Mission 1.2: Sinister Trail

The fight ended up with both sides taking injuries before it was stopped by Samantha, the guide for the party, and the Assistant Communications Officer of the colony. She was not alone, as a few other staff also came in to break up the brawl.

The result was that everyone was brought into the infirmary to recover and to be questioned. Jerome in particular did not know what was in the janitors Closet, and he was also pretty beaten up. He told his companions that he prefer to remain behind within the infirmary, as even when he recovers, he wish to do his own investigations and spiritual soothing of the colonists.

As for Zakk and Matsuki, how might you guys explain what happened to Samantha?

Samantha looks worried and confused as she hears the explanation while she also examines the skull in the bucket.

"This is... Wow, I didn't think it would come to this. This would mean that we also have a murder case too. I already barely know how to handle the secret cult being formed, but now we have a group of actual criminals. We don't know how far this goes, so we should avoid causing a panic with this finding. As for who this skull belongs to, I don't know who. So far we haven't had any missing persons. So that means... it might belong to one of the members of the original team we sent out.

I guess it's time we talk about the actual mission I posed for you guys to come here. We could talk in my office where its safer. Or maybe you rather we talk about it here in this clinic?

Samantha nods and leads the way.
"Acts of violence has to be reported to home world headquarters. Just to check on colony stability. Unfortunately, my superior tells me that suspicious cults being formed does not officially count as a reportable issue.

Oh, and do keep the skull hidden. Let's not draw extra attention."

---

It did not take long to reach her office. It is white walled with crimson carpeting. She opens up her folder once everyone gets in.

"Alright. I'll make it quick. You have different talents, but you have one main task. You are to investigate the site where it is informally called The Face. We had sent a team there before you arrive. It journey was fine, until they reach there location, then suddenly communications cut off. Some unidentified interference. When we check on the sattelite imaging, the vehicle they used to travel in is still parked there, and no bodies are visible.

There are many guesses as to what had happened, but none are conclusive. So now we need to send in another team to investigate, but to do so safely and return. While we desire as much information as possible, we need to prioritise that the expedition members return. Nobody here would want to risk their lives, and they have their own responsibilities to maintaining the base. And so we need new people to come in. I hope you don't think that we view your lives as expendable, but to put it bluntly, it kind of is. However, there will be payment. 1000 Credits to each individual who comes back with substantial evidence of The Face's nature and its danger level. 500 Credits will be paid if at least the danger or some idea of the situation can be identified. Reaching the site and deciding to come back due to reasonable danger will be worth 200 Credits. A vehicle will also be supplied with enough fuel to make the trip back.

You can choose to stay a while longer to solve the murder, and find where the Janitor might be hiding at. As for the skull, perhaps you can bring it to the local doctor to identify who it might belong to. You have visited the infirmary, so you should know the way."

She continues. "Due to the fact that you have lost one of your numbers, I'll also suggest to the Colony Direct to have a few of our staff to accompany you. Not all agree though, but one or two should accept."

"We did also tried to send a drone there. When it was near, there was some interference, and so we stopped sending further drones. It was the Director's decision to avoid further risk of resources to a location that was deemed to technically be of low concern. I disagree with that sentiment, but there is nothing further I can do except to ask for extra help."

To Matsuki, Samantha says, "Well, you do have your oxygen tanks. Though right now it's more of a luxury than a necessity. As for finding bodies, bringing them back isn't the immediate priority. Though if you like, you can give them a burial. But if you can get samples regarding their deaths, it would help towards your overall reward of a thousand Credits.

Also, before I forget, here is your key cards to your rooms. If you ever wish to, you may rest there. Though don't rest too long, this place isn't a resort.

Finally, when you are ready to leave you will also be given a mapping device. It is very simple to use, and it has the bare minimum information of navigating out there. It will pinpoint the locations of this colony base, and the site of The Face. It should take a few hours to get there with your all-terrain truck."

"Well, I suggest not to demolish that place yet, just in case it might be a powerful bomb, or contains valuable information of the past habitants of the ex-mining world. But if you want tools, you can buy them at one of the stores... sorry hold on a minute.

Samantha's communication device began to beep and she takes the call. Once she is done, she continues. "Alright, I got someone to join your team. Would you like to meet him here at my office, or will you guys gather at the Ground-Transport Garage for your departure?"