The members of the 32nd return to Avanzada Seca as conquering heroes. No parades are thrown and no crowds gather to meet them, but word of their battle with the Raptor King and the shadow beast spreads through the town quickly, and signs of the sickness that has beset them for so long begin to fade.
For the first time in months, no new cases of the illness are reported, and those who have already fallen ill seem miraculously to recover. Even Ma’arlys and the other hunters and trackers report that game is beginning to return to the surrounding area, though that process is slow going, given the number of dead.
Raising the Fort
When you return home, you find Ed and one of his mechanics hard at work in the building that had been cleared out for your dormitory. A decently sized storage area has been cleared out and work tables have been set up. Ed sees you come in, and gives a broad smile. “Me and the boys had some spare benches back at the shop and figured you all could use a proper work room. As I said, you are all welcome to use my tools next door any time you need em; just bring them back when you’re done. We’ve got good overhead lights we are putting in, too, along with a couple of bells and whistles. It isn’t much, but it’s a lot better than working out of the back of one of those vehicles you seem to bust up so often.”
Note: Your base of operations has been upgraded with a workshop. Any characters working in the shop will get a +2 to their Repair or device modification rolls. Remember, you also have access to Ed’s garage, which gives a +2 to Repair rolls on vehicles.
A Murder Most Foul
A day or three after you return to town, you are approached by the Post Commander, a middle aged woman in well-worn outdoor clothes, and an older man.
The Post-Commander, Simmons, addresses the group, “As you all know, we are extremely grateful for everything you’ve done for Avanzada Seca since you arrived, and we can’t possibly ever repay you.”
Though her words are complimentary, she delivers them with tension, and you can practically feel how uncomfortable she is.
“That said, as you are surely aware, there was a… an incident recently involving Lincoln Black. His remains were found in the ash of a, well of a particularly hot fire, and it’s common knowledge that your group has had several, how to put this? Several interactions with Lincoln in your time here.”
Simmons gestures toward the older man, and continues. “Of course, we have had our own people look into this, but Lincoln’s organization has sent their own representative to assist in the investigation.”
She looks pointedly in Sierra’s direction. “With a fire involved and a pattern of interactions with the deceased, well, he’d like to have a word with all of you, and a look around your quarters here at the Outpost.”
She sighs, looking a bit tired.
“Obviously, I cannot make you do anything, but it would be best for the Outpost, I think, if you would cooperate with Mr.Ford, here.”
The older man steps forward and smiles kindly. He has a genuine face, and carries himself confidently, but not threateningly.
“Now, Commander, it’s not as dire as all that. We just want to know what happened to our man, and I’m sure from the Tomorrow Legion’s reputation that these heroes are interested in solving young Lincoln’s murder, too. I will be around for some few weeks, I would think, and I would appreciate the chance to speak with each of you during that time. Hopefully, we can wrap this all up by then, and perhaps even have a trial.”
He goes on to tell you where in town he is staying, and asks you to call on him any time.
“As for your dormitories, I certainly would like to take a quick look around, though I wouldn’t want to cause any inconvenience. Let me know when would cause you the least disturbance, and I will happily come back.”
He politely waits to see if anyone has questions for him before excusing himself, the Post Commander following not far behind.
A New Kind of Trouble
Time to decide how you will handle Mr. Ford and the investigation into Lincoln’s death. Please write an interlude-style post detailing your character’s response.
Some potential ideas: an interview with Mr. Ford, asking around town about Mr, Ford’s bona fides, conducting your own investigation, etc.
Please be sure to include a Notice roll in your post.
Upon completion of your interludes, take an extra benny and +1 XP.
Also, I set up an in-character hangout for you at this link: Join the conversation on Hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/group/FkMGSUpstEuh8Lkx2
Anyone who participates will get 3 posts added to their post count at the end of the quarter.
Please Note: Do not narrate yourself murdering or having sex with Mr. Ford. I'm looking at you, Sierra. Mr. Ford is also hard to make angry, so keep that in mind.