Ahead of you is a rather tired, grizzled looking man, stubble outlining his thin cheekbones and frail frame. His fingers idly tap against his wristpad, mouth twisted into what seems to be a permanently-etched frown. As you approach his eyes flicker toward your own, lids drooping slightly, darkened bags framing the sockets. He nods slightly and turns to face you - As he speaks, you notice his voice is low and rough, words coming slow as though suffering from one too many long nights. Peacekeeper Constad: Hi. Can I help you? : Are you with the ICC? A hand raises to his eyes, rubbing against them gently as he nods. Peacekeeper Constad: Only been here for a bit now, and it already feels like years... to answer your question, though, yes. Gerald Constad, Peacekeeper Commander with the ICC. You? : My name is . Peacekeeper Constad: Well then, - I'd say welcome, but not much to welcome you to. His head shakes briefly before looking back toward the distance, obviously a bit distracted. : Do you mind if I ask what you're doing here? His head shakes slightly as you speak again, as though snapping back to reality. Peacekeeper Constad: Honestly? Not much of anything right now. You've heard about all the recent trouble that the Dust Brigade has been causing - I've been called out to help investigate the situation, try to figure exactly what they're up to. But to tell the truth, I keep getting stonewalled at every turn. I get a lead and it vanishes almost as soon as reaches me. They're slippery punks, and it's driving me crazy - I can't even tell you the last time I've had a good night's sleep. : Is there anything I can do to help? Constad nods very slowly, eyes glancing over your equipment and form. Peacekeeper Constad: I don't know... maybe. One problem we have is that I'm from off-planet. I've been trained with knowledge of the area, yeah, but nothing beats practical experience. Maybe you could be useful for that. You mind checking up on something for me? : Sure, I'd be happy to help out. Peacekeeper Constad: I owe you one, then. Two days back we got information on an encampment outside of this city in Broken Shores - Home, I think it's called. By the time I got there to check it out they'd already headed out, and I haven't been able to dispatch anyone to follow up on things. A priest called Fontain seemed like he might have some information, but didn't want to talk to me - He might be more willing to speak to someone from the area. If you can head out and see what Fontain knows, it'd be a great help. Once you've talked to him, come back and give me the full report - I've got something here I think you could use, as payment for your work. Good luck. -- -- Peacekeeper Constad looks up from his datapad as you approach, the frown on his face deep set. Turning to face you completely, he offers a quick nod. Peacekeeper Constad: Good to see you back, . Got any information for me? : That patrol didn't go so well. Constad frowns slightly, nodding as your sentence finished. Peacekeeper Constad: So I saw. I was monitoring your NCUs and vital signs as you went out... looks like we may have bigger problems than we thought last time. Any duster with the rank of Ground Chief is pretty bad news - Fates know we've had enough issues with that damn Mikkelsen guy. I don't know what this one's up to, but I'm willing to bet it means trouble for us. : Is there anything else I can do? Peacekeeper Constad: Actually, just so happens I have some good news. Well, it's followed by more bad news, but I'm not letting that spoil the moment. Turns out that communications tower you busted up just so happened to have some damn fine information for us; took the boys a while to decrypt it, but I think we've got a winner with this one. Looks like the dusters are trying to set up some kinda training camp out in Eastern Foul Plains, bringing in new recruits. Training 'em for what, I don't know, but we need to shut that stuff down pronto. : Consider them dead. Constad quickly waves his hand in front of you, head shaking from side to side. Peacekeeper Constad: That's a negative. First thing you're doing is recon - I want to know who's there, what they're doing, and why they're doing it. If we charge in and start killing stuff now, we may lose out on a valuable opportunity. From what we know about most duster training facilities - which admittedly ain't much - they usually keep four drill sergeants there on watch at all times, and typically some sensitive computer equipment. I want you to get in and scope the place out first, and see what kind of equipment they've got. It's vital that we know the types of terminals they're running before we take any further action - I'll explain why later on. But don't spend too much time there making your presence known. And if at all possible, do not engage the enemy yet. There'll be time for that later. Any questions? : None. The peacekeeper grins slightly, a bit of some odd joy spreading on his face. Peacekeeper Constad: Glad to have you aboard, . Now, before I forget, I believe I promised you a little something before heading out on patrol, and I'd definitely say you've earned it. With that Constad reaches into a small pouch by the side of his armor, retrieving a small nanocrystal and passing it over. Peacekeeper Constad: You remember how I was telling you that nanodeck I gave you could be used for some really special stuff? Well, this is what I was talking about. The reason those were created was so people could utilize these - Specialized nano programs, designed for really high-end use. They're so powerful by default that without using one of those nanodecks, you'd run the risk of seriously overloading your notum field trying to run one of the scripts. Plug that deck in, though, and you're good to go. I've got a couple more floating around as well - Long as you keep up the good work, I'll see about requisitioning some for you. Now, let's see what you can do about that training camp. : Goodbye -- Peacekeeper Constad looks up from his datapad as you approach, the frown on his face deep set. Turning to face you completely, he offers a quick nod. Peacekeeper Constad: Good to see you back, . Got any information for me? : Found three terminals, like you said. Constad nods, tapping briefly against a wristpanel built into his armor. Peacekeeper Constad: Getting the details from