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  1. - Top - End - #151
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    Default Re: Grief In the Shell: Madokapunk IC Thread

    [Kato Tower]
    Floor 73

    Just before Mia and Leysa reach the Wishcraft office, Leysa pulls up short again.

    "I don't have enough time for this. I need to meet back up with the NMSF ASAP."

    She spins on her heel and begins marching towards the nearest balcony.
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  2. - Top - End - #152
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    [Their destination]

    Kujoh Manor was nothing short of an impressive piece of historical and architectural real estate. Located on the outskirts of the city at the top of a hill, it was meant to symbolize a great deal of things - not just the obscene wealth at the family's disposal but also its disconnection with the rest of the people at large. Its current incarnation was rebuilt from the time of the tragedy that struck old Mitakihara, supposedly with the very foundations of the old manor.

    The Kujohs never bothered to dismiss such baseless rumors, but neither did they confirm it. It was best to keep the people guessing. The actual property extended far beyond the manor itself, spanning a great deal of fields that sported all manners of luxury. The grounds from the gates to the manor itself were far enough that no one going on foot could possibly hope to sneak in before being spotted.

    That is why Makoto had offered a different entrance to Nuan's contact. Borrowing from comic book heroes, Makoto had his own "Kujoh cave" installed onto a side road that was cleverly disguised with all manners of security systems. Li Nuan found herself going into a tunnel through the bedrock as they made their way further into a subterranean facility.

    A man on his early fifties with a regent hairstyle, a thin mustache and a goatee was there to receive them. It was Makoto's butler, Josuke.
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    I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."

    She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."

  3. - Top - End - #153
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    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF Headquarters)

    Zhen dispels her costume, standing up and giving the Jenny an incredulous stare. "...what?"

    Nadica spins past Zhen but then turns around as she actually hears what it has to say. "Well ****, trouble jusht followsh you around, dunnit? Kill a couple peepsh and they nev-"

    "LEAVE!" Zhen glares at Nadica for a few moments, then instinctively closes her eyes. Nadica shrugs and continues towards someone else's office. Zhen takes a calming breath. "...very well, I will cooperate. I had nothing to do with this incident, so I have nothing to hide. And... I cannot say I have come across any technologically-specialized mashou, I have been on this last assignment for nearly a week." Clenching her fists, she sits back down and just... wracks her brain.

    Dunny gets a sudden message from Novak. Oh, great.

    takin som of ur sxotch Pause. *scotch

    Sigh.

    (Enenra)

    Rio sits rather rigidly. Not remotely expecting this escort or... really, anything about this. Part of her is expecting to wake up.

    But that doesn't happen. She's not... uncomfortable or unhappy, but it's a bizarre feeling of not being sure how this was still her life.

    She's very quiet on the ride back, just looking out at the city or happily petting Kin.

    [Ward 4]
    (Kato Tower, 73F)

    Mia blinks and turns, dismissing her armor finally to reveal a black tank-top and jeans, over thick boots. She's rather muscular, but with her wild red hair and facial features she could be called some definition of attractive or cute. "H-hey!"

    She struggles for something to say, scratches the back of her neck, and shrugs. "...all right, fine. But thanks for helpin' me. And... I guess, call me sometime. If you wanna just... hang. To make up for such a crappy day or something."

    ...with that, she keeps running towards the office to make sure everything is all right.
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  4. - Top - End - #154
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    [Ward 4]
    Kato Tower

    Whatever's going on with Leysa, she still has the presence of mind to favor Mia with a warm smile.

    "That sounds like fun. I'd be happy to."

    Reaching a nearby balcony, Leysa calls her bike and flies off.

    Nearby Park

    Duncan doesn't have to wait long before Leysa rockets out of the sky, hopping off of her bike and unclasping her helmet when she's a few feet away. Her expression is uncharacteristically grim, a mixture of upset and anger visible on her face. Nodding to Duncan, she opens a compartment in her bike and withdraws a handful of Grief Cubes. She begins siphoning her Soul Gem. Duncan probably isn't an expert at Soul Gems, but even a layman could tell that she's gotten dangerously close to overloaded.
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  5. - Top - End - #155
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    (Enenra)

    Leon doesn't really say anything further during the brief trip to the NMSF headquarters.

