Guns And Ships 2

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You are Lyria, an analyst in your planet Samara's military. Life has been thrown into chaos following the attack of the evil emperor Moirdon. Samara's planetary defense system has kept its people safe, but it faces a seige from Moirdon's forces. At night, you can see fire arcing across the sky, and the humming of the orbital cannons' generators is an ever-present sound in your bones. <img src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/66328951631f8cf7149237ed61abbada/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no9_540.jpg" width="700"> [[next|Intro2]]

Your friend Tazi is one of the many squadron commanders sent up as part of Samara's orbital defense fleet. As an analyst, your job is to compile the tactical and logistical information given to you by the brass into a quick, easy to parse format. No longer do you give her the daily report from in front of her command console in the base. Now it stands quiet and empty, and she calls you from one of Samara's battleships. Moirdon's forces are an unknown quantity. They use tactics your army isn't used to using, they have ships you've never faced before. When Tazi sends her troops out, they're going in blind. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/9f1857c37e799d2a42a53bd52f1082ea/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no6_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[next|Intro3]]

One night, however, one of Moirdon's transhuman spies shows up in your rooms. You've only ever heard of them in whispers--lithe, compact killing machines made by Moirdon's scientists, stitched together from bioengineering and wetware. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/d9d29750e15bfaa28cce07ea5b95a6bc/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no5_1280.jpg" width="700"> This one, however, offers you a truce and a bargain: You help them find a place in Samaran society once the war is won, and in return you become a handler for a double agent. It's a risky bargain. <img src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/118b93f74c96d17058ab12aa334af906/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no4_1280.jpg" width="700"> But you accept. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/189e175084125348ef851c7e5b06b2a6/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no1_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[next|Mission1]]

You ask the agent to get you information regarding possible troop movements for the upcoming squirmish between Tazi's forces and Moirdon's troops. "That'll take two datasticks," the agent says, "but sure." Two? Moirdon must have worse data-storage devices than Samara. For a moment, you consider stealing the agent a datastick to load the information onto. <img src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/e57840b8b8f6bf79c89b5e142d5b8379/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no2_1280.jpg" width="700"> Do you [[steal the datastick]] or [[decide that it's not worth the risk? If you end up on Internal Intelligence's radar, you can't predict a good end for you OR the agent.|don't steal datastick]] <<set $fp = 0 >> <<set $ii = 0>>

You decide better data-collection devices are worth the risk. <<set $ii +=1>> <<set $fp +=1>> <<print $ii>> [[next|ConsoleChoosing1]]

Better not to risk it. [[next|ConsoleChoosing1]]

The spy returns with the information the next day, and you realize that you have to somehow get it into the Samaran Tactical Mainframe (STM). Depending on which console you choose, there's a chance of a warning ping being sent to the Samaran Internal Intelligence (SII). Too many pings will trigger an investigation, putting you, your double agent, and the information into jeopardy. There's three consoles you could use: [[Your room's console|Console1]] You know you can access it whenever you want, but you also know it will send a ping to SII every time you use it to enter the STM. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/ee50c97eea4cba4981f8125e8648bc55/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no7_1280.jpg" width="500"> [[Your desk's console|Console2]] There's always a chance of being spotted doing something illicit and having to stop before suspicion is aroused, but there's less of a chance that it will send a ping to SII. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/300a18b54df1071570244bfa69071f47/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no8_1280.jpg" width="500"> [[Tazi's command console|Console3]] Tazi's command console can access the STM at any time without sending a ping. However, since she shipped out to be a part of orbital defense, no one goes near it. There's a low chance of you being able to access it without being seen. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/864b12f7a68eebbc017fd282ce29390b/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no3_1280.jpg" width="500"> You have one chance to upload the information before too much time passes and it becomes obsolete.