your NCU now. From the sound of it, looks like we've got a live one. Kind of an odd place, too, from the visual logs. Alright... now that we know what kind of computers they're using, I know what kind of equipment to give you. Here's the outline: I want you to go in and take this camp out. You should be able to handle the Dusters alright, though you might want to take a few friends along just in case, but that's not the main focus of our mission. What I need you to do is take a look at the data terminal set up in the center of the camp - With any luck we'll be able to get something of use outta it. Here - This is an automated hacker tool the boys have modified to work on duster encryption, based on what we got out of the data chips you found. Takes a few seconds, but it should get the job done. Use that on the terminal and it'll spit out a data chip after a few minutes - Once you've got that you'll be good to go. Just keep yourself safe, and head back here when you've got a report for me. : Goodbye -- Peacekeeper Constad looks up from his datapad as you approach, the frown on his face deep set. Turning to face you completely, he offers a quick nod. Peacekeeper Constad: Good to see you back, . Got any information for me? : All four sergeants are dead, and I have the information you requested. Constad grins at your words, an oddly happy light in his eyes. The more you work with the Peacekeeper, the happier he seems to be, as though vitality slowly returning to his mind and body. Peacekeeper Constad: Hot damn. I have to hand it to you, you're doing great stuff. You mind if I see the data chips from the tool? And the tool itself, if you would. Peacekeeper Constad: Of course, here's your pay before I get too engrossed in all this. Constad tosses you a small nanocrystal before plugging the hacking device into his datapad, nodding slightly as he begins pouring over the information within. He stares in silence for several moments before pausing, eyes blinking quick. His jaw goes slightly slack, eyes widening, flicking his vision upward to you. Peacekeeper Constad: Holy... , this is unbelievable. According to this, there's a duster turncoat out there roaming around... and he's been marked for termination for being a traitor. : You're kidding, right? Eyes still wide, Constad shakes his head, genuinely looking suprised at the information. He returns his vision downward, studying the datapad once more. Peacekeeper Constad: This honestly looks like the real deal. People almost never escape the Dust Brigade. Not like it's your local knitting club - quitting isn't easy. If this is true, then we've gotta find this guy before they do. I can't even begin to tell you what kind of break this could be. Constad's eyes flick upward to your own, looking gravely serious. Peacekeeper Constad: Alright, . I know I've asked a lot of you so far, but this is big. Can you help us out? : Not a problem. Peacekeeper Constad: I can't even begin to tell you how much I owe you for this. The first step is figuring out where he is. If the dusters have him marked for execution, they know, but we don't yet. Looking over some of the transmission logs for this, we might be able to pick up some more information by following the lines of communication. Now that we've got a reliable way to hack into duster encryption, I'm thinking that going after a few more of those relay towers might be a good idea and could potentially give us a chance at learning where this guy is holed up. According to this information, there are five relay towers set up that seem to be major sources of communication for the brigade - If you get in there, use the hacking tool, and can pick up additional intel for us, we might just stand a chance here. I've uploaded the coordinates of the first one to your NCU already. Once you've gotten there and hacked the tower, I'll send you a message with the next location. Good luck, - We're counting on you. : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the hacking device) The machine beeps quietly. The machine's display fizzles for a moment as you place the device against it's surface, oddly garbled text criss-crossing it's front as the hacking tool comes to life. After a moment the display returns to normal, and a green light shines atop the hacking device to signal it's success. Communications Relay Tower: As soon as you remove the device, your NCU beeps with a message from Peacekeeper Constad. : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the hacking device) The machine beeps quietly as you draw near. The machine's display fizzles for a moment as you place the device against it's surface, oddly garbled text criss-crossing it's front as the hacking tool comes to life. After a moment the display returns to normal, and a green light shines atop the hacking device to signal it's success. Communications Relay Tower: As soon as you remove the device, your NCU beeps with a message from Peacekeeper Constad. : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the hacking device) The machine beeps quietly as you draw near. The machine's display fizzles for a moment as you place the device against it's surface, oddly garbled text criss-crossing it's front as the hacking tool comes to life. After a moment the display returns to normal, and a green light shines atop the hacking device to signal it's success. Communications Relay Tower: As soon as you remove the device, your NCU beeps with a message from Peacekeeper Constad. : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the hacking device) The machine beeps quietly as you draw near. The machine's display fizzles for a moment as you place the device against it's surface, oddly garbled text criss-crossing it's front as the hacking tool comes to life. After a moment the display returns to normal, and a green light shines atop the hacking device to signal it's success. Communications Relay Tower: You then remove the device, all five indicator lights at the bottom highlighted. : Goodbye -- Heavy breaths exit the nanomage's lips, looking no worse for the wear but obviously still shaken from the incident. After a few moments he shakes his head, attempting to his thoughts before finally speaking. Sean Powell: Jeeze... I can't believe you actually managed to fend them off. I can't believe I'm still alive. I owe you one, , I really