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Post by effinfitz on Apr 1, 2013 18:59:10 GMT -8
SHELTER SWEEPS (Megan)
Soup kitchens. The shelters. University campuses where naive students were hit up for change. Megan checks them all, asks the volunteers, the freshmen, the works, the local security. Faces are recognized. Names are given, useless ones like Carl and Bennie and Dennis. Stories about how one once loaned them bus change, or another chased someone for three blocks over some offhand remark. Almost all the suspects have, at on point or another, had a quarrel each other. Turf wars, really. They're not friends.
None of them have been seen lately. As one charity worker explains, "It's getting warmer out, they get more independent then."
Just as a precaution, you leave a contact number with the people you talk to. Just in case they see or remember anything. |
NEW HOPE FACILITY (Tess/Lucy)
SenTaxx is clearly not geared for the 21st century. There's almost nothing available about them online. Lucy makes some calls. Asks some friends. Gets some advice. Offers some conclusions.
A pharmaceutical company is only going to have four kinds of facilities, though they may overlap some. Research would be the most important. Administration offices would actually be the least, but administration is found of over promoting themselves, so they'd likely share a building with R&D. Manufacture and warehouse storage would be the other two types, and they too might easily share a single building.
Employee listings are borrowed from Carl's earlier research. Phone books and census records are cross-refenced, and no one within an hour's drive seems a likely candidate to be a research chemist, or anything of the sort. The place is only about fifteen minutes away from the I-10, though. Close enough for easy shipping access, far enough to be out of sight from tourists. GoogleMaps' satellite view puts a very in-warehousey spit of smokestacks in the center of the facility.
One supposes it's manufacturing and storage, then.
Other musings are offered, just based off peripheral data. The nearby area isn't heavily populated by any stretch of the definition. Maybe two dozen full-time employees, probably largely blue collar. Likely two, three engineers. Just in case. Maybe a major employer for the area, but minuscule in the grand scheme of things. Laying off the entire plant wouldn't make the slightest diffence in SenTaxx's finances.
Considerations: that the closing hasn't been better publicized yet may indicate a concern for public backlash. No one likes it when their local hero fails. Still, it could just as easily be that the closing is an opening act, and a bigger event is to follow that would get public opinion on their side again.
Especially easy if they blame Ægir for their financial woes. Ægir still hasn't fully erased the stigma of laying off their entire staff. One would suggest PR should probably be on alert. |
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Post by onlycore on Apr 1, 2013 20:03:26 GMT -8
Having learned nothing concrete Megan moves on in her investigation checking out several areas know locally to attract homeless people ((queue good old fashioned montage cos hey EVERYONE needs a montage!)) reasoning that someone should know something...
From experience she knows this is unlikely to be an easy task, people living on the streets tend to be wary of cops however with patience, respect and perhaps some hot coffee and food she hopes to some people over and maybe learn something useful, even if she cant find the actual people from the tapes she should be able to track down some friends of theirs or at least people that know them and might be able to shed some light on why the AEgir campus suddenly became a mecca for people looking for a place to crash...
She strongly suspect they were payed to do it... perhaps to provide cover while the building was cased by the thief but hey in this crazy world you cant rule out more bizarre explanations ether...
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Post by tess on Apr 2, 2013 11:42:29 GMT -8
Tess went over the notes and frowned. There would be no good reason to close down such a remote plant that would have little bearing on the company as a whole. She was sure they were hiding something. She picked up the intercom and told Lucy to hold her calls. She wanted to see the New Hope facility for herself.
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Post by Carl on Apr 2, 2013 22:24:18 GMT -8
From: Carl Weaver To: Investigations Subject: Suggestions
As you may be aware, I've been assigned to a case that will require an extended stay in Egypt. It's as big of a surprise to me as it is to you, but I want to throw in some suggestions on the SenTaxx/Herman case before I leave.
