You and Zena make a beeline for the stair-way, reaching upwards into the gloomy darkness. The lighting strips in the stairway are dimly lit, constantly flickering on and off. As you ascend the stairs you see no other people, and can hear little in the way of sound. You part ways on the fifth floor to head toward's Lileth's hab as Zena continues upwards to the sixth. As you walk down the corridor towards Lileth's apartment you can hear faint noises coming from the other habs, though the sounds are quiet and skittish.

  Some thirty meters down the corridor, after a sharp right turn, you arrive outside apartment 23. It appears to no different than any of the other doors you have passed on your way here, a dark metal slab pressed into a slight recess in the wall with a locking mechanism on the right-hand side. You can see the number '23' imprinted on the doorway, though it is heavily faded.


  Zena continues up a floor before also turning down into the corridors. Setting off down the hallway (identical to that Lucien just walked through) until she comes to apartment 13. The door is slightly ajar, and the lock is obviously broken - forced open by the looks of it. Though there doesn't seem to be any other damage to the surrounding area. The room beyond is cast in darkness, and the corridor is deathly silent.


  Goran follows the two enforcers as they enter the square, keeping a safe distance between himself and his targets. They begin to patrol the edge of the square, heading towards the marketplace in the opposite corner. The marketplace is slightly more lively now, with a small crowd bustling through setting up shop in the various stalls. As the guards patrol through the marketplace, Goran notices the wide berth the local dregs give to the enforcers, as if fearful. The guards continue to patrol the square before setting off down the street Zena and Lucien took - the one towards the cantina like building.

{{Hey, still working on drawing up a map of the city, messsage if its at all confusing where people are in relation to each other}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Tue 05 June 2018.

"Kid" Goran's voices chimes through my bead. "These guys are heading straight for you, contact in about 10 I'd guess. Plan?"

"KEK! So much for low profile. Stay with them. We'll take em on the stairs if we have to, multiple angles. Zena, progress?"

"Doors been forced open, can't tell how recent" Zena's voice barely a whisper. Maybe sending her by herself wasn't the best idea. "Beginning sweep"

Here goes nothing I think to myself as I knock on the hab door. "Mamzel Arbest? Are you in there. Open up please, Administratium business."

{{Goran still doing his thing. Zenas gonna do a sweep of hab make sure shes alone and then search around, shes using her optical mechadendrite so she can see in the dark}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:16, Sun 10 June 2018.

  Zena slowly pushes the door open, scanning the room with her optical mechadendrite. The room is an eight metre by eight metre metal box with a single door to another small room, presumably a water closet, and a single arched window in the wall opposite the door. The room is deserted however, and with no hostile presence that Zena can detect, she turns on the light-switch. The room is furnished poorly, with a single-person bed pushed into one corner, and a kitchen area crammed into the other. The room is a mess. Food stuffs are strewn around the kitchen and the bedding is unmade and hanging across the floor. The single chair in the room has been knocked over. Someone was clearly here, and looking for something.


  Lucien hears a faint movement from behind the door. A few moments later he can hear the unlocking of what sounds like numerous deadbolt locks. The door opens a few inches, a connecting chain can be seen preventing the full opening of the door. A short brown haired woman, who appears to be in her early twenties stares at you through the crack in the doorway. "Hello?" She says in a soft, timid voice. "Whats all this about?". You can see her eyes scanning the corridor behind you, and she seems jumpy.


  Goran continues after the two guards as they progress down the street. Upon reaching the next junction however, they turn and enter the cantina building, disappearing inside.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:45, Sun 10 June 2018.

"My name is Lucien, I've been contracted on behalf of the Administratum. There's an anomaly regarding your brother" I pretend to examine my dataslate "Saul was it? I'm sure its nothing. If you could just answer some questions, it wont take long." I gesture to the door.

{{Gorans gonna go in cantina still following the guys, I want Zena to do Scan room with optical mechDen  (has infared) and seach hab to see if she can find anything. Im gonna need you to tell me what rolls to make}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:30, Thu 14 June 2018.

  "Oh, alright" She says timidly. She closes the door for a moment and you can hear the unhooking of the chain. She pulls back open the door and gestures you inside, shutting the door quickly behind her and reattaching the door chain. The hab is identical to the one Zena is searching, aside from a few picts and the like decorating the hab. You notice a small worn pistol on the side table near the door, just to the right of Lileth as she thoroughly locks and bolts her door. You also observe two packed bags lying on the small bed in the corner.

