Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:12 No. 1102573 ID: 7b2ea9
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: "..."
: "..."

Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:13 No. 1102574 ID: 7b2ea9
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: "Oh. You're new. Or at least new to me."
: "Uhm... Hi."
: "Are you entirely new?"
: "I don't know what that means..."
: "Have you done this before?"
: "I... don't know if I've ever done anything before."
: "I see. Do not be alarmed. I am certain you will pick things up before long and I'm here to help you find your footing."

Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:13 No. 1102575 ID: 7b2ea9
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: "Since you are not used to thinking, you should make contact with the Peanut Gallery. Just put in the earpiece."
: "Oh. Okay... uh... It hm... It doesn't seem to want to stay in there..."
: "Here. Let me."
: "Thank you."
: "There you go."

Oh I see. It loops over the ear. They have cold fingers...

: "Uhm... hello, Peanut Gallery? Test, test?"
: "You do not actually have to speak out loud. They will interface directly with your mind."
: "Oh. Okay."

Test, test?

Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:13 No. 1102576 ID: 7b2ea9
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They start rummaging about in the inside of their jacket.

: "While you get used to that, check your inside pockets for mission orders. I don't seem to have them."

They come up with a pack of cigarettes instead and open it to find that it is full. Imitating my companion, I slide my hand into the left inside pocket of my jacket and quickly find a folded sheet of paper. I pull it out.

: "Something like this?"
: "Probably. Let's have a look."

They move closer to peer over my shoulder as I unfold the paper. There are actually two sheets here.

Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:13 No. 1102577 ID: 7b2ea9
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One is a form of some kind.

Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:13 No. 1102578 ID: 7b2ea9
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The other looks like a letter.

Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:13 No. 1102579 ID: 7b2ea9
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: "What the- Why is that almost entirely blacked out?"
: "That's not unusual. The instructions are simple enough."
: "'Identify and neutralize anomaly by means' is simple?"
: "Relatively speaking, yes. Most likely we will know the anomaly when we see it. Until then, we investigate. Simple."

They're so matter of fact about all this stuff. They speak in such a quiet voice. Calm, collected, almost... bored? Or maybe they're tired?

Silicon 2025/01/18(Sat)13:14 No. 1102580 ID: 7b2ea9
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They step out of my personal space and just... look at me. I'm guessing they're waiting for me to... do something? Ask a question?

Show them your own professionalism, with a snappy salute. And a cool catchphrase.

Check inventory

"So, if the anomaly will be obvious, then we should check over there in that gas station? It appears to be the only thing of note in the vicinity."

Why don't you get a sword?

First: Question EVERYTHING. It tends to be how you survive.

Do you want to survive? Is surviving a thing you're supposed to do?

Interface with us? Hi! Gladii, I take it? We are new to this as well, I think. Anyways, I agree that the distant structure seems to be the only thing of importance around here.

well, seems we don't know much here, that's alright, the world knows and it isn't a good secret keeper.
Seems you can requisition something, that being said you have no idea what to requisition yet, don't worry about it getting to you, it will probably be the some way YOU got here.
no need to ask what to investigate, there is exactly one place here that isn't wasteland.
Might as well ask what... well what gender they are first, then ask what [they] have done before

Where is your... everything stored when you don't exist? Are your starting minds cloned from a master engram or created from scratch?

>>1102578
>Heus! Ex nihilo omnes fiunt.
It's Latin. Translation: "Hey! Everybody comes from nothing."
Maybe that's supposed to be like "Hey, everyone starts from nothing.", which is to say, it's okay to be new to things.

>>1102579
"by and means". Maybe that's supposed to imply "any" means.

>>1102580
Alright then. I guess we should look around a bit. We need to find the anomaly, identify it, and then neutralize it. We can destroy it, obviously... ask if anomalies can be... uh, taken out of wherever you are and moved somewhere else for storage, would that count as neutralizing it?

Oh, as for "looking around" there's an obvious place to do that. That structure in the distance.

Point out that such censorship could potentially be altering your orders. It's likely that your orders might actually be to identify and neutralize threats to the anomaly. I'm which case your actual mission would be to neutralize Agent Fera there.

Don't mention this, but we aren't the normal "Peanut Gallery" like Agent Fera thinks we are. We're actually the auditing committee. You as are proxy, will Audit Agent Fera. Determine her competence and loyalties. Ask questions. Push boundaries. Follow your instincts. You were chosen for this assignment for a reason.

Hello! We'll be your voices-in-your-ear for the evening. Nothing to do but look at that gas station.
>>1102597
It's more like "Ho! From nothing, all appears.", give or take what 'fiunt' means in particular here. But additionally, I'm pretty sure I recognize the suits of Tarot in that flower; pentacles, cups, swords, (crystal balls?,) and wands. The thirteenth trump is Death, and that's the flower on the flag he holds. Neat seal, in all.

Silicon 2025/01/25(Sat)04:48 No. 1102841 ID: ed299d
File 173780928087.png - (393.79KB , 1500x1000 , C01_01_A.png )

> Show them your own professionalism, with a snappy salute. And a cool catchphrase.
Uhm! Uh! Uuuuhhh!

: "One for all! And all for one!"
They stare. Unmoving.
: "... the Peanut Gallery?"
: "Uh yeah..."
: "You'll have to learn to filter their input."

I don't think they liked it.

> Interface with us? Hi! Gladii, I take it? We are new to this as well, I think.
Oh. I am Agent Gladii? I suppose that makes sense, since I'm clearly the junior agent. Can't really get much more junior than me. Then they must be Fera.

> well, seems we don't know much here, that's alright, the world knows and it isn't a good secret keeper.
That sounds very wise. We'll see if it's true.

> Seems you can requisition something, that being said you have no idea what to requisition yet, don't worry about it getting to you, it will probably be the some way YOU got here.
Certainly possible. I guess magic must be real??

> It's Latin. Translation: "Hey! Everybody comes from nothing."
> Maybe that's supposed to be like "Hey, everyone starts from nothing.", which is to say, it's okay to be new to things.
Oh that is very heartening! Thank you! Good Motto. Oh I should have used that for the catchphrase!

>It's more like "Ho! From nothing, all appears.", give or take what 'fiunt' means in particular here. But additionally, I'm pretty sure I recognize the suits of Tarot in that flower; pentacles, cups, swords, (crystal balls?,) and wands. The thirteenth trump is Death, and that's the flower on the flag he holds. Neat seal, in all.
Oh? Oh, hey yeah, I thnk you#re right! Good catch! Well that seems a bit ominous. Or a lot ominous, actually. And what's with the extra suit? I don't think... crystal balls, or whatever that is, are in the tarot.

> "by and means". Maybe that's supposed to imply "any" means.
I don't think so. The mission order says 'by BLANK and BLANK means. That could honestly be anything, but whatever it is it's something... specific. Honestly, how is anybody supposed to work like this?

Is it just me or is it kinda hot out here?

Silicon 2025/01/25(Sat)04:48 No. 1102842 ID: ed299d
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> Check inventory
Oh, good idea! I should see what else I have!

I stick my hand in the right pocket of my jacket and feel something hard and smooth and rectangular. I get it out and... it's a hand mirror. Hmm...

Before I can check the rest of my pockets, Agent Fera interrupts me.

Fera: "A word of advice: I recommend only looking inside your pockets when you really need something, never before. Just stick to gently patting yourself down, until then. Anything you check is set in stone where it would not have been otherwise. The Agency generally provides useful things, but useful things are only useful in context, do you understand?"
Gladii: "Nnnnnot... Reaaallyy..."
Fera: "An example, then: Say I pat myself down and find I have one item in my left inside pocket. Knowing this already limits the item to things that fit in there and have a certain weight et cetera, but beyond that, it remains unknown."
Fera: "Say I pull it out now. It may be a small bottle of sunscreen. That is certainly useful, but there are other ways to avoid sunburn, so it is not vital. Later I encounter a locked door and -- having checked all my pockets -- I know for a fact that I have no way of opening it. I will have to go look for a key."
Fera: "But say now I had not checked. Say I never found sunscreen in my pocket. Now, standing before the door, it is still possible that it holds a set of lockpicks. The chance at lockpicks is -- then and there -- preferable to sunscreen."
Gladii: "I... see."

I guess that makes sense... Does that make sense? Should I wait and check for more stuff later?

Gladii: "I have a mirror here. That doesn't seem to have any immediate use."
Fera: "It's not always immediate. But it will come in handy at some point."

I do pat my other pockets carefully. They all seem to be empty except for my left jacket pocket.
...
Well I know what a pack of tissues feels like even through the fabric of the jacket. Damnit.
Maybe we're lucky and Fera still has some... ambiguous goodies.

Silicon 2025/01/25(Sat)04:48 No. 1102843 ID: ed299d
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I return the mirror to my pocket.

> "So, if the anomaly will be obvious, then we should check over there in that gas station? It appears to be the only thing of note in the vicinity."
> Anyways, I agree that the distant structure seems to be the only thing of importance around here.
> no need to ask what to investigate, there is exactly one place here that isn't wasteland.
> Oh, as for "looking around" there's an obvious place to do that. That structure in the distance.
I'd really like to get out of the sun, so I decide to get us moving before I ask more questions.

Gladii: "So, if the anomaly will be obvious, then we should check over there in that gas station? It appears to be the only thing of note in the vicinity."
They turn their head to look toward the distant gas station and nod.
Fera: "I agree. It is the best place to start."

And we start walking.

Silicon 2025/01/25(Sat)04:48 No. 1102844 ID: ed299d
File 173780931097.png - (142.41KB , 1500x1000 , C01_01_D.png )

> First: Question EVERYTHING. It tends to be how you survive.
> Do you want to survive? Is surviving a thing you're supposed to do?
I do like the idea of surviving. Honestly, if surviving isn't what I'm supposed to do, then I'm not sure I care for what I'm supposed to do.
So I guess I'll question everything.
Gladii: "What is the universe?"
There's some twitch in their face. Not sure if it's amusement, or annoyance. I'm not even sure I didn't imagine it.
Fera: "I understand that you're curious, but if you ask me about everything you don't know, we'll never get anything done. Let's shelve the philosophy for now and focus on the mission, shall we?"
Still don't know if they're annoyed or amused. That flat affect and the sunglasses make them so hard to read!

> Where is your... everything stored when you don't exist? Are your starting minds cloned from a master engram or created from scratch?
Uh... Yeah sure why not?
Gladii: "Where is our... everything stored when we don't exist? Are our starting minds cloned from a master engram or created from scratch?"
Fera: "More philosophy, hm? Well, that's at least somewhat mission-related, so... The short answer is: I do not know. Nobody knows."
Gladii: "Nobody?"
Fera: "As far as I am aware."
Gladii: "Do you have... a guess?"
They sigh.
Fera: "Fine, I will try to sum up my best conjecture: I believe we are stored nowhere. When we're not here, we do not exist. And as to what base we are created from: It is unclear. Some Agents used to be human. Some did not. I was never human. I like to think that I was..."
They trail off. There's something strangely wistful in their voice.
Fera: "Immaculate."

Fera: "That's all we have time for right now."

Silicon 2025/01/25(Sat)04:48 No. 1102845 ID: ed299d
File 173780932887.png - (443.88KB , 1500x1000 , C01_01_E.png )

> Why don't you get a sword?
Gladii: "So why don't I get a sword?"
There is a pause where we walk in silence before they turn their head to look at me.
Fera: "Because you're not me. Nobody gets a sword like this. To have a sword is part of what makes one Agent Gladii."
They pronounce it very confidently. Like Glah-dee-eye.
Gladii: "But I don't have a sword."
There is another pause.
Fera: "You... you are not Agent Gladii. Is what I am saying."
Huh?
???: "I'm not? But I... I thought..."
Gladii: "I assure you, I am Agent Gladii. And according to our mission order, you must be Fera."
I hastily pull out the mission order again.
Fera: "It says 'Lead Investigator'!"
Gladii: "I see now. You assumed -- since you're new -- that I would be in charge. Well, not so. And before you ask: I do not know why the Agency makes these decisions, if indeed decisions is what they are. But this is your mission. I will support you."

No pressure!!

Silicon 2025/01/25(Sat)04:48 No. 1102846 ID: ed299d
File 173780933706.png - (425.64KB , 1500x1000 , C01_01_F.png )

> Might as well ask what... well what gender they are first, then ask what [they] have done before
Fera: "Okay, then... Agent Gladii, am I saying that right? Uh... I'm sorry, I hope this isn't a weird question. What gender are you?"
Gladii: "Swords."
If that's a joke, they're delivering it in absolutely perfect deadpan.
Fera: "Your gender is swords?"
Gladii: "No, but that's the closest thing I have."
Fera: "And what uh... what pronouns does... does swords use?"
Gladii: "They're all equally ill fitting. Use what you like. Or stick with my name. I don't care."
Fera: "Okay."
I think Gladii might be a bit strange.

...

Gladii: "What pronouns should I use for you?"
Fera: "Mmmmhh... Gosh, they're all good, aren't they? I'll ask the Peanut Gallery."
Gladii: "You do that."
Hey what are good pronouns?

Fera: "What have you done before?"
Gladii: "What do you mean?"
Fera: "What sort of missions and whatnot?"
Gladii: "What I have done is not what you will do. I urge you to focus on the task at hand."

> Alright then. I guess we should look around a bit. We need to find the anomaly, identify it, and then neutralize it. We can destroy it, obviously... ask if anomalies can be... uh, taken out of wherever you are and moved somewhere else for storage, would that count as neutralizing it?
Fera: "What exactly does 'neutralize' mean, anyway? I assume we can destroy the anomaly. Are there other ways I should be aware of? Can it be, like, captured? Stored?"
Gladii: "It usually means destruction, yes. Capture missions are rare and explicit. My advice: Keep it simple. Don't question it. Get it done and move on."

>Point out that such censorship could potentially be altering your orders. It's likely that your orders might actually be to identify and neutralize threats to the anomaly. I'm which case your actual mission would be to neutralize Agent Fera there.
Fera: "I'm a bit worried that all that censorship might alter the meaning of the orders. What if we're doing it wrong? What if we're supposed to neutralize threats to the anomaly?"
Gladii: "The Agency does not set us up for failure. We're not here to play guessing games, we're here to solve a problem. Stop fretting."

>Don't mention this, but we aren't the normal "Peanut Gallery" like Agent Fera thinks we are. We're actually the auditing committee. You as are proxy, will Audit Agent Fera. Determine her competence and loyalties. Ask questions. Push boundaries. Follow your instincts. You were chosen for this assignment for a reason.
Okay, now I know for a fact, that you're messing with me! At least I'm not the only one confused about the names.
Fera: "Hey can the Peanut Gallery lie?"
Gladii: "It can. As I said: you need to filter. There is a reason I don't use it these days."

You guys are on thin ice!!

Mmmmhh... Some ice would be great right about now.