The data uploads successfully, but you can't help the nervousness as the computer also sends a ping off to SII. <<set $ii +=1>> <<set $Mission1 =1>> [[next|TaziTalk1]]

You hope you'll be able to sneak the information in under the eyes of your coworkers. <<set $Mission1 to either (1,0)>> [[TaziTalk1]]

You hope you'll be able to sneak past the rotating guards to upload the information. <<set $Mission1 to either (0,0,0,0,0,1)>> [[next|TaziTalk1]]

The tightness in your chest eases when your call to your squad's orbital communications is answered with Tazi's familiar face. "You made it through!" you say, unable to help your smile. She manages a grin for you. "This wasn't my first sortie, Lyr. I'm more impressed that I kept all my greenies in one piece." "That's wonderful!" "Yeah, well." Tazi sighs, broad shoulders slumping. "If you could give me some good intel to boost morale, that'd be even better." You frown, shuffling through your files. "What do you mean? I thought you were doing well." "Just 'cause we're not missing any fingers doesn't mean the little ones in the squad's not getting night terrors." Tazi runs her fingers through her hair. "I know they all signed up for it, but it gets me seeing the greenies so scared. The sooner we end this, the better." <img src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/65a8079314e98ec9a714d698acda7744/tumblr_o67l96zxjE1vs6b5no2_1280.jpg" width="700"> You busy yourself sending her the intel bundle, and for a few minutes, you're both quiet as she flicks through the files. You're the one who breaks the silence, asking, "What do you need?" Tazi glowers off into the middle distance. Her thinking face always was a bit terrifying. "Off the top of my head? Supply routes. Let us drain 'em dry." "I'll do my best." [[next|Mission2]]

You grin back. And then you remember the spy's comment about the comm unit, and remember that the quarter master has heaps of them lying around... <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/7babb45a4b717d39e3360cf97dc4d67d/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no8_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[Maybe you should steal one|steal comm]] [[Better safe than sorry. The spy will just show up when they mean to and you won't have to worry about II.|don't steal comm]]

It would come in useful to call the spy when you need to. <<set $commstole=1>> <<set $ii +=1>> <<set $fp +=1>> <<print $ii>> [[ConsoleChoosing2]]

You kind've regret not stealing the comm unit so you can call the spy whenever you want, but it's not worth the risk. <<set $commstole = 0>> [[ConsoleChoosing2]]

The spy considers. "If you want to call me instead of just waiting for me to show up, a comm link." <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/7babb45a4b717d39e3360cf97dc4d67d/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no8_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[You don't want to have to talk to them at all after this.|don't steal comm]] [[You grit your teeth and nod. The idea makes sense.|steal comm]]

<<if $Interaction2==1>> You're woken by a gentle rapping. When you struggle awake, you find the spy sitting cross-legged next to your bed, idly tapping the datastick against the back of their claws. They grin at you once your eyes are open. "You were sleeping more soundly than the wormies do." <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/56f195944535926a6f80393cd30a4075/tumblr_o67l96zxjE1vs6b5no1_1280.jpg" width="700"> You stare at them. "Wormies?" "It's what we call spies in training. Tube-worms." The spy dismises the topic with a shrug, tossing the datastick to you. You fumble and barely manage to catch it, and when you look back up it's obvious that the spy is holding in at least a chuckle. "Enjoy that," the spy says, and stands to leave. "Oh, by the way, I figured it out." "Figured what out?" "Go with the third gender." You get a lazy salute, and then the spy starts walking towards your door. "There's a couple more hours before you're due to sign in. Get back to sleep." You stare after them as they slip out your door, and then look back down at the datastick in your hands. For a moment, you actually consider following the spy's advice, but then you struggle your way out of bed. Tazi might need this information. It should be uploaded now. <<else>> You wake up with a start. There's nothing in the room, though--just a datastick of information next to where your head was resting on the pillow. There's a pink ribbon wrapped around it, though, so you dare to think you're forgiven. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/864cfe3ba10248e64de4dc4289efec70/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no6_1280.jpg" width="700"> When you glance at the clock, it's hours before you're set to show up for duty. With a groan, you struggle out of bed. You might as well get this information uploaded now. <<endif>> There's three consoles you could use: [[Your room's console|Console1.2]] You know you can access it whenever you want, but you also know it will send a ping to SII every time you use it to enter the STM. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/ee50c97eea4cba4981f8125e8648bc55/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no7_1280.jpg" width="500"> [[Your desk's console|Console2.2]] There's always a chance of being spotted doing something illicit and having to stop before suspicion is aroused, but there's less of a chance that it will send a ping to SII. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/300a18b54df1071570244bfa69071f47/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no8_1280.jpg" width="500"> [[Tazi's command console|Console3.2]] Tazi's command console can access the STM at any time without sending a ping. However, since she shipped out to be a part of orbital defense, no one goes near it. There's a low chance of you being able to access it without being seen. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/864b12f7a68eebbc017fd282ce29390b/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no3_1280.jpg" width="500"> You'll only have three chances to upload the information before too much time passes and it becomes obsolete.

