[Patron: Gift of the Gods] Chase Walker's Story

Rupert suddenly realized what was going on, amd seemed to look confused before he got his bearings. Glaring at Chance, simply sighed in frustration and closed his eyes. "I don't know if I should Damn you or Thank you now.... Dwelling on it won't do shit. But you should really learn when what you say could piss someone off and make them go crazy kid. Not like there's much in terms of law enforcement going around at the moment if you couldn't already tell."

The Private looked like he was going to ask questions, but decided against it. What he was more concerned about was two things. "That's not necessary. Just describe what it looks like and roughly which direction it's in. My people aren't that incompetent.". Rupert scoffed, "You don't know competence yet Private. Still, I'm sure those block heads can figure it out quickly.".

Terrance frowned at Rupert, though the man didn't seem to care as he began to look at the map again. "We'll keep our distance Chance. We've already got reports of groups forming. A religious group that have a leader who seems convinced this is the apocalypse of the bible, Revelations as they call the group seems to be fine at first, but anyone who disagrees with them seems to be reticuled. Almost aggressively so at that. If you see an older man in a flannel wool vest, best steer clear. I've spoken with him, and he's a smooth talker. More than most thugs."

Rupert would also chime in. "There's also a group of rascals who think we shouldn't be in charge here. Younger generation, those who tend to be more recreational in their choices, as well as entertainment. Saw them cursing out about some creep as I was coming to speak with Private Terrance. Not sure if they're dangerous or just spoiled. Not much of a difference if this keeps up.".

Terrance seemed to nod in agreement. "I'd suggest steering clear of most people at the moment. Unless you want to do something else. We've considered asking for volunteers for certain tasks. Namely dealing with supply collection above ground in the Miasma, or heading to scout alternative paths. Your choice, but so far we've discovered a few things."

"I wish it was as simple as that Chance. The problem is Basic Training. You don't just join the army, it somewhat breaks you down and builds you up. I'm only two or three years older than most of them, and they see me as a "Authoritarian Racist". I have a few officers off duty attempting to talk, but it's not been going well. Most of the men or women sent are called sexist, racist, or any number of things. We're trying to maintain peace, but we can't do that and try to find solutions. Even with the help of emergency service personnel. Still, If you think you can do something, I can't exactly stop you. The sooner we figure out what these walls are and finally get some scouts back, the sooner we can actually figure out how to spread the survivors out to prevent anarchy. If you got Anthony to join your cause, then he's likely going to follow your example in whatever goal you had.... That being to wait it out while we get information, Right?"

Terrance suddenly brought up a valid point. The effect said Anthony would work with Chance's cause, but what was Chance's cause? Did the effect dig into subconscious desires, or just what someone said? If it was the former, then did that mean Anthony would also try to incite chaos by pitting faction against faction?

Before anything could be said, a resounding scream and sudden burst of activity occurred outside. Rupert and Terrance immediately grabbed at weapons, a combat knife for Rupert, and a Trench shovel for Terrance, as they prepared to walk out to see the commotion and possibly fight.

Of course, If Chance followed them, he'd find a clearing of people surrounding a single familiar shape, though unlike Grimlok this one was Blood red in color, wearing a tiger stripe toga, though this one seemed to also wear a set of glasses and carry a clip board. "Good evening everyone! I am one of the dokebi summoned to act as an aide to your various questions and concerns. Now, I'll simply settle down over in some.... Oh my, so many people here!"[/b].

The little red ball of fur looked at Chance with an expression of disgust, spitting at his feet. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought I heard something whispered about me being disgusting?". Crossing it's arms, the little guy floated up to be seen above the crowd.

"I'm going to get one thing settled with all of you chunks of moving meat.". The creature stated, it voice echoing and reverberating enough to be clearly heard anywhere. "First off, even if I'm part of the lowest branch of the Star Stream, that don't mean I won't evicerate everyone who dares to attack me as a sort of "revenge" for everything happening to this speck of rock and dirt. Blad de blah, etc. Etc., all questions cost a minimum of 5 coins to discourage unnecessary questions, yeah yeah, there you all go. Now, form a line, and no, I don't do refunds. You ask a stupid question, you'll get a stupid answer."