We know Herman was a skilled operative, but he may have fallen back on old habits. Look through his old case files, see if he's pulled jobs like this in the past. Particularly, check on his methods of egress once the job was finished. What did he do to ensure he wasn't followed? Try to find if there's a pattern to his methods.
As for SenTaxx...they're a pharma company. When was their last FDA inspection for the New Hope facility? If SenTaxx were due for inspection and couple of "federal investigators" showed up at their doorstep and were turned away by them....well they'd have a Hell of a time explaining that if the information went public...
Keep me in the loop while I'm away. I'll aid in this as much as I can from Egypt.
-Carl
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Post by effinfitz on Apr 3, 2013 22:43:48 GMT -8
MAKING FRIENDS (Megan)
Research, review work. Enhancing images, so she can show them around, adding the names she's learned to each one. One thing sticks out that wasn't mentioned in the reports (Derek. She hasn't seen him around lately, the lazy little coward. Maybe they fired him?) is that the homeless weren't actually resting on the campus. They were just ambling towards it, following the twisting paths (decorative things, no one really uses them) on either side of the main entrance then stopping within 50 to 100 yards of the actual building.
From there, they stared, slack jawed, until Derek could plea bargain someone else into dealing with them. They look to be mumbling something, but closer examination and some serious camerawork shows it's just incoherent babbling.
Anyway. On to the actual search.
It takes a while, but she was expecting that. These aren't the most credible or unbiased of witnesses. Several hours of being cursed at, spit on, hugged fragrantly, and being invited to run away to Hollywood follow. Nothing she's not used to, of course. Cop.
No single interview gets her the answers she wants, but gradually the statements start to come together in a cohesive image. The Campus Lurkers are, every one of them, not the typical homeless origin stories. No "my boss laid me off and I couldn't afford rent," no "my wife left me and took the house." Three are ex-military, PTSD sufferers who never reintegrated with society. Another two are "bohemian performance artists," once-college dropouts who found out that heroin is much easier to score on the streets than fame and celebrity. The sixth, Simple Dan, was a victim of Down's Syndrome and no family to claim him. Mild mannered, quiet, and both fond and capable of reading anything he can score from Library giveaways or dumpster dives.
The city homeless all claim ignorance regarding the Solvall campus's appeal. Too cold this time of year, right on the river there. No wind cover. No one's seen them lately, either -- there usual spots for panhandling seem to have opened up. |
A SURPRISE CALL (Megan)
A call this afternoon from a friend on the force who moonlights as a security guard for a scrapyard in Willet's Point. He heard through the grapevine about Megan's manhunt, and confirms Simple Dan was found at the scene of a suspected arson in the area, just yesterday evening. He doesn't know more than that, but he can direct Megan to the 110th Precinct, where Simple Dan is currently being held. |
HERMAN RESEARCH (Carl)
The PIT dredges up what it can while Carl cavorts about in Egypt. His reports are lengthy, dry, detailed, and quite adept at avoiding the actual incriminating bits. It wouldn't be a giant leap of faith that he was as good at covering his tracks in every aspect of his job, but...there's really no way to tell. It's clear he has done more than his fair share of "artifact acquisition," and that he tends to lean towards diplomacy first. That said, the list of failed assignments is very, very short. He must have known other tricks, yes?
The PIT also cross checks what's known of him against the security camera footage. Observations:
- He's rather spry for a 70 year old, but a dead sprint through the basements is rat her exceptional for anyone. - His driver's license lists him as 6'1". - He's never been known to possess any talent with anima. At least, as far as the records would indicate. |
AN E-MAIL (Carl)
To: Carl Weaver From: Mila Cameron Subject: Re: Long Time, No See
Sounds delightful, I'm told I could use the sun. Do let me know your availability.