Silicon 2025/01/25(Sat)04:49 No. 1102847 ID: ed299d
File 173780935056.png - (278.23KB , 1500x1000 , C01_01_G.png )

We arrive at the gas station and I quickly cross the road to step into the shade. Still very hot, but at least now I'm not also getting bombarbed by sunlight. Looking around, the place makes a clean but somewhat worn impression. The paint's flaking off almost everything here. Some of the markings on the building have been bleached out by the sun.

There are two cars. One is a cop car marked 'District-247 Sheriff'. That doesn't mean much to me. The other car is a beat up little thing, but apparently civillian.

I try to peer into the interiour of the gas station, but it's dark in there, so all I can see is the reflection of the sunbaked wasteland behind me.

Agent Gladii eventually catches up to me at their languid pace. They stop next to me and simply look about themself. I don't get the impression they're about to take any kind of initiative.

Barge in, clutching your stomach, and call for help. Try to vomit. See how each person reacts.

The censorship bars on your mission orders work just like your inventory. As long as you don't know what your mission is it could be anything that fits behind the black bars. Be wary of the cars, this might be a "From a Buick 8"-type situation. Tell agent Gladii to stick her head in the window of the civilian car and snoop around.

The two of you match two of the symbols on the seal, you're the swirly one next to "OMNES", et Gladii is the sword next to "NIHILO". So, maybe there's three other suits of agents in the agency, matching the other symbols.

By the way, gladii is the plural form of the latin word for "sword", if I'm not mistaken. I think freta might be the plural form of "sea", but I'm not entirely sure.

Anyway, you should knock on the front door, wait a bit, then enter if nobody answers. If you meet someone do not tell them about the Agency, you mission, or that you didn't exist until very recently. And don't tell them you take orders from an assortment of weird voices in you earpiece, or they'll think you're insane.

>>1102850

By any and all means, by none and no means, by crafty and clever means, by brutal and thuggish means, your orders will be whatever you really need them to be!

Anyway the only anomalous thing you've seen so far is this gas station. So... blow it up?

Ha ha, what a twist with the names of the characters, a promising start!

>What are good pronouns.
Too early to tell. You've only begun existing and we know nothing about the local area. Physically, you and Gladii appear femenine, so the locals might refer to you as such. We'll see if that works out for you.

Tell Gladii we should pay attention to the names of the locals and come up with fake first names that are incounspicous.

I was about to ask if we had a time limit, but from what little we know of Gladii, the answer will likely be: "we have all day and it will likely take less than that."

So, yeah, keep it simple, enter the station, peruse the wears listen to what whoever is inside is talking about, and maybe see if you have any money to buy something and make small talk with the clerk.

You've got this.

>>1102846
"Woe-man and Fe-Male you are based on body bumps so s-he and he-r are your Pro-Nouns" "So we are Pea-Nut Gallery not seeing much of either, but wel-come to Peek-a-Boo! In all its in-credible un-certainty" "how can you know its tissue paper beyond thinking you know the feeling clear your mind of its Perm-anence how can you be Un-Certain if you have not directly observed it it can be soft and quiet or soft and crinkly, it can even be hard if packed so it can be many things depending on its packaging perhaps if its tissue paper its merely the wrapping around something else"
"Take a Peek inside yourself, perhaps its what you expect the most inside if you purple swirl is truly Agent Fera and not Gladii"

>>1102857
"In-Side the Gas-Station that is"

So this is gonna sound weird but work with me here. Could you focus on the essence of an an animal- say, a wolf, and then literally sniff around?

Apologies for the name confusion! Lovely to meet you, Fera!
>Which pronouns?
Feminine pronouns seem to suit you at a glance, but really which pronouns you use depends on how *you* feel your gender to be. Perhaps you could just use any/all of them, if you don’t have a preference to a specific set?

>Pack of tissues :(

Maybe not! Seems inventory stuff needs as much ambiguity as possible for maximum effectivity. Think of it like Shrodinger’s Cat. As long as you don’t open the mystery box, it could be anything! Even a boat! All you know right now is that you *at least* have a mirror, and something that *feels* like how a pack of tissues might feel, on first impression. The more things it *could* be in your mind the better. It could be a packet of dehydrated anything!

>What Do?

Let’s take a peek inside first. Are there even people in the store? If there are, I’m not sure they’d appreciate their cars being snooped about without their consent. Best to check on if anyone else is even real before we make any assumptions.

>>1102847
So yeah, just note: we're the Peanut Gallery, but honestly, that should tell you a lot about us. We comment on everything and are very inquisitive, so yeah, we're gonna be nosy and question everything if we're not given something solid to give advice towards. A lot of that is going to be figuring out all the details of our situation to figure out what we can or can't do. Just 'rolling with it' isn't really our style.

Also we do have feelings, so just an fyi. If folks get snippy with us, expect us to get snippy right back. We got little to lose.

Anywho, do a quick loop around the station just to see if there's anything that strikes you as 'out of place' or otherwise suspect about the area. Footsteps going in a weird direction, an item that doesn't seem to fit the area lying around, something like that. If there's nothing, might as well see if you can get inside somehow.

We're called the Peanut Gallery because we're here for the show; if nothing is going on, YOU are the entertainment.
A place, with Doors! You should try to use them first, otherwise you have Mx.Sword here.
And given you haven't looked down below, you don't currently HAVE a gender most likely.

>>1102856
>money
Maybe the packet of tissues is actually a packet of money? Also, possible trick - things could theoretically be hidden inside other things, so until you e.g. check between the mirror and its backing, you don't know there isn't a credit card there. Bottles could have things at the bottom, electronics could have things hidden in the cases, etc. Sortof an emergency last ditch resource.

>>1102868

Unfortunately, while the Agency filled your pockets, the same probably doesn't apply to things lying around the gas station. You never know though. Maybe someone came before you, leaving clues!

>Hey what are good pronouns?
Nobody uses Xie/Xem anymore, why not try those on?

>Some ice would be great right about now.
Check around the back for one of those gas station ice machines. The two of you don't look like you're taking the heat well.

>>1102842
>already identified the other item
Nuts. Alright, we learned something new. Tell your partner- she shouldn't even check her pockets until she needs something, because having vague information on the size, shape and density of an object might be too much to allow it to be maximally utilized. Though, I suppose knowing you have at least one item is useful information? It's a bit of a tradeoff.

>>1102846
>pronouns?
She/they seems versatile enough for your appearance. Saves time if you don't care.

>>1102847
Alright, no anomalies immediately obvious. I'd start by checking the inside. Both doors. Might have to get the bathroom key from the station attendant though.

Suggestion 2025/01/25(Sat)18:25 No. 1102889 ID: 4a0685
File 173785833503.png - (303.19KB , 565x606 , LESBIANMOMENT.png )

>>1102575

M-m-mommy

Pronoun suggestion! You're Fera! How about using Fe, like She?
"She picks up her book and dusts herself off."
Becomes
"Fe picks up fer book and dusts ferself off."

Very you!

For Gladii, since their pronouns are none, you should probably just not refer to them.

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:54 No. 1103471 ID: 1d6973
File 173901926102.png - (1.03MB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_A.png )

OOC: Introducing my cool new co-artist Broeckchen!

> Apologies for the name confusion! Lovely to meet you, Fera!
Hey that's okay. I was also confused. This is a confusing situation, right?

> "So we are Pea-Nut Gallery not seeing much of either, but wel-come to Peek-a-Boo! In all its in-credible un-certainty"
Uh... Thank you? Okay could you please not get weirder? This whole situation is already a lot and now I am wondering if you're trying to tell me something by injecting these weird pauses into the words.

> Anyway the only anomalous thing you've seen so far is this gas station. So... blow it up?
Hmm, iiiiinteresting idea? I mean I wouldn't know how to accomplish such a thing. Plus, it might be highly irresponsible. So I'll put that in the 'maybe' column for now.

> M-m-mommy
What?! Hey are those scissors?! No! I know what you're trying to do! You stop that right now!

> Also we do have feelings, so just an fyi. If folks get snippy with us, expect us to get snippy right back. We got little to lose.
Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. I don't mean to be snippy, I'm just under a lot of stress right now and you... or some of you... are lying to me. Can we please uh... agree to pull together, here? Please?

> [Various musings about inventory ambiguity]
Okay, then. If you guys say I should take this seriously, I will. I guess you're right. Just because it feels like a pack of tissues doesn't mean it is a pack of tissues. Or that the pack of tissues doesn't also contain something else.
I need us to communicate clearly about this, so I'll propose a bit of protocol here. Let's see... If you want me to actually take out an item and check what it really turns out to be, you'll uuhhmmm... you'll say 'Collapse item'. And like... replace 'item' with whatever. 'Collapse left jacket pocket', for example. Is that good?

> [Various pronoun and gender suggestions]
I guess I don't mind just rolling with whatever people use for me. Might be interesting to see what kinds of vibes I give off. Seems you generally see me as female so far? Interesting.

> Pronoun suggestion! You're Fera! How about using Fe, like She? "She picks up her book and dusts herself off." Becomes "Fe picks up fer book and dusts ferself off." Very you!
Ooooh I like that! It's pretty simple, but personal! I think I'll try that on!

Fera: "Agent Gladii, I have decided on pronouns."
Gladii: "... Very good, Agent Fera."
Fera: "Please refer to me as 'Fe/Fer'. Works just like 'She/Her', except with an F at the start."
Gladii: "Sure."

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:54 No. 1103472 ID: 1d6973
File 173901927287.png - (426.17KB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_B.png )

> If you meet someone do not tell them about the Agency, you mission, or that you didn't exist until very recently. And don't tell them you take orders from an assortment of weird voices in you earpiece, or they'll think you're insane.
Okay, I can play my cards close to the chest. If you change your mind later on and want to share that sort of thing with somebody, please explicitly tell me that!

> The two of you match two of the symbols on the seal, you're the swirly one next to "OMNES", et Gladii is the sword next to "NIHILO". So, maybe there's three other suits of agents in the agency, matching the other symbols.
I'm a swirl? I don't think I follow. That would make me the mysterious fifth suit. Wait, are the major arcana a suit? Sixth suit, then. Or is that what the swirl means?

> By the way, gladii is the plural form of the latin word for "sword", if I'm not mistaken. I think freta might be the plural form of "sea", but I'm not entirely sure.
Well now I feel even sillier over the name confusion. their name is literally 'Agent Swords'?
Ah, but I'm not Freta. I'm Fera. What does that mean? Sounds like 'feral'. That can't be it, can it?

> So this is gonna sound weird but work with me here. Could you focus on the essence of an an animal- say, a wolf, and then literally sniff around?
I guess it can't hurt to try?
I close my eyes and focus, I picture myself as a wolf. I concentrate really hard on being one with the wolf. I picture fur, tooth and claw, distant howling in the moonlit night, a world of greys, a world of scents and tastes and savage death.

I sniff the air, take it in. Take it all in...

...

Honestly I can't even smell the sweat underneath the powerful stench of gasoline. I don't think that worked.

Gladii is looking at me. They look the same as before, completely blank expression but I could swear they're judging me.

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:54 No. 1103473 ID: 1d6973
File 173901927986.png - (532.10KB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_C.png )

> Let's take a peek inside first. Are there even people in the store? If there are, I'm not sure they'd appreciate their cars being snooped about without their consent. Best to check on if anyone else is even real before we make any assumptions.
I don't know how to tell if anybody is 'real' or not, but I can check who's present I guess. I walk right up to the big window and raise my arms around my head to block as much of the outside light as possible.
There's some kind of convenience store inside. I can see exactly one person, sitting behind the counter. They seem to be asleep.

> Tell Gladii we should pay attention to the names of the locals and come up with fake first names that are incounspicous.
Fera: "There's a guy in there. We should pay attention to whatever name or names he gives and come up with similar names. To blend in, you know?"
Gladii: "I've rarely bothered with that kind of deception. It's not like we have to worry about somebody tracking down our places of residence or families, after all."
Fera: "Why's that?"
Gladii: "We do not have any."
Fera: "Oh."

> I was about to ask if we had a time limit, but from what little we know of Gladii, the answer will likely be: "we have all day and it will likely take less than that."
Ahahaha yeah. Either that or like 'I do not know. Nobody knows.'

> Be wary of the cars, this might be a "From a Buick 8"-type situation. Tell agent Gladii to stick her head in the window of the civilian car and snoop around.
On the one hand, it seems a bit callous to make Gladii do something we think might be dangerous. On the other hand, they're more experienced and -- I'm guessing -- less likely to get killed if something does happen.
Well surely the Agency wouldn't immediately put me in charge of something super deadly, right? Right?
Fera: "Could you take a look at the little car behind the gas station, Agent Gladii? See if you can find anything of interest."
Gladii: "Mmh-hm"
And off they go at a relaxed pace.

> A place, with Doors! You should try to use them first, otherwise you have Mx.Sword here.
> Alright, no anomalies immediately obvious. I'd start by checking the inside. Both doors. Might have to get the bathroom key from the station attendant though.
The door at the front has no handle or door knob, so I just push against it slightly. It resists the motion but it does open just a tiny crack. So it's not locked. I can get in this way. But I'll check around outside first.
The bathroom door is locked, however. Will have to snoop in there once we acquire the key.

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:54 No. 1103474 ID: 1d6973
File 173901928618.png - (235.40KB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_D.png )

> Anywho, do a quick loop around the station just to see if there's anything that strikes you as 'out of place' or otherwise suspect about the area. Footsteps going in a weird direction, an item that doesn't seem to fit the area lying around, something like that. If there's nothing, might as well see if you can get inside somehow.
> Check around the back for one of those gas station ice machines. The two of you don't look like you're taking the heat well.
I follow Agent Gladii and take a look behind the gas station. There is, unfortunately no ice machine, which sucks. Really sucks.
But there are two more doors. The one on the left is locked. The right one does open, but a careful peek confirms my suspicion that it just leads to the convenience store.
The only thing lying around here is pieces of the little car's left headlight. And looking around the larger area, I spot nothing but an endless expanse of dirt and rocks.
No sign of other people. Something seems off about that.

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:54 No. 1103475 ID: 1d6973
File 173901929678.png - (609.08KB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_E.png )

I regroup with Gladii in the shade in front of the convenience store.
Gladii: "I have taken the liberty of examining both cars. Nothing struck me as particularly unusual. The small car is messy. Empty packs of tobacoo, two open packs of chewing gum, clothes strewn on the rear bench. That sort of thing. And it looks like it recently collided with something. Perhaps it was hit by another car."
Gladii: "The Sheriff's car is cleaner, orderly. The only personal touch there is a little skull sticker on the trunk."
Fera: "I see. Thank you, Agent Gladii."
They simply nod.