    The landing is smooth, and he is the first to leave.

    *Bzzt* "My office."
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  6. - Top - End - #156
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    [Ward 4]
    [Park Near Kato Tower]

    Duncan had taken a seat on a park bench, and honestly seemed close to dozing off...

    Until his comm unit buzzed with Novak's message and he cursed.

    'At least I keep the good stuff at home in that special safe from grandad.'

    The stuff in his desk was sub-par. But at this point, the principle of someone who wasn't even on the bloody police staff treating his own office as their personal playground wasn't really flying, not with the day he'd had.

    First he told Modron to close and lock his drawers (yes, plural, shut up, this job was hard) with alcohol; the electronic systems were one-way, meaning that while they could force the drawers closed and lock them, they couldn't unlock them.
    Then he told her to notify the building's Mikos and Kamis to put up a hell of a lot of noise if Novak tried to force her way into the drawer anyways.
    Third he sent her a message of his own.

    Go bug the Chief or go home and drink your own booze, Novak. My stash isn't public property! Sheesh. But joke's on you that's the cheap stuff lolol or whatever the script kiddies say these days.
    Look the man's not a texter; his trash-talk is great in person but it looses something when he does this. That or Modron is stripping out about 50 curse words of varying types.

    Anyways, now he's got stolen booze, he's got to help escort Zhen alongside Satou (he has Modron tell Leon that Turnbull's meeting with a source about a lead), and now this meeting.

    Of course, his flask on his person is bone-dry. Such is the suffering that is Being Duncan Turnbull III.

    And then Leysa arrives, which is good news. Duncan lets her settle down and start draining Grief Cubes, pulling out another energy bar in the meantime. He ignores the silent message Modron gives him about how he can't live on protein bars and varying qualities of scotch; he's an adult he'll do what he wants. Hypocrisy what's that?

    "So."

    Quiet munching.

    "That was bloody well a thing. I only kind of skirted the edges-"

    There's a kilt joke there if someone wants to make it!

    "-but you were up in the thick of it. Did...you make any headway on the leads you had? I think the Chief is cranky with us-"

    He and Satou, and yes of course he made sure his audio line with the Chief was turned off he's not stupid he's just tired thank YOU.

    "And saddling the Old Man and me with another partner. Things might start getting messy at this rate. Hoping you've got something. Because if someone you know knows something that'll help us hit these ********, then I'd like it sooner than later."

    It's a good thing he ate all that power bar, the way he's making a fist he'd have pulped the thing.
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  7. - Top - End - #157
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    Default Re: Grief In the Shell: Madokapunk IC Thread

    Ward 4
    Park

    Leysa just shakes her head.

    "Didn't want to have a breakdown in public. That hit...close to home for me. And I can't afford to look weak right now."

    She sighs, finishing with the Grief Cubes, and pours them into a separate part of the bike. She dusts her hands.

    "Who's the new member of the team?"
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  8. - Top - End - #158
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    BlueKnightGuy

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    [Ward 4]
    [Park Near Kato Tower]

    Dunny pauses for a moment, long enough for Leysa to know it's an intentional, "gather my thoughts" pause.

    Duncan Roddy Angus Turnbull III of the Clan Turnbull is many things. Dedicated. Loyal. Headstrong. Scottish. Genetically enhanced. Cybernetic. Scottish. A crack shot. A fine swordsman. Possibly crazy. Scottish. Occasionally a rowdy drunk. Scottish.

    One thing he is not, however, is a mashou. And this seems like something that a mashou may feel differently about than himself.

    "Song Zhen."
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  9. - Top - End - #159
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    [Ward 4]
    Park

    "Eugh. She has a stick up her butt."

    She shrugs.

    "Anyway, I'm good to go whenever you are. Anything else on your mind? Given your polite commentary before, I'm guessing your sound's off, and this may be our last chance to talk without being listened to."
    Last edited by Dorizzit; 2016-01-24 at 09:42 PM.

  10. - Top - End - #160
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    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    Leon probably passes by Dunny's office. And. Sees Nadica sitting on a shelf, bobby pins in her mouth and fiddling with a lock. She snaps to attention.

    There is a pause. "...oh. 'shup."

    Rio stares blankly.

    Kin also stares blankly.

