Mission:The Shining Stars - With Friends Like These: When A Praetorian Calls
When A Praetorian Calls
Briefing
Alright, kiddo. I just had a little confab with Proton, and we both agree that this illicit merchandise deal may be our lead.
Proton suggested that I use Manticore's database to crosscheck the info we got from the gal at Cooke's. I want to let you get first crack at it, though, since you did the legwork on this one.
You up for a trip back to the mansion?
- Sure thing, Twinshot.
Awesome. I already got the go-ahead from our benefactor to use his chateau in our investigation. He's working on some Phalanx stuff at the moment, so you'll have the place to yourself.
I feel like we're getting close to this, kiddo. Have at it.
Use Manticore's Database for Research
Unnecessary Solicitation
Don't drag your feet now, kiddo. We're right on the edge of solving this thing. I get the feeling that once we find out who bought that transmitter, we can trace him back to the Praetorians.
Mission Objective(s)
It looks like you're the only one here. You should be able to access the database from inside the Freedom Phalanx council room.
- Use Manticore's Database for Research
- Access the database terminal in the council room
- Defeat the Praetorian ambush!
- 3 groups of Clockwork to clear out of Manticore's mansion
Something's definitely not right here. You need to talk to someone you can trust.
Enemies
Database Terminal
Briefing
ACCESSING.........
IDENTITY CONFIRMED: Character
ACCESS GRANTED
- [Search the database for any activity regarding the High Frequency Signal Transmitter]
A long list of dates, times, and locations scrolls onto the screen. Most of these related directly to D.A.T.A., S.E.R.A.P.H., and Portal Corp.
You don't find anything unusual until you stumble onto one entry:
ENTRY DELETED
The time of deletion appears to be just minutes before your search.
- Damn! [Trace the database deletion request]
DATABASE DELETION REQUEST TRACED TO IP ADDRESS:
3015:db6:97c4:9e1:2420:9b3f:073:8347
LOCATION: SHINING STARS HQ
- What? But who would have-
You notice a flashing item at the bottom corner of the screen:
CRITICAL FILE: SHINING STARS MEMBER PROFILES AND RISK ASSESSMENT
- Hmm... [Open the file]
The file contains six separate entries, one for each member of the team. Most of them just contain basic info on your team, with members marked as "Low-risk".
Two of them are marked as Important - Flambeaux and Twinshot.
- [Open Flambeaux's entry]
CODENAME: Flambeaux
FULL NAME: ******* *******
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE:
Flambeaux exhibits classic signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which could raise the possibility of unsanctioned violent behavior.
There is a high probability that if Flambeaux does not achieve the fame and attention that she seeks in her role as a Hero, she may turn to more drastic methods.
RECOMMENDATION:
Monitor Flambeaux's progress and maturation as a Hero, and make preparations for the possibility that Flambeaux turns to Vigilantism or Villainy in order to gain fame or respect.
- Well, that does sound like Flambeaux... [Open Twinshot's entry]
CODENAME: Twinshot
FULL NAME: Unknown
KNOWN ASSOCIATES: Maelstrom (Praetorian)
BACKGROUND:
Little information on Twinshot's past exists, but it is likely that she is a surviving member of the now-defunct military ops team 'Ultimatum'. Her combat training and connection with the rogue soldier 'Maelstrom' reinforce this assessment.
WARNING: Maelstrom's reappearance in Primal Earth suggests that Twinshot has remained in contact with him. It is highly likely that Twinshot is working from within the Shining Stars as an agent of Praetoria.
RECOMMENDATION:
Twinshot represents both a danger to Primal Earth and a significant flight risk. Keep under surveillance and proceed with extreme caution.
- Oh, Twinshot...
Just as you're about to close down the terminal, alarms begin blaring in the Phalanx council room. The screen on the terminal goes blank, then begins to flash text on the screen:
WARNING.....WARNING.....WARNING
MULTIPLE TEMPORAL ANOMALIES DETECTED IN THE NEAR VICINITY
THERE IS A 97% PROBABILITY THAT INTRUDERS HAVE INFILTRATED THE MANSION
WARNING.....WARNING.....WARNING
- What the-
You hear the sound of whirring motors behind you!
- [Defend yourself!]
Those Clockwork knew exactly where you'd be. Someone set you up!
Confer with Grym About the Attack
Unnecessary Solicitation
Give me a moment, kiddo. I think I'm onto something big. I'll talk with you in a moment.
Briefing
Character. The trail of your aura shimmers with pain and rage. What is the matter?
- I think Twinshot just tried to kill me, Grym.
Grym's eyes widen, and he wrinkles his nose at you.
That is a bold accusation, Character. Are you confident in this claim?
You explain to Grym what you found using Manticore's database, and how the Clockwork ambushed you shortly afterwards.
- It's hard to come to any other conclusion, Grym.
Grym growls under his breath.
Sadly, I believe you are correct. This betrayal does not surprise me, Character. Our comrade Twinshot has wavered as of late. She suffers under the weight of past deeds. I had hoped she was strong enough to carry them.
Grym's snout curls into a snarl, baring his teeth.
Apparently, I was mistaken.
- So what do we do now?
We will confront Twinshot when the time is right. Return to her, and reveal to her nothing. If she realizes that we suspect her, she may attempt to accelerate her plans, or even to flee.
When we strike, we must ensure that she is unaware until it is too late to escape.
- Alright. I guess it's the only way. I'll be back soon, Grym.
Debriefing
Hey, kiddo. You're back. How'd the research trip go?
You explain to Twinshot the basics of what happened, taking care to leave out the parts about her database entry, and your conversation with Grym.
Holy smokes, kiddo. Clockwork showed up inside the mansion? You'd think our benefactor would set up some sort of no-portal-zone or something. Yikes.
Anyway, glad to see you made it out safe. I need you to do a favor for me.