do. : Now will you come with me? Sean glances about the camp for a moment, lips pursed in thought, before finally shaking his head. Sean Powell: Look, it ain't that the offer isn't appreciated... but I think I might have better odds out here on my own. Particularly now that you've managed to keep them from getting to me once. But... Sean nods thoughtfully for a moment, eyes lost in thought before turning them toward you again. Sean Powell: You did help me out. Like I said, I owe you one. So if there's anything you want to know, ask now and I'll tell you what I can. : Do you know anything about the Dust Brigade's plans? Sean Powell: I wish I had more to tell you than I do, but... honestly, I don't know much. Everyone's heard of the dig site out in Perpetual Wastelands by now, but they've got another one going on somewhere. I don't know where, and I wish I did - I'd tell you in a heartbeat, 'cause I think you might be able to shut 'em down for good. But it's always a question of where. The stuff they're looking for is so scattered and fragmented that they just take what they can find when they get there. : What are they digging for, exactly? Powell's lips purse for a moment in thought, as though hesitant to speak. But after several seconds pass he takes a deep breath, nodding to himself. Sean Powell: Old stuff. Very, very old stuff. Older than you or me. Things that were here a long time ago, before any of our kind ever set foot on the place. They may just be trying to get the Xan technology for the power boosts - Fates know that's been working out well for them so far. Crazy shielding systems, teleporter access, the works. Light years beyond what they had a few years back. But.. I dunno. And maybe this is just me. But it seems like there's something deeper. Something more sinister going on. Hell, it's the Dust Brigade - there's always something more sinister going on. I dunno. I got out before I could find any of the really juicy stuff. But I don't think it's the same old game anymore. Something's changed, and I don't think any of us are prepared for where it's all headed. : So you don't know where this new dig site is? Powell shakes his head again, a slight frown on his face. Sean Powell: I don't. Sorry, I really wish I did. But... I do have something that might help you find it. The nanomages taps gently against his cyberdeck for a moment, a tiny slot on the side ejecting a data disk. Sean Powell: This is still pretty fresh. It's a listing of access codes for some of the sites. None of them have any locational data - trust me, I've checked. But when you do find it, this may help you get into the front door. : Are you sure you don't want to place yourself under ICC protection? Sean Powell: Nah... there's nothing they can do for me now. I'm in worse shape if I go there than if I stick to the wilds. At least here I can run if they're bearing down on me. Might need to find a new hiding spot, though. With that, Powell smirks slightly, tilting his head toward the exits. Sean Powell: Now, get outta here. Think you've brought me enough trouble for one day. And again... thanks. Good luck. : Goodbye -- Peacekeeper Constad looks up from his datapad as you approach, the frown on his face deep set. Turning to face you completely, he offers a quick nod. Peacekeeper Constad: Good to see you back, . Got any information for me? : I found Powell... and Aune. Constad listens carefully as you relay the details of your mission, and of the attack from Ground Chief Aune, nodding on occasion with a rather dire frown on his lips. After you finish he takes a deep breath, nodding once more and tapping quickly against his datapad. Peacekeeper Constad: Alright... alright. I'm dissapointed we couldn't get Powell back here, but we can't force him either. If he wants to keep running with those freaks chasing him down, then it's his own stupidity. For now, though, we've got bigger fish to fry. I hate to put this on your shoulders, but... the hard part is about to come. : Hard part? Peacekeeper Constad: While you were out we spent a little more time working on the data you pulled from the communications towers. Powell was right, and there is a new dig site popping up... funny enough, right under our damn noses. We did some positioning and it turns out that the next dig site is right underneath where Mikkelsen and his crew were. I can't believe this got past us until now... but no sense worrying about it now. What we've gotta do is get in there and shut them down. Now. : I'll do whatever I can to help. Constad nods firmly, a determined grin coming over his face. Peacekeeper Constad: This one is all you, , and I can't thank you enough for everything you've done so far. I've got faith that you can take Aune and her operation out - You've worked miracles already, and while I don't think this one's going to be easy... if anyone can do it, it's you. I've gotta start reporting to my superiours about this, so I can't do much but wish you luck. But I do have one last thing for you - The R&D boys dropped off a new nano type a few hours back, and I can't think of anyone better to get it than you. Constad takes a deep breath before nodding again, the same grin wide on his lips. Peacekeeper Constad: Alright. The security codes you've got there should get you into the new dig site. The pieces are in motion, and they probably know we're coming, but there's nothing they can do now. Get out there and give 'em hell. : Goodbye -- Constad nods slightly as you come closer, a bit of a smile on his face. Peacekeeper Constad: Well... what's the news? : It's over. I killed Aune. Constad quirks an eyebrow upward, trying to remain stern despite the slight smile on his face. Peacekeeper Constad: I know. You'll forgive me, I hope, but I took the liberty of patching into a few relays and monitoring your NCU. I wouldn't say it's over just yet - You know just as well as I do how resiliant those damn Dusters can be. But... well, if nothing else, it's a damn fine start. Damn fine indeed. I wish there was something more I could do or say to you, because "thank you" just doesn't seem to work that well. But you've done an amazing job, , and I'm in your debt. : Is there anything else I can do for you? Peacekeeper Constad: Right now? Nah, not really. I mean, we've beat the bad guys, saved the day. Nothing left now but the