, where were we?”

 

[Collidias Rex]

Incoming File ...
To: Bang Bang Sir Galahad II

RE: HADES

Location: Underworld
Bureau Notes: I am a very busy adult with very important business things to do

Classified
“Whiskey, please.”

A simple request - the newcomer didn't try any fancy bullshit. No acting up, no picking through the menu to find the most expensive drink - a straightforward act. Hades collected a glass and bottle from beneath the counter.

“I suppose you’re right. Can’t be too careful on the Citadel.”

"Especially today." Hades nodded slowly. He still mulled over the news, but he had work to do. Cassandra and Typhene would be dressed and downstairs shortly - good thing too, the place was just beginning to crowd. Hm ... could this be his optimum window of opportunity? Regardless of time constraints - any good plan required time to adjust to circumstances before execution. No need to rush - not yet. He placed the glass on the counter and slid it across.

Kello, Sabrine and Maya continued dutifully waving in the patrons - Maya's rifle steady at her side whereas Kello swung her gun about with every word like an over-enthused orchestra conductor. The three could only watch one direction, and the crowd was thickening to all sides of them. Hades reached a hand below the desk and flipped a switch, sliding an armored partition from the base of the podium up behind the girls. That would at least keep anyone from getting grabby.

“Name’s Robert." Hades shifted his attention back, finding a hand outstretched toward him. "You can call me Rob. You must be Hades.” The man took a moment to take in the scenery, his hand hovering. “I must say, I like what I see so far.”

"I-"

"Sorry, darling," a familiar, mirthful tone cut him off. "Our local King doesn't swing that way."

Hades glanced across his shoulder and fixed Gwen a hard glare. She'd clearly had a long day - her clothes were fresh but her voice was dry. That was no excuse, though - Gwen could freely speak up when she pleased, and because of that he held her to high standards when she was in front of customers. To her credit, she seemed to catch herself shortly after, and delivered a nod.

"Ready to report whenever you need, Sir."

"Back room. I will join you in a couple of minutes." Hades turned slowly back to his new customer, who had persistently jutted his hand out again. He made a habit of refusing handshakes on grounds of safety, but the newcomer seemed harmless enough. Still ... never hurt to be safe. He grasped the man's hand and shook it firmly - all the while his free hand hovered over a handgun stowed beneath the counter.

"I've got to cut this short. If you're looking for a whore, talk to Rime over there." He pointed briefly to a nearby doorway. "All tits, no ass, lavender dress. Can't miss her - she'll fetch you a lineup. If it's alcohol, the girls will be down in a moment."

Hades clambered from his seat and reached a hand just inside the counter shelf, mashing a small green button a few times and gazing up a flight of stairs as a quiet commotion began overhead. He fetched a datapad from next to the button and sketched out a quick note for the bartenders en route.

Gwen's back. Mix her one of those fruity monstrosities that she drinks, we'll be in the back room. Knock first.

He slipped the pad under the shelf again and made a beeline for a door behind the bar.

A small room, the size of a modest bedroom. A wooden table sat squat in the middle of the room, stained red like wine and flanked by six broad seats in velvet and brass, and a couch along one side. Thick carpet grew from the foot of the table and spread out like weeds.

Hades took a seat on the couch opposite Gwen, bowed forward across the table with his legs spread, taking as much space on the couch as one man possibly could.

"Report."

 

[s e v e n]

Lukas Santiago

Location: Citadel, Market Level 4, Lexington Armory

✢ Interactions: Robert Sir Galahad II , Aria Cosmic_Chaos , Fate RiverGamer
✢ Mentions: N/A
​

​

x

It was unbelievable- it felt surreal. Finally, he's got himself an actual, paying job! The most he ever did before was perhaps take kitchen duties back at his orphanage, and of course he never got paid. Setting off to the real world haven't cease to feel alien in his eyes- whereas a few weeks ago he was safe behind the containment of the walls surrounding his orphanage- his home- now he was...all alone.

It had definitely took some time to get used to, yet he certainly have no better option. Lukas has been warned of the dangers of searching for a job and how hard it was nowadays (heck, he even considered applying at a JoyBar if he was any more desperate), yet much to his luck, after spreading out what may seem hundreds of application, his first letter of acceptance arrived just that morning. Unable to hold his enthusiasm, Lukas ditched his motel, one he would not have been able to afford for if this had been delayed for yet another day, and rushed off.

Level 4. Market. Lexington Armory.