    Zhen face-palms and seethes in her chair.
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  11. - Top - End - #161
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    [NMSF Headquarters]
    (Outside Duncan's Office)

    Leon balls his fist.

    Then he raises it and points it at Nadica, and shoots her in the back with his built-in electrified traction wire, a mix of stun gun and grapple shot. He is not reeling in a spasming perp this time around, however.

    *Bzzt* "I have said words about picking locks in my precinct, Novak. They involved terms such as 'don't' or 'never'."
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  12. - Top - End - #162
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    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    Nadica, by this point, has learned the drill. Because she's been the target of Gomes's fist of fury more than a few times. So she rolls onto the ground to dodge with a crash. "C'mon don't be a d*** goldfish. I was gonna pay it back and then some so he can get some better s***."

    With an irritable sigh, she climbs up into her wheelchair and rolls out. "Fine. But your fault if the DTs come on."

    Rio is still nonplussed. She recognizes this person. She is not a good mashou at all.

    ...not much more to say on that. She just seems to be trying to blend in, though it's likely a few of the officers are recognizing her from the reports and pictures going around the net by now.

    Zhen is just rubbing her temple.
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  13. - Top - End - #163
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    [Neo-Mitakihara Greater Metropolitan Area]
    [Kujoh Manor, the Kujoh Cave]
    Quote Originally Posted by Kuroimaken View Post
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    Kujoh Manor was nothing short of an impressive piece of historical and architectural real estate. Located on the outskirts of the city at the top of a hill, it was meant to symbolize a great deal of things - not just the obscene wealth at the family's disposal but also its disconnection with the rest of the people at large. Its current incarnation was rebuilt from the time of the tragedy that struck old Mitakihara, supposedly with the very foundations of the old manor.

    The Kujohs never bothered to dismiss such baseless rumors, but neither did they confirm it. It was best to keep the people guessing. The actual property extended far beyond the manor itself, spanning a great deal of fields that sported all manners of luxury. The grounds from the gates to the manor itself were far enough that no one going on foot could possibly hope to sneak in before being spotted.

    That is why Makoto had offered a different entrance to Nuan's contact. Borrowing from comic book heroes, Makoto had his own "Kujoh cave" installed onto a side road that was cleverly disguised with all manners of security systems. Li Nuan found herself going into a tunnel through the bedrock as they made their way further into a subterranean facility.

    A man on his early fifties with a regent hairstyle, a thin mustache and a goatee was there to receive them. It was Makoto's butler, Josuke.
    "Don't worry, she has her own way in. She doesn't like guards." Nuan punches a few more things into her phone. Reads a reply, then nods. "...she's nearby, I've got a photo. I'll mirror-gate her in here once we're in that secure room you were talking about. Sorry about all this... fuss. She's her. I'm considering myself pretty lucky I even got her out of old town, that hasn't been easy in the past."

    A deep sigh. You didn't really need to be a mind reader to feel the loss and rejection in it.

    "...anyway, this place is nice. Though it's hard not to feel a little silly with that whole entrance you set up." A smile, somewhat forced, and a respectful bow to Josuke, much more genuine. "And well met, to you. Thank you both for having us as guests, and for your help today. Please, lead the way."

    [Neo-Mitakihara, Ward 1]
    [NMSF Headquarters]

    People continue going about their business, with the occasional glare cast Nadica's way. Whatever her working relationship with the chief of police, and whatever her contributions at times, the average officer in the NMSF positively loathed the woman. She was unprofessional, offensive, and arrogant to the point where she made a habit of violating the law obviously and routinely, smugly secure in the knowledge that wealth, power, and status would protect her. Nadica Novak embodied all the worst traits of mashou and the ultra-rich rolled into one rancid, self-important waste of skin.

    Someday Leon would give the word, and they'd get a chance to see this ended. Until then they ground their teeth and endured. The reaction to Rio and Satou is much more positive, with waves and the occasional call of congratulations. She ends up with a plate with a doughnut on it, somehow.

    Omoikane just hums along in the background, to the complaint of officers with smaller cases requesting its aid. But it has more important duties today. Criminals to catch.

    [Neo-Mitakiha]
    [Investigative Team]

    Duncan, Leysa, and Satou receive identical messages - the sender marked as Moko Yuki, apparently regarding Satou's investigation request. About time. Zhen as well, if Leon has added her to the commgroup by now.