paperwork, really. Actually, if you're really bored, that is one thing you could do for me real quick - I'm getting assistance here on Rubi-Ka from another Peacekeeper officer. Someone I've known for a long time. She's a good friend, but she can be... well, let's just say she's known for being a bit moody. She gets the job done and everything, and she's really a nice person and all, but her attitude's gotten her in a bit of trouble. And now we're going to be working together on this whole mess. : Sounds like you aren't very thrilled. Peacekeeper Constad: Oh, don't get me wrong. Heather and I go way, way back, and she's a great friend. But like I said, she sometimes loses the ability to be... pragmatic. To say the least. She just arrived on-planet an hour or so back, hasn't been briefed yet. I've got some stuff I need to run over to her, but at the moment I really need to concentrate on getting my paperwork done. : Anything I can do to help out? Constad's mouth twists into a slight frown before nodding, pulling a small datapad out of his armour. Peacekeeper Constad: Actually, if you would, I'd really appreciate this getting to her as soon as possible. Just tell her you're running it over from me, and that it's her initial briefing - I'll meet up with her shortly after. : No problem. Where can I find her? Peacekeeper Constad: She just got off the shuttle about an hour ago, and they took her to Newland. Knowing her she's probably milling about at the moment, inspecting the place and trying to find any potential terrorist threats or something. Constad chuckles at that, head shaking from side to side. Peacekeeper Constad: But yeah. If you can do that it'd be a huge favour. Just drop it off and let me know if she has anything to report. Thanks a ton, . : Goodbye -- next part -- The Peacekeeper looks at you with a hard, cold glance, frowning slightly as you approach. Peacekeeper Coursey: Yeah? : Are you Peacekeeper Coursey? The Peacekeeper gives you a long, narrow stare, one eyebrow quirked upward. Peacekeeper Coursey: That's me. Do I know you or something? Or are you just here to waste my time? : Actually, I was told by Peacekeeper Constad to bring you this report... The Peacekeeper's eyebrow remains quirked, a rather unamused smirk on her face. Peacekeeper Coursey: Constad sent you here to give me a report, huh? Oh, that's just precious. Look, whatever the hell you're trying to sell me, I'm not interested. Go socialize with the other retarded inbreds hanging around. : Seriously, Constad asked me to deliver this to you. Coursey rolls her eyes and sighs heavily, holding out an armoured hand. Peacekeeper Coursey: Fine. Not that I believe you, but I might as well take the chance. If this turns out to be some kind of Bronto Burger coupon, though, I'm going to make sure your intestines get very well aquainted with my boot. Coursey's dark eyes briefly scan the datacard, quiet muttering interspersed with the occasional grunt. After a few moments she taps against the pad's surface, looking back up to your face. Peacekeeper Coursey: So you're . Gerald told me a lot about you. Figured you'd be a little more... polished looking, though. Still, you got the job done, it seems, so I won't complain about that much. Since you've been working so closely on the case, maybe you'd care to give me the story from your own point of view. : (relay your experiences with Ground Chief Aune) The Peacekeeper listens patiently as you relay to her the tales of Priest Fontain, Sean Powell, and Ground Chief Aune. As you begin winding down she grunts slightly, mouth twisted into a light frown. Peacekeeper Coursey: If it wasn't for the fact that Constad swears by you, I'd say that was just a load of crap. Sounds way too damn fantastical if you ask me. But that matches up with his report pretty well, so I'll have to take your word on it. : If I can ask, what's your role here? Peacekeeper Coursey: Not that it's really your business, but I'm here as a special envoy to Constad. Can't say as I'm suprised that he didn't bother coming out to meet me himself - Damn fool's always been inconsiderate. But whatever. I'm here to help him identify and deal with potential threats - In addition to psychological warfare training, I'm also a communications specialist, both of which might come in handy here.. After this business with Aune, the top brass figured some more help might do this dustball a bit of good. : ... right. Well, is there anything I can do for you? Peacekeeper Coursey: No. But go tell Constad that I'm waiting on him. After that she peers down to her datapad again, apparently oblivious to the fact that you're actually still standing there. : Goodbye -- Constad nods slightly as you come closer, a bit of a smile on his face. Peacekeeper Constad: Well, how'd it go with Coursey? : She's very... straight-forward. Constad chuckles at your words, the smile turning upward into a grin. Peacekeeper Constad: Yeah, that's one way of putting it. You gotta get to know her, though - Once you get past that rough shell she's a great girl. Damn dedicated, too. She have any news for me? : Just that she was waiting for you to come and speak to her. Constad nods, opening his mouth to speak before being interrupted by a very small beep from his wristpad. Peacekeeper Constad: Ah, wait one second - Incoming call. Tapping gently against the pad Constad begins quietly murmering to himself, words barely audible to your ears. Only a moment or two passes by before his jaw drops, eyes opening wide. Peacekeeper Constad: What?! They di... no, no no I understand, just... dammit all. Alright. Ok, get me a full sit-rep as soon as you can. Uh-huh. Noted. They're all from where? Huh... ain't that interesting. Constad gives you a pointed look as he listens to the conversation, nodding his head slightly. Peacekeeper Constad: No, no problems with that. I may be able to dig up some information, though - Think I've got just the person for the job. Right. Understood. No, that's fine, just keep me briefed - I'll go inform Coursey. Roger. Constad out. Constad lets out a long, deep sigh, head dropping down and fingers rubbing tightly against the bridge of his nose in silence. : Something happen? Peacekeeper Constad: Yeah. You could say that. You remember me saying a while back that those priests in Home unnerved the hell out of me? Turns out I had a