The data uploads successfully, but you can't help the nervousness as the computer also sends a ping off to SII. <<set $ii +=1>> <<set $Mission2 =1>> [[next|TaziTalk2]]

You hope you'll be able to sneak the information in under the eyes of your coworkers. <<set $Mission2 to either (1,0)>> [[next|TaziTalk2]]

You hope you can sneak past the guards. <<set $Mission2 to either (0,0,0,0,0,1)>> [[next|TaziTalk2]]

Tazi's mouth is set in a grim line when you sign onto the comm call. "Did you hear the news?" "They said that there's been a rash of battlefield promotions?" you ask, fingers clenching on the edge of your desk. That note in Tazi's voice never bodes well. "Battlefield promotions." She rolls her eyes. "Lyr. It's a fancy way to say that people keep dying and we keep having to get replacements." "But the battle stats aren't saying anything about commmand deaths--" "It's not happening during battle. Something's picking us off." Tazi shifts in her seat, eyes flicking from side to side. "Even with increased guards. I don't know what, I don't know how, but every time there's a new sleep cycle someone is dead by the end of it." <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/ceddaba096f1f03973de6249d6ee194f/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no5_1280.jpg" width="700"> "That sounds..." you swallow down the //impossible.// "I'll put in a call to intel. Maybe we can find something out." "Hope so. Haven't slept at all these last nights." Tazi lets out a rough chuckle. "Hope you're holding up, Lyr." "You know me," and you muster up a reassuring smile. "I took up this desk job so I'd stay safe. You got nothing to worry about." [[next|Mission3]]

<<if $commstole==1>> You call the agent and ask them to come to your quarters. <<else>> You wait and hope that the spy turns up soon. <<endif>> The spy ducks in as you're making yourself choke down dinner in your quarters, folding gracefully into the chair across from you. You could swear they're looking hopefully at the nearly untouched portion on your plate. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/cbd3ca4e2dda3f4147a6c4b36cd154cd/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no4_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[You sigh and push the food over. "Here. I'm not hungry."|Interaction3.1.a]] [[You ignore the look and keep trying to eat.|Interaction3.1.b]]

The spy shakes their head, already reaching for your utensils. "I don't know why. This smells delicious." You look dubiously at the food. "...I guess." <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/1439de67a6fa0a160778c31c1a46f6c3/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no3_1280.jpg" width="700"> After their first few bites, the spy hums around a mouthful of food, "Anxious about something?" You nod, and then add, "How'd you know?" They grin at you. "The only time wormies didn't eat was when they got scared. What's chewing at you?" "Something's picking off our command staff." The spy's grin drops. "Oh. So they're playing that game again." You frown. "What game?" "The 'send in the transhumans' game." The spy stabs at a broccoli with more vehemence than the vegetable deserves. "You Samarans must be giving Moirdon trouble. Usually he doesn't use us for assassinations." Your hands fist under the table. "Can you get me the assignments?" The spy blinks. "What?" "Well, you have handlers, and they send you assignments, right?" "Yeeees..." "So there must be a place where all those memos are stored. If I get them into the mainframe, then our command won't be caught unawares." The spy sits back. "You know you're proposing I go into //Imperial Intelligence's// files, right?" "I'm going into //my// Intelligence's files." You fold your arms. "C'mon. You told me you could get me anything I wanted when you made this deal with me." The spy snorts, and goes back to eating. "My big mouth. Fine, but lemme tell you, I'd be much happier if you had some kind of fancy hacking tech for me to use. Samaran files have been locked to Moirdon so far. You've gotta have something good." <<set $fp +=1>> [[next>>|Interaction3.2.a]]