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    Hey! Sorry for the delay, Omoikane has been busy today, obviously, and this was a bit of a tricky formula. But here's what you wanted - firing location.

    [A map is attached with a point marked - outside city limits proper, past the southern edge of the seawall]

    It looks like they fired along the seawall from an undeveloped area. Record say it's flagged for construction soon, but nothing yet. Just grass, some hills. We've got four turns on the bullet it looks like - one to get it leveled off after being fired out from behind a hill, three more to get it on the trajectory it needed to hit the mayor.

    This is really pushing the limits of mass production models' ranges, but I don't think a modded gun is out of the question.

    Anyway, go get this guy. Investigative team will keep you updated if anything major crops up.
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  14. - Top - End - #164
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    [Kujoh-cave]

    "I'm sure the 7-year-old me, who puts this place together on his own, would say something to the effect of 'you know nothing, you are a grown-up and a woman besides'." His tone is serious enough that there's no reason for Nuan to doubt the veracity of his words.

    "Understood. Josuke, on my signal, lower the magic dampening field all the way to the meeting room." The old butler bowed in acquiescence. "This way, please."

    Magic dampening fields were a touch uncommon in that they were typically reserved for high-level security rooms. Some of them were powerful enough to keep even the most capable mashou from transforming within its confines. There was a defensive variety for shielding against magic weapons, but between energy consumption and bulk, they were usually reserved for military facilities. Makoto's field was clearly the anti-intrusion kind.
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    I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."

    She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."

  15. - Top - End - #165
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    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF Headquarters)

    *Bzzt* "If you get such a problem, just lop off your own head and it should resolve itself with no problems."

    Well, he is not wrong.

    Anyway, he leads the small procession to his office.

    *Bzzt* "Multitasking time for me then. Zhen, head to the interrogation room, I will do your interview. Satou, feel free to accompany her so I can debrief the two of you on your task after I am done."

    While he speaks, he pulls Sato's miko from outside his backpack and lays it down onto the desk. Probably heading into cyberspace to discuss matters with machinery.

    Lastly, he focuses his eye on Rio.

    "Lastly, miss Koizumi. This is a conversation I hardly ever get to have with new mashou. I want to talk to you about the press, the public, and any eventual work you end up doing with us."

    His eye turns a lighter shade of orange.

    "Do you have any questions, before we begin?"
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  16. - Top - End - #166
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    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    "Sounds good, I can show the new kid how durable we are." Rio isn't sure if Nadica is being serious or not. She did hear that as long as a mashou's soul gem is intact, they can survive just about anything...

    Zhen stands and bows rigidly. "...very well, Captain Gomes." Then walks off to whichever interrogation room is being booked.

    Rio looks a bit oddly at the donut, with chocolate glazing and sprinkles, before jumping a bit as Gomes addresses her. "...uhm..." Kin looks up to Rio, and a voice rings in her head as she looks back.

    Don't worry, master! Everything is going to be all right.

    ...she blinks rapidly. Did she just...? She shakes it off a bit, looking back up to Gomes. "...um... do I..." She struggles with words for a bit before taking a calming breath. "...am I going to go to a different school? With other mashou? And... um... do they let dogs there? And... um... are other magical girls going to want to talk to me because I'm... um..." Well, if Gomes knew her last name he'd probably pulled up other relevant information. "...not... the best with new people..."

    Nadica just sits back in a corner, giving Gomes and the newbie some silence.
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  17. - Top - End - #167
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    [Ward 1]
    NMSF HQ

    Satou nods at the Chief's orders. Just before following them, he reaches into the breast pocket of his button-down shirt, and sets a business card on Gomes's desk. He gives a slight nod to Rio and Kin, then follows after Zhen, walking just a bit fast to catch up.

    Spoiler: Subvocal message to Gomes
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    Promised the kid I'd lend her a hand with the hunting part of the business, if she needs it.


    He doesn't take too long to overtake the mashou.

    "So, the hunt go smoothly for you?"
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  18. - Top - End - #168
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    [Ward 4]
    Park
    Quote Originally Posted by Dorizzit View Post
    [Ward 4]
    Park

    "Eugh. She has a stick up her butt."

    She shrugs.