  After finishing with the door, she turns and gestures to the single chair the occupies the apartment. In the light of the hab you can get a proper look at the woman. She has a kind face, though she looks tired and worn out. She is dressed in simple brown robes that cling to her figure. You notice her attire, while certainly not that of the wealthy, is nicer than what you've seen on most of the locals. She shuffles towards the kitchen-corner of the hab. "So whats this about Saul?" She asks almost casually, though you notice her glance keep shifting to the gun on the side table. "Would you care for some caffeine?"


  Zena searches through the apartment, whats left of it at least. As she goes through the apartment it is apparent that someone has been here. The draws are empty and marked with almost knife like scratches covering the bottoms of each. She notices the same marks on the walls near the door frame. The room has been ransacked anything of value, if there was even anything of value here to begin with.


  Goran trudges over to the cantina entrance, noticing the bullet-holes that pepper the front of the building, and slips into the entry-way. The interior is more bullet-ridden and marked by scores of violence than the outside. The place main room Goran comes into appears to be a bar, with a number of patrons grouped around tables. From a quick glance you can tell that this isn't a safe place, the patrons all appear to be either gangers or the like. You don't see the two guards in here, although there are stairs towards the back of the room, though there are four gangers sat around them. Most of the patrons in the bar stop talking upon Goran's entrance and the focus shifts entirely to him, though they quickly go back to their business after a few moments when he doesn't start shooting up the place.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 12:04, Thu 14 June 2018.

Dirt, blood and  people ready to shoot at a moments notice. Just my kind of place. I notice a couple people glancing my way as I walk towards the bar, sizing me up probably. Nothing new in this line of work, I've had to deal with all kinds of crazy keks while looking after the kid.

I nod at the Bar man and he starts pouring some brown liquid into a glass. "I'm looking for work" I say as I hand over a generous amount of gelt, "I bet you hear enough to point a guy like me in a few directions?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:34, Wed 04 July 2018.

"Most curious" I remark. Ransacked? Possible though unlikely. No, this seems more focused. My optical mecadendrite whizzes around taking in far more detail than my normal eyes can. Scratches on the drawers, checking for fake bottoms perhaps? Some kind of creature? Need more information.

I sigh. This isn't what I had in mind when became a tech-adept.

I name the recording of the scene save it to my memory. "Carus? Theres not much for us here, I'm going to start making my way back down to you."

{{Mechden can film. I basically video the hab so I can try reference the scratch marks if i see anymore later heading down to sauls hab}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:34, Wed 04 July 2018.

"No thank you mamzel, please don't trouble yourself with my comfort" I smile as I pull a lho stick from my pocket and light it, with her permission. "I'll level with you, we found his body. It seems Saul was involved in some pretty bad stuff. I'll spare you the details, but I need you to tell me everything you know about him if you want me to prove your not involved in this.

Shes anxious, good. People are alot easier to persuade if they're panicking. I notice her eyes keep darting to a pistol nearby. I nod in its direction "There's no need for that, I'm not here to hurt you" I state calmly. "In fact I may be the only thing between you and a painful death right now, and seeing as you're planning on packing up and running. Well I think you're aware of it too.

I lean forward and stub my lho stick out. "We may not have much time, help me and thus help yourself. Tell me anything you know about his disappearance, death and involvement with the wrong people. And I can help you disappear and stop this from going further.

{{Trying to charm her to tell me anything she knows about when Sauls disappeared.}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:04, Wed 04 July 2018.

  The barman looks you up and down, his eyes narrowing. "You're not from round 'ere thats for sure." he says, swiftly pocketing the gelt Goran placed on the bar. "No work in Coscarla, hasn't been for some years now. You'd be best off going back where you came from if its work your after." While most of the other patrons have gone back to their business, you notice a large burly man at the other end of the bar, his eyes fixed on you as you converse with the barman. "So what brings you to Coscarla stranger? Don't get many foreigners here, not unless they have specific business."


  "Dead....?" Lileth stutters, her face turning ghostly white. "I suspected, but I didn't want to believe it." She composes herself slightly. "Oh Saul, why? I didn't know he'd disappeared till days after the fact. I'd had a contract to work further uphive and was too wornout to care. To be honest, Saul had been drinking a lot, drowning his sorrows and sleeping it off during the day. By the time I realised he'd vanished he'd been gone for days. I looked everywhere, even went to the Workers' Union, though it makes my skin crawl." She shudders. "Everyone just stared blankly back at me and I knew, I knew! Something terrible had happened."

  She stand in silence for a few moments, as if deep in thought before continuing. "I was frightened to report him missing at first, but I saw Warden Locan on his own in the Square. He looked... I don't know... lost. I told him Saul was gone. He seemed angry at first, then he just went quiet and looked like he was going to break down in tears right there. He made me swear by the God Emperor and Saint Drusus not to mention this again, especially not to the other enforcers. It was strange but I believe he was even more frightened than I was. I had no idea he'd actually reported it."