> Anyway, you should knock on the front door, wait a bit, then enter if nobody answers.
> So, yeah, keep it simple, enter the station, peruse the wears listen to what whoever is inside is talking about, and maybe see if you have any money to buy something and make small talk with the clerk.
> "Take a Peek inside yourself, perhaps its what you expect the most inside if you purple swirl is truly Agent Fera and not Gladii"
> "In-Side the Gas-Station that is"
All right, listen. I hear you. I appreciate the appeal to simple good sense, but...

> Barge in, clutching your stomach, and call for help. Try to vomit. See how each person reacts.
... this just makes a lot of sense to me! We're looking for an anomaly, right? Shaking the gas station guy up a little might cause him to reveal something! Maybe if he sees me staggering about and puking everywhere, he'll be like 'Oh god did the giant fly get you, too???' and then we'll know there's a giant fly. This is a great plan.

> You've got this.
Oh hell yeah I do!
Also thanks.

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:55 No. 1103476 ID: 1d6973
File 173901930308.png - (497.64KB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_F.png )

I violently throw open the gas station door!
THWACK!
Gas Station Guy: "Bwagh!"
Fera: "Help! Help, please! I need help!"
Gas Station Guy: "Huh?! Wha-?!"

I stumble behind the middle shelf to break his line of sight for a moment. I stick a finger down my throat, but unfortunately that doesn't get me anything but some impotent gagging. So much for the cool vomiting plan. Oh well.

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:55 No. 1103477 ID: 1d6973
File 173901931087.png - (532.19KB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_G.png )

As I approach the counter, the gas station guy gets up and hurriedly heads toward the big fridge on the side. He looks very spooked.

Gas Station Guy: "Okay, alright, please be calm. Uh... Sit? Floor should be reasonably clean."
Fera: "Please! I need your help!"

I bump against the counter and dramatically slide down to the floor. Gas station guy grabs a large bottle of water from inside the refrigerator, twists it open and holds it out to me at arm's length. I can tell he's trying to act calm and composed, but he's breathing heavily.

Silicon 2025/02/08(Sat)04:55 No. 1103478 ID: 1d6973
File 173901931744.png - (644.30KB , 1500x1000 , C01_02_H.png )

I take the bottle and drink the cool water in big gulps. Oh it's divine! Pure, sweet ambrosia.

Gas Station Guy: "Easy, easy! You're gonna throw up if you go too fast. There's no hurry."
I set down the bottle.
Fera: "Puhaaaa! Thank you. That... That already makes me feel much better."
He smirks nervously.
Gas Station Guy: "Yeah I- I bet. Heatstroke's no joke."
Fera: "What's your name?"
Gas Station Guy: "Ah, uh... David."
Okay, Peanut Gallery, it's your time to shine! What's a good name that fits with David?

Oh also, I guess what should I ask David about?

Hi, guys! ♡

Ooooh, I wonder if you can collapse items in external sources like you can with your own suit? That would open up completely new possibilities, since a trunk fits much heavier and bigger things than a pocket!

Also a name that fits with David? Goliath, duh!

>>1103478
He seems normal. Ask where the sheriff is. We saw their car outside, but he's the only one in here...
You can use the name "Rose".

Quick take your clothes off
It's not like you're going to exist long enough to embarrass yourself on the internet

Ask David if he's seen anything strange or unusual around here. Don't discount the possibility that he might be the anomoly. Don't let your guard down.

Also, if we assume David's car is the civilian car, that means the sheriff's car might be the anomoly.

Use your earbud to contact Gladii and have her switch to investigating the Sheriff car.

Unless the driver of the cop car walked off into the desert they are either in the bathroom or tge locked room in back. Stay on your toes.

Rose is a hood name, and Gladii cam be Gladys. Cover story is that you where on your way to a industrial inspection job when your car broke down about a mile from here. So you walked here but the sun was too much.

Ask him if there's anyone here could give you a lift after you recover.

Ask him why this gas station is named "Thought".

Silicon 2025/02/17(Mon)12:17 No. 1103911 ID: 59ec04
File 173982345441.png - (1.26MB , 3000x2000 , C01_03_A.png )

> Ooooh, I wonder if you can collapse items in external sources like you can with your own suit? That would open up completely new possibilities, since a trunk fits much heavier and bigger things than a pocket!
I'll be honest I'm still not completely sure what the difference is between collapsing an item and just... looking inside a pocket and finding something that was always there.

> Use your earbud to contact Gladii and have her switch to investigating the Sheriff car.
I think the earbud connects me to you guys, only. The Peanut Gallery, that is. I sure hope Gladii can't hear all my thoughts!

> Also a name that fits with David? Goliath, duh!
Oh that could be fun...

> You can use the name "Rose".
> Rose is a hood name, and Gladii cam be Gladys.
Mmh, right. Gladii also needs a name. Heck let's go with Rose and Gladys, I'm trusting you.

> Cover story is that you where on your way to a industrial inspection job when your car broke down about a mile from here. So you walked here but the sun was too much.

Fera: "Hello, David. I'm Rose. We were on our way to an industrial inspection and our car broke down up the road a ways."
David: "Ah, 'we'?"
Fera: "My partner Gladys and I."
And as if on command, Gladii comes in through the front door.
Fera: "Oh here's Gladys now."

David stands as Gladii walks over to us. Once they're face to face there is a an awkward silence before Gladii sighs and then speaks.
Gladii: "Yes, hello I'm... Gladys."
David fetches another bottle of water and hands it to Gladii.
David: "David. Pleasure to meet you. Rough day, huh?"

This is odd. He's nervous, but not any more nervous than before. I figured Gladii's sword would have gotten some kind of reaction, but he seems to be taking that in stride.

Silicon 2025/02/17(Mon)12:17 No. 1103912 ID: 59ec04
File 173982345917.png - (594.19KB , 1500x1000 , C01_03_B.png )

> Ask him why this gas station is named "Thought".
Fera: "Nice gas station you have here. Why's it called 'Thought'?"
He chuckles.
David: "That's funny, I've been asked that before. But it's not 'Thought'. Not sure where you're getting that from. It's German. Literally just means gas station."
Fera: "Oh."

Okay that was slightly embarrassing but I think he's relaxing a bit. Still palpably nervous, though.

> Ask him if there's anyone here could give you a lift after you recover.
> He seems normal. Ask where the sheriff is. We saw their car outside, but he's the only one in here...
> Unless the driver of the cop car walked off into the desert they are either in the bathroom or tge locked room in back. Stay on your toes.
> Ask David if he's seen anything strange or unusual around here. Don't discount the possibility that he might be the anomoly. Don't let your guard down.
> Also, if we assume David's car is the civilian car, that means the sheriff's car might be the anomoly.

All right, I'll keep an open mind. David might be the anomaly. The cop car might be the anomaly. It certainly is strange that there's a car and seemingly nobody to drive it here.
In any case I think I have an idea how to keep this investigation low-key.

Fera: "Thank you again for the water, David. It's really mercilessly hot out there."
David: "Don't mention it. Uhm, if you want my advice: take off your jackets out there. The black fabric turns the sunlight straight to heat."
Fera: "Ah, yeah... Uh, since we're stranded here, is there anybody who could give us a lift once we're properly hydrated?"
David: "Well, if you're not in too much of a hurry, I can take you back to town myself once my shift is over."

Silicon 2025/02/17(Mon)12:17 No. 1103913 ID: 59ec04
File 173982346468.png - (591.47KB , 1500x1000 , C01_03_C.png )

Fera: "What about the Sheriff? Is he still around?"
David clears his throat.
David: "Oh uh... right. The Sheriff. I mean he must be if... if the car's still here uhm... Or, or maybe someone picked him up while I was asleep..."
... So David's a terrible liar. I'm not sure what he's hiding, but he's hiding something.

Silicon 2025/02/17(Mon)12:17 No. 1103914 ID: 59ec04
File 173982346811.png - (599.80KB , 1500x1000 , C01_03_D.png )

David: "Look, just... take it easy and my shift'll be over before you know it and then we can go."
There's a finality to it. He does not want to discuss this further. And his hands are fidgeting.

David: "Damn, uh you don't happen to smoke, do you? I ran out of cigarettes and man, I could really use one right now."

A convenience store clerk. Who's out of cigarettes. Yeah this guy is definitely looking pretty anomalous rn =.=

>>1103914
Cigarettes? Hey, a pack of cigs could feel like a pack of tissues. Try to collapse your item into those cigs. If you still wind up taking out tissues then oh well, no loss.

There's only one place the sheriff could be. The bathroom. At some point you're going to have to ask for the bathroom key.

>>1103914
Isn't it illegal to be smoking at a gas station? You know, because of gas?

Check your pockets for some cigarettes.

>>1103916
...maybe they don't sell them here? We can't see all the shelves.

>>1103917
Hopefully it isn't cigs or tissues but instead a wad of cash. Then you can buy him cigs and get lots of snacks!

>>1103926
Oh that could be useful. The bathroom might be for paying customers only or something...

Hmm… if he’s hiding info, and he’s jittery from withdrawals, we might be able to get some info out of him if we collapse “pack of tissues” pocket. If we can land the cigarettes, we can bribe him into telling us what’s really going on here. Info first, then give cigarettes.

>>1103918
It is in fact -not- illegal.

Also Tanke is only "Gas Station" in German. It's "Thought" in like half a dozen languages. Other translations include "Thin" and "Pantyhose".

This entire place (and everyone and everything within) could have been an incorrectly collapsed thought or something. If that's the case We'll either need to untangle the riddle and try to revert the anomaly- or work to super-collapse it to make the anomaly properly real... I'm doubly suspicious as this place has power, is in the middle of nowhere, but has no visible infrastructure powering it. Underground lines wouldn't normally be run over such vast distances, and I didn't see a generator or solar panels.

Let's test the cashier to see if he's real!
Ask him about himself, his past, his family, his home, and the town nearby.

A construct would probably only have vague ideas of what those might be- if anything. Someone real would have detailed memories of such.

For all we know it's "Tanker" and the R fell off.

Theres one place that you could do with checking out.
Ask david for the keys to the toilet.
While out there gladys can check out his car a little closer while you delve into the darkest of places.
Warning.
If that gas station toilet is clean, it may be the anomaly

^Hey, where's my peanuts? I was promised peanuts, right?

The "not tissues" in your pocket is a bank roll.
Buy a pack of cigs off the rack and tell him they're his.

Silicon 2025/03/05(Wed)02:16 No. 1104548 ID: 1d6973
File 174116976907.png - (482.68KB , 1500x1000 , C01_04_A.png )

> A convenience store clerk. Who's out of cigarettes. Yeah this guy is definitely looking pretty anomalous rn =.=
> ...maybe they don't sell them here? We can't see all the shelves.
Fera: "You don't have cigarettes?"
David: "There's been all kinds of supply bottlenecks lately. World's falling to pieces I swear."
Fera: "It is?"
He gestures vaguely.
David: "Well, y'know... Like..."
He pauses.
David: "I don't know how to explain it. You're not feeling it? I thought everybody's feeling it..."
Fera: "Not me."
David: "Well anyway, d-do you have cigs?"

> There's only one place the sheriff could be. The bathroom. At some point you're going to have to ask for the bathroom key.
> Oh that could be useful. The bathroom might be for paying customers only or something...
Fera: "Hang on, I'll check. Uh... Quick question. Can I get the key to the bathroom?"
David: "Oh. Yeah of course. Here you go."
David reaches under the counter and produces a small key with a big ridiculous keychain, which he sets on the counter.
Fera: "Thanks."

Silicon 2025/03/05(Wed)02:16 No. 1104550 ID: 1d6973
File 174116978313.png - (162.13KB , 1500x1000 , C01_04_B.png )

I take the bathroom key. How cute!

Silicon 2025/03/05(Wed)02:16 No. 1104552 ID: 1d6973
File 174116980010.png - (488.76KB , 1500x1000 , C01_04_C.png )

> Cigarettes? Hey, a pack of cigs could feel like a pack of tissues. Try to collapse your item into those cigs. If you still wind up taking out tissues then oh well, no loss.
> Check your pockets for some cigarettes.
> Hopefully it isn't cigs or tissues but instead a wad of cash. Then you can buy him cigs and get lots of snacks!
All right, you said the magic word, so I'm collapsing the item aaaaand it's a pack of tissues.
I sigh.

Just to be sure, I open it and root around in it a little to make sure there aren't any bills hidden in there. Oh uh... I guess they're both looking at me. Uhm... I try to play it off cool by patting over my other pockets. (Nothing there except for the mission orders, the requisition form and the hand mirror.

I turn to Gladii.
Fera: "Do you maybe have cigarettes, Gladys?"
Gladii: "... Yes."

They're holding a pack of cigarettes and it hits me like deja vu. Right, I've seen that before. And I completely forgot.
Now that I'm looking at it more closely, it's a bit odd. The packaging is nondescript to a fault. Just plain white.

Silicon 2025/03/05(Wed)02:16 No. 1104553 ID: 1d6973
File 174116981426.png - (568.22KB , 1500x1000 , C01_04_D.png )

David's eyes light up.
David: "Aw sweet!"
Gladii: "Do you have a lighter?"
David: "Yup!"
He reaches around one of the little display stands on the counter to grab a fresh lighter.

> Isn't it illegal to be smoking at a gas station? You know, because of gas?
Fera: "Not inside the gas station!!"

Silicon 2025/03/05(Wed)02:17 No. 1104554 ID: 1d6973
File 174116983334.png - (490.90KB , 1500x1000 , C01_04_E.png )

David: "...so all things considered, the likelyhood is actually quite low especially if no gas has been pumped in a while. But of course, given the consequences it's best to keep some distance."

When David finally gets his cigarette, he pauses. He turns it over in his hand, looks more closely at the tip, then Gladii and then me. He looks a little confused, sceptical. Finally, he shrugs, lights it up and takes a deep drag.

David: "Mmh. Not bad."

I hope this'll make him a bit more open to answering questions. But just as I'm about to ask, the smoke hits my nose and... That's not tobacco. It's got such an overpowering and distinctly herb-like scent.

Well he doesn't seem to mind. I can practically watch the tension melting from his shoulders.

Silicon 2025/03/05(Wed)02:17 No. 1104555 ID: 1d6973
File 174116984005.png - (475.97KB , 1500x1000 , C01_04_F.png )

David: "So. Rose."
He says this carefully. Like he's about to drop a bombshell.
David: "You're not actually industrial inspectors, are you? This is some X-files thing? You're like... experts for weird shit?"

Fera: "Uh..."

My eyes dart over to Gladii, who is busy lighting a cigarette. They give no reaction whatsoever. What now? Should I just go along with it? Might make asking more questions easier, I guess...

And what should I ask about?

STONER GLADII SWEEP??? wait have they just been fucking folded the whole time. is that why they're so chill. make a note to investigate later

anyway, this is good. he wouldn't be saying that if he didn't think you'd have some reason to be here. keep it light: "if we were, what kind of thing could we help out with, around here?"

>>1104555
Tell him you're definitely inspectors, but you are very curious to know why he would think you're here about weird shit. Has he seen anything weird?