reason to feel that way. : How do you mean? Peacekeeper Constad: Details are a little scarce right now, but apparently there's just been a massive jail-break here on-planet, high-security areas out in Milky Way. And in that wonderful little way that life seems to have, it's managed to bring everything full circle. : I'm not sure I follow... Peacekeeper Constad: Neither am I, really. But somehow, and I don't know much more than this, the Dust Brigade just managed to let out a whole big group of dangerous inmates. And from intial reports? They're all brothers of Home's little priesthood. : You're kidding me. Peacekeeper Constad: Trust me, right now I wish I was. They sent me a quick uplink with information on the twelve prisoners that got freed... and if I'm reading this data right, I'd say it sounds a lot like what you faced with that Atalas guy. Maybe even worse. What the hell are those guys up to? : What can I do to help? Peacekeeper Constad: Right now, I need to go give Coursey the rundown on what just happened... this could potentially be very, very bad. Meantime, we need more information - Since you've had experience talking to Fontain before... : I'll get right on it. Constad nods, tapping against his wristpad quickly. Peacekeeper Constad: Just find out what you can. Fontain was willing to talk to you before, maybe he'll be just as willing now. Maybe. After you leave I'm going to go talk to Coursey right quick, get her in the loop and up to speed. Just let me know as soon as you find out something. : Goodbye -- The priest's eyes focus on you as you approach, face impassive as usual. Priest Fontain: And so the string-bearer returns. I would say your timing to be well-placed, but I have the feeling I would not have seen you without... current events. : Ok, Fontain - You know why I'm here. Priest Fontain: And you'd be correct. But the more interesting question is whether or not you know why you are here. : What are you on about? Priest Fontain: Nothing. Just the ramblings of an old priest. Mostly. With that Fontain takes a deep breath, nodding. Priest Fontain: You wish to know more of the now-escaped prisoners, correct? : That'd be it. Priest Fontain: There is much I could speak of, much I could tell you... but little you would understand, I fear. And that is not meant as an insult, simply the truth. Our ways are difficult to explain to outsiders. But not without their merits. You remember Atalas, I assume? Who is still a source of sorrow among our priesthood, I would add. : Hard to forget... Priest Fontain: Then what you must know is that Atalas is not the first... nor will he be the last. Our order is one of many secrets, and many temptations. It requires an individual of strong mind and will to straddle the fine line that we tread upon every minute of every hour... and for some, walking along that line becomes more difficult as time passes. The temptations of desire tug at their minds, and eventually they succumb. : What does this have to do with the escaped prisoners? Priest Fontain: As I said, in our order we must straddle a very tight line. And there are those who stray too far across one side or another... and, unfortunately, with our position, the temptations are very strong. Power comes to those who do not learn to control their greed, and power often brings out the worst in the weak-willed. Fontain takes a deep breath, a heavy-set frown on his lips. Priest Fontain: Many months back, several of our order strode across that line, aided by certain individuals of whom we are both aware - As well as some which you have yet to encounter. Ultimately, this search for power infected their minds; an illness, yes, but one that begins in the mind and spreads to the body. Before long their minds are lost, the energies that course through their bodies destroying their rational thought. We... had hoped to be able to control these lost souls ourselves. But their strength became too great for us. We realized we needed outside help. : So... what, you turned them in? Priest Fontain: We gave them the best help we could - Removing them from the environment that aided in their corruption. It was not a... popular decision. And there were risks involved. But we knew that keeping them here would only result in tragedy. So we took the ill to the law enforcement of Rubi-Ka, turning them over as deranged individuals. But I assumed that they would eventually escape. Such is fate. : You know the Dust Brigade broke them out, right? Priest Fontain: I do. And I know your next question - We, as an order, have no ill intent, nor are we aligned with their cause. This does not mean we aren't aware of it, however... and as I stated previously, greed infects us all. With knowledge comes temptation, and those who were infected are those who peered too deeply into the Dust Brigade and their masters... and enjoyed what they discovered. : Where does Atalas fit in? Fontain sighs gently, eyes closing and face showing great pain - Perhaps the first time you've seen him exhibit any genuine emotion. Priest Fontain: Atalas is... was, my friend. He and I became brothers of this order together. And for many a year he and I trained side-by-side. I do not believe he succumbed to the forces of the outside willingly - I cannot believe that. But even now we cannot contain him and his madness. Your aid brought back my friend, even if for just a short time. But the madness still pervades his psyche, and it seems as though nothing can stop the infection. : Why didn't you turn him in as well? Priest Fontain: Because of my own failings. Because of my own desires. I had hoped - And still do hope - to cure him of this illness. Every day I search deeper and deeper for what could return him from his insanity. But to no avail yet. You ask why I did not turn him in. I refused because of our friendship. Because I want him back. Because, in this sense, I am greedy. : So who are the Dust Brigade's masters? Priest Fontain: That, child, I cannot tell you. Though I assure you that you will learn in due time. Things are coming to a head much more quickly than I expected... and though our order must remain neutral, I do wish you luck in your endevors. Despite our order's stance, we wish well those who would aid in destroying the dangers of greed. And perhaps - Just perhaps - you yourself will have a great hand in this