The spy watches you eat for a while, and then sighs and sits back. "Guess you're not going to share. What do you need from me?" "Something's picking off our commanders, and I want to know what it is." "Oh, that's easy." The spy's grin has no mirth in it. "It's transhumans like me. You Samarans must be proving more of a challenge than Moirdon expected. He rarely uses us for straight assassinations any more. Too much of an expense if we get caught." You manage a swallow with difficulty. "Can you get me the assignments for the agents? If we know when, where they're going to strike--" "You can take them out. I know." The spy growls. "You know you're proposing I go into //Imperial Intelligence's// files, right?" "I'm going into //my// Intelligence's files." You fold your arms. "When I made this deal, you said you'd get me anything I want." <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/10f3bc0367aff3bf88992998fc949c4c/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no2_1280.jpg" width="700"> The spy snorts. "I meant that figuratively." They're quiet for a while, and then sit back. "Fine, but I'd be much happier if you had some kind of fancy hacking tech for me to use. Samaran files have been locked to Moirdon so far. You've gotta have something good." [[next>>|Interaction3.2.b]]

You absently run a finger along the seam in your elbow as you think. "I remember being told about something called a data jacker..." <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/13daa2982924cb5f42b393c0b85c9ba7/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no1_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[You hesitate, and then add, "I'll get it for you."|steal data jacker]] [[You hesitate, and apologize, "I don't think I can get it, though. Sorry."|don't steal data jacker]]

<<set $ii +=1>> <<set $fp +=1>> <<print $ii>> You wake up to another datastick on your pillow. Muzzily, you grope for it, fingers tangling in the pink ribbon wrapped up in it. You just barely manage not to get it stuck in your finger joints. <img src="http://36.media.tumblr.com/b7e0c2139a31bbf91df7f006782436d8/tumblr_o67k75DFXC1vs6b5no1_1280.jpg" width="700"> Ten minutes of staring sleepily at the wall later, you shake yourself awake to can untie the bow and find somewhere to upload the information. [[ConsoleChoosing3]]

The spy doesn't bother waking you up gently. You're startled up when they drop heavily onto the bed and toss the datastick at your head. There's something warm and wet dripping off it, and with a shock of horror you realize it's blood. <img src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/437b92a69de2c6fef56732a36fc9f402/tumblr_o67k75DFXC1vs6b5no4_1280.jpg" width="700"> The spy smirks at you. "What, never seen that before?" You stare back. "Is that yours or someone else's?" "Bit of both." They look down to inspect the graze on their side. "I got found out when I was trying to hack in, but your information's all there." [[You gesture towards your bathroom. "I've got a medkit in there. It's just little things, but..."|noJackera]] [[You clutch the datastick closer, ignoring the stickiness against your fingers. "You should probably get going. If you left a trail of blood I need to clean it up before we're found out.|noJackerb]]

You frown. "Well, we've got something called a data jacker, but..." "But what? It sounds perfect." <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/13daa2982924cb5f42b393c0b85c9ba7/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no1_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[You trace the seam of your arm as you think, and finally you sigh and say, "I'll get if for you."|steal data jacker]] [[You snap back, "But it's used only by II, and I'm not going to risk us being found out."|don't steal data jacker]]

The spy heaves themselves up and limps into your bathroom. After a bit of rustling, they return and sit heavily on your bed, spreading the kit out across their lap. You fidget awkwardly with the datastick as they pick through the supplies, and finally you blurt, "Do you want help?" <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/4797539c81786e47579dd2d5bcc977c1/tumblr_o67k75DFXC1vs6b5no3_1280.jpg" width="700"> For a moment, the spy freezes, and you think you've somehow done something wrong. But a beat later, they turn to give you a warm smile and a chuckle. "I would accept, but I'm betting you've never had any experience with anything like this before. Yes?" You look away. "Yeah." The spy shrugs, and their chuckle is more gentle than mocking. "I appreciate the sentiment, at least." You watch as they bandage their side, and when they stand you blurt again, "Thank you." "It's my job, isn't it?" they grin, and head off towards the door. "Good luck getting that uploaded to your mainframe. I hope it helps your friend." <<set $fp +=1>> [[ConsoleChoosing3]]

The spy snorts and heaves themselves upright. "Ever practical." You look down at the datastick. "I //do// appreciate what you've done..." "I'm sure." They give you a sardonic wave and limp towards the door. "I'll see myself out." <img src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/2d8031d70fa6a92f0f43b32f74211b1b/tumblr_o67k75DFXC1vs6b5no2_1280.jpg" width="700"> [[ConsoleChoosing3]]