"Let's just say not even the conspiracy theorists have theorized us. It'd be better for you if you just explain everything you've seen so we can do our job, and we'll go back to not existing in your life."

Play it coy, like "well if we were we couldn't tell you could we? Wink"

Ask if he's asking because he's seen something strange

He's asking because of the Suit and Tie get up, Gladi's glasses, and your earpiece.
It SCREAMS X-files/Men in Black.

Smile and say "I can neither confirm nor deny that, citizen."
Is a famous phrase used by the CIA. Just as good a yes without inadvertantly collapsing yourselves.

"Why do you ask? Have you seen anything weird lately?"

>>1104550
ANOMALOUSLY cute?
...
..
.
No. Just cute. Dammit.

>>1104555
Oh, you are inspectors, just focused on more the fundamental mechanisms of reality.
Uh.
Maybe just say "you might very well think that, but i couldn't possibly comment." Or something like that.
Then, casually ask seen anything weird, you guys excluded.
I mean, no offense, but you are kinda weird.

>>1104567
Keep it simple, this works.

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:32 No. 1105593 ID: 6a5191
File 174336672753.png - (495.37KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_A.png )

> STONER GLADII SWEEP??? wait have they just been fucking folded the whole time. is that why they're so chill. make a note to investigate later
Yes, noted.

> I mean, no offense, but you are kinda weird.
I'll take your word for it, disembodied voice that's speaking to my brain via an earpiece.
Y'know I do wonder what's up with that, now that I'm thinking about it.

> ANOMALOUSLY cute?
> No. Just cute. Dammit.
What would anomalously cute even look like? Would it like... mess me up just looking at it?

> anyway, this is good. he wouldn't be saying that if he didn't think you'd have some reason to be here.
Yeah, good point.

> "Let's just say not even the conspiracy theorists have theorized us. It'd be better for you if you just explain everything you've seen so we can do our job, and we'll go back to not existing in your life."
> Oh, you are inspectors, just focused on more the fundamental mechanisms of reality.
That stuff is so ominous. I don't wanna freak him out!

> Maybe just say "you might very well think that, but i couldn't possibly comment." Or something like that.
Yeah that's probably better.

> Smile and say "I can neither confirm nor deny that, citizen."
> Is a famous phrase used by the CIA. Just as good a yes without inadvertantly collapsing yourselves.
Well if it's famous, he'll probably get the idea. Here goes!

I give him my most mysterious smile.
Fera: "I can neither confirm nor deny that, citizen."
David: "Yeah okay, so that's a yes, then."

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:32 No. 1105594 ID: 6a5191
File 174336673969.png - (499.50KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_B.png )

>"Why do you ask? Have you seen anything weird lately?"
Fera: "Why do you ask? Have you seen anything weird lately?"

His smile disappears and the anxiety returns. He takes another long drag from his joint without breaking eye contact. Then he speaks.
David: "Well, not... Not exactly. But uhm... Something's definitely off."

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:32 No. 1105595 ID: 6a5191
File 174336674836.png - (493.35KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_C.png )

He looks at me very seriously for several seconds.
David: "Okay before I say any more, you're gonna have to promise me something."
Fera: "Oh?"
David: "Promise me that... if you investigate further, you're not just gonna disappear. Promise that you'll be safe and come back."
Fera: "Uhm..."

That sounds super serious! I dunno. Can I promise that? What do y-

Gladii: "We'll come back. I promise."
Both David and I look at Gladii. They are stuffing their barely smoked joint back in the box.
David: "You mean it?"
Gladii: "Absolutely."

He looks at me, uncertain. I guess I'm not the only one who has trouble reading Gladii's expression and tone. Well, let's go with it. I nod.
Fera: "It's a promise."

David: "... Okay."

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:32 No. 1105596 ID: 6a5191
File 174336675718.png - (299.62KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_D.png )

David takes a deep breath.

David: "Three days ago, I hear a car coming down the road and pulling into the gas station. But not by the pumps. On the side of the building. That's unusual enough that I decide to head outside to look. Nice car. Looks expensive."

David: "I also see two people. One's a tall, athletic-looking guy with a backpack. The other is a smaller goth chick who seems to be melting in the harsh sunlight. They're heading straight for the bunker."

Fera: "The bunker?"

He nods.

David: "There is a small bunker a little ways behind the gas station. It's not large. There's a hatch behind that large rock over there. Easy to miss, but also easy to find if you know what you're looking for."

David: "So that's the first weird thing, right? I've never seen these people before, but they know exactly where that bunker is."

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:32 No. 1105597 ID: 6a5191
File 174336677040.png - (223.18KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_E.png )

David: "And because that's so weird and because I'm bored out of my mind, I just kinda linger in the shade of the building and wait for them to come back out. I don't know how long. Ten minutes maybe?"

David: "Then I hear something very faint. Sounds like a scream, I think. Probably from the girl. Uh, the woman. I just kinda get up and slowly head towards the bunker on instinct. No idea what I'm gonna do when I get there, because I'm sure as shit not going down there."

David: "There's a second scream, so I go faster. Before I make it all the way there, the goth chick emerges from the hatch."

David: "She's clearly in distress, she stumbles as she tries to get away, falls down flat and immediately scrambles to get back to her feet. I notice she has the other guy's backpack."

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:32 No. 1105598 ID: 6a5191
File 174336677894.png - (258.91KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_F.png )

David: "I ask what happened, if she needs help. She just keeps going, nearly bowls me right over! She's dripping with water. Her eyes, uh... the skin around her eyes is all red and she looks like she can barely see, but she heads for the car they came in."

David: "I follow, I beg her to slow down and let me help. All I get from her is a very unconvincing 'I'm fine!' I ask what happened to the other guy and she says nothing to that."

David: "She gets into the car, fumbles with the keys. The car starts with a jump and hits my car's front. I'm stunned. I just watch dumbly as she reverses, barely missing the damn gas pumps, onto the road and then speeds off with screeching tires."

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:33 No. 1105599 ID: 6a5191
File 174336678731.png - (236.54KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_G.png )

Here, he pauses and just smokes silently for a bit. Right when I'm about to ask some kind of follow-up question, he continues.

David: "After the shock wears off, I remember the missing guy and go to the bunker hatch. Still not going in there. But I know it's not large, so I call out. I never get a reply. Nothing. Not even so much as a groan or anything. Complete silence."

He tilts his head.

David: "Or maybe not complete silence. There's a strange noise... Like a very quiet kr-chk? May have imagined that."

David: "Anyway I call emergency services and they say I should call the police and I guess that makes sense in a way, but at first they just tell me to have an eye on the situation and see if the guy comes back out or some shit."
David: "They make me call several times. It takes them two days to actually send somebody!"

David takes another drag.

David: "World's coming apart, I tell you."

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:33 No. 1105600 ID: 6a5191
File 174336680388.png - (226.58KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_H.png )

David: "So finally, finally the Sheriff comes by. He's clearly not happy to be here, but I explain the situation to him, again. I show him the damage to my car, because the insurance company is gonna want witnesses or whatever. I show him the bunker."

David shudders. He takes a deep breath. When he speaks, his voice is unsteady. His eyes are wet. He's trying to hold it in.

David: "I watch as he climbs down. I hear him mutter some curse. He turns on his flashlight. I can hear the click. I can see the light from below. Then I..."

David gasps for breath once, twice, thrice...

David: "I hear... I don't know what I heard... A thud? A... a... grunt? And then nothing. I call down. I ask if he's okay. I get no response. Nothing. Silence. I- I-"

He presses his elbow crease over his eyes and draws in another deep, shuddering breath.

David: "I called 911 again. And... And they said they'd send someone else. That was yesterday! And I got to thinking... What's the next cop gonna do? Also wander in there and disappear? How-"

Silicon 2025/03/30(Sun)13:33 No. 1105601 ID: 6a5191
File 174336681619.png - (487.65KB , 1500x1000 , C01_05_I.png )

He stares at me, pleading. His eyes are red. The skin around them, that is.

David: "How long is this gonna go on?"

There is a pause. He looks so desperate, so utterly lost. While I'm still processing what he's said, Gladii speaks up.

Gladii: "It ends now."

That's a lot.
Hey Peanut Gallery! Do you have any follow-up questions?
And how do we proceed from here?

>>1105601
Yeah. How long has the bunker been there? Who made it, and why? Has he ever been inside? Had anyone gone inside before the two strangers went in? What did the two strangers look like, and what did the sheriff look like?

Proceed carefully. Also probably let the sword go first.

"Ah. Well, looks like you already know too much. So here's what is going to happen. You're going to close up shop, take a week-long vacation, and when you come back, we'll be done fixing it, and you will forget everything you saw here.
I'm serious. No yapping about this when you grow liver spots and boobs. All the stuff you see on TV about folks disappearing for blabbing? You're going to wish that's what happens if you let yourself become a loose end."

As far as what do... Gladii seems to know a bit about what she's doing? I think we should head to the bunker once all follow ups have been followed upon. Gladii seems ready to sword up whatever anomaly is down there, so send her in first, and maybe follow her down?

I find it odd, he mentioned the skin around the girl's eyes being red, in a way that suggests that's a notably weird symptom, but also, he too has red eye-skin. I don't know what to DO with that information, but.

Has he ever been in the bunker before? Can he draw us a floorplan?

So based on the information we have, it seems likely to be an entity. If it was some kind of trap, or space based effect, the woman wouldn't have needed to run. The sheriff, would have seen the man's body and been able to avoid what killed him if it was fixed to a location.

Oh hey, mirror on a stick would be useful to spy around corners here. See if David has any you could borrow in the store.

>>1105601
Ask him how he learned of the bunker and when.
An unclear or incongruous answer may indicate an anomalous creation rather than being a simple albeit dangerous location in which the target anomoly is located.

>>1105601
Do you have a light source on you? If not you probably want to ask if you can borrow a flashlight.

Hold on a sec... The broken headlight shards were right in front of his car where they should be... But this all happened days ago?
Has this guy not gone home at all?
Even if he parks in the same spot every day, it would be weird to get it perfect on the done like that. Weirder still that the debris hasn't been agitated at all in the days since despite being a public space.
Ask if he's gone home at all since then.

Beyond that, sounds like the girl got pepper sprayed, so acquire eye protection before heading down.

Ask Gladii if she can break into the sheriff's trunk. A shotgun would be nice.

Don't forget to check out the bathroom before diving down the spooky hole.

Uh... what's that on David's shirt? That wasn't there before...

>>1105639
Good eye.

Either he's anomalous or...
Oh crap.
I hope its not a sighting dot for some weapon...

Uhhhh punch him in the targeting reticle, enough to knock him over?? Both hindering a possible threat and moving him out of the way of a possible attack. Maybe shout "GET DOWN" at the same time, for a head start on why you punched him.

...And or follow up with "April Fools!"

Silicon 2025/04/06(Sun)13:22 No. 1105946 ID: be7ff9
File 174397093537.png - (483.62KB , 1500x1000 , C01_06_A.png )

> "Ah. Well, looks like you already know too much. So here's what is going to happen. You're going to close up shop, take a week-long vacation, and when you come back, we'll be done fixing it, and you will forget everything you saw here.
> I'm serious. No yapping about this when you grow liver spots and boobs. All the stuff you see on TV about folks disappearing for blabbing? You're going to wish that's what happens if you let yourself become a loose end."

Okay, look, this seems like exactly what Agent Gladii warned me about. I don't want to traumatize this dude for life. Just thinking about it makes me feel bad! I don't wanna assume you're just being cruel for the heck of it, but maybe you could uh... give me your reasoning when you give me ideas like this? Please?
If what you're getting at is that you want him out of the way, maybe there's a gentler way to make that happen.

> So based on the information we have, it seems likely to be an entity. If it was some kind of trap, or space based effect, the woman wouldn't have needed to run. The sheriff, would have seen the man's body and been able to avoid what killed him if it was fixed to a location.
And by entity, you mean something... alive? Oh dear I hope not.
Interesting observations, though. It's something that can be avoided, because there is at least one survivor or escapee. Though it's possible she only managed to run because her companion got grabbed first? She did get his backpack, though.

> Hold on a sec... The broken headlight shards were right in front of his car where they should be... But this all happened days ago?
> Has this guy not gone home at all?
> Even if he parks in the same spot every day, it would be weird to get it perfect on the done like that. Weirder still that the debris hasn't been agitated at all in the days since despite being a public space.
Seems like a small inconsistency. I'll note that down. Who knows where that leads?

> Uh... what's that on David's shirt? That wasn't there before...
> Good eye.
Oh! Yeah, now that you mention it, there's something sticking out of his... his shirt. That's not normal. Right?

> Either he's anomalous or...
> Oh crap.
> I hope its not a sighting dot for some weapon...
> Uhhhh punch him in the targeting reticle, enough to knock him over?? Both hindering a possible threat and moving him out of the way of a possible attack. Maybe shout "GET DOWN" at the same time, for a head start on why you punched him.
My muscles tense up, but I catch myself. Guys, it's... it's not a reticle. It's a thin... thing... sticking out of his chest for some reason. Let's all calm down and uh... keep an eye on the situation.

He follows my eyes and looks down at his chest, slightly confused. He scratches the point above his heart self-consciously and... His hand slides right through the damn thing like it's intangible! Okay that's WEIRD.
I try to meet his eyes anyway.

So far neither David, nor Agent Gladii seem to have taken notice of the thing at all.
Let's ask questions.

> Yeah. How long has the bunker been there? Who made it, and why? Has he ever been inside? Had anyone gone inside before the two strangers went in?

Fera: "I have a couple questions, if that's okay."
David: "O- of course. Go ahead, Rose."
Fera: "How long has the bunker been here? Do you know?"
David: "Not exactly, no. Longer than I've worked here. Probably much longer by the looks of it."
Fera: "Who made it and why?"
David: "No clue."
Fera: "Had anyone gone inside before the two strangers went in?"
David: "I don't think so. But then, I'm not usually here 24/7."

> Has he ever been in the bunker before? Can he draw us a floorplan?

Fera: "Have you ever been inside?"
He chuckles mirthlessly.
David: "Fuck no. Imagine if the hatch somehow ended up closed and locked or stuck, nobody would find me in time to save me."
Fera: "Is there a floorplan?"
David: "I don't have one. I don't think you'll need one. It can't be that big."
Fera: "How do you know?"
He shrugs.
David: "I dunno, just... feels true? Intuition? Maybe it's the way sound carries in there. Y'know there's a difference between yelling into a little bathroom and yelling into a hallway. That sort of thing. I might be wrong."

> Ask him how he learned of the bunker and when.

Fera: "How did you learn of the bunker and when?"
David: "Like, two years ago? Yeah i think that's right. On my first day, the boss showed me everything and he mentioned it. He told me not to go in there and that he wasn't liable if I got hurt."

That sounds pretty normal so far.