- M |
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Post by tess on Apr 4, 2013 8:26:52 GMT -8
To: Carl Weaver, Megan Pacelli CC: Shay, Anna, Syl, Gabe, Mal, Noel RE: SenTaxx warehouse
I did some poking around at the SenTaxx warehouse that was recently closed down. Something very fishy is going on here. First of all, the workers that refused to leave? This isn't some kind of Union stand against lost jobs. These guys are drones. They seem totally mindless. Expendable too. I found a note saying they could shut off pipes #3 and #4 to conserve resources, which could effectively kill the workers.
Second, the warehouse was obviously not used for drug manufacturing or storage, the place was totally wacko. HR Geiger meets Rube Goldberg if neither of them ever cleaned their places. I looked at the blueprints for the warehouse, and the basement is rather extensive. Much like the Solvall's. Curious.
I downloaded some shipping and manufacturing records. Their bookkeeping is a total mess. It's pretty clear that this warehouse was a front for something else. Maybe someone else can take a deeper look into them? See if they caught something I missed.
We're all getting little pieces here. I'd like for us to collaborate soon and trade notes in person.
~Tess
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Post by sersi on Apr 4, 2013 12:43:21 GMT -8
To: Investigations, Security Cc: Noel, Mal From: Seanne Rystaad, CEO Subject: RE - Warehouse
Iiiinteresting. Think we can meet up tonight? The PIT, 9:30 ish EST?
- <3 Seanne
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Post by terlari on Apr 4, 2013 14:27:00 GMT -8
Sylistra's week had been busy, she decided to looking into and research ways to upgrade the security systems, Give them an overhaul. Looking for holes, looking at areas that need more cover, thanks to the recent issues. She was Sure Security could handle the mundane but the wards, that will need the Arcane Department's involvement.
--Email-- To: Francesci Franks cc: Seanne Rystaad, CEO From: Sylistra Erzaes, Security Subject: Improving Wards
Hey Franc, you may recall we had a discussion about improving on the wards of the Building. I've had some idea's I'd like to send your way. Hopefully you've had time to look in to what we have already since then. Securing our mundane systems against anima/magic breaks in the future, is priority. Maybe using a minor ward that uses little source power that will activate a more powerful one to prevent/ward off intrusion of this kind. Look forward to some idea's from you, so we might have a balance between our mundane and magical securities.
Thanks, Sylistra Erzaes, Security.
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Post by tess on Apr 4, 2013 15:27:15 GMT -8
To: Investigations, Security Cc: Noel, Mal From: Seanne Rystaad, CEO Subject: RE - Warehouse Iiiinteresting. Think we can meet up tonight? The PIT, 9:30 ish EST? - <3 Seanne To: Investigations, Security, Shay Cc: Noel, Mal From: Subject: RE - Warehouse Works for me. ~Tess
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Post by Carl on Apr 4, 2013 15:48:32 GMT -8
I heard the "ding" from the phone in my pocket indicating a new message had arrived. I excused myself from the other top Illuminati investigators who had been called in to examine the wreckage of a crashed Orochi jet in the dunes of the desert. Walking a short distance, I read Tess' e-mail about the meeting being called in the Solvall. I wiped off some sweat from my brow that had accumulated under my hat from the desert heat and quickly typed up a reply.
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From: Carl Weaver To: Teresa Auerbach RE: Warehouse
Tess:
Regretably, I'm still very much stuck in Egypt at the moment and can't make the meeting. You have all information from myself, Pacelli, and the others on SenTaxx and Herman. I know you'll represent Investigations well. Be sure to provide me a copy of the meeting minutes and keep me updated until I can get back to civilization.