There's three consoles you could use: [[Your room's console|Console1.3]] You know you can access it whenever you want, but you also know it will send a ping to SII every time you use it to enter the STM. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/ee50c97eea4cba4981f8125e8648bc55/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no7_1280.jpg" width="500"> [[Your desk's console|Console2.3]] There's always a chance of being spotted doing something illicit and having to stop before suspicion is aroused, but there's less of a chance that it will send a ping to SII. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/300a18b54df1071570244bfa69071f47/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no8_1280.jpg" width="500"> [[Tazi's command console|Console3.3]] Tazi's command console can access the STM at any time without sending a ping. However, since she shipped out to be a part of orbital defense, no one goes near it. There's a low chance of you being able to access it without being seen. <img src="http://40.media.tumblr.com/864b12f7a68eebbc017fd282ce29390b/tumblr_o5v4ir4Yqh1vs6b5no3_1280.jpg" width="500"> You only have two chances to upload the information.

Tazi's late for your call. Tazi's never late. She's always prided herself on punctuality, on setting a good example for her soldiers. She prides herself on never making you wait. If you had fingernails instead of smooth plastic prosthetic, you'd have chewed them down to stubs by now. You've worried the hem of your shirt to threads by the time the screen flickers on. It's not Tazi on the screen. "Rova?" you ask, starting up. "What happened?" Rova swallows. Tazi talks about her sometimes--she's not a greenie, but she hasn't outgrown crying whenever someone gets hurt. You watch her lip wobble, and your heart sinks. "Rova!" Your voice is smaller than you'd like. "Where's Tazi?" "We..." Rova sniffles. "We found her in bed this morning. She's..." "In medical?" you ask desperately, fingers clenching. "Right? She's just injured?" Rova covers her face and bursts into tears. "Oh, Lyria, I'm so sorry, I know you were close--" "What--" "She's gone, Lyria, she's //gone."//

The data uploads successfully, but you can't help the nervousness as the computer also sends a ping off to SII. <<set $ii +=1>> <<set $Mission3 =1>> [[next|rest]]

You hope you'll be able to sneak the information in under the eyes of your coworkers. <<set $Mission1 to either (1,0)>> [[next|rest]]

You hope this works. <<set $Mission3 to either (0,0,0,0,0,1)>> [[next|rest]]

You find out, later that day, that you're going to make Tazi worry anyway. Three very pleasant people show up at your door that night, all wearing the bland smiles and black-silver suits of the SII. "I'm sorry about this," the middle woman says kindly, and it sends tension across your shoulders. "We need to bring you with us, dear." You go quietly. You're not a fighter like Tazi. You do say, as they put you into the cell, "I wanted to help." "I'm sure you did, dear."

<<if $commstole==1>> The comm makes a little beep that night, and when you pick it up, the spy says, "I think I'm heading off on my own way." "What?" "You've got enough information to win the war now, don't you? Samara's been doing well enough on its own, and now what I gave you should tip the scales." "Well... yes--" "So you don't need me anymore." "But I--" You pause. Swallow. They //have// done a lot for you. "Yeah. Where will you go?" "Ah, if I told you //that// I'd be a horrible spy." You can hear their smile, and with that the comm flashes once and turns off. No matter how long you call back, the spy never picks back up. Eventually, you give up trying. They're right--the information you got should tip the scale. Samara will be alright. You'll be alright. <<else>> You get one more datastick in the night, wrapped up in ribbon. There's just one simple text file inside. //The information I gave you should be enough to get your planet on even footing with Moirdon. I'm heading out--if I told you where, I'd be a terrible spy--and we don't have to deal with each other anymore. Good luck.// There are no more data sticks after that. But Samara will be alright. You'll be alright. <<endif>>

Tazi's grin meets you when you sign onto the comm call, bright and wide. "Guess who bagged her first transhuman!" You grin back, ignoring the little twist in your stomach at the thought of your agent. "So the intel came through?" "Crisp and clear! That'll keep 'em from trying to pick us off again," and Tazi's gleeful grin holds just a shade of a snarl. "We're patching up all the boltholes in the ships, too. They're not going to be getting in again." "I'm just glad you're safe." "Same to you, Lyr." Tazi's grin softens. "I'm glad you're back on Samara. Gives me one less thing to worry about." "That's my job." You smile back, tossing her a sloppy salute. "Keep you from worrying." <<if $ii>5 >> [[next|PrematureEnd2]] <<elseif $fp<3 >> [[next|PrematureEnd3]] <<else>> [[next|Mission4]] <<endif>>

