Phase Q/How Things Happen

You wake up in bed with Mr. and Mrs. President.

The bodyguards hover overhead, spreading a tense feeling in the air.

Mrs. President reaches over and pets you, like a pet.

“This is highly unusual, surely,” you say.

“Listen, dear. We’re going to do lots of highly unusual things, together. Matter of fact, being married to the President is highly unusual. I’ve only ever done it once.”

The President winces slightly, wondering what’s going on between the two of you.

“Very well,” you say, sweat creeping up into your pores. A mission’s a mission.

“General, get me the maps. And bring me my hat, while you’re up.”

The burly general, a heavyweight boxer and the former captain of his highschool football team, goes and grabs the gear.

“Look here,” she says to you. “We’re going to insert you into the Futurista headquarters here, with a highly trained team of professionals.”

“I’m not sure if that’s exactly their headquarters,” you utter.

The President interjects: “Darling, this agent probably knows enough about the Futuristas already. Why risk another life over just this? Anyway, I don’t see what you’re so upset about with the Futuristas. They seem like a small voter group.”

Mrs. President huffs. “Let’s try it this way first, and then if we lose this agent then we’ll do things your way.”

“All right,” sighs the President.

The bodyguards escort you into a chamber where they help you change into a personal defense bodysuit.

You walk confidently into the node. Flashing lights everywhere don’t phase you, as you already know the wiring for the place.

With your secret intercom on and transceiving, you relax into the hot tub. Apparently lots of important decisions get made here.

“Welcome,” says Zank. “We understand you’ve been sent here from Node 561923.”

“That’s right,” you say, poker-faced.

“And you’re going to upgrade our vehicular armor?”

“Yes, and also your building armor.”

“Oh, great,” sneers Lupak.

“It’s fine,” says Zank. “Already cleared with NewSec.”

Lupak lets off a bit.

As per the plans, you accompany the nodal arch through all the transports and buildings. On each one, you carefully document the specs, recording many holos with your intercom.

“Say,” Zank says. “What do you make of the new semiclads? I hear they’re hot shit.”

“Yeah,” you say gruffly. “That’s what the Trads want you to think. It’s all propaganda. At least, that’s my take.”

An androidal goat walks through the room, passing into your peripheral vision. Lupak picks up on your shock.

“What, you’re not up on Program 8127?” he inquires.

“Uh, er, I think I saw the outline for it. Refresh my memory?”

Zank answers: “It’s our breeding program. These are genetically modified clones, mixed with some spare parts from the shop. These are only prototypes. The real research is happening in node 781324. Obviously we wouldn’t have a real Zoggy hanging out here in the open.”

“Oh. Ah,” you say.

“Zank,” says Lupak. “I want to tell you something in private.”

The two go off and huddle together. You stand there out in the open.

Phase Q: An interactive adventure.