Silicon 2025/04/06(Sun)13:22 No. 1105947 ID: be7ff9
File 174397094720.png - (355.72KB , 1500x1000 , C01_06_B.png )

> What did the two strangers look like, and what did the sheriff look like?

Fera: "Could you describe the two strangers in a bit more detail?"
David: "I didn't really get that good a look of them. When they arrived I never got very close and when the chick ran, everything turned into a bit of a blur. Let's see..."
He squints.
David: "So the dude was wearing cargo pants with big pockets. He had long straight hair. Brown I think? The chick was wearing a black sweater dress. There was some sort of symbol on it. Kinda like a nuclear warning sign but made of four dots. Uuuhhh her hair was bleached white."
Fera: "Thank you. And the Sheriff?"
David: "Well, he wore a uniform. Older guy, pushing at least fifty. Portly. Clean shaven."

> I find it odd, he mentioned the skin around the girl's eyes being red, in a way that suggests that's a notably weird symptom, but also, he too has red eye-skin. I don't know what to DO with that information, but.
> Beyond that, sounds like the girl got pepper sprayed

Hmm. Yeah his eyes are a bit red. Could be a connection?

Fera: "You said the uh... the woman's eyes were red."
David: "Yeah, very red. I don't mean 'went crying in the bathroom' red. Way worse, like 'bad rash' red. She could barely keep them open, too, she was half blind."
Fera: "Could she have been pepper sprayed?"
He blinks a couple times, then nods, slowly.
David: "Hey yeah that could have been it. I've never seen anyone get maced, but... sounds plausible!"
Fera: "All right."

> Ask if he's gone home at all since then.

Fera: "So all this happened over the course of multiple days? Were you here this whole time?"
He deflates a little. he looks even more weary than before.
And that little thing in his chest is getting bigger? Or maybe it's sliding out.
David: "I couldn't leave, could I? What if the guy woke up and needed help? What if... What if the cops arrived and I wasn't there?"
Fera: "Yeah..."
David: "Plus, I didn't want to uh... alter the crash site. I might not be able to afford getting that fixed."
Fera: "But you stayed even after the Sheriff went down."

The thing in his chest stirs again. It looks like... a card?

David: "I'll be honest, I didn't know what to do. I... I thought someone had to do something. But the authorities failed me. And I thought... What if it's on me? What if I have to go down there? But then what if I don't come back up?"
He sobs. He tries so hard to keep it in, but he starts to cry.
David: "What if it's my fault? W-what if I could have saved them if I hadn't been such a- a coward?"

The card looks like it's just about to fall out completely, but it just... hangs there. Awkwardly.
Gladii still hasn't noticed it. Am I imagining things?

>>1105947
It's got your symbol on it. I think it must be related to your special ability- every agent has one I guess. Try taking it?
Also reassure him. This isn't something he should've messed with. He did the right thing by waiting for the professionals.

Put your hands on his shoulders. He needs a little human contact.
Tell him that he did good, he did his best, and that this isn't his fault.
Tell him to lock up and to go home, even if today's shift isn't over he needs rest. He deserves it.
The professionals are here, and we'll take care of it.

Yeah, I think we give the guy some reassurance, and then use the physical contact to retrieve this card. It seems connected to you specifically, I think the reason it doesn’t fall out on its own is it *needs* you to take it from him. Oh! You might not know how we know that symbol is “yours!” Our interface for hearing your thoughts is more of a visual one. When you speak out loud, your dialogue is accompanied by a little blue swirl like the one on the card. Similarly Gladii’s dialogue has a little sword next to it. This seems to just be an agent thing, since David has no symbols. But the swirl is yours and it’s on the card, so! Card get time!

>>1105950
Agreed.
Poor guy...
Just dont think about what it looks like when you put one hand on his shoulder then start touching his chest with the other.
Looks kinda... flirty.
Mumble about ash from his cig or something.

Anyone taking bets on feras special ability?
Is this chest thing a psionic iconograph representing some inner truth shes extracting feom dave or is it the tag that keeps his heart beating?

OK so anomaly in the bunker. Everything was normal (according to this guy) outside of it, but while inside, something strange happened. Is the bunker itself the anomaly? You're not equipped to destroy a bunker! Those are specifically designed to be destroy resistant!

Still, how to find out about whatever's in the bunker, without getting... forcefully made unable to destroy it?

Silicon 2025/05/05(Mon)00:26 No. 1107540 ID: acb8e2
File 174643000848.png - (480.06KB , 1500x1000 , C01_07_A.png )

> It's got your symbol on it. I think it must be related to your special ability- every agent has one I guess.

You mentioned that before. The symbol thing. It's this swirl?

> It seems connected to you specifically, I think the reason it doesn’t fall out on its own is it *needs* you to take it from him. Oh! You might not know how we know that symbol is “yours!” Our interface for hearing your thoughts is more of a visual one. When you speak out loud, your dialogue is accompanied by a little blue swirl like the one on the card. Similarly Gladii’s dialogue has a little sword next to it. This seems to just be an agent thing, since David has no symbols. But the swirl is yours and it’s on the card, so! Card get time!

I'm not sure I get it, but I'll just roll with it. The swirl is my symbol. Gladii has a sword, that makes sense. Let's see about this card, then.

> Also reassure him. This isn't something he should've messed with. He did the right thing by waiting for the professionals.

> Put your hands on his shoulders. He needs a little human contact.
> Tell him that he did good, he did his best, and that this isn't his fault.

> Yeah, I think we give the guy some reassurance, and then use the physical contact to retrieve this card.

Yes, he's clearly hurting, the poor sod.
I approach him and put both hands on his shoulders.

Fera: "No, you didn't do anything wrong. This isn't something you should have messed with. You did good and none of this is your fault."
He avoids eye contact.
David: "Th-thank you, Rose, but... I dunno about that. If they're dead I don't know if I can ever..."
And he breaks out into sobbing again. Oh boy.

> Just dont think about what it looks like when you put one hand on his shoulder then start touching his chest with the other.
> Looks kinda... flirty.
> Mumble about ash from his cig or something.

Yeah I'll do it real casual.

Fera: "Th-there there, man... Uh I think you got ash on you..."

Silicon 2025/05/05(Mon)00:27 No. 1107541 ID: acb8e2
File 174643002842.gif - (1.92MB , 1500x1000 , C01_07_B.gif )

I reach for the card and pull. There's... some resistance, but...
POP!

Silicon 2025/05/05(Mon)00:27 No. 1107542 ID: acb8e2
File 174643006627.png - (423.26KB , 1500x1000 , C01_07_C.png )

Hmmm...

Silicon 2025/05/05(Mon)00:27 No. 1107543 ID: acb8e2
File 174643007512.png - (399.99KB , 1500x1000 , C01_07_D.png )

> Anyone taking bets on feras special ability?
> Is this chest thing a psionic iconograph representing some inner truth shes extracting feom dave or is it the tag that keeps his heart beating?

Keeps his heart doing WHAT?!

David: "Woah, what was I..."
His eyes kinda glaze over. He frowns groggily.
David: "What was I so upset about?"
Okay he doesn't seem to be dying.

I look over to Gladii. They return my gaze in that usual very neutral fashion. Does nothing faze them?

David eventually focuses on the card.
David: "Hey I think that's mine."
Fera: "Uuuuhhhh"
David: "That's okay, you can keep it, I think. Damn, I guess the uh... the thing finally kicked. Where is- Oh I think I dropped it."
As he is about to awkwardly crouch down to pick up his joint, Gladii thrusts the pack of cigarettes at him.
Gladii: "Take them. Go back inside and rest."
David: "Oh... Yeah, that sounds good. Thanks, Gladys."
Gladii scowls for just a moment.
Gladii: "Mh Hmm."

We watch him return to the gas station.

Silicon 2025/05/05(Mon)00:28 No. 1107544 ID: acb8e2
File 174643008479.png - (271.05KB , 1500x1000 , C01_07_E.png )

Eventually Gladii turns to me.
Gladii: "Can I see that?"
I realize I still have the card in my hand. I hold it out to them and they take it to inspect it closely.
Gladii: "Nine of Swords. Hmm."
Fera: "What does it mean?"
They shake their head and hand the card back to me.
Gladii: "Always with the questions. I'll not put ideas in your head. It's your augury, you figure it out."
The words are harsh but delivered without any sort of malice. I look at the card. Well. It looks straight-forward enough. What do you guys think?

Fera: "Can all agents do this?"
Gladii: "Not this, no. But every one I've met so far has been a diviner of some kind."
Fera: "How does it work for you?"
There is a pause.
Gladii: "Pointless to talk about. I do not do that anymore."
Fera: "Why?"
They sigh and completely ignore my question.
Gladii: "What's next, lead investigor?"

I'm not sure how I can tell what with the lack of facial expression, but I think there's pain there. They're avoiding the question to avoid something that hurts.
I let it go for now and gently stick the card in my pocket. it seems pretty sturdy, but I'll still try to be careful with it.

Silicon 2025/05/05(Mon)00:28 No. 1107545 ID: acb8e2
File 174643009456.png - (308.61KB , 1500x1000 , C01_07_F.png )

> OK so anomaly in the bunker. Everything was normal (according to this guy) outside of it, but while inside, something strange happened. Is the bunker itself the anomaly? You're not equipped to destroy a bunker! Those are specifically designed to be destroy resistant!

Okay, gonna hope it's not the bunker, then. otherwise we're gonna have to get real creative.

> Still, how to find out about whatever's in the bunker, without getting... forcefully made unable to destroy it?

You're asking me? I don't know... Oh right, I can ask...
Fera: "How do we find out about whatever's in the bunker, without getting... forcefully made unable to destroy it?"
Gladii: "There's nothing for it, Agent Fera. We'll have to go down there. Don't be overly worried. I'm sure it's not that dangerous as long as we play this smart."

> Proceed carefully. Also probably let the sword go first.

> As far as what do... Gladii seems to know a bit about what she's doing? I think we should head to the bunker once all follow ups have been followed upon. Gladii seems ready to sword up whatever anomaly is down there, so send her in first, and maybe follow her down?

Fera: "Would you mind taking point?"
Gladii: "Not at all."

Oh good, that makes me feel better about sending them into a dangerous situation first.

> Ask Gladii if she can break into the sheriff's trunk. A shotgun would be nice.

Fera: "Can you break into the Sheriff's trunk? A shotgun would be nice."
Gladii: "While the Agency does sometimes expect us to acquire equipment on site, it usually provides weapons when appropriate. I don't have one. I presume neither do you."
I frown at the comment. They don't have a weapon? Huh?
Gladii: "If you'd feel safer with a gun, I won't stop you, but I cannot think of a way to get at it."
Fera: "What about the sword?"
Another pause. They grip the sword's haft. It's a protective gesture, rather than an aggressive one.
Gladii: "Would you use a scalpel as a can opener, Agent Fera?"
Fera: "I guess not."
Gladii: "This is probably a good time to make a few things clear. One: The sword is a precision instrument that must not be misued. Two: It is rarely worth using at all. Three: It is mine to use and mine alone. Is this understood?"
Fera: "Y-yes?"
Gladii: "Very good."

> Oh hey, mirror on a stick would be useful to spy around corners here. See if David has any you could borrow in the store.

Already got a mirror. Not sure what good a stick is gonna do, but I'll keep my eyes open for something we can use.

> Do you have a light source on you? If not you probably want to ask if you can borrow a flashlight.

I think Gladii pocketed David's lighter earlier. That's probably not great for illumination. I'll check the gas station.

> Beyond that, sounds like the girl got pepper sprayed, so acquire eye protection before heading down.

Oooh yeah that makes a ton of sense.

> Don't forget to check out the bathroom before diving down the spooky hole.

Right! Still got the key for that!
I turn to head to the gas station, but Gladii sets off towards the large rock.

Gladii: "Let's at least have a quick look from outside before we go break into any cars."

I follow.

Silicon 2025/05/05(Mon)01:16 No. 1107548 ID: acb8e2
File 174643297021.png - (475.55KB , 1500x1000 , C01_07_G.png )

We quickly reach the bunker's hatch. It is wide open. Though the glare off the bright dirt around it makes it hard to see... There's light down there. That's... unexpected. Looks like someone dropped a flashlight inside. That should solve the light problem.

It's an ominous feeling, looking down this shaft.

Gladii: "I believe this is a good time to determine our resources."
They reach into their right pants pocket and pull out... a sleep mask?
Gladii: "... Fuck you."
Fera: "What was that?"
Gladii: "Hm? What was what?"
They hold the mask out to me.
Gladii: "This is a sleep mask, I believe."

...

Okay, let's see what we have...

- mission orders
- Agency requisition form
- a small hand mirror
- a pack of tissues
- the bathroom key
- the Nine of Swords
- a lighter
- a sleep mask

I think that's everything.

Things I'll search at the gas station:
- bathroom
- cop car trunk
- a stick for the mirror?
- some kind of eye protection (for pepper spray)

Anything else?

>>1107544
>What do you guys think?
Nine of Swords. A tarot card, minor arcana. It's a highly negative card, relating to worry, guilt, anguish, depression, that sort of thing. So I'm guessing you literally took his bad feelings away. Perhaps you can use the card to imbue a target with those bad feelings? Useful as a way to debilitate an opponent, perhaps.

>>1107545
Hmm. I'm guessing the sword doesn't work like a weapon. It's probably used for a more... metaphorical cutting or severing purpose. Might have some sort of backlash involved which is why they don't like using it.

>>1107546
>sleep mask
That's not completely useless? If the anomaly in there is more dangerous when looked at, then it could work as a blindfold. If the anomaly has a gaze attack then the sleep mask could be used to disable it, especially if the anomaly has no hands.

>stick for the mirror
Eh, well, a selfie stick could work for that but also you could just not try to attach a stick and instead use a hand mirror that already has a handle.
Um, if we're trying to get supplies from the gas station then I hope someone's pockets has money in it. If not, then... would using the requisition form be worthwhile? Or maybe the clerk will let us borrow items without paying.

Breaking into the truck doesn't seem worth it. Yes, there could be weapons in there, but since we didn't arrive with weapons we won't need them. Oh wait, maybe there could be a first aid kit? Still, we could get that from the gas station.
Mirror, eye goggles, first aid kit. That'll do. Huh, I just realized Gladii has eye protection already, of a sort.