Good luck, Carl
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Post by francesci on Apr 4, 2013 17:21:55 GMT -8
--Email-- To: Francesci Franks cc: Seanne Rystaad, CEO From: Sylistra Erzaes, Security Subject: Improving Wards Hey Franc, you may recall we had a discussion about improving on the wards of the Building. I've had some idea's I'd like to send your way. Hopefully you've had time to look in to what we have already since then. Securing our mundane systems against anima/magic breaks in the future, is priority. Maybe using a minor ward that uses little source power that will activate a more powerful one to prevent/ward off intrusion of this kind. Look forward to some idea's from you, so we might have a balance between our mundane and magical securities. Thanks, Sylistra Erzaes, Security. To: Sylistra Erzaes, Security From: Francesci Franks Subject: RE:Improving Wards Actually, I had fooled around with that previously. While in theory it sounds effective, it is actually hard to execute in practice. There would have to be several power (minor) wards to keep up all the major wars. Not to mention already containing pure arcane in an alien magic shell is something dieties would cry about. All magics have their weaknesses, and if we want wards that guarantee to reflect any method, we should think about everchanging wards that switch magic paths. We could probably create a ward system that randomly switches energy pathways and changes the characteristics in which it guards. So in the south wing, there could be wards protecting object A one minute, and the next they would be protecting Exhibit Alpha while another ward in the South Wing would be protecting object A. Just a theory. -Francesci
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Post by effinfitz on Apr 4, 2013 18:10:29 GMT -8
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE COLLECTED FROM THE NEW HOPE FACILITY (Tess)There were other observations, of course, but here's the word-for-word on the lewt from the Foreman's office. - A note, dated 4/2/2013:
FOREMAN VARGAS
The device from ESI has failed to arrive on schedule. We regret to do this, but as of midnight last night the #3 and #4 pipes have been closed off so that we may conserve our resources. Your sacrifices will be remembered. Do with the workers as you wish.
C.S. |
- Full blueprints of the facility. Funny. That basement level looks rather extensive. You wonder if the architect knew about the Solvall's -- oh, right. |
- Shipping records. Sorta. Trucks are logged as coming and going. None of them are marked as carrying anything. |
- Manufacturing records. Sorta. Every day only has "quota" written next to it. Sometimes "quota increased." |
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Post by onlycore on Apr 4, 2013 20:35:46 GMT -8
From: Megan Pacelli To: Tess Aurbach CC: Carl Weaver Subject: Suspect
With Mr Weaver out of the county I figured I should report this to you, I've been over the footage of the park in greater detail and I've ID'ed most of the transients that security keep having to move on in the lead up to the break in.
It's actually kinda odd they don't seem to be looking for somewhere to sleep they just stagger up and stare at the building, kinda reminds me of that old Carpenter film 'The Prince of Darkness' anyway all of them are technically 'missing' although given that they have no fixed address in the first place to be 'missing' from it's sort of subjective really, although for all of them to suddenly relocate for no reason is odd.
I've managed to tracked one of them down, he's currently being held at the 110th precinct over in Queens on a charge of arson, apparently he took a serious dislike to a scrap yard for no clear reason and decided to torch it. I'll swing by the station tomorrow and see if I can get in to interview him and get a look at the case file, I'll keep you posted if there's anything important.
Megan
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Post by dthblayde on Apr 6, 2013 22:17:28 GMT -8
To: T.Auerbach, C.Weaver Cc: S.Erzaes Re: Personnel findings ((This would have been forwarded as soon as Gabe received it, but work has been total suck all week)) Based on the duped vault access and timing, these were the individuals present with Mr. King the night his access log was duplicated. Also, the name Hermann keeps coming up throughout this investigation, especially in the highlighted information below. G.Cartier FOLLOW-UPS (Gabe)
Some things will be needing feedback from the relevant departments. Others, though, are easily checked out from within your own. There's definitely anima traces in the basement where the Intruder was. It's long enough ago that it's fading fast, but it seems to have followed their path through the building -- with spikes whenever a lock was bypassed.
The construction firm did not, in fact, have anything to do with the security. That was originally managed internally by an Ægir team headed by Herman. After Shay's takeover the Sponsors insisted on updated protocols, which Jean was in charge of. Long, dry, protocol. There's an aside about the Head Office countermeasures undergoing further revision back in August, but no details.