struggle. : So what about the prisoners? Priest Fontain: I wish I could offer more advice, but I fear I am unable. I would hope that the law enforcement are able to deal with their presence... perhaps return them to confinement. But I am personally quite aware of how dangerous these individuals can be. You yourself have had experience in combating those similar - Perhaps you would be of good aid. The chief wardens for all three major prisons across the planet are, curiously enough, named Ystanes. After reporting to your master, perhaps you should seek them out. With that Fontain nods, letting out a short sigh. Priest Fontain: And there, unfortunately, is where I must leave you. I have given you all that I am able. Save, perhaps, one final piece of advice. The Dust Brigade are intelligent - Cunning and deadly. But at times I question their wisdom. It is entirely possible, in their zealous chase for power, that certain things fall below the radar. Or escape their communications. You may well find your next piece of string in a place you've already looked. : If I ask you any more questions about your order, I'm not going to get any answers, am I? A small smile returns to Fontain's lips as you finish speaking. Priest Fontain: Few that I could give truthfully, and none you would be satisfied with. All I am capable of saying is this - Our order is a delicate one, and well obscured for many a reason. Those of us who are senior within the priesthood are here because we must be. Every day there are those who wake in the morning and set about their duties - Garbage collectors, bounty hunters, secretaries, waitresses, musicians. Some tasks are more pleasant than others, granted, but all must be completed by someone. This is simply our task. A job that must be done. : Goodbye -- A very weary Constad sighs as you come close, tapping furiously against his wristpad. Peacekeeper Constad: Welcome back, . Find out anything? : You could say that. Fontain was rather chatty this time around. Constad listens intently as you relay your conversation with Fontain, mouth twisted into a slight frown. After you finish he grumbles, head shaking from side to side. Peacekeeper Constad: Great. Doesn't really tell us much of anything outside of the fact that we're dealing with a bunch of deranged lunatics. We've got a bit of a problem, though - When I was in Newland talking to Coursey I had a quick chat with the local prison warden, an atrox named Ystanes. I don't quite know if they've got everything under control, but I'm... well, let's just say that HQ isn't too interested in us lending an official hand in this one. They seem to think our efforts can be better focused elsewhere. I'm not saying I agree, but the brass was pretty insistant on this one. : Maybe I could help out unofficially? Constad's mouth turns upward in a grin. Peacekeeper Constad: You wouldn't hear any arguments from me. But, it's gonna be officially off-the-record. Plus, after talking to Ystanes, I don't think it knew anything yet. Since it's outta our jurisdiction, we're going to have to wait for them to come to us with evidence and facts, if there even are any. If you wanna help them out, though, they'd probably appreciate the hand. Just not something I think we can really get involved in, outside of an investigative aspect, and even that's all resting on them at this point. : There was something else Fontain said. About checking in places we've already looked. Constad's head quirks to one side as you tell him of the odd advice that Fontain gave you, a thoughtful frown on his lips. Peacekeeper Constad: You know, it's funny you mentioned that. See, one of the reasons Coursey was brought down to help us out - She's a communications expert, great at decryption and such. Better than I am, at any rate. She had a theory that I thought might be good to check out. Constad mutters quietly after that. Peacekeeper Constad: And one that the brass is pushing for pretty hard at the moment, despite some better leads... : What's that? Peacekeeper Constad: You remember the communications relays that we broke into, the ones stationed across the planet? We've been monitoring signals coming off of them, and it doesn't look like the Dust Brigade even bothered shutting them down. In fact, we're starting to think that they may be hurting for resources, and are trying to keep reusing as much as they can. Now whether this is a good thing in the long run or not, we're not sure - It could mean we're hurting them, or it could mean that they're refocusing their resources elsewhere. But either way, those relays are still active, and we should be able to turn that to our advantage. : What do you have in mind? Peacekeeper Constad: Coursey's patching together a sort of transmitter scoop right now, a little homebrew device that can help us determine broadcast points better than what I've got on me at the moment. The idea is to go and patch in to all of the available relay towers to determine their point of origin - Where the transmissions being relayed are coming from. If we can discover where they're broadcasting from, it might give us a better idea of how to tackle the problem. : Want me to go talk to Coursey, then? Peacekeeper Constad: You got it. Don't worry, either - I told her to lay off you a bit. She'll always be gruff, but maybe she'll be a little better tempered. She'll give you all the details of the mission when you go see her. Any questions? : None I can think of. Peacekeeper Constad: Alright then - Good luck, . And remember - With Heather? Her bark is worse than her bite. Constad just grins after that, before returning his attention to his wristpad. : Goodbye -- Coursey's eyes flicker from her wristpad as you approach, a lone eyebrow quirked upward. Peacekeeper Coursey: You again. I take it Constad briefed you on what was happening? : He did. Peacekeeper Coursey: Good. Here's the basics of your mission. This... Coursey pulls a very small device from a port within her wristpad, holding it up between thumb and forefinger. Peacekeeper Coursey: Was a regulation data relay transmitter. Standard stuff, found in most HUD relays and cyberdecks. After a bit of tinkering, it's now a fairly effective zero-point transmission scoop, tuned to high alpha-band frequencies and with a low modulation retransmitter designed to work on the archaic shortwave