  She glances at her belongings, packed away into a bag on the end of the bed. "I'd made up my mind to leave already, this just compounds my decision; There are more vanishings every night, I don't know how many and somebody will say anything! I stayed here last night, one last night, hoping he'd come home. Foolish I know, but hes my brother. I'll leave at once, before nightfall..." She leaves the sentence hanging in the air.

((Zena is on her way down to Lucien and Lileth, she wont encounter anyone on the way, can show up whenever.}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:53, Thu 12 July 2018.

"Eh, was hired as protection for some merchant. Kek left earlier than planned and didn't think to tell us lower class. Try'na make some coin to get off this rock. No offence."
I down my drink and gag slightly, got too used to drinking the good stuff.

"Back to square one" I mutter to myself. "That guy" I nod slightly, "Been staring at me for a bit. Should I be ready for a knife in me back or is that the kind of guy I'm looking for?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:56, Thu 12 July 2018.

I watch her face closely as she speaks, can never know for sure who's in on a plan. But I've seen that look too many times in my life. Genuine grief, the kind where somebody's been knocked down by life just one too many times. Either she knows nothing, or shes a kekking good actor.

"I believe you" I tell her as offer her some amasec from my hip flask. As she takes it I stand and open the hab door. I  see Zena waiting in the hall and motion her in. ""Lileth, this is Zena, shes with me. Zena tugs at my arm and shows me her dataslate. "Only anomaly I found." Its a picture of what looks like some kind of claw marks. I take it and turn to Lileth.

"Lileth theres a couple things you've said that i need you to elaborate on. How long have these vanishings been happening exactly, are the enforcers taking people in the night?" I flip the dataslate so she can see it. "Or is something darker going on here?"

{{I think its all pretty self explanatory. numbers of ppl going missing, rumors floating around about it. and if shes seen these scratches before}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:22, Thu 12 July 2018.

  The barman's gaze drifts across to the man Goran pointed out. He grins briefly. "Rough place this, as I'm sure you noticed. Helps to have Yerik near the bar in case things get a little heated." He turns back to you, smirking. "Probably best to avoid him, hes not very talkative. As I was saying-" He cuts off, glancing towards the back. You notice the two enforcers from before come down the stair-way, silent and stoic. The rabble of conversion amongst the patrons dies for a moment as the enforcers appear. They march past the guards at the stair bottom without a word and make towards the exit.

  "As I was saying, little work here in Coscarla, even the not-so-honest kind. I'd get out if you can, try further uphive. Even the upper-classes have use for hired muscle." He pours another shot into a grimy tumbler and slides it over towards you, before turning away to serve a man further down the bar.


  Lileth takes the amasec and downs it in one, her hands still trembling slightly. "I don't know how long, theres been tales of people vanishing in the night for as long as I can remember. Never paid them much heed myself, until now. I don't know who it is either, though I'd be surprised if it was the enforcers, they tend to stick to the square these days. They've pretty much abandoned the district, leaving it easy prey for the narco-gangs." She walks over towards the window, gazing out of it to the street below.

  "I saw those marks at Saul's. Someone broke into his hab a few nights ago, ransacked the place. Its what prompted my departure, Coscarla doesn't feel safe anymore. I have a feeling it hasn't been for some time. No one wants to talk about the disappearances, least not directly, as those who do tend to vanish themselves. I'm sorry I have no real information for you Lucien, I hope you catch whoever's behind Saul's death. I really must leave now, while theres still time." She begins to gather up her belongings in a hasty manner.

{{Lileth's gunna gather her things unless stopped and then make to leave town.}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:00, Fri 19 Oct 2018.

I take my flask back and hand her a small pouch of gelt. "It's not much, but its all I have on me at the moment. Should help you get away from 'ere." I motion Zena to the door "Lets go find this Warden Logan."

"Locan" Zena says as she shakes her head slightly.

"Thats our man, what would I do without you my Zena?"

I hesitate at the door "I cant bring Saul back Lileth, but I'll find the kekks responsible. May the Emperor watch over you."

As we descend down the hab block I hear Goran on my microbead. "Enforcers went into some back room of a cantina, dunno what went down but they look like they've gazed into the warp. I keep on 'em?" "Aye, got another potential lead I'll keep you posted. Out" I reply.

{{Goran following enforcers again, I wanna find this Locan, I'm gonna go back to the enforcer station, would there be anyway I could find any records of him?? Like is remote hacking a thing is this?}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:15, Sun 22 July 2018.