Sleep mask is eye protection! Mirror probably is as well, if the anomaly has some sort of don’t look at me effect. DEAR GOD, THIS CASE IS CALLED PEEKABOO IT’S ALL COMING TOGETHER!!! Okay yeah, mirror is DEFINITELY to avoid looking at things directly while still being able to see what’s going on. Sleep mask seems inhibiting as a trade off for not being able to see the anomaly, but maybe the anomaly makes a lot of noise? Gladii’s sword reluctance is odd but probably stems from it being a tarot suit. Ask her if she’s ever had 9 swords before, just to be silly. (You know, cuz of the card)

Speaking of the card… no idea how it works. Seems like it contains the intense emotion David was just feeling? Not sure how we’d use that, but it’s good to have on hand~

>>1107543
>the card
Well, damn. Id have lost 5 peanuts if anyone had taken my bet.
>its a dave card
Oh!
Ok, i know what it is.
So, now youve collected him, you need to find five other cards from this set, then you can combine them to form Davodia the forbidden one,
>>1107545
>would you use a scalpel to open a can
Ah dammit, you missed a chance to be a smartass.
"Depends if i was starving or not. Or if i really fancied beans on toast."
Nhhh, shes got a point though.
Chances are a gun would end up being more risk to us than the anomaly.
Lets leave it be.
>>1107548
Mmm.
Just peek in the window to see how dave is doing. Dont let him see you.
All other things to check are good.

Wait.
Hold on.
Taro... 9 of swords... Gladii has a sword... It's similar to the swords on the card. She does not consider her sword a weapon. Her sword has been held upside down this entire time and she's consistently been obtuse, difficult to communicate with, and refuses to communicate with us...

HOLY CRAP! Gladii is THE Ace of Swords! Here! In the flesh! That sword is The Sword of Truth, and is probably as much a part of her as her flesh and bones.
It is both supremely useful and supremely dangerous given the situation... Yeah... Best leave it to her...
Try addressing her as such, I want to see how she reacts.
Don't bother asking too many questions while it's sheathed though. She wont be forthcoming unless she's wielding it.

It's rude to pry into things Gladii isn't interested in talking about. Just assure her that the Agency must know that the Anomaly is just a little grumpy wumpypuss and is cranky from staying up past bedtime. The mask will be the perfect solution!

> Not sure what good a stick is gonna do

The stick is so when you use the mirror to peek around a corner and there is a monster, you are one stick's length away from it.

from Gladii's reaction I'd wager the sleep mask reminder of something upsetting, that someone sent to them purposefully. Nothing they need to explain to you, but they could be less patronizing about it.

But maybe the mask would indicate that whatever is down there can affect you through vision. Like a medusa, or a symbol of pain.

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:12 No. 1110272 ID: 6a5191
File 175084992182.png - (281.00KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_0A.png )

> Hmm. I'm guessing the sword doesn't work like a weapon. It's probably used for a more... metaphorical cutting or severing purpose.

> Gladii’s sword reluctance is odd but probably stems from it being a tarot suit. Ask her if she’s ever had 9 swords before, just to be silly. (You know, cuz of the card)

> Wait.
> Hold on.
> Taro... 9 of swords... Gladii has a sword... It's similar to the swords on the card. She does not consider her sword a weapon. Her sword has been held upside down this entire time and she's consistently been obtuse, difficult to communicate with, and refuses to communicate with us...
> HOLY CRAP! Gladii is THE Ace of Swords! Here! In the flesh! That sword is The Sword of Truth, and is probably as much a part of her as her flesh and bones.
>It is both supremely useful and supremely dangerous given the situation... Yeah... Best leave it to her...
>Try addressing her as such, I want to see how she reacts.
>Don't bother asking too many questions while it's sheathed though. She wont be forthcoming unless she's wielding it.

Oooohhh you... you mean they're being difficult because the sword is upside down? Huh...
Huge if true! I think? Well to hell with it, let's find out!

Fera: "Getting a bit tired of the condescension, Ace of Swords..."
They slowly turn their head to look at me.
Gladii: "Uh... Ace?"
Fera: "That's what you are, isn't it? But your sword is upside down. Reversed, so to speak. So of course you can't give me a single straight answer."
Gladii: "..."
Fera: "Is your sword the Sword of Truth? Does it like... cut in a more metaphorical sense? Can it sever abstracts? Does any of this Tarot stuff actually mean anything?"
Gladii: "..."
Fera: "..."
They just stare. I stare back.
Gladii: "Well. Aren't you a clever one?"
Infuriating. Utterly insufferable at this point. What does that mean? Do they mean it or is that sarcasm?
Fera: "So I'm right?"
There is a pause. They turn their gaze back towards the bunker.
Gladii: "You're more right than you are wrong."

Oh wow. Hey that's... That's something, right? Vindication? Oooh that feels like a victory to me.
Still no clear answers but I feel like we're making headway in figuring them out. Oh but I shouldn't steal your valour...

Fera: "Uh to be fair, I might not be that clever. The Peanut Gallery figured it out."
Gladii: "That's a bit like saying you can't take credit for the omelette you made because your brain told you how to do it. It's your Peanut Gallery. They are your thoughts and ideas. They're just thoughts and ideas you could've had but didn't."
Fera: "Uhm... I'm not sure I understand."
Gladii: "That is fine. It's your first day. You do not have to understand everything right away. Let's focus on the mission now, yes?"

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:12 No. 1110273 ID: 6a5191
File 175084994074.png - (271.12KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_0B.png )

>But maybe the mask would indicate that whatever is down there can affect you through vision. Like a medusa, or a symbol of pain.

> That's not completely useless? If the anomaly in there is more dangerous when looked at, then it could work as a blindfold. If the anomaly has a gaze attack then the sleep mask could be used to disable it, especially if the anomaly has no hands.

> Sleep mask is eye protection! Mirror probably is as well, if the anomaly has some sort of don’t look at me effect. DEAR GOD, THIS CASE IS CALLED PEEKABOO IT’S ALL COMING TOGETHER!!! Okay yeah, mirror is DEFINITELY to avoid looking at things directly while still being able to see what’s going on. Sleep mask seems inhibiting as a trade off for not being able to see the anomaly, but maybe the anomaly makes a lot of noise?

Okay, hold on, let's back up a moment.
...
You know what, that kinda makes sense. If we assume it's true that the Agency provides us with useful equipment for the mission as Gladii says, then the sleep mask and the mirror could mean that the anomaly is dangerous to look at.
Mnngghh that's tricky though. I really don't like the idea of going down there blindfolded...

Fera: "I think I just figured out something important."
Gladii: "Do tell."
I explain our reasoning. Agent Gladii holds their chin thoughtfully
Gladii: "Interesting..."
They tilt their head.
Gladii: "Three went down. One came back up, notably looking like she had been maced. According to David she could barely see. Perhaps that is why she did come back up."
Fera: "Yeah! That didn't even occur to me!"
Gladii nods their head.
Gladii: "You might be on to something, there. Excellent work, Agent Fera."

Fera: "Okay so we need to be careful about what we look at in there."
Gladii taps their right foot a few times.
Gladii: "That... might be a problem. I cannot be blindfolded. Or blinded at all. At least not easily."
Fera: "Uh, how come?"

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:12 No. 1110274 ID: 6a5191
File 175084996792.png - (313.70KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_0C.png )

Gladii wordlessly turns their head, takes off their sunglasses and then pushes up their bangs.
Fera: "Oh wow, uh... Mmh. Well the sleep mask won't cover uh... that one, but what if you tied your tie over your forehead?"
Gladii: "Won't do any good."
Fera: "Can you close it?"
Gladii gives an uncharacteristic scoff.
Gladii: "Would that I could. I'd never open it again."
I can't help but stare. It's... kinda odd how the third eye seems to just disappear behind the hair. I feel like I shouldn't have been able to miss it.

Well anyway that kind of implies that Gladii is gonna be more vulnerable to the anomaly if it really is some sort of Medusa. Ernngghhh I really don't like it, but that probably means I'll have to take point.
It takes me a few moments to say it because, frankly, I'm really scared.

Fera: "I- I guess I should go first after all, then."
Gladii responds so quickly as to nearly cut me off.
Gladii: "No. No, that's all right. I can go ahead. We'll be careful."
They take a deep breath and let it out again.
Gladii: "But it's your call to make, Lead Investigator."

Fera: "I'll... think about it. Let's uhm... let's finish our preparations first."

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:13 No. 1110275 ID: 6a5191
File 175084998567.png - (537.43KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_1A.png )

> Nine of Swords. A tarot card, minor arcana. It's a highly negative card, relating to worry, guilt, anguish, depression, that sort of thing. So I'm guessing you literally took his bad feelings away.

> Speaking of the card… no idea how it works. Seems like it contains the intense emotion David was just feeling? Not sure how we’d use that, but it’s good to have on hand~

Oh that's cool! I like this hypothesis.

> Perhaps you can use the card to imbue a target with those bad feelings? Useful as a way to debilitate an opponent, perhaps.

Hmm, we could test that. Though we'd need... a test subject...

Fera: "Say, Agent Gladii. Here's a thought: I pulled that Nine of Swords out of David earlier. It stands to reason that I can pull other cards out of people, too, but what if I can also put a card in?"
Gladii: "I assume that would simply reverse whatever state he is in right now."
Fera: "No, I don't mean 'put the card back in'. Put it in someone else."
Gladii: "I'd honestly be surprised if that were possible. Even abstracts tend to be specific. Why would David's... let's say 'regret' be compatible with anybody else?"
Fera: "We could test it. Maybe on you? What do you think?"
They hesitate. They shrug.
Gladii: "Sure. Why not? It won't amount to much, but go ahead."
I carefully retrieve the card from my pocket and approach Gladii.
Fera: "Why are you so certain that it won't work?"
Gladii: "Because the world is not simple. Because it is messy, complicated and inconvenient. You'll see."

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:13 No. 1110276 ID: 6a5191
File 175084999840.png - (602.48KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_1B.png )

I place the edge of the card against Gladii's sternum. or rather their tie above their sternum.

Fera: "Ready?"
Gladii: "Just get on with it, Agent Fera."

I push and the card slides into Gladii's chest, causing them to make a strangled noise of surprise and grab onto my arm. Their eyes glaze over. Beads of sweat form on their forehead.

Gladii: "No no, nonononono, we didn't mean to. It wasn't supposed to go like that. It was supposed to be fine. We didn't know... Couldn't have known..."
They claw desperately at their chest, but the card is intangible to their fingers. It's like they're trying to grip the red dot of a laser pointer.
Gladii: "This isn't fair, I paid for it. I paid for it so dearly. I... I refuse to bear that guilt!"

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:13 No. 1110277 ID: 6a5191
File 175085001055.png - (570.92KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_1C.png )

Their eyes suddenly snap back into focus, glaring at me. They grip my arms tighter before barking:
Gladii: "Take it out! Do it now!"
I panic a little. Oh god, they're so close and so loud! I fumble with the card for several seconds before I manage to pull it out.

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:13 No. 1110278 ID: 6a5191
File 175085002442.png - (476.07KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_1D.png )

Gladii stumbles backwards and breathes heavily.

Fera: "I... sorry."

There is a slight tremor in their fingers as they unfold their sunglasses and put them back on.

Gladii: "... I hope that was... enlightening."
Fera: "Uhm... What did you... I mean how did it feel?"
Gladii: "Bad. Now drop it."

Sheesh!

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:14 No. 1110279 ID: 6a5191
File 175085004293.png - (570.89KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_1E.png )

> Eh, well, a selfie stick could work for that but also you could just not try to attach a stick and instead use a hand mirror that already has a handle.
> The stick is so when you use the mirror to peek around a corner and there is a monster, you are one stick's length away from it.

Yeah okay I can see the utility of that.

> Mirror, eye goggles, first aid kit. That'll do.

Fera: "Okay I'll go uh... gather some more stuff and check out the bathroom."
Gladii: "It might be faster if you delegated some of that. If you tell me what you need I'll go fetch it."
Fera: "Good point. Okay so the Peanut Gallery wants: a selfie stick for the mirror or something like that, eye goggles to protect from pepper spray and a first aid kit just in case."
Gladii: "I'll see what I can find at the gas station."
Fera: "And check on David, would you? See how he's doing?"
Gladii: "Sure."

We head back for the gas station and I unlock the bathroom with the key we got from David while Gladii rounds the corner to the front of the convenience store.

The bathroom is small and pretty clean. Smells mostly like cleaning products and citrus. There's a bunch of graffiti, including on the mirror. But more interestingly: There's another key on the floor. A car key.
I look around some more, but don't find anything else of interest, so I leave the bathroom with the key in the lock and head back to the corner of the gas station from where I can see both cars. Then I hit the unlock button on the car key.
The turn indicators of the cop car light up. Wow. Might as well!

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:14 No. 1110280 ID: 6a5191
File 175085006073.png - (634.73KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_1F.png )

I pop open the trunk of the car and... well it's just full of random stuff. I rummage a little. Here are the highlights:
- a shotgun
- ammunition for said shotgun
- a box of ammunition for something else. Says "9x19mm parabellum"
- a first aid kit
- a crowbar
- a can of black spraypaint
- a fire extinguisher
- a blanket
- a small plastic case with little bags, tags, sharpies and tweezers in it
- a... shower curtain?

What... What could they possibly use that for?

Gladii: "Oh you managed to get it open."

I bump my head against the trunk lid, but not very hard.

Fera: "Ouch. Yeah. Trying to figure out what we can use."
Gladii: "Well, now we have two first aid kits."
Fera: "And what else?"
Gladii: "No selfie sticks, nor any other way to attach a mirror to a handle securely. But I did find safety goggles."
Fera: "So good of David to let us borrow those."
Gladii: "..."
Fera: "No?"
Gladii: "He is fast asleep at the counter. Looked very peaceful. I did not bother to wake him."
Fera: "W-well as long as we return what we take..."
Gladii: "It does not matter, Agent Fera. By the time anybody notices, we'll be long gone."
Fera: "Hrmm..."

Silicon 2025/06/25(Wed)04:14 No. 1110281 ID: 6a5191
File 175085007378.png - (417.03KB , 1500x1000 , C01_08_1G.png )

All right, this is it. Time to... face the unknown. What's the plan, Peanut Gallery?

What should we take down there with us?
Remember, we can't carry everything and we'll have to climb a ladder. We can of course leave some stuff by the hatch so we can get to it quickly if needed.

Should I really go in blindfolded?
What do we do about Gladii?

Who takes point?
Gladii said they don't mind to go first and I'd definitely prefer that, but I'm also a bit worried they might get hurt.

How should we proceed in there?
We don't know what we'll find, so I don't expect an exact plan here, but maybe there's some simple stuff I can do or avoid doing?

Should we use the requisition form? And what for?

>>1110277
Ah, looks like the recipient of the card can break out of it by rejecting the emotion.

