Late September 1997 Story

[Kare and T'Klkk's apartment, O15 on First Landing Underground Map]

Syzygy lets out an audible sigh. The screen before him displays a long list of error codes that run off the visible page. Each one represents an attempt to log onto the Spire Computer Network. Each one flashes the same tiresome error code, a code so familiar to a computer programmer yet so infernally obstinate that its very presence in numbers is enough to drain the energy out of the Vrusk.

The Vrusk has been here for hours now, sitting in T'Klkk's living room hunched over a computer terminal trying to sift through mundane police records but never even touching the mountain of information waiting for him on the network. His back aches. He stretches, taking the time to cast a glance at the incredibly attractive female Vrusk sitting only five meters away on the couch, reading briefs.

Another sigh. Another obvious cast for attention. T'K'lkk doesn't look up. Again.

She seems to be wrapped up in some useless chronocom conversation with Urugg over his aversion to the term "cell-mates." She goes on explaining that the original Vrusk meaning she sought has no relation to bondage, and perhaps that "team-mates" would be a more appropriate translation.

A 3D poster of T'Klkk might make for a better companion. Less boring, anyway.

Syzygy grumbles at his situation.

"Friggin' Spire. Man-made wonder of the modern world. Whooop-de-doo. All this high-tech connection stuff and I can't even get as much as access to the computer's database. Even with this!"

He flips the ID card issued to him by Streel over his shoulder. Bloody good it did him.

It seemed incredulous. What had happened? One minute the group was meeting, discussing all the exciting things to do; the next minute Syzygy is typing. And typing. And typing. That's it. With nothing to show for it. He tried to recall his plans, all the things he'd wanted to do. Syzygy wasn't the best planner, so often he'd find his hours were all used up without a thing accomplished.

1. Lessee...hang out at the computer spire and get familiar with its systems: nope.

2. Walk around the city investigating scanners: nope.

3. Try to rig up some fake IDs: nope.

4. Change his records at the personnel department: nope

5. Visit the monorail departure station: nope

6. Go undercover as originally planned: nope

7. Check out the nightlife, get familiar with the city and possibly score with a female after the longest time: nope.

8. Have a discussion with Police Captain Ap-Harrow--actually, he had tried to do this, but somehow the transmission seemed one-sided. Seemed the captain's image appeared, but the face didn't move after Syzygy talked to it at length. Interesting. Syzygy makes a note to report the malfunction to city maintenance.

Another sigh. This one is for himself. The irony of it, being stuck all alone in an attractive Vrusk's apartment, and jerking around with a computer connection. Syzygy thinks back to why he signed up for this adventure. The thrills. The glory. The far-off places.

The Vrusk leans back in his seat and tries futily to hit on T'Klkk once again.

"You know, T'Klkk, there are Emerald Poro-stalks back on Circe that don't hold a candle to your lovely carapace. How do you do it?"

No reply. Big surprise. What had she said to him collectively the whole time they'd been on this planet? A formal introduction and one 'shut-up and sit-down.' Very promising.

Syzygy rises and fetches a drink. He tries to stare out one of the kitchen's windows, wondering who's zipping by on the overhead pedestrian walkways. Then he remembers these apartments don't have any windows--just artificial holographic scenes to simulate windows.

His mind clouds over and he turns to spend what must be another couple of days trying to get a computer connection to work.

[Syzygy Interface Computers: 30 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 60 (computer level x 10) + 40 (computers already on same communication network) = 40%; Rolled: 78]

Syzygy stares blankly at the computer screen. The same error code again.

Again!

This Spire Computer is too @#??%&!!! complex!!!

"Where is that holo-panel?" demands the Vrusk. He finds it, without T'Klkk's help, and activates the thing. "This wonder town better have some sort of tech support!"

The holographic image of a young Human appears. "Thank you for calling Streel Metrosphere customer care. My name is Ted."

"Hi Ted, I--"

"We at Streel value your business and understand that you deserve the most in customer satisfaction."

"That's nice, Ted. What I--"

"To ensure that you are treated with the best of care, certain customer care transmissions may be monitored."

"Okay. Now--"

"To help categorize your problem, please choose from the following list of--"

"Networking!"

The young Human pauses with a questioning look.

"I can't get this computer to network correctly," explains Syzygy.