    "Anyway, I'm good to go whenever you are. Anything else on your mind? Given your polite commentary before, I'm guessing your sound's off, and this may be our last chance to talk without being listened to."
    Dunny relaxes a bit when Leysa doesn't totally flip out.

    "Hn. I shoulda been in bed already. But now, not only is someone running around having killed the Mayor, we've got a bloody child murderer wannabe on our hands. I don't give a-"

    Yeah he's definitely not miced because there is no way he'd use that in polite company.

    "-about "collateral damage" if that's how they classify the kids. Kids coulda died. And now one's a wizardess."

    Odd word choice, but he's Scottish.

    "Which isn't inherently bad but it sounds like she wished it to fix everything. A kid shouldn't have to make that choice. What good am I if I can't stop these-"

    Leysa might want to keep him away from booze he is way too free with the naughty words.

    "-from trying to blow up half the city? I feel bloody useless, lassie. That's a terrible feeling for a man who by all rights could be called a "super soldier" a few years ago. The Chief's probably cranky for some of the same reasons. That, and he can't get sloshed or get some. Gotta stress a man out."

    He's...probably joking? A bit at least?

    "Right. So. What's our game plan from here?"

    But before they can elaborate....
    Quote Originally Posted by Selinia View Post
    [Neo-Mitakiha]
    [Investigative Team]

    Duncan, Leysa, and Satou receive identical messages - the sender marked as Moko Yuki, apparently regarding Satou's investigation request. About time. Zhen as well, if Leon has added her to the commgroup by now.

    Spoiler: Ballistics Report
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    Hey! Sorry for the delay, Omoikane has been busy today, obviously, and this was a bit of a tricky formula. But here's what you wanted - firing location.

    [A map is attached with a point marked - outside city limits proper, past the southern edge of the seawall]

    It looks like they fired along the seawall from an undeveloped area. Record say it's flagged for construction soon, but nothing yet. Just grass, some hills. We've got four turns on the bullet it looks like - one to get it leveled off after being fired out from behind a hill, three more to get it on the trajectory it needed to hit the mayor.

    This is really pushing the limits of mass production models' ranges, but I don't think a modded gun is out of the question.

    Anyway, go get this guy. Investigative team will keep you updated if anything major crops up.
    Dunny read the message, his eyes narrowing.

    "They really wanted the old ******* dead. That's....ugh. Great. That info change your plans any, Leysa? I wouldn't think it would. But just want to check."
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  19. - Top - End - #169
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    [Ward 4]
    Park

    Leysa nods along with Turnbull's explanations of his thoughts on the case, her expression a mixture of empathy and weariness. She perches on the seat of her bike, legs folded up against one of the sides and arms wrapped around her knees. Despite being clearly more composed than she was on landing, she's still rather obviously processing quite a few of her own thoughts on the matter. Whether or not she wants to share is entirely another question; Duncan may or may not already know about Leysa's tendency towards caginess when she's having a hard time with something.

    When the message comes through, Leysa flips her phone open and skims it.

    "It's another spot to look at, that's what I got out of it. My doctorate is elsewhere."

    That's...a joke? Maybe? She's old enough to have gotten one at some point, but...

    "Any progress is good progress. Anyway, I call shotgun."

    She stands up, brushing herself off, and heads for the car unless Duncan doesn't follow.

    "Oh. One more thing."

    She doesn't make eye contact with the following statement, although she's not avoiding it, either. Just looking forward.

    "Don't think of this person, or these people, as child murderers. You'll get the wrong idea. If this was the same person who took out the Mayor, it's someone very competent. Cold. Calculating. Whatever they're doing, they have a reason and very specific targets: the Mayor, the Wishcraft offices; the kids were collateral damage, terrible though that is. A sacrifice, or even a necessary evil. There is a very detached logic behind the killer's actions, a need to see their version of justice born through. At least, that's the read I'm getting. Up to you if that makes it better or worse. Just don't get too wrapped up in getting angry at whoever did this. Anger and hate twist your head around, make it harder to understand your enemy. They cause mistakes. I'm sure you know that already, of course, just...giving a gentle reminder."
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    [Neo-Mitakihara Greater Metropolitan Area]
    [Kujoh Manor, Kujoh Cave]
    Quote Originally Posted by Kuroimaken View Post
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    "I'm sure the 7-year-old me, who puts this place together on his own, would say something to the effect of 'you know nothing, you are a grown-up and a woman besides'." His tone is serious enough that there's no reason for Nuan to doubt the veracity of his words.

