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"That must make you my Vanguard captain. Welcome to Interstellar Affairs. I'm Deputy Chief Diplomat MacIntyre, Chief Yasin's second-in-command. I heard you were instrumental in protecting the city from the attack. You have my gratitude. I was also informed that you gave quite the presentation to the Cabinet. Chief Yasin wants you to know the Interstellar Affairs Office is fully committed to this endeavor. Accessing the Terrormorph data and beyond. We're going to do everything in our power to make sure you have the tools you need. And that means first getting you into the Archives. You do know what the Archives are, correct?"
- [Freestar Collective Settler] Where the UC keeps all their secrets on how to kill Freestar citizens. "Last I checked it takes two parties to fight a war. But since you're such an expert, I'm sure you also know it's supposed to be managed by the three major galactic players."
- [United Colonies Native] It's where the Collective stashed all our best weapons technologies after the Colony War. "It was a mutual agreement, but I suppose you touch on the spirit of it. So you also know then it was originally managed by the three major galactic players."
- They're the repositories for all the banned data from the Colony War. "Hmm. Someone paid attention in current events. So then you also know that it was originally managed by the three major galactic players."
- Let's pretend that I don't have the slightest idea. "All right. We'll start at the beginning."
- "When the Colony War ended, the UC and Freestar Collective came to the agreement some weapons needed to be off-limits. Mechs. Xenowarfare. So they gathered up all relevant research materials and sealed that information away - Terrormorph data included - in the Archives here in the city. Access to the Archives is only granted in cases of dire emergency, and requires a one-time use code from each of the three Armistice signatories: UC, Freestar Collective, and House Va'ruun. Now the UC's already onboard. So that means we'll need to convince two people - the ambassadors of the Freestar Collective and House Va'ruun - to hand over their codes. Get them both and you'll have your data. But that's a lot easier said than done."
- What can you tell me about these codes? Can we forge them? "No. Each is a strip of several million random numbers, generated on the fly, based on biometric keys kept by each of the ambassadors on their person at all times. They're impossible to create without those keys. And those keys stay with the ambassadors. Meaning we're accessing nothing if we can't get them on our side."
- It sure doesn't sound easy. "It won't be."
- No problem. I'm just going to need some electrodes, a tooth extractor, and some sodium pentothal. "Very funny. This is going to be hard enough already."
- You'd think they'd be clamoring to help after the spaceport attack. "I couldn't agree more. However..."
- "Both ambassadors have reasons they won't... or can't work with us. Now I'll provide guidance on how we believe you can acquire each code, but ultimately, it'll be up to you to get them both to cooperate. And I do mean cooperate. Threats and violence are off the table here. Though that doesn't mean we can't get creative. But it does mean we need to get you up to speed on who you're dealing with. Who do you want to start with, Ambassador Radcliff of Freestar or Ambassador Bal'mor of House Va'ruun?"
- Actually, I need to take care of something first. "Go ahead."
- Tell me about Ambassador Bal'mor of House Va'ruun. "Ambassador Bal'mor's... a challenge. When the rest of House Va'ruun retreated into seclusion shortly after the signing of the Armistice, Bal'mor stayed here. He's since lent his support to a small number of archival requests, so there's real hope he might again... Though claiming to know how a member of House Va'ruun thinks is a quick way to earn yourself a psych eval."
- Why? What's wrong with House Va'ruun? "Well, these days they're primarily considered a security threat. House Va'ruun Zealots - a fundamentalist outshoot of the group that stayed behind when the rest retreated into seclusion - want nothing more than to send everyone not dedicated to their cause to the Great Serpent in the sky. But that hasn't always been the case. After they ended the Serpent's Crusade about... 70 years back, House Va'ruun did take a real run at trying to normalize relations with the rest of the galaxy. It's why they have an embassy here in the first place. Why they were included in the Armistice negotiations. But then, without warning, they left. Leaving behind, to our knowledge, just the Ambassador and his duty under the Armistice."
- No argument here. House Va'ruun seem like nothing but a bunch of madmen. "They certainly come with a checkered past. But there's... an additional wrinkle."
- I'm sure he can be reasoned with. House Va'ruun are people, just like us. "Of course. But there is... another wrinkle."