"Alright, boss. I hope you have a marvelous day," Lukas called out as the older man exited the shop, leaving him alone. For a brief moment, his mind crossed over to a weird feeling. That was certainly an immense amount of trust Robert was leaving him. Making a party would have been the least of his concerns- Lukas could have stole a bit of cash, perhaps illegal sets of gun or two, and just ran off into the Shadow District. Of course, he was not that kind of person, yet he must say that Robert's trust in him, despite only just meeting a few hours ago, was admirable. He was happy. At least he felt that he's got himself a good place to settle.

Lukas crossed his arms, leaning back against the wall as he observed his surroundings. The shop seemed nice, neat as it was. Guns and weapons lined orderly, all shelves cleaned to a sparkling level- Robert must have done a good job. It wouldn't be too hard for him, then. As the male retreated towards the back of the counter, the bell to the shop rang out. Boss? he thought, yet as the male looked up, a girl with dark hair and blue eyes, right around his age perhaps, emerged. Strolling, perhaps? There was no way she could have bought something, after all.

"Welcome," Lukas greeted. "Feel free to have a look around." Despite the confidence in his voice, there remained a sense of nervous lingering, however. It was his first time after all. Thankfully it was just a young girl- imagine how he'd handle a bunch of rude buff men- ones he would usually expect to visit a gun store. The door rang a second time. Now another girl, seemed a bit older with a slight darker shade of hair, walked in. Two customers within three minutes? Oh, how could he ever last. At least the second new comer seemed to be of legal age to buy weapons. "Welcome!" he greeted, attempting to make use of the same enthusiasm he did. "Anything that might interest you?"

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[Error 420]

Andie
Location: The AI Museum, The Citadel, Level 1.
Tagging: Dover

Andie assumed his seat in the center of the main hall of the AI Museum, taking great care in suppressing the claustrophobia and anger that being put back inside instilled in him. He didn't want to take anything out on the patrons of the museum, no. He admired their curiosity and occasional kindness. Sometimes, he would even strike up something of a decent conversation, taking the time to attend to friendlier patrons' every desire. Today was one of those days. With the Passing, every sadist bureaucrat or nobleman would be more easily entertained by gossiping about politics and Imperial drama than attending the old museum. Andie recalled that this was exactly the case with the last Passing, and every one before it.

Not long after arriving himself, Andie was greeted with a rush of children, all eagerly storming the front entrance. It was a field trip from the third grade class of Emperor Sousa Memorial Preparatory School. A school of silver spoon-fed adolescents, the children of men and women just down the street, bickering over who would get what position, bribing their way to the upper seats of society. Luckily, children were usually very far divided from their parents at this young age, something that Andie connected with and admired. He would play his same trick of pretending to be immobile, only to surprise them by answering a question of theirs. It never failed.

Unfortunately, the children in this group quickly grew bored of the stiff, generic Andie, slinging insults at him. He pretended that he didn't feel anything, that his programming was as complex as a toaster's. If he had eyes, he would have cried.

The day wound down, and the museum closed up at the end of the night. Just as the lights were being shut down, and the robot cleaning crew came to life, Andie stood and approached the curator's office. He rummaged through his imitation Earth desk, pulling out the curator's holopad.

Hera's pre-programmed response kicked in before she could even identify Andie on the other end. "How may I assist you, Doctor Malkinson?"

Andie's voice box sputtered and chirped out "HELLO, HERA. DOCTOR MALKINSON IS NOT HERE. I HEARD THAT YOU HAD A NEW FEATURE, READING BOOKS ALOUD? I'M INTERESTED." His lack of expression did not fully portray the genuine interest he had in this development. Not only would he have more of a reason to hear Hera's voice, (which he always looked forward to), but that he could finally get to read Moby Dick, something he was told to do long ago, but never found a copy.

 

[s e v e n]

Gabriel O. au Augustus

Location: Citadel, Level 14, Underworld

✢ Interactions: Robert Sir Galahad II , Gwen Bang Bang
✢ Mentions: Hades Collidias Rex , Zera Bang Bang , Lexa
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x

"Fetch me another one of these, won't you dullin'?"