    "Understood. Josuke, on my signal, lower the magic dampening field all the way to the meeting room." The old butler bowed in acquiescence. "This way, please."

    Magic dampening fields were a touch uncommon in that they were typically reserved for high-level security rooms. Some of them were powerful enough to keep even the most capable mashou from transforming within its confines. There was a defensive variety for shielding against magic weapons, but between energy consumption and bulk, they were usually reserved for military facilities. Makoto's field was clearly the anti-intrusion kind.
    Nuan is visibly surprised at the mention of anti-magic, though she seems more confused than impressed. Makoto would no doubt know that Wishcraft almost never made use of such technology, nor did most of the major players on the political landscape. And yes, it was true, the fields were far from perfect solutions. They were outrageously expensive to maintain, consuming grief cubes alarmingly quickly, and not even the strongest field could be counted as fully reliable. The interactions between the particular abilities of various mashou, with wishes, with other magically-empowered technology... it was a defense with far too many workarounds beyond any ability to predict them. In nearly every respect, it was far better for a legitimate installation to simply hire mashou guards.

    For illegitimate installations, however, they were a valuable resource, for all that. Efficient? Perhaps not. But few people were betrayed by a piece of hardware, whatever the Miko doomsayers liked to spout.

    Still, Nuan follows along quietly, taking in her surroundings and steeling herself for the coming meeting. She's wary, but Makoto recognizes the sort. It's not a direct mistrust of him so much as the wariness of any soldier in a new place. You didn't live multiple decades in one of the most dangerous professions in the world without picking up habits.
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    [Kujoh-cave]

    It was actually understandable. She might've noticed a brief stiffness in Makoto as well, bringing unknown people literally into his home, but he managed to eliminate that from his posture quickly enough. The boy certainly had some habits of his own, which were odd for someone that young no matter what kind of background he had going.

    The room itself looked comfortable enough. It was wide and spacious, with a number of chairs around a very long table. But perhaps most importantly, Li Nuan could actually FEEL the lack of devices in this room compared to almost everywhere else in the civilized world. Even the walls were a dull, concrete gray. She couldn't feel any pulses of magic energy anywhere from the dampening field. It was easy to see why Makoto had put so much stock in this room - there was essentially no angle from which one could spy it from the outside, even while using mashou abilities.

    "I can't turn off the field for more than twenty seconds without someone up there in the house getting suspicious, Nuan-sensei. So on my mark, I want you to bring your friend here. Alright?"
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    I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."

    She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sucrose View Post
    [Ward 1]
    NMSF HQ

    Satou nods at the Chief's orders. Just before following them, he reaches into the breast pocket of his button-down shirt, and sets a business card on Gomes's desk. He gives a slight nod to Rio and Kin, then follows after Zhen, walking just a bit fast to catch up.

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    Promised the kid I'd lend her a hand with the hunting part of the business, if she needs it.


    He doesn't take too long to overtake the mashou.

    "So, the hunt go smoothly for you?"
    Gomes responds fairly quickly.

    There are mashou crawling out of the woodworks for that. It will take some damn special circumstances for me to enable magitech for you to go on a wraith hunt.

    Quote Originally Posted by strawberryman View Post
    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    "Sounds good, I can show the new kid how durable we are." Rio isn't sure if Nadica is being serious or not. She did hear that as long as a mashou's soul gem is intact, they can survive just about anything...

    Zhen stands and bows rigidly. "...very well, Captain Gomes." Then walks off to whichever interrogation room is being booked.

    Rio looks a bit oddly at the donut, with chocolate glazing and sprinkles, before jumping a bit as Gomes addresses her. "...uhm..." Kin looks up to Rio, and a voice rings in her head as she looks back.

    Don't worry, master! Everything is going to be all right.

    ...she blinks rapidly. Did she just...? She shakes it off a bit, looking back up to Gomes. "...um... do I..." She struggles with words for a bit before taking a calming breath. "...am I going to go to a different school? With other mashou? And... um... do they let dogs there? And... um... are other magical girls going to want to talk to me because I'm... um..." Well, if Gomes knew her last name he'd probably pulled up other relevant information. "...not... the best with new people..."