Immediately the area by one of the pillars suddenly had a glow of blue lights, as a desk, chair, and set of velvet rope basically created a boarder space for the Dokebi to sit down. To be honest, the desk didn't even go up to one's knees as the creature laid back and relaxed. Pointing at Chance, the Dokebi said, "and as for your question, I'm not allowed to disclose information directly involved with the workings of the Star Stream corporation. The most I can tell you is my name, position, and my role."

Coins: 375

Five questions purchased

---

The Dokebi held out a hand before saying anything, and once the Transaction was complete he spoke while looking through his clip board.

"Okay, five questions.... Hummmm.... First answer: Starting with the next Main Scenario, special items can be purchased to help keep track of various things. Traits and Gifts from Patrons can also be used to track certain things including how many people are alive.
As for specifically, No, I can't. You could watch streams of people from the fifth scenario onwards, but after that there isn't much else I can state."

Taking the board and flipping a few pages the creature scanned again before smiling, "Oh, and some Scenarios do keep track of the number of participants in the area if it's related to the Scenario. Second question: Yes there are boundaries. You cannot cross into other nations, as each nation serves as a boarder. There are other barriers, but they are mostly for keeping things orderly. Third question: Yes, there are specific rules, however we cannot directly intervene with any action someone takes. If I name everything, we'll be here til you starve and I grow bored. Im short, if there are special rules, you'll be notified of them, and you'll usually be given one time warnings if you do something you're not supposed to."

Putting down the clip board, the Dokebi looked at Chance's fourth question and then looked at him. "Did anyone tell you that you couldn't team up? Technically it's a free for all, but use your head kid. Should be common sense.
Also, this kinda fits in with two of your previous questions. Still, I said I'd charge for any question, and No refunds. Now for the Fifth..... "


The last question had the Dokebi scanning his clipboard for a while before he sighed. "Right, figures I can't answer this easily.
No, I can't tell you. When enough people enter the next area and there are no more stragglers left, then the next main scenario will begin, at least to my understanding. If there are other conditions, they'll eventually come up
I've seen a group think they could huddle up and avoid moving before, but starvation and anxiety can do a number on participants. My advice, Keep things moving along. The weak aren't meant to make it anyways.". The Dokebi's last statement seemed to make people a bit nervous at the foreboding tone, and obvious warning. The advice is on the house. Just this once. As for shitty, well it's our job, and we gotta eat too. Some get the carrot, some get the stick. Not our fault either way."

The sheer lack of empathy almost resembled what a Q and A worker might exhibit if they were nihilistic or simply stopped caring. It even seemed as such when he leaned back and casually stated for the next person to come along. Terrance and Rupert stood aside and a few people came along, some asking about various things. Where to get food, how were they suppose to get to their home country, etc. Some were even obviously stupid ones, though the Dokebi quickly told them the appropriate answers with various results.

The two shook their heads. "I don't have many coins as it is. I didn't survive the first scenario after all," Rupert stated.

"That's a good point, plus we still need to establish a parameter around the Kiosk. If we pook at it from an individual's stand point, even if we ask questions, they could be wasted if it falls under being too ambiguous, or goong into details he can't tell.". Terrance brainstormed. It was a valid point. One of the questions Chance had asked could have likely been condensed, and the one with rules was so wide ranging that the Dokebi couldn't properly answer it without basically wasting time for all parties involved.

As for Anthony, he seemed to be nowhere in sight, though Chance could see in the distance that some people were seemingly accessing status windows over by the kiosk. "It's better if we starting brainstorming questions we think we can profit the most from. We might not get an answer on the black wall, but we could ask other things about it. Whether it's a kill wall or just something else. If you want to handle some scouting, go report over by the far end, and tell them that I'm permitting you to accompany the next scouting party. Pass phrase Alpha Charlie Echo.".