With the scarceness of the lighting, dim lamps and the heavy scent of what Gabriel can only most accurately identify as sin, it was appropriate that the place was named the Underworld, after all.To him, however, it felt like heaven. Face halfway obscured beneath a dark hood- the garment threatening to slip away. Of course, no one had ever expected the son of the oh-so-great Emperor Zera to be spending his time with lowly peasants such as these; especially, as he heard, that they were all having a Counsel meeting. May seem horrendous to anyone who has heard of it- in Gabriel's ears, it sang opportunity. Regardless, Gabriel took extra precautions anyway. Not for his sake, but for Lexa's. Well, some for his sake-

"Certainly, Master Jacob," said one of the Joybots- a blonde female considerably curvaceous- rose to her feet, taking the glass from the male's hand before beginning to walk off. And of course, looking aside of having yet another metallic mask covering his eyes, there was certainly no way he was revealing his true name. It would have been suicide, to put frankly. Jacob Grey. No one but a very insignificant Hand residing at the Market Levels- that's how people around this area know him.

His legs sprawled over the laps of a male Joybot, his arm wrapped around the waste of a female, he watched as the light of neon colors- red, blue, green- danced within the darkness to the rhythm of blaring music, its bass bouncing through the walls in sync with the pounding of heartbeats. People danced around the floor- or androids, at this point often it was quite difficult to tell anymore, especially with the lack of light. And also, the excessive alcohol in his system to keep his visions focused for too long.

He checked the time. A wise decision would perhaps for him to start heading back right now, before anyone notices his disappearance. But the way these filthy Joybots ran their hands over his thighs -the cold touches over his skin- it was getting harder and harder for him to even frankly consider setting off. Around the corner of the room, at the bar to be exact, Gabriel noticed as a man approached Hades -obviously, the owner of this club called Underworld- and began talking. Of course, he couldn't have possibly heard them from such a far range, especially with the blaring of music, yet he could perhaps form a hypothesis or two with his fogged up of a brain, either: one, the man was an acquaintance, or two, he was hitting on Hades.

A smirk form across his lips as he removed himself from the two Joybots, swinging his legs aside before standing up- and instantly the world began to dance samba. The floor seemed to suddenly incline, images zooming in and out- just how much and what have he been drinking, exactly? When the blonde Joybot has returned from getting the drink that he had asked for, Gabriel deliberately stuck his foot out, tripping her to fall on purpose and walked off without looking back. The male made his way across the dance floor, ignoring most of the people or androids (once again, he still could not really tell) grinding against him, settling on stealing a quick kiss out of a curly haired woman- and finally he found himself next to the male.

"Hades doesn't swing that way, you know?" he pointed out, clearly unaware that this was actually the second time the male has been told that that day. "Trust me, I've tried and have long given up. It is the other one you perhaps have a chance for, unless, of course, you don't swing that way," he looked around towards where Gwen and Hades has left to before calling out at the woman "Persephone, dullin', you look gorgeous today!" because someone had to do it, not sure if the female android has listened to her at all.

"Jacob," he smiled and turned back towards the other male, introducing himself. "Jacob Grey. Nice to meet you, handsome. Would you like me to buy you a drink?"

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[RiverGamer]

Incoming File ...
To:Interactions - Lukas Santiago - s e v e n , Aria Renean - Cosmic_Chaos

RE: Aritafae 'Fate' Alexander

Location: Shadow Districts, then Lexington Armory (Level 4 Market).
Bureau Notes: Fate works in very strange ways.(I apologise if this is a bit sub-par atm

ClassifiedFate wondered the Shadow Districts paying little mind to those around her. Whilst she was used to the hustle and bustle of the area, she found the air around her to be that little bit heavier. The young woman's eyebrows furrowed, coming to the conclusion se wanted out whilst she was still free. Fate kept her left hand in her pocket, protecting the few pieces of moderately priced jewellery in her pocket. She also kept her right hand above one of her daggers just in case the situation called for it.

Fate wandered for a small while until se arrived at Market Level 4. She found the atmosphere to be considerably calmer than earlier but what Fate was most interested in was the gun store she'[d just come across. Her eye brows raised in pleasant surprise as a young girl, looked to be at least 5 to 7 years younger than herself, walking into the store. 'A kid in a gun store?' "Desperate times call for desperate measures I guess...Fate mumbled to herself as se made her way into the in store which she found filled with older models of a variety of guns. 'Nice collection here. May have to pop in again sometime soon..' She then turned to the store employee as he welcomed her and the other girl and with a sudden urge to laugh out loud. Instead she chose to stand and look at the boy with a wide smirk upon her features before saying "This is a pretty neat collection of guns here, probably pricey to eh?" Turning to I'm with her left eyebrow raised.