>>1110280
>shower curtain
Are you sure that's what that is? Well, it could be used to move a dead body without making a huge mess. Sheriffs are supposed to wait for the coroners, but I guess if he drives out somewhere remote the coroners might not be able to get there? Also possible that it could be used like a tarp to protect things from the rain.
>shotgun
Hm, tempting. We weren't given any true weapons so we shouldn't need to use it. Would you even know how to wield it? On the other hand, the key was easy to find so maybe we didn't get any weapons because there was one on site?
>parabellum ammo
That's pistol ammo. The Sheriff had one with him when he went down. Didn't do him any good, it seems. Considering you have to look at something to shoot it, I don't think the shotgun will be much better. Slightly so, since it's got a bit of spread, but it's not a sawed off.
>black spraypaint
Hey, useful! You could spraypaint the goggles, or the shower curtain. Shower curtain especially since you could throw it over the thing you're not supposed to look at. Maybe spraypainting the anomaly itself would neutralize it?
...hmm, the person that escaped looked like she had been maced, and the theory is that it allowed her to escape because she was having trouble seeing. Did she mace herself? Maybe the anomaly doesn't let you look away, but with some willpower you can use your arms. That, or she maced herself upon seeing the other victims get caught looking at it.
Maybe if you spraypainted the goggles enough to only partially see out of them, it would be enough protection?

Take the first aid kit and the crowbar, at least.

>>1110272
Hm… This would imply your- or I suppose our being, if we’re technically your thoughts (news to us, by the way) but anyways, it’s likely your abilities and general demeanor are tarot based as well. WAIT! SHIT! SUITS! Okay, it’s highly likely that Gladii’s sword IS the sword of Truth, but rather than her being ONE card, she represents the suit as a whole! Unfortunately, this doesn’t help much with finding out more about yourself, seeing as there isn’t a swirly suit to my knowledge. Perhaps you’re the major arcana? I’m not quite an expert on Tarot stuff, perhaps another voice here can help on this front.

As for the plan, spray painting the goggles to reduce visibility seems pretty solid! If we’re looking for a sawed off shotgun, we *could* just requisition a saw and do the sawing off ourselves. I’d suggest asking Gladii to cut it but she’s established her stance on using her sword for like, normal cutting purposes. I’m not saying we *should* requisition the saw immediately, but it’s an idea if we decide more formally that we want the shotgun to be sawed. Crowbar seems more suitable, plus, it has added utility even if we don’t need it as a weapon. If the obstacle is truly “Don’t look at the anomaly” then “Throw the shower curtain over it so you can’t see it” certainly sounds viable, if you don’t mind carrying the whole curtain around with you. Blanket seems more practical for carrying, while serving the same purpose. I think Gladii should have the mirror. If they can’t stop themself from seeing, making their means of looking more indirect should theoretically help them.

>>1110281
As to gladii...
You could always ste- uhh, borrow daves cap. Wear it tucked down tight so the third eye on the forehead has a little extra material impeding her vision on top of her hair.
Not perfect but less flowy than her fringe.
A bike helmet would be better but work with what you got.
No.
Its not just because i want to get her to wear a hat.
I mean, yes i did think of the idea because of that but then the utility occurred to me as well and i figured it might help.

Dont take the gun.
Refer you to earlier scalpel-tin can-beans toast statements.
More likely to result in error than utility.

Take the first aid kits.
Worst comes to worst, if gladii doesnt like the hat a gauze headband might work.
That eye has gotta be resilient enough to tolerate contact with things given her hairstyle.
Oh yeah.
And medical purposes too i guess.

>>1110298
I think the implication is that the third eye can see through whatever's directly in front of it. Presumably there's a limit to that though, maybe related to the concept of being blinded. Can't see through walls etc.

>>1110292
I dunno how literal the suits analogy is, but ours (we the peanut gallery) would be the power of the Seven of Cups. Whether this means that Fera Is the seven of cups, that Fera wields the powers of the suit of Cups, or if Fera is a seeker that otherwise has access to the power of the Seven of Cups for whatever reason has yet to be seen.

It should be noted that at the beginning of the quest it was established that Gladii *chose* not to hear us, so the idea that the peanut gallery is exclusively Fera's possible thoughts should be questioned.

If I'm not totally off base about this Seven of Cups thing, then Gladii won't be able to insert her ear-piece without our prompting (not that she'd want to) and she won't be able to make any significant decisions on her own. To me this means Fera must take point.

Actually... With all this Seven of Cups pondering... Fera. What exactly does that earpiece of yours connect to? Why don't you check? Just make sure to pop it back in once you find it, please.

I think Gladii going first is best. When she gets affected by the anomaly you'll have forewarning and then you can blind yourself to avoid it. She can't do that.

Check if she can wear the goggles over her third eye, if so then it can be spraypainted and used as a blind fold that doesn't require closing her eye.

>>1110276
Just now catching this, an EXACT color palette swap when you inserted the card? Looking at the original extraction of the card from David, a similar glow occured, but in that case, your colors didn’t fully swap. I have no clue what it means yet, but I find it intriguing that using your power switches your hair color to EXACTLY Gladii’s skin color, and using it on Gladii switches their skin color to EXACTLY your hair color. My theory is the two of you are intrinsically linked somehow? Other than being on the same case together, I mean. But that’s PURE speculation.

Silicon 2025/07/26(Sat)06:48 No. 1111826 ID: acb8e2
File 175353771647.png - (576.71KB , 1500x1000 , C01_09_A.png )

> shotgun
> Hm, tempting. We weren't given any true weapons so we shouldn't need to use it. Would you even know how to wield it? On the other hand, the key was easy to find so maybe we didn't get any weapons because there was one on site?

> If we’re looking for a sawed off shotgun, we *could* just requisition a saw and do the sawing off ourselves. I’d suggest asking Gladii to cut it but she’s established her stance on using her sword for like, normal cutting purposes. I’m not saying we *should* requisition the saw immediately, but it’s an idea if we decide more formally that we want the shotgun to be sawed.

Fera: "What do you think of requisitioning a saw to make a sawed off shotgun?"
Gladii: "I am still of the opinion that the Agency would have provided weaponry if it were truly needed. This seems like a lot of effort to very little gain. Surely we can requisition something more useful directly."
Fera: "Yeah that's what I thought, honestly. What we thought."


> As to gladii...
> You could always ste- uhh, borrow daves cap. Wear it tucked down tight so the third eye on the forehead has a little extra material impeding her vision on top of her hair.

> Worst comes to worst, if gladii doesnt like the hat a gauze headband might work.
> And medical purposes too i guess.

> Check if she can wear the goggles over her third eye, if so then it can be spraypainted and used as a blind fold that doesn't require closing her eye.

> I think the implication is that the third eye can see through whatever's directly in front of it. Presumably there's a limit to that though, maybe related to the concept of being blinded. Can't see through walls etc.

Fera: "Is there a point in trying to put gauze or something over your third eye? Maybe we could borrow David's hat? Can you see through everything? Like walls? Or are you just like... immune to the concept of being blinded?"
Gladii: "Yes, that is about accurate. I cannot see through opaque walls, but anything applied for the purpose of impeding my sight specifically will fail."
Fera: "Weird."
Gladii: "If you say so."

> I think Gladii should have the mirror. If they can’t stop themself from seeing, making their means of looking more indirect should theoretically help them.

I get out the mirror and hold it out to them.
Fera: "Maybe the mirror will help, though. Perhaps looking at the anomaly indirectly is better than seeing it directly."
Gladii: "It's possible. I will try it."
And into their pocket it goes.

Silicon 2025/07/26(Sat)06:48 No. 1111827 ID: acb8e2
File 175353772586.png - (492.97KB , 1500x1000 , C01_09_B.png )

> black spraypaint
> Hey, useful! You could spraypaint the goggles, or the shower curtain. Maybe spraypainting the anomaly itself would neutralize it?
> Maybe if you spraypainted the goggles enough to only partially see out of them, it would be enough protection?

> As for the plan, spray painting the goggles to reduce visibility seems pretty solid!

Hey that's pretty smart. I grab the can of spraypaint and shake it as the label instructs.
Fera: "Give me those goggles please."
Agent Gladii hands them over without comment. Before I actually spray them, I test the spraypaint on the ground a couple of times until I get a feel for how hard I have to press the actuator to get a light enough spray to not fully cover anything.
Then I carefully apply a light drizzling of black paint to the front of the goggles. Yeah those should be difficult to see through but not totally opaque.
I show them to Gladii before setting them down to dry.

Fera: "See? This way they impair my vision but don't totally block it."
Gladii: "Clever."


> shower curtain
> Are you sure that's what that is? Well, it could be used to move a dead body without making a huge mess. Also possible that it could be used like a tarp to protect things from the rain.

> If the obstacle is truly “Don’t look at the anomaly” then “Throw the shower curtain over it so you can’t see it” certainly sounds viable, if you don’t mind carrying the whole curtain around with you. Blanket seems more practical for carrying, while serving the same purpose.

All right, that does make sense. Shower curtain is useful for wrapping up stuff you don't want on your car seat. Honestly that makes me wary of touching the thing. Who knows what it's been used for and how well it's been cleaned?!
We'll take the blanket, I think.


> Take the first aid kit and the crowbar, at least.

> Crowbar seems more suitable, plus, it has added utility even if we don’t need it as a weapon.

> Take the first aid kits.

Fera: "Okay, you take the blanket and the crowbar. I'll take the spraypaint and a first aid kit."
Gladii: "Roger."

Gladii hands me my jacket and I put it back on for convenience, as it has extra pockets.
And speaking of pockets, here's what we end up with:

Fera - Pockets: mission orders, Agency requisition form, Nine of Swords, tissues, sleep mask
Fera - Worn: painted goggles
Fera - Carried: first aid kit, spraypaint
Gladii - Pockets: lighter, mirror
Gladii - Worn: sunglasses
Gladii - Carried: blanket, crowbar

Silicon 2025/07/26(Sat)06:52 No. 1111829 ID: acb8e2
File 175353792746.png - (403.40KB , 1500x1000 , C01_09_C.png )

Now fully equipped, Agent Gladii and I head back over to the bunker hatch. This gives me some more time to think.

> Ah, looks like the recipient of the card can break out of it by rejecting the emotion.

Gladii sure seemed to be breaking out of something, but they were pretty worked up right up until the point where I pulled the card back out. They were struggling against it, definitely. Whatever it is. But, y'know... I could be on the verge of tears and still say 'I'm fine. This is nothing.' You know?

> Just now catching this, an EXACT color palette swap when you inserted the card? Looking at the original extraction of the card from David, a similar glow occured, but in that case, your colors didn’t fully swap. I have no clue what it means yet, but I find it intriguing that using your power switches your hair color to EXACTLY Gladii’s skin color, and using it on Gladii switches their skin color to EXACTLY your hair color. My theory is the two of you are intrinsically linked somehow? Other than being on the same case together, I mean. But that’s PURE speculation.

Fera: "You know, earlier when I stuck the card inside you, our colours flipped."
Gladii: "Our colours flipped?"
Fera: "Yeah like with David? Your skin was the colour of my hair and vice versa."
Gladii: "I... Did not observe such a change."
Fera: "Oh... I was gonna ask if you also felt like the change was more pronounced with you than with David."
Gladii: "Can't help you there."
Fera: "Could there be some intrinsic link between us?"
Gladii: "Let's keep this professional, Agent Fera."

A hint of a smirk there. I think that may have a been a joke.
Oh hey, I just remembered something from earlier, that I was meaning to ask about!

Fera: "You didn't seem to like the taste of that joint."
Gladii: "... No I did not."
Fera: "Were you surprised it wasn't tobacco?"
Gladii: "That was unexpected, yes. Can't say whether I would have liked that any better, though. I don't smoke."
Fera: "You don't? Then why did you light one up at all?"
Gladii: "I was going with the flow. I thought it might be odd if I carried cigarettes but didn't join David in having one."
Fera: "Well... Lighting one and then immediately putting it out again was definitely weirder."
They sigh.
Gladii: "Yes, Agent Fera. Yes it was."

Silicon 2025/07/26(Sat)06:52 No. 1111830 ID: acb8e2
File 175353795229.png - (436.97KB , 1500x1000 , C01_09_D.png )

> Okay, it’s highly likely that Gladii’s sword IS the sword of Truth, but rather than her being ONE card, she represents the suit as a whole! Unfortunately, this doesn’t help much with finding out more about yourself, seeing as there isn’t a swirly suit to my knowledge. Perhaps you’re the major arcana?

Right yeah, we were musing about this earlier. Maybe I'll just ask.

Fera: "The Peanut Gallery suggests that you represent a whole suit. Swords, obviously. They are unsure whether I am also a suit, because the swirly thing doesn't seem to fit a tarot suit at all. Maybe the major arcana?"
Gladii: "That would be my guess as well. Although... Hm."
Fera: "Yes?"
Gladii: "If it is the major arcana, I'd expect your name to be something like Triumphi."
Fera: "Ah. Like a trump card? Because Gladii means swords?"
Gladii: "And Calices means cups and so forth, yes."
Fera: "Calices?"
Gladii: "Another colleague. I'm sure the two of you will meet before long."


> I dunno how literal the suits analogy is, but ours (we the peanut gallery) would be the power of the Seven of Cups.
> It should be noted that at the beginning of the quest it was established that Gladii *chose* not to hear us, so the idea that the peanut gallery is exclusively Fera's possible thoughts should be questioned.

> Actually... With all this Seven of Cups pondering... Fera. What exactly does that earpiece of yours connect to? Why don't you check? Just make sure to pop it back in once you find it, please.

Okay I don't know about all of this Seven of Cups stuff, but you do raise an interesting point about the earpiece. I set down the first aid kit and the spraypaint and start tugging on the cable. There is eventually some resistance. I don't test it too strongly, so as not to unplug it before finding where it goes.
Instead I try to feel out the path of the cable with my hands, but it's kind of awkward as it goes behind my back and it's hard to feel it through the shirt and jacket.
I unbutton the jacket to take it off, but Gladii suddenly speaks up.

Gladii: "Don't bother, you won't find it."
Fera: "What do you mean?"
Gladii: "The cable doesn't go anywhere. Even if you stripped down fully, you wouldn't be able to find the place where it ends, because it ends nowhere. You'll inevitably lose track of it."
Fera: "What? That's weird!"
They shrug.
Gladii: "You can ascertain it yourself, if you like, but perhaps not right now?"
Fera: "Mmrh"

I button up my jacket again.

Fera: "But while we're on the topic... The Peanut Gallery is wondering about you choosing not to hear them. And I wonder why that is."
Gladii: "Well to be accurate, I would never be able to hear them. My Peanut Gallery is not your Peanut Gallery. And to pre-empt the inevitable question: I do not use it, because I have deemed it more trouble than it's worth. I will not elaborate. Can we can get this over with now?"
Fera: "Yes, yes."

> If I'm not totally off base about this Seven of Cups thing, then Gladii won't be able to insert her ear-piece without our prompting (not that she'd want to) and she won't be able to make any significant decisions on her own. To me this means Fera must take point.

> I think Gladii going first is best. When she gets affected by the anomaly you'll have forewarning and then you can blind yourself to avoid it. She can't do that.

Okay, so what I'm getting is that you guys can't make up your mind one way or the other. So while I can see your arguments... Well... Since Gladii seems eager to take point and I'm very hesitant to...