The Human resumes. "To help categorize your problem, please choose from the following list of options. A. No computer video. B. No computer audio. C. Poor reception. D. No response from touchpad. E. Computer locks up. F. . ."

Syzygy grits his mandibles and taps his Dralasite puzzle against the desk as the technician continues through an alphabet of options.

". . .W. Cup holder won't open. X. Other."

"Other," replies the Vrusk.

Loud voices shake Syzygy from his work. A world of commotion seems to be emanating from T'Klkk's wrist chronocom.

The Vrusk woman is visibly concerned. "Zane! What's going on?"

The only response on the other end is a series of screams and collisions.

T'Klkk switches to the channel that Kare and Urugg are using.

"Team-mates! Team-mate Zane is in trouble. He is at the Central Computer Spire, approximately 400 meters from your location. You are the closest to his location. Proceed with fifth-degree haste and sixth-degree caution since Zane is being attacked by a worker who appears to....chu'ixit-ta t'll-nd'zrr tsnna....to have taken mad. I will send Tork and Taanik as back-up, but they are quite some distance away. Keep me updated."

Syzygy can hear a baritone voice reply. "This is Urugg. We've been monitoring an open channel through Zane's chronocom. We're already on our way!"

T'Klkk then contacts Tork and Taanik, asking that they get to the scene as soon as possible.

Syzygy's compound eyes glaze over with memories of a time long past, when hundreds of helpless working class Vrusk lay trapped in a collapsing mine. His joints tighten. He had offered to tail Zane, to watch his back from afar. Why wouldn't he listen? "We've got to get Zane out of there!"

"Agreed," says T'Klkk flatly. "But here on the underground level, we are too far away. We will have to leave this in the hands of our competent team-mates."

Cold logic. Syzygy cringes at the sound. But T'Klkk may have a point. Still, there are always alternatives. . .

"Unacceptable," replies Syzygy. "There must be something we can do. Maybe the computer will let us see through the security cameras in the area. Or maybe I can get control of a few security bots over there. I don't know. But we can't just sit here!"

[Government Building Upper Level, I7 on Surface Map]

At full sprint, a Human and Yazirian are about evenly paced. Such it is as Kare and Urugg tear for the southbound accelerator strips at full speed.

The strips look crowded today; getting to the center strip in time without knocking out a few pedestrians may prove tricky.

[Kare DEXTERITY: 70; Rolled: 17]
[Urugg DEXTERITY: 65; Rolled: 29]

Both of them easily thread through the masses and find a place on the fastest strip south.

[Food Production Plant, D16 on Surface Map]

Tork reveals a full set of fangs. "Horse hockey!" As part of the team's security detail, his primary function is to protect the other team members. Now when one of them is in trouble, he finds himself at the furthest corner of the city--and with a slo-mo Dralasite of all things!

He looks over at Taanik. "Let's GO! Try to keep up with me."

"Wait," says the ameboid. "I have a better idea." He turns to a small panel mounted in one of the food plant's support beams. "Lock on this chronocom signal and expand to maximum range. Let's hope that practice with the holo-panels paid off."

A six meter circle on the production floor expands into a three dimensional scene of a plastic anti-static floor surrounded by shaken technicians. Zane is in the center of the circle, facing a crazed Human worker with a plasteel beam in his hands.

"Just calm down," says Zane. "No one's going to harm you."

"STOP STARING AT ME!" screams the worker in nothing less than a battle charge.

Zane reaches for his gyrojet pistol.

[Zane Initiative Roll: 6 (IM) + 4 (1d10) = 10; Initiative lost]

Before Zane can react, the worker has charged upon him, swinging the plasteel beam with superhuman might. Zane dodges the blow by millimeters!

[Zane Gyrojet Pistol: 29 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 10 (short range) = 29%; Rolled: 74, 44, 32]

Dodging the attack seems to have spoiled Zane's aim. Each shot splats against a distant wall, bursting into a sticky tangler web. One blast even hits the ceiling. Zane curses himself, remembering from his recent training that gyrojet weapons are less effective at close range, due to the fact that the fired rounds are still accelerating.

"They can see us now," says Taanik to Tork. "I've set up a second six-meter circle--the one we're standing in--that is being reproduced as a hologram on their end."

