[hr][center][h3][b][color=yellow]Chapter One:[/color][/b] Reitz or Wrong[/h3][/center]
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[center][b]Location:[/b] Consortium HQ - Underground Test Floor[/center]
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[center][b][i]Winter of 454...[/i][/b][/center] 
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Deep inside the lower levels of The Consortium HQ's Testing Floor, the air is stuffier than usual. That is because the lab coat frequenters of this area are now joined by The Consortium's Investigators, old and new, for an annual gathering. The 1st year graduates have returned from their seasonal rotation, maintaining defenses beyond the well-fortified wall separating the inner and outer shells. Their expressions range from visibly dejected, to mentally preoccupied, and downright tired. Yet despite the heavy woes they've overcome, the seasoned Investigators do their best to maintain a spirited atmosphere for troop morale. 

The 2nd years have also returned from duty. Many of them have just finished their 1st seasonal rotation behind the wall, experiencing the relentless chaos that lurks in the inner shell for the first time. Some of their faces are that of a startled teen, trying their best to cover the dread of fear they've experienced for the past three months. Other 2nd years have yet to rotate as they've been assigned between guard duty along the wall's perimeter, and/or administration work for security check points. These investigators have a much more warm and cheerful demeanor. 

In the far corner of the room, past the odd contraptions and doodads, sits a bustling saloon. A dark oak table snakes from one wall of the test facility and down to the other side. Parallel to it is a long shelf filled with all sorts of alcoholic beverages. The bartender, [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/55/b2/a1/55b2a1b335ccf359d37d5210cb3f59ba.jpg]Carmina[/url], works diligently to serve her patrons without skipping a beat. The bar stools are crammed with 1st and 2nd year Investigators. Some are socially interactive, while others stick to their cliques, respectfully.  

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[@justTypical]

The dark-skinned tank, Zuma, bellows his signature laugh. It is so loud that some of the scientist who were actually working, stopped and glared at him, then started bickering to one another as to why there was a bar installed on this floor to begin with. Like the social butterfly that Zuma is, the 1st class Investigator makes his presence known with as many of his cohorts as possible. He eventually stumbles upon Benjamin Moore, who is nearly equal in stature. 

Zuma approaches him with a warm smile. "Benny!" The nickname never quite stuck, but it didn't stop Zuma from calling him that. "Good to finally see you my friend." Zuma goes on to explain his assignment, talking about how he had to lead a small unit of army soldiers deep into the inner shell. He proceeds to talk about how reckless the army men were and how they nearly got him killed. "First sight of a Mangled One, and what do they do? Shoot frantically in all directions. Almost got my head blown off. I yell, 'Stop! Don't you see my beautiful face? How could I be a Mangled One!?"

Zuma laughs at his own joke. It was interesting to see how nonchalant he was about an otherwise very dangerous situation. It was hard to tell whether or not he was putting up a front, but it was unlike Zuma to be anything but genuine when it came to expressing himself. After clearing his throat, he asks Benjamin, "So...how did your rotation go?" 

[hider=Benjamin's Assignment]
[u]Ordered by Tom Reitz.[/u] 
[b]Retrieve an inner shell citizen by the name of Elly Margret of Southfield, a supposed psychic who
may have key information regarding The Yellow King Disciples. [/b]

-If [b]successful[/b], you extracted her at the cost of losing Investigator Morris, your assigned partner, who sacrificed his life to stave off the Spirit Wraiths.

-If [b]failed[/b], Elly Margret became possessed by one of the Spirit Wraiths, who then went on to kill an entire inner shell family that was hiding in her flat before you managed to put her down. However, you were able to grab a notebook that [i][b]might[/b][/i] contain useful information.[/hider]

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[@Karos]

Mako Tsujimoto sips quietly on his small cup of sake. There is something off about its flavor, but he doesn't make a fuss about it. He sits there quietly, staring at one of the intricately decorated bottles gathering dust on the shelf. Otto Von Kruger is seen in his peripheral and his eyes immediately light up. There are few men who can hold up a fascinating conversation with Mako, but he has more pressing matters to bother him with. He downs the cup of dissatisfying alcohol and clambers over to the Combat Medic/Engineer. 

"Ah, Mr. Kruger! I've been looking for you." Mako wipes the smudges on the ocular lenses of his goggles. "My time spent with the 2nd years was rather tedious. Many of them need some serious training in how to handle Lantern transfers!" The Asian man preferred to skip pleasantries with Otto and got right to the point. "So, I'm quite curious so please tell me: How did your assignment go?" 

[hider=Mako's Assignment]
[u]Ordered by Dr. Isaacs[/u]
[b]Retrieve The Reinhardt Journal from The Company of Invention in West-Townes. It contains specs and blueprints
on advanced weapons. [/b]

If [b]successful[/b], the relationship between the Inner Shell citizen contingent in West-Townes and the Consortium has dramatically worsened. On top of that, they want you dead for stealing a valuable item. This puts other Investigators stationed there at risk. 

If [b]failed[/b], the relationship between West-Townes folk and the Consortium is strained, but still salvageable. You are still not welcome there, but you have formed a solid relationship with Lester Pots, the community's drunk whose wounds you helped patch up.[/hider]