King, on the night of the 11th, was accompanied by Donna Swanson and Arthur Trumble, the two project heads for the contract. Records as follow:
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Post by effinfitz on Apr 8, 2013 10:16:57 GMT -8
And a congrats to our strike team last night, who infiltrated a crime scene, broke into offices, and swatted mosquitos. I'll let them tell you more about it. They did gather a few bits of interest, though, not the least a rather bruised Christian Screwtape. The Director of Acquisitions is being "temporarily sequestered" in room 302 of the Solvall Hilton, under heavy guard. For his own safety. QUESTIONING SIMPLE DAN (Megan)
Simple Dan tries to smile, but he's a little distressed about being arrested. He's been arrested before, mind -- it's inevitable, being homeless. But he gets the impression he's in more trouble than he's ever been in before, and he's not at all sure why.
He didn't start any fires, he swears. Shakes his head violently, even, and it's some effort to calm him down after that. No fires. He was only watching.
Watching for what?
It.
What's "It"?
No idea.
Megan tries variations of this from several angles, but Dan's quite insistent. It's fast becoming apparent that he really, honestly thinks he was standing across the street from a burning building watching an It that he can't identify -- or, no.
He corrects you. It was gone before the fire started. That's when everyone else left. He stayed in case It came back.
Is he going to jail now? |
PICTURES OF THE FOREMAN'S OFFICE (Juliet)
The Foreman's office itself is a near-cube of frosted glass, now turned ash-gray from fire damage. You can just barely make out the plaque on the door: VARGAS...You have to use your lights to see anything in here, but there's no chance anyone would spot it through the now-opaque windows. This place is much more burnt than the ground floor, which seems rather backwards. The desk is a half-molten pile of slag against one wall. The other furniture -- two lamps, a chair, a computer -- are so warped as to be almost unrecognizable.
It's actually rather nauseous. Not sure why. Maybe there's a subtle pitch to the floor, fire-damaged struts giving the floor just enough yaw to affect your inner ear. Or maybe it's the wierd, alien shapes the ruined furnishings make in the beams of all your lights.
Either way, it's unfriendly. |
STANDPIPE SAMPLE (Juliet)
The vaguely purple goo from the pipes are beyond AEgir's ability to identity -- no lab facilities, natch. It may be easiest to have an escort take it to a university and ask them to look at it in return for future financial support.
...or, there's always the mad scientist in the basement. Your call. |
QUESTIONING SCREWTAPE (Megan)
Screwtape hasn't complained once since his capture. A support team came along with the extraction helicopter, and they've stitched and bandaged him up. He watched with all the same fascination one might observe a mosquito on the back porch. Still, physically, he's in stable condition. Under heavy guard and still handcuffed, in case he decides he's stable enough to try and break out of the room AEgir rented out from the Hilton on the 18th floor.
He hasn't answered any questions, either. Says he won't, until someone tells him when SenTaxx will get their prototype. |
INVESTIGATING JODERHUEBEL GMBH (Tess)
From wikipedia (yay, google!):
For the rest, you're forced to borrow the services to Johnny "Johann" Seville, who speaks a reasonable facsimile of German. The afternoon turns into an exercise of patience and dedication. Lucy abandons you to it. She's not paid enough to deal with Johann that long.
As is already known, Joderhuebel is a Swiss construction firm perhaps best known for building the Solvall. They're based in Bern, and tote a successful but not incredibly noteworthy roster of projects (other than the Solvall, which is something of a feather in their cap.) It's in the Secret World that their reputation really takes off.
Most of the following is picked up and extrapolated third hand from a variety of sources, too many and most too insignificant to bother naming. Suffice to say Joderhuebel seems to be a Faction-neutral (in true Swiss fashion) arcane engineering firm, specializing in the geomancy of building design. Swiss Feng Shui artists, as one client dubs them. If a building's to have a specific purpose, and that purpose somehow involves the channeling of anima or other eldritch whatnot, Jodehuebel can supposedly build it. No questions asked. |
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