Fera: "Okay, I've decided. You go in first. Be careful. And use the mirror."
Gladii: "Mmh hm."

Silicon 2025/07/26(Sat)06:52 No. 1111831 ID: acb8e2
File 175353796322.png - (531.57KB , 1500x1000 , C01_09_E.png )

Agent Gladii sets down the blanket and crowbar by the opening and pulls the mirror out of their pocket.

Gladii: "You'll hand me these things when I'm down the ladder, won't you?"
Fera: "Yeah of course."

Then they swing their legs over the edge of the hole, one after the other and start climbing down, one hand on the ladder, one holding the mirror. Once they reach the bottom, they move and angle the mirror to get a view of the room.

They sigh.

Gladii: "Two bodies. Very still."

It feels like my insides are contracting. Every muscle in my body tenses.
Oh Fuck.
They're dead.

Gladii: "Moderate smell of decay down here. Flashlight on the floor. Otherwise, the room is pretty barren. There's an open doorway to the left. Ah, no. The right."
I open my mouth to reply something, but nothing comes out. I forgot to breathe. I take a deep breath.
Fera: "O-okay..."

Gladii tucks the mirror in their breast pocket and looks up to me. They're raising their arms. It takes me a moment to remember.
Fera: "Oh, right."
I hand first the blanket, then the crowbar down to them. They set both on the floor and I give them the spray can and the first aid kit as well. Finally Gladii pulls out the mirror again. Then they step back from the ladder.

Silicon 2025/07/26(Sat)06:53 No. 1111832 ID: acb8e2
File 175353798325.png - (1.59MB , 3000x2000 , C01_09_F.png )

I don't wanna go down there. I just wanna go... somewhere else. But then... No, just waiting up here while Gladii investigates is... is worse.

They look up at me.
Gladii: "Do you need a minute?"

ka-chrrk

Fera: "What was that?!"
Gladii: "No idea, but I heard it, too."

They angle the mirror around again, but seemingly find nothing.

Gladii: "Come on now, Agent Fera. Let's get this over with."

I take another deep breath of the dry desert air. Then I pull the goggles down over my eyes and step onto the ladder. I climb down carefully, one step at a time. A sickly sweet stench rises to meet me. It turns my already queasy stomach.
At the bottom I hesitate a moment. I bend down to take the can of spray paint with slightly shaky fingers. I take another breath, but less deep this time as the smell is... unpleasant. Though not overwhelming.

Yet.

Silicon 2025/07/26(Sat)06:53 No. 1111833 ID: acb8e2
File 175353799712.png - (631.29KB , 1500x1000 , C01_09_G.png )

Finally, I turn. And there they are.

The flashlight isn't pointing at them, so they're hard to see in the dark with the blackened googles. But I do see them, two crumpled piles of meat.
I think I'm gonna throw up.

Gladii: "Very good, Agent Fera."
Fera: "I... I- I can't see very well..."
Gladii: "Good. The goggles are doing their job, then."

I take a few quick and shallow breaths.

Fera: "Wh- What do you see?"
Gladii: "Other than the bodies? A flashlight of course. A bottle of water. And what appears to be a very small spray bottle with a little cord on it."

ka-chrrk

What is that??!

Agent Gladii is eerily calm.
Gladii: "Next steps?"

...why am I only now noticing the symbol in the bottom left of every image? Usually it's a sword, but sometimes it's a |<>| symbol.

>Fera has meaning
Well, there's the obvious "feral" etymology. Wild animal. Maybe it's referring to instincts? I would've expected more of a tie to emotions, personally, but maybe there's more to your skillset than the emotion cards.

>can't see very well
Oddly, we can see just about normally, where there's light. Maybe it's because we're (usually) getting still images-- could be the information gathered by your eyes over time is condensed into a still frame, like an error correction algorithm?

Examine the bodies. See how they died, that'll give us a bit more info on the nature of the anomaly. Also peek around the corner.

>>1111830
More trouble than its worth?
Tell her shes probably right.
Good news is were a bunch of underachievers so we're likely to be less trouble than were worth. Maybe about half if we try.
>>1111832
Bad news.
How they died is important in helping us figure out whats down here.
Maybe fera can examine them for you.

Also, the spray bottle.
Contents, markings etc...
Say.
What is that noise?

>>1111834
The symbol in the bottom left is just the artist's signature. Don't worry about it.

unfortunatly yes, you're going to have to examine the bodies. and quickly before whatever it is attacks you.

the spray bottle seems odd, check that too.

...!
hold up, theres a camera in the top corner!

>>1111840
Weirdly enough, that looks like it might be an SLR camera, not a surveillance camera. And ka-chrrk sounds a lot like its shutter and mirror flicking open and shut. Given David's testimony, this sound has been happening for three days, though it could be motion-activated. The question is why someone would want to take pictures instead of recording video; if it isn't just an idiosyncrasy, then it's probably like that to mitigate the effect of our mystery basilisk, and that means the camera, at some point, has a direct view of the thing. Be wary.
As for the bodies, they look like the sheriff and athlete David mentioned. We're probably gonna have to get a good look at them, but first have Gladii look around the doorway with the mirror; it could be a corner or a hallway, and you probably want the corner.

Both bodies are facing the open doorway to Gladii's right. The one looks like he fell backwards after he died on his feet, crumpling against the wall. The other one is in just the right position he would be, if he were leaning over to cautiously peer into the doorway, then suddenly died.

Point being two people have suddenly died from looking at whatever is in there. Recommend not looking.

The "ka-chrrk" is that camera taking pictures automatically, somehow. So someone must have known it was deadly, enough to set up the camera without looking. They could be the first body, if they accidentally looked after setting up the camera.

Recommend using selfie stick to take camera without looking, then inspect film. Error selfie stick not found.

Maybe static imagery is safer... somehow.
Ĺooking at a picture of the thing substantially different enough from beholding the thing in its anomo.ous glory.
Or, it was a desperate idea they tried and it failed,contributing to their respective current posthumous status.

Silicon 2025/08/15(Fri)14:12 No. 1112789 ID: bb3183
File 175529236773.png - (635.24KB , 1500x1000 , C01_10_A.png )

> Fera has meaning
> Well, there's the obvious "feral" etymology. Wild animal. Maybe it's referring to instincts? I would've expected more of a tie to emotions, personally, but maybe there's more to your skillset than the emotion cards.

Yeah okay, I... I can think about that for a moment... Uhm...
Well, before you tell me to try turning into a wolf, I already tried that and it didn't work.
I don't feel particularly wild or feral, you know? Maybe we're overthinking this.

> More trouble than its worth?
> Tell her shes probably right.
> Good news is were a bunch of underachievers so we're likely to be less trouble than were worth. Maybe about half if we try.

Oh don't sell yourselves short. I'm sure you can be as much trouble as you like if you put your mind to it.
I don't think Gladii is in the mood for that sort of conversation right now. And uhm. Me neither, honestly.
Damn, that stench really creeps into you. Eurgh.


> can't see very well
> Oddly, we can see just about normally, where there's light. Maybe it's because we're (usually) getting still images-- could be the information gathered by your eyes over time is condensed into a still frame, like an error correction algorithm?

Maybe? Or maybe you just have a different idea of what normal sight is.


> Say.
> What is that noise?

You're asking me? I don't-

> ...!
> hold up, theres a camera in the top corner!

There is?! Okay maybe you can somehow see better than I can...

> Weirdly enough, that looks like it might be an SLR camera, not a surveillance camera. And ka-chrrk sounds a lot like its shutter and mirror flicking open and shut. Given David's testimony, this sound has been happening for three days, though it could be motion-activated. The question is why someone would want to take pictures instead of recording video; if it isn't just an idiosyncrasy, then it's probably like that to mitigate the effect of our mystery basilisk, and that means the camera, at some point, has a direct view of the thing. Be wary.

> Maybe static imagery is safer... somehow.
> Ĺooking at a picture of the thing substantially different enough from beholding the thing in its anomo.ous glory.
> Or, it was a desperate idea they tried and it failed,contributing to their respective current posthumous status.

Well it's not moving. If it can turn, it's probably, like, remote controlled. But it might also just be fixed angle.

Fera: "There's... There's a camera up in the corner there. By the doorway."
Gladii: "Mmh?"
They almost turn to look, but then think better of it and instead turn the mirror about until...
Gladii: "Ah. There it is. Interesting. That should explain the noise."
Fera: "You're taller than I am. Maybe you could get it?"
Gladii: "Perhaps. But it is right next to the door. It might not be safe."

Can't argue with that. I'll note it for later.


> Examine the bodies. See how they died, that'll give us a bit more info on the nature of the anomaly.

> Bad news.
> How they died is important in helping us figure out whats down here.
> Maybe fera can examine them for you.

> unfortunatly yes, you're going to have to examine the bodies. and quickly before whatever it is attacks you.

> As for the bodies, they look like the sheriff and athlete David mentioned. We're probably gonna have to get a good look at them,

Fera: "How do you feel about examining the bodies?"
Gladii: "That, too, would leave us quite exposed, don't you agree? What's there to learn? They're dead, that's plain to see. We're close."

Silicon 2025/08/15(Fri)14:13 No. 1112790 ID: bb3183
File 175529240087.png - (814.82KB , 1500x1000 , C01_10_B.png )

> Also, the spray bottle.
> Contents, markings etc...

> the spray bottle seems odd, check that too.

Fera: "Yes. Give me a moment to have a look at this spray bottle and then we can check the doorway."
Gladii: "Good."

I stoop down and pick up the little spray bottle. It appears to be a keychain. I turn it into the light so I can read it: Spicy Derringer - Capsaicin Spray.

Fera: "It's mace."
Gladii: "That makes sense."

I put the little bottle in my pocket.

Silicon 2025/08/15(Fri)14:13 No. 1112791 ID: bb3183
File 175529242418.png - (549.14KB , 1500x1000 , C01_10_C.png )

> Also peek around the corner.

> Both bodies are facing the open doorway to Gladii's right. The one looks like he fell backwards after he died on his feet, crumpling against the wall. The other one is in just the right position he would be, if he were leaning over to cautiously peer into the doorway, then suddenly died.
> Point being two people have suddenly died from looking at whatever is in there. Recommend not looking.

Oh that's a good observation! They must have died two days apart, looking at the same thing. I wonder what that could mean. Either way, this is... This is probably very dangerous.

> The "ka-chrrk" is that camera taking pictures automatically, somehow. So someone must have known it was deadly, enough to set up the camera without looking. They could be the first body, if they accidentally looked after setting up the camera.
> Recommend using selfie stick to take camera without looking, then inspect film. Error selfie stick not found.

Yeah, if we could look at what the camera has captured, that would probably answer a lot of questions!

Fera: "Okay, wait."
Gladii: "What now?"
Fera: "Look at the bodies. It kinda looks like they both died looking through that doorway."
They do not turn to look directly.
Gladii: "Ah."
Fera: "Maybe we can get the camera first after all? Might answer a lot of questions."
Gladii: "But not the crucial one. If the anomaly is through this doorway, then the camera can't possibly have captured it. Not from that angle."
Fera: "I mean it can't hurt to check-"
Gladii: "Agent Fera, you are stalling. I get that this is frightening. You're new and this mission has turned out to be unusually deadly. I understand. But we'll get nowhere investigating every little thing except the anomaly itself. Nothing matters but our orders. 'Neutralize the anomaly.' We accomplish that and we can rest. No further investigation is necessary."
Fera: "Well, this thing kills people! I just want to make sure we don't end up dead. So we should get all the information we-"
Gladii: "There is no way to remove that camera without standing right next to the doorway. It is possible that glimpsing it in your peripheral vision is enough to kill you."
Fera: "But-"
Gladii: "Face it, Agent Fera. To know what it actually is and how to neutralize it, we must take the risk of taking a look."
They raise the hand mirror.
Gladii: "I am willing to take this risk, because I am not afraid to die and your idea about indirect contact is sound. Let's end this already."

> but first have Gladii look around the doorway with the mirror; it could be a corner or a hallway, and you probably want the corner.

All right. Okay. Yeah. Yeah let's do this.

Gladii looks at me expectantly.
Gladii: "Ready?"
I hesitate. I nod. I really hope this is the right call.

Agent Gladii steps over to the side of the doorway, back to the wall. Slowly, carefully, they extend their arm with the mirror in hand to see around the corner. I'm holding my breath. They're holding their breath. They angle the mirror further...

Silicon 2025/08/15(Fri)14:14 No. 1112792 ID: bb3183
File 175529245119.png - (654.17KB , 1500x1000 , C01_10_D.png )

Gladii: "Gnnckhh!"
A sudden violent tremor shoots through Gladii's body. The back of their head collides with the wall. Crack! Mirror and sunglasses fall hard onto the concrete floor.

ka-chrrk

Silicon 2025/08/15(Fri)14:14 No. 1112793 ID: bb3183
File 175529247746.png - (667.41KB , 1500x1000 , C01_10_E.png )

It takes a second before I remember that I'm also here and all my muscles are pulled taught. Gladii keels over, like in slow motion. I only catch them because they're falling right on top of me.

WHUMP!

We go, both of us down.

Silicon 2025/08/15(Fri)14:15 No. 1112794 ID: bb3183
File 175529251049.png - (0.97MB , 1500x1000 , C01_10_F.png )

Fera: "W-what's wrong?! What happened?!"
Gladii: "Hnngghh- Krcckkrt..."
They draw a laborious breath. They're shaking. I hold their head, so they don't hit it again.

Fera: "No, no no nonono please! D-don't die!"
Gladii: "Anom- Errcchhh W- wa- hhhHHHhh"
They're grabbing my arm.
Gladii: "W-wall!"
Fera: "Wall?!"
Gladii: "Hhhh Aangghh P-pic- Pitch... Pitcher- Hhrrgk Wall!"
The shaking gets weaker over time. Is that good? Or are they dying?!
Fera: "A pitcher?!"
Gladii: "Pick! hhhHHHhh Shur! Grkkh"
Fera: "Picture! O-on the wall?!"
Gladii: "Mnggkkrr hhHhhh Y- es... F-fuck... ev- ever- hhHHHhhhck- -ing..."

I don't... I don't know what to do! I just... Kind of pat Gladii's head a little.

Fera: "Are you- A-are you gonna make it?"
Another series of tremors in their lungs. I'm not sure if they're hyperventilating or laughing. Either way, it's an ugly sound.
Gladii: "Hhhhh alw- hH -ways make it... Ngghh! Unf- unfor- hhHHhhh hhhhhh"
Fera: "Okay, okay, stop talking. Just breathe, okay?"

Gladii takes deep breaths. It sounds like each one takes tremendous effort. They're no longer shaking, but I sure am.

Fera: "I'm gonna... I'm gonna set you down, okay?"
There is no response.

Okay... okay. Let's make the most of this.
What do I do now? Maybe I should have a look at that camera and those bodies after all... But very carefully... VERY.