Rupert shook his head, "That's what I mean by watching what you say. You're bad at lying.
If Anthony got a trait like that, it must have been for a reason. Now he'll be expecting you to have news, and if we act he's gonna pay attention to it and later ask if you knew about it. You'll end up devaluing yourself, especially if we have a group watching him. People who can rile up crowds are dangerous because they can spot something for people to pay attention to. Weaknesses in formation, a bit of anxiety, one of the guards showing fatigue. Even micro aggressions can be dialed up to eleven with inciters like that. A person is smart and rational sometimes. People are wild and often frightful animals Chance. Remember that.". Rupert clarified making it clear that while Chance may have thought it was a good idea he wasn't taking other things into account.

"We can get a mole into his group without issue. For now, simply tell hik you're going on a scouting party that you've volunteered to join. If he ask how to join, just tell him you asked to. Better to make people think we're willing to work with everyone than outright try to blockade them. And only tell him if he asks. We'll be sending word that we're looking for volunteers regardless once we've gotten a few more answers and things settled.". Terrance seemed to be already one step ahead after hearing Rupert, "And don't outright lie or let too much information out. If he pressures you, simply explain that we're still busy setting up forces and that asking too many questions could blow your cover. Best thing you can provide really."

With that said, the two waved him off as they began to discuss possible questions to ask.

Anthony seemed to be near the Kiosk as Chance made his way to the door, and he seemed to be focusing on keeping things orderly near the shop, at least that's how it seemed. Chance couldn't see too many details since he was so focused on trying to get into the scouting party. Once the code was given to the guard, the man looked Chance up and down and gave a word of advice, "Don't do anything stupid.
We still don't know much, but the next party is going to check the side access tunnels. If we're lucky, there might not be any barrier. If you gotta run, don't hesitate to do so. We know what we signed on for. We'd rather at least someone come back if no one else can."

As soon as Chance was let in, he was told to sit down by some canvas camping stools, small little cross pieces with canvas stretched across them to act as a seat with no back. Small, light, and relatively better than sitting on the floor. There were two others who sat next to him, one eating an MRE, which had a strong smell of peanut butter, and the scent immediately made the dogs that Chance command become restless. The man who was eating, a burly fellow who looked twice as thick as Chance simply growled and turned away protectively.

The other person was a woman, and her attention was focused more on the distance than anything else. Silence was the small talk, before Chance sensed that the animals were getting hungry. How long had it been since anyone had eaten? An hour? Two hours? One's sense of time seemed irrelevant in the underground.

"We'll likely be sent on our mission if they don't arrive in the next hour..." the woman explained, before suddenly turning and noticing Chance for the first time. She had a fair face with plenty of freckles and brown eyebrows and strands of hair poking from below her helmet.

"Brutis, who the fuck is this?", She asked, her own vest showing that her name was M. Walker.

Brutis's name tag showed D. Brutis, and he struggle, "No clue, don't care. If he's here, probably reinforcements."

Brutis laughed a bit at Chance's last statement. "First thing you should know is that if shit goes down, the first causality of battle is always the plan. Otherwise war wouldn't be hell. Though, I can't exactly say this is war. It's far beyond that now if you ask me." the mountain of a man stated in between bites. The animals quickly lapped up what they could, though the food would quickly run out far before anything else at this rate.

Chance would see something flung at him from the woman as she expected him to catch a MRE bag. The bag seemed like it was made of paper, and it had Canada's usual maple leaf and star symbol. Below it was the name of the Meal, "Chicken Ala King", and it was comparable to a lunch bag. "Take it. If you're coming with us, we need you fed and ready to run if need be. Eat what you can. Give Brutis what you don't want, but don't cry about being hungry later.". The woman said, seeming to have a no non-sense attitude to her. She pulled out a set of cups with wire handles, passing one of them to Chance, and a bottle of water.

With that said, she pulled out another MRE from her pack, which was loaded with various equipment. Most of which Chance could assume were Improvised equipment. The question now was what counted as Improvised equipment and what didn't? None the less, the woman pulled out a pair of clear bags, passing one to Chance. "Boil bag. Follow the instructions and set it down on the floor.".