Tork's first impulse is to cast a tangler grenade into the circle--but he reminds himself that he's only looking at a hologram. He growls with frustration. "What can we do?"

"Hey YOU!" Taanik cries out, stretching his upper limbs high over his head. "You with the hangover! Over here! Na na na na na! Can't catch me!"

[Taanik LEADERSHIP: 70 - 20 (worker is ill and confused) = 50%; Rolled: 69]

The worker does not run after Taanik's hologram as hoped, but he does seem distracted for the slightest split second. . .

. . .enough time for Zane to get in a couple defensive shots with his pistol.

[Zane Gyrojet Pistol: 29 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 10 (short range) = 29%; Rolled: 67, 24]

The second shot hits the worker in the shoulder, but he manages to twist and duck down, successfully dodging the tangler threads!

The worker swings full circle, swiping his beam at Zane's head.

Zane ducks, and for once, luck may be on his side. The beam whizzes out of the worker's grasp, sailing out into the crowd of bystanders.

[Zane Gyrojet Pistol: 29 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 10 (short range) = 29%; Rolled: 70]

Zane lets off a third shot with his pistol, but it flies wide of its target.

[Kare and T'Klkk's apartment, O15 on First Landing Underground Map]

Syzygy goes wild at the computer terminal. "Come on! Show me what the security cameras can see! Do something useful for once in your existence you stupid box of circuits!"

[Syzygy Interface Computers: 30 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 60 (computer level x 10) + 40 (computers already on same communication network) = 40%; Rolled: 67]

"AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGH!" screams the Vrusk. "I still can't get through! What a piece of crap!"

"How about this?" suggests T'Klkk as she turns the holographic communication panel back on.

A holographic view of Zane's battlefield fills a section of the room.

"That shows us the action, but what can we do? The security robots are probably controlled through the Spire's computer as well!" yells Syzygy in a very un-Vrusk spurt of rage. "Does anything work in this place?"

[Syzygy Display Information: 80 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (INTUITION modifier) - 20 (computer level x 10) = 90%; Rolled: 72]

The Vrusk breathes heavily with anxiety and frustration. "I can't control the security robots, but there's a utility here that will let me report the incident to the security control in the area. Maybe I can at least do that."

[Syzygy Manipulate Program: 50 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 10 (program level x 10) = 70%; Rolled: 59]

The computer replies. "Emergency reporting confirmed. Dispatching security to investigate. Thank you for using Streel's Security Notification System."

[Central Computer Spire, I9 on Surface Map]

The savage worker is undaunted, even without his weapon. A red fist slams past Zane's cheek, punching a hole through the plaster wall!

While yanking out his fist, the worker tries to ram a powerful knee up Zane's gut, but Zane blocks it almost instinctively with a martial arts move he learned at home. Only after the fact does he realize that he had never before used that move against a real enemy.

Zane makes a decision. Disappointed in his effectiveness with the gyrojet pistol, he leaps forward, trying to wrap his arm around the worker's neck in a full body grapple. Maybe that martial arts training will serve him again.

[Zane Wrestle: 29 (Melee) + 10 (skill level x 10) = 39%; Rolled: 49]

The worker catches Zane's arm, whirls him about and throws him with relative ease. Zane crashes into a computer bank, taking a pretty bad jolt.

[Zane has just suffered 4 points damage.]

Zane tries to get up, but his back hurts so badly.

The worker clutches a metal support rod with both hands and rips it from its bolts--a feat someone twice the man's strength normally couldn't accomplish.

Zane stares at the pole's jagged ends as the enraged Human advances towards him.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Two voices speak in unison, one male--one female.

Kare and Urugg face the Human monster, each growling with equal ferocity. Kare's needler pistol and Urugg's needler pistol follow the worker's every move.

[Urugg LEADERSHIP: 60; Rolled: 36]

The crazed worker is halted by the shouts, if only temporarily.

"Nice of you to stop by," says Zane, managing to get up.

"A police squad should be coming in right behind us," says Urugg. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, but be careful with that guy. Whatever's affected him seems to have flooded his body with adrenaline. His strength is unbelievable!"

A team of security robots shows up in response to Syzygy's alarm. But the effect is contrary to that desired.

The worker trembles like a trapped animal, and charges full force towards Kare and Urugg.