If enough fp and low enough ii, unlock mission [[steal shield]] [[don't steal shield]]

The next time the spy sneaks into your room, you ask for information on Moirdon's supply lines and the routes they take. <img src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/1f712b1e086c14f4e41908edc10d7f60/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no10_1280.jpg" width="700"> "How well are they guarded?" you say, "which wormholes do they use?" The spy shrugs. "I don't know. But I can get it for you easily. Supply officers are the laziest men on the planet." You frown. "All men?" "All of Moirdon's officers are." The spy shrugs again. "I thought his views were well-known enough it wouldn't be a surprise." "Oh. It's just... [[is it hard taking orders from a woman instead of another man?|Interaction2.2.b]] [[it it different taking orders from a woman?|Interaction2.2.a]]

"I see." Your laugh fades into a chuckle. Something niggles at the back of your head, the reminder of your mother murmuring //Manners!// whenever you met new people. "I don't know if you do this on, well, wherever you come from--" "I come from a test tube," the spy snorts. "Well, uh--" You flounder, and then decide to charge ahead. "How do you want me to call you?" The spy tilts their head. "Well, if I had a comm unit from you--" "No, no, I mean--" You cast around. "Are you a man? A woman? Or the third gender? We've got more on Samara, but those are what other people usually know." "Oh!" The spy--well, you assume that's a blink of surprise under the hood. "I... I never thought about it before." "Well." You square your shoulders. "You're on our side, so now you can." The spy grins at you. "I suppose so. I'll let you know when I figure it out." <<set $fp +=1>> <<set $interaction2 = 1>> [[next>>|Interaction2.3.a]]

The spy looks at you, and then very pointedly over to the bedside table where the pills you've taken since puberty are lying out on their side. "Well," the spy drawls, "it's not that different. Sir." The grin they shoot you is just as sharp and mirthless as the word. You flush, something sick and angry unfurling in your stomach. It's--not entirely undeserved--but it still hurts, a stinging blow you've only ever felt off-planet and without the bulk of Tazi to protect you. "Don't call me that." "Then don't call me a man if you don't even have the decency to ask for my proper gender," the spy retorts. "I thought Samarans prided themselves on being more enlightened than Moirdon's army." Your flush deepens, and you look away, hands fisting in embarrassment. "Whatever. Do you need anything for this mission?" <img src="http://36.media.tumblr.com/f1421066d25ae834d10e2f786f5a39ef/tumblr_o67k6gUi601vs6b5no7_1280.jpg" width="700"> <<set $Interaction2=0>> [[next>>|Interaction2.3.b]]

[[Interaction4.1.c]] [[Interaction4.1.d]] [[Interaction4.1.e]]

[[Interaction4.1.a]] [[Interaction4.1.b]]

agent dies in process of getting thing to you

If fp is low enough, Narx just goes off and doesn't return

If low fp, agent decides to download thing themself, and if high II this leads to you being taken in for questioning by SII

High fp and low ii 'True End'

Low fp but not LOW-low means that spy delivers information and then slips away after that

<<if $Mission3==1>> You head to bed, hoping that Tazi will be there when you wake up in the morning. [[next|TaziTalk3]] <<else>> Tazi's late for your call. Tazi's never late. She's always prided herself on punctuality, on setting a good example for her soldiers. She prides herself on never making you wait. If you had fingernails instead of smooth plastic prosthetic, you'd have chewed them down to stubs by now. You've worried the hem of your shirt to threads by the time the screen flickers on. It's not Tazi on the screen. "Rova?" you ask, starting up. "What happened?" Rova swallows. Tazi talks about her sometimes--she's not a greenie, but she hasn't outgrown crying whenever someone gets hurt. You watch her lip wobble, and your heart sinks. "Rova!" Your voice is smaller than you'd like. "Where's Tazi?" "We..." Rova sniffles. "We found her in bed this morning. She's..." "In medical?" you ask desperately, fingers clenching. "Right? She's just injured?" Rova covers her face and bursts into tears. "Oh, Lyria, I'm so sorry, I know you were close--" "What--" "She's gone, Lyria, she's //gone."// <<endif>>