    Nadica just sits back in a corner, giving Gomes and the newbie some silence.
    Back at the office, Gomes focuses and refocuses his eye while listening.

    *Bzzt* "Ok, fairly basic stuff. You can change schools to Wishcraft sponsored instalations, very exclusive, high quality and flexible school hours to account for emergencies. We also have associated teaching facilities here in the NMSF for the more military-minded, but you don't strike me as such. And nobody will have an issue with dogs, but worst case scenario, you can always declare that he has a link to your magic or public image."

    "As for your ability with people, I wouldn't worry, if that can function."


    He points at Nadica.

    "Then anyone can."

    Brief pause.

    *Bzzt* "That being said, your lack of people skills might be an issue in other ways. You have just saved a vast number of lives with your wish, that means you will be under heavy attention from the press for awhile."

    -----

    (Interrogation Room)

    Fairly empty room, all said, sensors are all hidden in the walls and furniture. Only noticeable thing inside is one of Leon's remote controlled bodies.

    *Bzzt* "Ok, lightning round Zhen. During the time you went dark, what were you wearing, what was your location, what were you doing, what is your favorite food, where were you heading, who was with you, who are the best and worst people to have to deal with here in the NMSF headquarters?"

    Control questions mixed in? You bet.
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    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    Rio fidgets a bit as Gomes talks, offering slight nods. There's a bit of relief in her expression at the idea of having Kin along with her.

    Nadica just pulls a cig out while giving him the bird, when he references to her. Rio doesn't look back.

    "That's a... good thing? Um... or not..." She thinks about how uncomfortable she's felt with all this attention on her. "...I don't have any more questions."

    Master deserves to be heard! She's a very good person. There it is again.

    ____________________

    Zhen gives Satou the most cursory of glances on the way to the interrogation room. "It's a rare day it does not, when dealing with normal humans." Well not much to say on that.

    She sits down, padding down the knee-length skirt she was wearing, and sitting up in a rigid, calm posture. "The provided NMSF mashou grade uniform you see before you, but in a more practical sense I had been wearing my conjured costume." Pause. "I was at the city outskirts, dealing with my quarry slipping free for a moment. It took less than two minutes to recover him." There were some rumors that she sometimes just let criminals escape for short periods of time just to spice things up, but those rumors were unfounded with people who actually knew her. Zhen was occasionally blindsided by her abilities' tendency to give random flashes of a person's wrongdoings. It was an unfortunate side-effect, but given she could capture them fairly quickly again it rarely went too sour. "My favorite food is chow fun." She doesn't show any difference between answering the 'business questions' or the control questions.

    "I was heading for the NMSF headquarters." Pause. "Ito Takumi was with me, disregarding bystanders I crossed paths with."

    "..." Zhen gives a somewhat irritated frown at the last question. "Watanabe Satou is an effective ally." There's a pause that suggests maybe she'd like to offer a criticism, but can't think of one. Still, it's not like she's ever displayed that she -likes- anyone in the station. "Duncan Turnbull is... passable. His habit of imbibing alcohol when a case is proving trying is a sign of poor judgement, but that is his decision to make. You are an effective captain, however your... tolerance of Novak's attitude is vexing."
    Last edited by strawberryman; 2016-01-26 at 04:23 PM.
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    Default Re: Grief In the Shell: Madokapunk IC Thread

    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    [Interrogation Room]

    *Bzzt* "We have been through this, Zhen. Novak is useful enough and offing mashou is complicated enough that I find it best to overlook her indiscretions to the best of my patience."

    Which does mean she gets the occasional electric shock.

    *Bzzt* Onto business. I am assigning you to work on an investigation with Satou and Duncan, as well as Leysa, regarding the murder of the mayor. Here are the files you will need for people that might be relevant for you to locate. Start from the first."

    The first is Makimoto Yoshi, of course.

    ----

    [Leon's Office]

    *Bzzt* "Good. Anyway, as it would be, the press and a small Wishcraft delegation have already started knocking on my front door to talk about you. Do you need anything before going out there?"
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    [Ward 1]

    Chief Gomes gets a new message among the flood of communications. Rio's mom is waiting outside. No surprise she could find her daughter this swiftly, the woman works with Wishcraft.
    Last edited by Kuroimaken; 2016-01-26 at 07:12 PM.
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    I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."