[Kare Initiative Roll: 7 (IM) + 1 (1d10); Initiative lost]

The worker swings his pole out wildly, but both Kare and Urugg step back in time.

[Kare needler pistol: 35 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 0 (PB range) = 45%; Rolled: 90, 14, 95]
[Kare damage (1d10): 7]
[Urugg needler pistol: 33 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 0 (PB range) = 43%; Rolled: 46, 57, 28]
[Urugg damage (1d10): 9]
[Zane Gyrojet Pistol: 29 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 10 (short range) = 29%; Rolled: 72, 35, 56]

A barrage of ammunition flies towards the worker from all angles. Two anesthetic needle clusters hit their mark, but the worker is so pumped up with adrenaline, he doesn't even slow down.

The worker stabs forth the jagged end of the pole, gashing through the material of Kare's uniform on the side of her ribcage.

[Kare is dealt 16 points damage. 8 of this is absorbed by her skeinsuit.]

[Kare needler pistol: 35 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 0 (PB range) = 45%; Rolled: 55, 51, 26]
[Kare damage (1d10): 1]
[Urugg needler pistol: 33 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 0 (PB range) = 43%; Rolled: 54, 34, 43]
[Urugg damage (1d10): 2, 1]
[Zane Gyrojet Pistol: 29 (RW) + 10 (skill level x 10) - 10 (short range) = 29%; Rolled: 62 (last shot in clip)]

The worker doesn't even seem phased by the three anesthetic clusters that hit him. He raises his jagged-ended staff for a killing blow. . .

. . .and sprawls unconscious to the floor.

Security robots and newly arrived law officers calm the crowds of bystanders.

Zane advances on the slumbering Human and injects him with a staydose. "This should guarantee that he stay under long enough. Once we help some of the injured people here, let's get this guy to our headquarters so that I can study his condition."

[I will assume that Zane uses 1 dose of biocort to administer first aid to the injured bystander and another to peform first aid on Kare (restoring all 8 STAMINA points she lost). I will also assume that Urugg uses a dose of biocort to perform first aid on Zane, healing the wound he sustained from being thrown.]

[Food Production Plant, D16 on Surface Map]

"Whew!" breathes Tork, wiping a rainstorm of sweat from his forehead. "Situation under control." He steps over and shuts the holo-panel off personally.

Taanik sits upon a crate of replicated cabbage and begins applauding. "Bravo! Bravo! Hey Tork, got any popcorn?"

The Yazirian chooses to ignore his partner's remark. Of all the people in the group, he considers, how did I end up with Mr. Joke Factory? The Family of One has cursed me for my unfaithfulness. I must repent and return to the fold.

"You look mighty pensive, my friend," says the Dralasite.

"Just thinking. Why would the raiders at the storage pod take only 16 blankets? There were hundreds more. And why did they take 162 food rations, but only 32 liters of water?"

Taanik considers the question legitimately. "Water's quite heavy, even on a low gravity world like this."

"That's what I was thinking. Maybe they simply took all that they could carry. Well, anyway. I still think it wouldn't hurt to take a quick look in this area, even if they have already repaired it. I want to see if I can find any traces of the same grade of explosives we found at the storage pod."

"C'mon partner--I thought it was Miller time!" protests the Dralasite with a rubbery wink. "Seriously though. . .NOT!. . .I was thinking about checking the local comm systems, specifically to see if there are any signs of tampering in the network of holo-panels. Shine the right light on the Shadows and we'll uncloak these holo-ninjas."

Tork kneels down with his envirokit near the wall that has recently been repaired.

The Yazirian mumbles to himself. "Why did they have to repair the wall so quickly? I can't do much comparison this way. Let's see what a little dusting can find."

He begin's scraping samples from the floor and wall.

[Tork Analyze Samples: 50 (base) + 10 (skill level x 10) + 0 (LOGIC modifier) = 60%; Rolled: 70]

His results are inconclusive. He finds it impossible to tell if the same grade of explosives was used or not.

A Yazirian robotics expert in the corner is crouched in front of a cleaning robot. He seems to be giving it orders for its next assignment.

"Excuse me. Sir!" says Tork. He touches the man's shoulder.

The other Yazirian looks up. He is only a boy. His jawful of gum churns like the mouth of a grazing animal. The boy has to remove a set of headphones before he can hear.