frequencies at around six megahertz. Also includes dedicated radioteletype encryption and even automated voice modulation - It also collects ambient samples from other, higher band broadcasts, so the teletype noises should get drowned out with nice doomy metal from Gridstream. Coursey pauses for a moment, mouth twisted into a slight frown. Peacekeeper Coursey: Sorry. Don't suppose you understood any of that, did you? : You lost me around "regulation". Coursey chuckles dryly, head shaking. Peacekeeper Coursey: Sorry. I'm an old radio geek. Everyone's gotta have a hobby, right? Mine's on old archaic radio stuff. Not many people bother learning about it these days, so it works for obscurity. Basically this little device automatically traces incoming radio transmissions, links up with others of it's type, triangulates coordinates of the originating broadcasts, and then relays them back to us on archaic frequencies that almost no one ever monitors. It also does automatic encryption, just in case. This sort of thing used to be extremely popular back in the nineteen-thousands, with underground groups on various planets. It's gone outta style in the past ten thousand years or so, but it still fascinates me. : So what do I need to do? Peacekeeper Coursey: Pretty simple. Just head to the communications towers, attach this device, and leave. By the time you get back to me we should be just about ready for our first return transmission - It won't have all the information we need, but it should be enough to point us in the right direction. Any more questions? : None. Peacekeeper Coursey: Alright then. Get to it, . : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the relay scoop) The machine beeps quietly. Fumbling about a bit underneath the console, you find a small area perfect for applying the scoop. As soon as it touches the tower small nanobots reach out, latching onto and digging within its structure. A very tiny green light flickers to light, indicating that the scoop is working perfectly. : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the relay scoop) The machine beeps quietly. Fumbling about a bit underneath the console, you find a small area perfect for applying the scoop. As soon as it touches the tower small nanobots reach out, latching onto and digging within its structure. A very tiny green light flickers to light, indicating that the scoop is working perfectly. : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the relay scoop) The machine beeps quietly. Fumbling about a bit underneath the console, you find a small area perfect for applying the scoop. As soon as it touches the tower small nanobots reach out, latching onto and digging within its structure. A very tiny green light flickers to light, indicating that the scoop is working perfectly. : Goodbye -- The communications relay in front of you blinks placidly, the display panel on it's front glowing a soft shade of blue : (apply the relay scoop) The machine beeps quietly. Fumbling about a bit underneath the console, you find a small area perfect for applying the scoop. As soon as it touches the tower small nanobots reach out, latching onto and digging within its structure. A very tiny green light flickers to light, indicating that the scoop is working perfectly. : Goodbye -- Coursey nods as you come closer, eyes shifting between your form and her wristpad. Peacekeeper Coursey: I see that the mission was a success. : How'd you know? Peacekeeper Coursey: I'm already getting feedback from the scoops - They're interfacing now. Apparently we got lucky with the timing, as the Dust Brigade just sent a nice long burst of information across the relays. I wish we could tap in and intercept the messages directly, but that would bring too much attention to ourselves. Right now their location is the most important matter. : How long until the first broadcast comes back? Peacekeeper Coursey: Should be any second now, actually. That's the beauty of these things, they do-- Her words are cut off by a sudden blare of static from her wristpad, the wavering sound of modulation blasting from its speakers. Peacekeeper Coursey: There it is now. Listen closely, see if you can hear it. After a few seconds the modulation quiets down as a very, very loud heavy metal song begins screeching out of the speakers. It's hard to hear anything other than the growling, screeching voice of the singer and the droning of electric guitars... but somewhere underneath the music you manage to make out a very faint electronic squeal, pitch and tone shifting constantly. Coursey seems enthralled by the sound, staring at her wristpad with a look you could only really describe as glee. Peacekeeper Coursey: This carries on for several seconds before the transmission fades out entirely, back to the modulation tones of before. Coursey taps against her wristpad slightly to silence the noise, a pleased sigh exiting her lips. Peacekeeper Coursey: Ah. Absolutely beautiful. : ... the music? Coursey frowns, tone of voice nearly admonishing as she speaks. Peacekeeper Coursey: Not the music, the transmission. It's damn near perfect in its simplicity... ahh, there's nothing like the old way of getting things done. Sheer bliss. : So what about the transmission? Peacekeeper Coursey: Ah, yes, right. Let's see what that decoded to, shall we? Coursey taps against her wristpad again, mouth twisting into a thoughtful frown as she peers over the data. Peacekeeper Coursey: Let's see here... relay stations in Milky Way, Lush Fields, Mort... right, right, we know all that, where's the source broad... cast... coming... Her words fade off into silence as she stares down to the wristpad, expression blank. : What's wrong? She continues staring down at the wristpad, eyes flicking over the lines of data. When she speaks you can't be sure if she heard your original question or not, despite answering it. Peacekeeper Coursey: This isn't good. This... really isn't good at all. It's... Her eyes flick back up to your own, the frown on her mouth set deeply. Peacekeeper Coursey: It's coming from outside the satellite network. They're somewhere in the Outzone. : I thought the Dust Brigade always worked out of the Outzone, though? Coursey's head shakes from side to side quickly, peering over the data. Peacekeeper Coursey: No, no... I mean yes - They have. But this is... this