    She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."

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    Default Re: Grief In the Shell: Madokapunk IC Thread

    [Ward 1]
    NMSF HQ

    Satou gives another subvocal as he waits for Zhen to bring herself to speed, and collect any new information on the sins of those presented.

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    If I'm helping out a mashou, I don't need Betty. Meatshield and weakening work. Just have to be charged enough to last. Still, did just say it was for if she couldn't find a fellow hunter. Just let me keep my word.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kuroimaken View Post
    [Ward 1]

    Chief Gomes gets a new message among the flood of communications. Rio's mom is waiting outside. No surprise she could find her daughter this swiftly, the woman works with Wishcraft.
    [Office]

    *Bzzt* "Also, your mother is outside, I am letting her in."

    She is allowed in.

    Quote Originally Posted by Sucrose View Post
    [Ward 1]
    NMSF HQ

    Satou gives another subvocal as he waits for Zhen to bring herself to speed, and collect any new information on the sins of those presented.

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    If I'm helping out a mashou, I don't need Betty. Meatshield and weakening work. Just have to be charged enough to last. Still, did just say it was for if she couldn't find a fellow hunter. Just let me keep my word.
    Satou's response is a string of disparate letters and symbols followed by.

    Fine. Whatever. Also, go check my canopic jars, because my heart apparently is bleeding regardless of everything else.
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    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    Rio thinks for a few moments, still fidgeting uncomfortably. "...uhm... um..." Her mouth felt a little dry to be honest, just at the concept of going in front of a bunch of people.

    Kin nudges Rio, licking her hand. Be brave, master!

    ...so... she could hear Kin's thoughts now. Well, every Mashou is unique. "...can I have some water?" She blinks a bit. "...what? Mom's here? ...um..." Back to discomfort!

    Nadica snorts, messing around with her phone from the corner. "This keeps getting better."

    __________________

    Zhen doesn't give a sigh of relief, or really... any response to the end of the interrogation. She had nothing to hide, so there was no reason to be relieved. She looks down, skimming through the information, looking first for a picture to match the name before she digs through the rest. She takes most of the time to commit the face to memory, taking only a few pauses between the files.

    "...are we considering the bombing to be part of the same investigation?"
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    [Ward 1]

    The time it takes for her mother to cross the threshold and kneel by Rio's side is probably some kind of record somewhere.

    To her credit, Chiyo doesn't smother her little girl like she normally does with her hugs. This is a more comforting kind.

    ...she's trembling, though her voice doesn't quiver. But Rio knows exactly how shaken she really is. She's just putting on a brave face. She's either cried already or saving her tears for a private moment.

    "I'm so... so glad you're alright, Rio-chan...
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    I met a girl with a really pensive look. I walk up to her, put a fifty cent coin in her hand, "For your thoughts. I know the going rate is supposed to be one, but I figure you play hardball."

    She gave it back, "Keep it. Pretty sure a guy with your charm can find a way to have them for free anyway."

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    Default Re: Grief In the Shell: Madokapunk IC Thread

    [Ward 1]
    (NMSF HQ)

    Rio stands there for a moments after tensing up, expecting one of her mother's more... normal hugs. And when it doesn't come, she's... relieved, but confused. And... a bit guilty. She shifts a bit and wraps her arms around her mother as well, resting her head on a shoulder. "...sorry."

    Nadica just stares at this a few moments before wheeling out without a word. She's not really in any particular hurry, but it's sudden and possibly unexpected. She goes all the way to just outside the station, sliding past the crowd of press and Wishcraft representatives, parking near the curb and lighting her cig. Just looking out into the distance at nothing in particular. Eventually, a delivery drone drops off a bottle of vodka in her lap. Doesn't take long for her to unwrap it and swig freely.

    Bad memories had a habit of turning up without warning like that.

    Rio just keeps hugging for a minute or two before breaking the silence. "...um... people outside want to... talk to me, I guess." There's a pause. "...um... can you come with? And... help." Like she even really needs to ask. But so many things were just turned upside down today, it couldn't hurt.
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