"What's back there?" asks Tork.

"Say wha-a-at? (chomp chomp)" replies the youth.

"Behind this wall. What's on the other side?"

"(chomp) Jes' a hallway I guess. (slurp) I think 'at's where there's a airlock to the outside."

"Hmm. . ." considers the elder Yazirian. "So with a hole in this wall, there would be a direct path from the building's south airlock to this storage area."

Tork looks back over his shoulder. "Any luck, Taanik?"

[Taanik Analyze Machinery*: 40 (base) + 10 (skill level x 10) + 3 (INTUITION modifier) = 53%; Rolled: 24]

"The holographic communication panels have definitely not been tampered with," replies the Dralasite.

The bandaged supervisor returns. "Anything else I can do for you gentlemen?"

"Yeah," says Tork. "That, uh. . .Cimmy. You said she's from Hentz. I haven't heard anything about her or her beliefs. Is the Family of One aware of her?"

"I imagine. I know the Family of One religion is quite rigid, but you'd be surprised how far they go over the deep end in some of those secluded backwoods areas. The further you go into the jungles, the stranger the beliefs become--and the more they deviate from accepted doctrine. I don't think Cimmy's practices are of much consequence to more than a few believers, but you can usually find her in the gardens of the Southwest Park if you want to talk with her some more."

[The Southwest Park is at G15 on the underground level.]

"Thanks for your help," says Tork. "I think it's about time we headed back."

[* Yes, I made up that subskill. I based it on "Repair Machinery," but modified it with INTUITION instead of LOGIC.]

[Recreation Area, K7 on Underground Level]

The utilitarian cafeteria is not at all like the joyful taverns that Urugg hoped to visit. But this is a time for business, not pleasure.

"Our Dralasite Baab is supposed to have a shop in the commercial ring just east of here. After we've had a bite to eat, we'll head on over."

[Urugg INTUITION: 75; Rolled: 58]

"That's odd," says Urugg, nudging Kare's shoulder. "I thought that cook back there was a Yazirian because of her sungoggles, but it looks like she's Human. You see Kare, good fashion catches on." He flicks a finger against the stylish sungoggles that he himself is wearing. "I've got several pair if you want to join the gang."

"And be mistaken for a monkey-girl? No thanks!"

Urugg prefers to change the subject. "This place is more crowded than I had hoped. Look at all these people grouped at the tables. It must be some kind of convention or something."

"Let's just eat and get on our way," replies Kare.

[Commercial Ring, M7 on Underground Level]

It isn't a luxurious store. . .more of a tiny room in the corner, practically hidden. The overhead lighting panels don't match. One is even broken.

Racks and shelves of different sizes and colors are crammed in the little shop, so that there is hardly room to walk about. On display are hundreds of toys and pieces of clothing, each item with colors that clash with everything around it. Kare and Urugg quickly notice that no two items in the store are exactly alike.

The Dralasite shopkeeper's neck stretches long and narrow over the counter. "Welcome, my friends." He sees the rip in Kare's uniform. "Ooh, unfortunate what's happened there. But you're in luck. I just so happen to have a new shipment of all the latest styles." His voice drops to a whisper. "And they're half price."

Kare draws her needler pistol. "There's the mucus-ball we've been looking for. Why don't I just shoot id here and get this over with?"

"Hey hey," says Urugg, gently pushing her pistol down. "You don't need that. Let's do this the right way."

[Kare LEADERSHIP: 50; Rolled: 23]

The Dralasite's smile plummets. "Wh-what's wrong?"

"Don't worry about her," says Urugg. "She's just doing her job. We've got a few questions about where you get your supplies from."

"I-I use only the best, Streel suppliers."

Urugg clicks his tongue. "You see, that's not the word out on the street." He lowers his voice to a raspy whisper. "Some people even say you've been buying from Oni-Senada."

"Someone said that?" says the Dralasite, faking surprise. He gives a nervous laugh. "It must be a competitor. You know how they're always trying to get ahead."

"I've heard enough," says Kare, pulling her pistol back out. "Get out of the way, Urugg."

"No, no. . .just give me a minute," pleads Urugg. He turns to the Dralasite again, pretending to whisper so that Kare can't hear. "Listen to me for a second, Baab. My partner here is having a bad day, and I don't want to see another incident. Just help me out, okay? Then we'll be on our way."