  Hastily exiting the cantina, Goran spots the two enforcers, walking back seemingly towards the enforcer station. Again you notice how the locals keep their distance as the enforcers patrol the area. They take the same route back towards the square, through the market, back towards the station. A little after midday, you notice the streets are now more active, with many squalid figures jostling towards the congregation of the market.

{{Enforcers gunna march back to the station and go inside, theres still two guards posted outside. Everythings pretty similar to how it was a couple of hours ago, although the square is more lively}}
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 17:18, Sun 22 July 2018.

"I have an idea, throne knows you're not gonna like it though" I say to Zena. "Goran send me the location of this cantina and make your way there, stay outside though."

After a brief walk we arrive outside. "Fancy" Zena remarks as we walk inside and make our way straight to the bar without stopping. A bold move in a place like this, but it can portray what Goran liked to call a real 'dont kekk with me' vibe.

As I reach the bar I hold two fingers up and throw some gelt on the bar as I wait to be served. As the barman collects his payment I lean in, "Alot'a people missing round these parts ey, strange times. Whats your reckoning? You must hear all kinds of things" I down my drink and light a lho stick.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:35, Sun 29 July 2018.

  The bar falls silent upon mention of the disappearances. The barman gives you an uneasy look and Zena notices a large man at the end of the bar start fumbling with something under the counter. The barman composes himself quickly, staring harshly at you. "Dunno nothing bout no disappearances round here. Business as usual at the Union." He grunts. You notice that the general rabble of bar has completely died down, the patrons all fixed on your conversation with the barman.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:47, Sun 29 July 2018.

I chuckle "I see, so you're calling me a liar then. Busy place like this, you've heard something, stories, rumors and the like. Whats wrong? Scared? Or hiding something."

Zenas eyes start darting across the room, I did tell her she wouldn't like it, I can also hear Goran hissing at me through my bead. Calling me a mad kekk.

"Point me in a direction and I'll leave. If not, then I'll have another one" as I down Zena's drink.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 22:03, Sun 29 July 2018.

  The barman stares at you coldy, though you notice the fear in his eyes. He slowly pours another shot into a glass, then slides it forward. His other hand reaches below the bar. With a quick glance to the man at the far end of the bar he answers, his tone quieter this time "The only disappearances I know of round 'ere are of them people asking too many questions where they shouldn't". He seems unnerved, though not of you. "Drink your drink, and cease the questions if you know whats good for you".

{{The rest of the patrons are still watching your exchange, though so chatter has returned to the bar. Both men at the bar seem ready to pounce, but restrained. While the gang-looking guards by the stairs are watching with keen interest, neither seems aggressive.}}
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:12, Sun 29 July 2018.

I smile and straighten up. "Dont worry 'bout me, there's not a thing in the universe that can kill Lucien Carus!" Adding more emphasis on the name.

I stub my lho out as I exit the bar. I make it about 10 steps out the door before Goran shoves me against a wall. "What the kekk do you think you're playing at!" He snarls at me. The outburst takes Zena by surprise, I guess she always assumed Goran answered to me fully.

"Goran" I keep my voice calm but firm. "I understand your confused. But know your place. You remember what happened last time we went down this road." He takes a moment to compose himself and release me. He subconsciously touches the scar on his neck, a memento I had given him in our last and only fight.

Zena and Goran both look at me expectantly. "Look, we're blind, and you saw how everyone inside reacted. No ones gonna talk to us. So we make them come to us."

"And kill us" Zena snaps. "You know who we're working for right? If you haven't accepted that our lifespan has dropped significantly then you're not a bright as you let on."

They seem a little more composed. I clasp Gorans shoulder "I need you with me, both of you. We took Galloix for thrones sake, I'm not gonna let us die on Gledd. To the end?" They both nod. "Now! lets find Warden Locan."

{{Figured I'd write a bit as its been awhile. I basically wanna go ask if I can speak to warden Locan}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:54, Mon 20 Aug 2018.

  Your party makes it way back through the streets towards the enforcer station. The market square is now bustling with down-trodden dregs, gathering around stalls containing all manner of things. A curious glance over the stalls identifies most of the objects to be junk or scrap, likely stolen or looted - though many of the dregs are haggling boisterously over the wares. The people give you a fair berth as you pass through the market square, though they pay you little mind. You don't notice any of the enforcers in the square or the streets during your trek back towards the station.

  Upon arriving at the enforcer station, it appears little has changed. There are still two gruff-looking enforcers stood outside the building's entrance. They notice you approach and step towards you. When you inquire about Warden Locan the guards just shrug at you.