is farther in than we ever managed to track them. They're clear on the other side of Rubi-Ka. : Wait, wait - Other side of the planet? Coursey goes back to tapping against her wristpad again, scowling as she pours over the data. Peacekeeper Coursey: Like I said earlier, this is just the first broadcast - It could be inaccurate, it could be misinterpereting the data; any number of things. But... assuming this is correct, they're half-way across the world. I don't know that we can triangulate this. : That's not good. Peacekeeper Coursey: No, no it's not. Dammit. This is bad. We're not prepared to go into the Outzone at all - We don't have the resources available right now, nor anyone with the training to handle it. We may have to... Her words trail off after that, the frown remaining on her lips. Peacekeeper Coursey: Ok. What I need you to do is go back to Constad. Hand him this. Reaching to her wristpad she pulls a small datachip from its side, passing it to you quickly. Peacekeeper Coursey: Tell him that we may have to call in the reinforcements we talked about. The last resort option. He'll know what I mean. : Wait, "last resort"? What reinforcements? Coursey shakes her head quickly. Peacekeeper Coursey: I'm sorry, , but this one I can't tell you - Not my place, and its privilaged information on a need-to-know basis. Constad has the right to, but it's not my call. Just go take that to him, and be quick. We may need to get mobilized as soon as we can. I'll be speaking to you again soon, most likely. : Goodbye -- Peacekeeper Constad looks up from his datapad as you approach, the frown on his face deep set. Turning to face you completely, he offers a quick nod. Peacekeeper Constad: Welcome back, . Got any information for me? : Something like that. She told me to give you this and relay a message. Peacekeeper Constad: Oh? Hopefully good news. Could use some of that. You pass over the datachip to Constad, the Peacekeeper plugging it directly into his wristpad. As the data begins loading he stares impassively down to the display. Peacekeeper Constad: So what was the message she had for me? : She said that the transmission came from the other side of the planet. And that it might be time to "call in the reinforcements." Something about "the last resort option." Constad's face slowly drops, what little colour he had quickly draining from his cheeks as a result of both your statement and the information flowing across his wristpad. Peacekeeper Constad: Aw.... hell. : What? What is it? Peacekeeper Constad: This is bad... really, really bad, actually. And it's going to force me to make a call I didn't want to make. Dammit. Dammit, dammit, dammit! : What?! Constad shakes his head quietly, eyes slowly closing. Peacekeeper Constad: Look. Sorry. Sorry, didn't mean to snap like that. This is just bad news for me - For all of us, really. Coursey told you they're on the other side of the planet - The problem here is that our jurisdiction doesn't extend that far right now. We don't have the rights to go in... and, to be quite frank, we don't have the means either. There are... well, there are circumstances. Things I can't talk about right now. But if their location is where I'm thinking it is, it explains a lot of things. : Such as? Constad's voice drops to a near whisper as he speaks, a frown etched deep onto his face. Peacekeeper Constad: Haven't you wondered at all why the Dust Brigade have been so damn interested in the ruins here on Rubi-Ka? Why they keep digging up old bits and pieces of tech? It's the Xan. It's all related to the Xan. And the Outzone is... Constad's eyes shift slightly, scanning around the area nervously. Peacekeeper Constad: I can't say much more. But there's a lot there that would keep them very occupied, and very, very happy. The Outzone is mostly unexplored, but we do know from satellite imagery that there are things out there that any individual would love to get their hands on. It's one of the reasons the terraforming of Rubi-Ka hasn't expanded more than it has - There's an old treaty designed to keep people out of there. : What are you saying? Peacekeeper Constad: The ICC and Omni-Tek have a long-standing agreement not to go into certain parts of the Outzone. That some things need to remain hidden. It's not exactly a matter of public record, it's something we... well, we have our reasons. We can't stop people from trying to get out there, mind you, and there have been people dumb enough to attempt settling in the Outzone, but they almost never survive. If the Dust Brigade managed to penetrate that far into the Outzone, though... dammit. I'm really going to have to make this call, aren't I? : What call? You're not making sense anymore, Constad. Constad sighs slightly, pressing a few buttons on his wristpad. Peacekeeper Constad: This is beyond you and me now. The reinforcements... they're people trained to go where we in the ICC can't right now. And I don't want to do this, but I'm going to have to. We'll have to work with them to get out there and figure out exactly what's going on. I've got to call in the Unicorns. : You say that like it's a bad thing. Peacekeeper Constad: It is. Look, it's nothing against you or Omni-Tek, but it's the precedent that it sets. We're talking about breaking down a very old, very well-respected treaty here. There are reasons that we've tried to keep people from going into the Outzone. Hell, most of those reasons even I'm not privvy to. All I know is that we're entering slippery slope territory. Once we set foot out there... things are going to change. Drastically. : Is there anything else I can do? Peacekeeper Constad: Right now? No. And I wish there was but there isn't. I've got a lot of work ahead of me now... too much work, stuff I can't say as I really want to do. This may be the last time we get the chance to really talk as well. But I have the feeling that before long... well. Like I said, things are going to change. And you might find yourself wrapped up in it. Constad sighs slightly as a small beep comes from his wristpad. Peacekeeper Constad: Yeah, I was waiting for that. ICC headquarters is ringing me. Look, I'm sorry to cut this short, , but I have to take this. Go talk to Coursey one more time, tell her that I'm in touch with HQ. And... again. Thank you for all that you've done. : Goodbye -- Missing!