[Urugg PERSONALITY: 60; Rolled: 21]

The shopkeeper's rubbery voice trembles. "Wh-what do you want?"

"It's simple Baab. We just need to know who your supplier is. Where do you get your stuff?"

The Dralasite tries several times to speak, but stops himself at every turn. Getting information from Baab is like pulling teeth. . .if Dralasites had teeth.

Finally the words come out. "I have a few friends that deliver legitimate shipments of Streel merchandise by freighter. Now sometimes. . .it might prove advantageous for them to sneak a little extra merchandise in for me."

"You're smuggling?" demands Urugg in fake surprise.

"Shhh. So what happens now? Do you take me in?"

"No," says Urugg after an uncomfortable pause. "But we may be back. Take care of yourself, Baab."

Kare stumbles as the two walk away from the shop.

"Are you okay?" asks Urugg.

She casts the Yazirian an annoyed glance. "I'm fine. If you got stabbed by a maniac programmer, you probably wouldn't be at a hundred percent yourself."

"Maybe I should look at that," says the Yazirian, reaching for her bandage.

She knocks his hand away. "I'M FINE!"

"Okay," says Urugg. "Let's go back to your apartment."

[Kare and T'Klkk's apartment, O15 on First Landing Underground Map]

T'Klkk goes over a number of reports that Syzygy has provided for her. It appears that most of the items stolen in the south sector of First Landing are food items and survival items. Medical supplies are among the items stolen. In some cases, small hand weapons have been stolen, but only in small quantities. There are cases where one pistol was stolen, but hundreds with it were left alone.

[T'Klkk Comprehension: 21%; Rolled: 85]

She examines a number of security films that the law enforcement office has provided.

[T'Klkk INTUITION: 40; Rolled: 40]

"What is this?" she mumbles to herself. A portion of one of the films is slightly distorted.

She replays the film. For minutes she stares at the image of a solitary wall, draped with long straight shadows. Then she sees it again. The lines of the shadows become distorted--ever so slightly--and moments later an explosion occurs.

T'Klkk has seen this type of distortion before, in the forests of Terledrom during her military training. A number of field agents used specially programmed holo-screens to create a false image of foliage--thus hiding the wearer from view.

But camouflage holo-screens are practically useless in the city. The straight lines, the bright lights, the contrasting colors: no holo-screen can provide sufficient camouflage in those conditions. . .at least, no holo-screen T'Klkk has ever heard of.

With the action over, Syzygy returns to the terminal in T'Klkk's apartment.

[Syzygy Interface Computers: 30 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 60 (computer level x 10) + 40 (computers already on same communication network) = 40%; Rolled: 12]

A new message scrolls into view on the computer screen: "Welcome to the Metrosphere Personnel Archives. Please enter program parameters:"

It worked.

It worked.

Syzygy might have been thrilled--were he not so dead-beat tired. More specifically he feels like he has just been through a lobotomy.

His voice drones in a monotone. "Now you choose to work. You know, a change in career would feel real nice just about now."

T'Klkk walks over and is witness to the male Vrusk's success. "Your frustrations are worthy of second-level understanding, team-mate Syzygy. But remember that your work is of fourth-level importance, and the fruit of your efforts may very well reap fifth-level rewards."

Syzygy sighs. "My dear T'Klkk, you do love me!"

[Syzygy Operate Spire Computer: 100 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 60 (computer level x 10) = 70%; Rolled: 46]
[Syzygy Manipulate Personnel Program: 50 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 20 (program level x 10) = 60%; Rolled: 59]

"Heh." A slight shade of hope draws a smile on the Vrusk's mandibles. "You want fake IDs and records? Here we go. . ."

The computer replies: "PROGRAM ACCESS ERROR. Task terminated."

The smile drops. Syzygy sits there, catatonic.

Finally, he finds his words. "What happened? I did everything right! No. . .no!"

The Vrusk reactivates his holo-panel link to the Spire's tech support.

"Thank you for calling Streel Metrosphere customer care. My name is Ted. We at Streel value your business and understand that you deserve the most in customer satisfaction. To ensure that you are treated with the best of care, certain customer care transmissions may be mon--"

"Ted, I want to talk to your supervisor. Now!"