  "Locan? That old bastard's probably still sleeping off last night. Rarely see him around 'ere these days anyways - useless gak." One of the enforcers spits.

{{So longggg time tings. Sorry its been so long, had to re-go over all my notes n shit to get back in the swing of things. If you wanna go back to regular posting now I'm good. Its about 4PMish local time IC.}}

"Look boys I wanna get off this rock ASAP so... whats it gonna take for you to tell me where he is?". I say as I rub my fingers together." "Im sure a couple overworked and under appreciated fellas like you could with a nice bonus? Maybe get somethin' nice for the missus."

"Or absolutely sloshed with the lads?" Goran adds. I Light a lho stick and offer them one each as I await there reply.

{{sooo basically I wanna bribe em but I'm wondering if I can use charm to try get them to agree to it }}
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:07, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

  The enforcers seem to relax slightly, taking the lho sticks off you in turn.After inhaling a deep puff, the man who spoke before looks up at you before continuing.

  "Not sure to tell you the truth, he doesn't keep much a schedule. Normally wanders through town, though he spends a lotta time drinkin' down the Union. He stops by every now and then but I can't tell you when we'll see him next. Man's a drunkard and a fool." He quips.

"Nothings ever simple is it? Emperor protects" I throw a gelt as I leave.

"Why did you pay them?" Zena queries. "They didn't tell you much."

"People really aren't your thing are they?" I muse, "They'll spread word that some off-worlders are paying for information. Helps loosen tongues and its cost us a pittance. I pass each of them a small pouch.
"Only location we've got for him is this square, Lileth said thats where she saw him too. So we'll each have a wonder round for him, eavesdrop, bribe - kekking stab someone if you have to but keep it low key alright. Stay nearby and keep your bead on."

"Codes?" Goran asks.

"Crow for positive ID, and for danger close... how bout Saul?"

"Works for me."

{{kk i know theres a thing for this shit but dunno wat it investigation or some shit}}
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

  You split up and disperse amongst the dregs in the marketplace, intent on obtaining any snippets of information regarding Locan. Most of the populace recoil from Goran, reacting to him as they do towards the enforcers. He has little luck obtaining any valuable information, but spots a number of gang members throughout the market during the stakeout.

  Zena's queries are met with blank stares and harsh questions. The locals either cannot comprehend her questions or are apathetic towards her. She receives many odd looks as she traverses the market-place, attempting to be "personable".

  Lucien slips in amongst the local populace with guile and subtlety. Despite his odd appearance he manages to make small talk with a number of people around the market stalls. They seem to know little regarding Locan's current location, though many back up the story given to you by the enforcers - he is often seem roaming around the square drunk, or drinking in the Union, though he warns to watch yourself in a "place like that". One man, a local trader selling a number of trinkets and small-caliber weapons, mentions that Locan often sleeps in the Templum, the local house of worship east of the square - though he doubts he would be there now.

  Whilst among the locals your party gets the sense that the populace is deary and defeated. Morale seems low and the people are fearful of unknown dangers, the market a shadow of its once former glory. A little over two hours later your party reconvenes near the large statue in the centre of the square. The lighting is beginning to dim and the air has a chilling bite to it. The market bustle starts to die down and the crowds begin to disperse into the street-ways. One of the men Lucien had talked to earlier gives him a passing word:

  "Best find somewhere to get your head down during black-out hours, its not safe round 'ere." He splutters as he hobbles off.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:54, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

"E'ery ones afraid of the dark it seems" Goran chuckles to himself.

"I don't like this, we should get off the street like everyone else." Zena urges.

"I think our best bet is to stalk the place out if I'm honest." I tell them. "See that balcony? I want you up there Goran. Should give you a good vantage point. And you Zena" I motion her to follow me. "I noticed this as I was asking around" as we arrive at what appears to be a pile of rubble, however there as small gap inside big enough for someone to hide in. "No one should notice you in here, you'll be safe."

"And you?" Goran asks "where will you be?"

"Why. I get the best job of all I'll be wandering around this square waiting for whatever's out there to show up." They both stare at me like I've lost the plot, to be expected I suppose.

Goran begins to say something then stops as Zena chimes in first. "You know odds are you're probably going die horribly right?"

Goran simply nods at her assessment.

"Well. I appreciate the vote of confidence but this is the play we're gonna make. The barman said those who ask questions go missing so I'm the most likely target out of us." I state as calmly as I can manage. "Keep eyes on me at all times okay. I'll haunt you kekks if you let me die. Now hurry up, it'll be dark soon"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:03, Mon 01 Oct 2018.