[Syzygy LEADERSHIP: 55; Rolled: 08]

The Human actually changes his dialogue. "Uh, yessir! Right away sir!"

A huge Dralasite takes the place of the Human. Id is wearing an expensive, no-nonsense webbed business suit. "Hello, sir!" The Dralasite's voice is deep and authoritative.

Now we're getting somewhere! thinks Syzygy.

The supervisor continues. "Thank you for calling Streel Metrosphere customer care. My name is Rejj. We at Streel value your business and understand that you deserve the most in customer satisfaction."

"Do you guys memorize this stuff?"

"To ensure that you are treated with the best of care, certain customer care transmissions may be monitored. To help categorize your problem, please choose from the following list of options. A. No computer video. B. No computer audio. C. Poor reception. D. No response from touchpad. E. Computer locks up. F. Program won't function. G. . ."

"F! F!" says Syzygy.

"Please state the name of the program."

"Uh. . .Metrosphere Personnel Archive Manager, version. . .seven. . .point seven. . .point three two eight."

"Hmm. . ." says the Dralasite. Id seems truly perplexed. "You're authorized, but the program isn't accepting your authorization. Yes, it looks like the security algorithm of this program has been altered since your authorization was entered into the system. This should be easy enough to fix."

"Does this happen often?"

The Dralasite is about to say something, but seems to stop idself. "We at Streel regret any inconvenience that has been caused by this oversight. Please understand that the programming of the Computer Spire is the work of over two thousand individual experts, and as such may at times be subject to very occasional inconsistencies. We shall rectify this problem in a timely fashion and thank you for bringing it to our attention."

"Whatever!"

Syzygy realizes he should be grateful the conversation got as far as it did, and he shuts off the communication panel.

He tries the program again. Within minutes he has generated a false identity for himself, based on a former Metrosphere resident who is no longer living. He presses a single spot on the computer touchpad and a corresponding Metrosphere ID card prints out of a slot in the wall.

[Any further attempts by Syzygy to create fake personnel records and IDs should automatically succeed.]

"We've just been accepted into the spy business," says Syzygy. "Let's hope it was worth the trouble."

T'Klkk responds to a call at the door, and Tork and Taanik enter.

"Hey Syzygy," says Tork. "Do you have any access to police files there?"

After all his headaches, the Vrusk is unsure. "I. . .might. Knowing this place, I probably can't get to it, especially if it's in the Spire Computer."

"I want to know if there are any reports of explosives being stolen. I'm looking for a specific grade of Streel Tornadium."

"Here goes nothing," says the Vrusk with newly acquired resignment.

[Syzygy Display Information: 80 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (INTUITION modifier) - 60 (computer level x 10) = 50%; Rolled: 23]

"So now you decide to cooperate," grumbles Syzygy, kicking the computer. "Hmm. . .nope. There isn't a single report of stolen explosives since Snarr Ap-Rewann broke off from Maxim Zek'et's group."

"So Snarr's rebel group did steal explosives."

"I suppose they'd have to, to perform any serious ground breaking or mining operations."

"The brand of explosives matches as well," says Tork, examining the record. "Streel supplied the original exploration group of 200 with the exact same grade of Tornadium D-19 that was used to cause the vandalism we've been seeing. If some of that got carried away to Lost Point, it might still be there."

"Where's Zane?" asks Taanik, changing the subject.

T'Klkk motions to her own bedroom. "Team-mate Zane is examining the unfortunate associate from the Spire that. . .took mad. I was about to check on him."

The Vrusk and Dralasite enter the room to see Zane bent over the still unconscious Human.

[Zane Diagnose: 60 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (INTUITION modifier) = 90%; Rolled: 59]

"Well," says Zane, looking up. "It's definitely a viral infection."

Taanik's cheeks deflate. "Is it contagious?"

[Zane Cure (and recognize) Disease: 40 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) = 70%; Rolled: 69]

"There's nothing to worry about. I've got his situation under control. Laconian Red Eye isn't contagious unless untreated for two to three days. This man was only infected a few hours ago. Even in its contagious stage, the disease only affects Humans."

"Laconian Red Eye," repeats T'Klkk. "The malady is known?"

"Yes. I compared the strain to one on file in my medical texts. The Laconian locals sometimes call this illness 'The Rage.' There was an epidemic there about twelve years ago. Within as little as two hours from infection the victim exhibits uncontrollable anger and paranoia, often associated with violent behavior. The symptoms calm down within twenty hours, but the victim becomes a carrier after the second or third day--highly contagious to Humans with whom he or she may come in contact."

"Do you conclude that there is a carrier on Metrosphere?"

"Like I said, this man was infected merely hours ago. He couldn't have gotten the disease before coming to this outpost."

"Wait, wait," interjects Taanik. "If there's a carrier walking the streets, how many of these looney toons are going to start showing up?"

"That depends largely on the degree of exposure to the carrier. If new victims become carriers, the disease could easily spread to a majority of the Human population."

"How easy is it to cure this thing?"

"A trained medic can cure the disease with a ready supply of antibody plus, but the biggest threat is the damage an enraged victim will do, to himself and others."

Outside the room, Syzygy replies to another hail at the door.

Kare and Urugg enter.

"I'm feeling kinda tired," says Kare. "I gotta sit down a while. Take care of things, furrball."

"No problem, baldie." Urugg seems to be referring to the fact that Human's have very little body hair, thus returning insult for insult.

"I see you're getting along well," comments Syzygy with a smile. "Wish I could say the same about me and T'Klkk."

"Syzygy, can you open up a channel to Fle'xx with that holo thing?" asks Urugg.

"That I can do," replies the Vrusk, readily activating the device.

The three-dimensional image of Fle'xx Tredd fills a small area of the apartment's main room.

"How are your investigations progressing?" asks the Vrusk image.

"Quite perplexingly," responds the Yazirian. "I've seen the tapes of invisible saboteurs. I wanted to suggest the installation of multi-spectrum cameras in high-threat areas. It may be possible to reconstruct rough composites of the perpetrators from IR or UV films of them in action, or at least get a handle on how many saboteurs are typically involved, what equipment they're carrying, and so on. Also, non-toxic particles could be introduced into the air circulation systems of these areas, if they can be isolated from the main system by filters. That way anything moving through the area will be seen indirectly by disturbing the particles in the air around it; simple filter masks should prevent discomfort to any workers in the pods."

[Urugg PERSONALITY: 60; Rolled: 08]

"Acknowledged," says Fle'xx. "We can provide you with about twenty IR cameras, as well as the non-toxic particles, if your team is willing to set them up where you feel it will do the best good.

"But I'm afraid we have a more pressing matter," continues the Vrusk hologram. "Star's Arm demonstrators are in the middle of their boldest act yet. They have taken control of both life support buildings and are threatening to shut them down if their demands are not met! And we've seen something unprecedented with Star's Arm activity. Violent rioting. Look at this."

The Vrusk displays a miniature playback of a scene within one of the life support buildings. A number of picket signs fall to the floor as a small group of Humans begins screaming and attacking other people with their fists.

[Tork INTUITION: 50; Rolled: 24]

"Why are they attacking other protesters?" asks Tork with a puzzled look.

[Urugg INTUITION: 75; Rolled: 59]

Urugg notices something as well. "Hey, Kare and I saw some of those Humans at a cafeteria this afternoon."

"If there is anything you can do to help the situation," says Fle'xx, "it may end up saving thousands or hundreds of thousands of lives."

Fle'xx ends the transmission without even saying good bye.

Urugg nods to Kare, who is still back in the corner. "Well, my bald skinling, it looks like duty is calling."

"Don't call me that," replies the Human flatly.

Urugg stops in his tracks. "Oh, this is new--coming from the 'Queen of Insults,' herself." He laughs good heartedly. "So you can dish it out, but you can't take it. Eh, sungirl?"

"Be quiet, Urugg!"

The Yazirian's laugh gains more flavor. "I never thought I'd hear--"

"SHUT UP!" Kare snatches the closest thing in her grasp--her needler pistol--and fires!

Only too late does Urugg notice the red swelling around her eyes.

Referee's Comments

It can be assumed that Kare is not in control of her faculties at the beginning of the upcoming turn. However, if she can be subdued and treated, she can be back to her irreverent self in about 20 minutes.

In the next few days, I will be sending out private e-mails to let everyone know how many experience points his or her character has gained. You can spend your XP in your upcoming responses.