- That actually sounds pretty promising. "It does. But there's... a concern."
- "We're not 100% sure Bal'mor's actually still alive. His public appearances were always rare, but it's been several years now since he last poked his head out. Scans of the facility show life signs... but not the kind we were expecting. Your task is to find him and kindly but firmly remind him of his duties under the Armistice."
- What do I do if he's dead? "Then you search the embassy for his biometric key, collect your code piece, and we'll go about notifying his next of kin... if we can ever find them. But let's hope it doesn't come to that."
- Wait, has no one actually been inside the embassy? "The embassy is still legally House Va'ruun sovereign territory, so we're not technically permitted inside. We've snuck in the occasional spy, of course, but the Ambassador has proven more... evasive than you'd expect for a man of his age. But we're quite sure he hasn't left the city. The man... stands out."
- What kind of life signs did you detect in the embassy? "The Va'ruun delegation brought more than a few of their native flora with them when they set up in the embassy. It seems those plants have been allowed to... flourish, making it hard for us to verify what's flora and what's ambassador."
- Here's hoping we're not chasing a corpse! "It would at least be a speedier negotiation... But I, of course, hope the Ambassador is alive and well."
- I'll track him down. "I have no doubt."
- "Now, the embassy front door isn't an option, but our spies have stated there's a side entrance that should allow you access. Here. This device should get you all the way down to the embassy interior. Once you're inside, though, finding the ambassador is going to be up to you. And fair warning, we received a report that alarms might've been tripped inside the embassy during the attacks. Watch out for automated security in there."
- Tell me about Ambassador Radcliff of the Freestar Collective. "Ah, the good Ambassador Radcliff. She's a veteran. Of the Colony War. And her only goal in life is to make ours miserable. Now, officially, our office is suggesting you try and negotiate with her. Use your experiences as a member of the military and with the threat we're facing to convince her to lend her support. And who knows? Maybe that'll work. Stranger things have happened. But my suspicion is we're going to have to rely on other tools to get her code."
- [Diplomat] Sounds like we need some leverage over Ambassador Radcliff. "Hmm. Said like you've done this before."
- All right. Tell me about these other tools, then. "Certainly. See, good diplomacy's all about the careful application of pressure. We just need to find the squeeze."
- No one can be that stubborn. New Atlantis was just attacked! "Never underestimate the universe's ability to surprise. That's why we have "Plan B.""
- I think you're underestimating how delightful I am. "Heh. Well, if that's the case, I'll wait to be pleasantly surprised. But we do have one item up our sleeve..."
- "UC Intelligence has a recording device planted in the Ambassador's living quarters, which we suspect you can use to your advantage. But getting caught trespassing is a quick way to land yourself in an embassy holding cell. So if you are going to try and access the device, you're going to need to find a way in there without being seen. Now, we recovered some intel we believe should be able to help with that. But there's also a disgruntled staff member you might be able to pump for information... maybe even convince to work with you."
- What can you tell me about this staff member? "Name's Cameron Long. He's younger than Radcliff. Bears less of a grudge towards the UC. He works closely with the Ambassador, making him a promising source for information on the ins-and-outs of embassy life... ... and someone who very likely hates her guts."
- Any other things I should avoid doing inside the embassy? "Yes. Many. Don't steal anything. Don't get caught anywhere you're not supposed to. Absolutely do not harm anyone. If something goes wrong, we'll do our best to smooth things over, but I can't make any promises."
- That's all the info I need for the moment on Ambassador Radcliff. "All right. Here. Your diplomatic ID. I'll give them a heads up you're on your way. Not likely to let you through the door otherwise. And take these. Chief Yasin wanted you to have some options on how to proceed in there."
- "Now, if you have additional questions or require clearance for a new approach we haven't already discussed, don't hesitate to ask. And remember that we're only asking for the Terrormorph data. No secret weapons systems or anything like that. Should make this an easier pill for the ambassadors to swallow. I'd suggest you start with Ambassador Radcliff. Approach her while the attack is still fresh in her - and her staff's - mind. Be smart out there, Captain."
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If the terms of Radcliff are known but not accepted yet:
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Radcliff will only give us her code if we allow Freestar monitors to observe the research. "Wait. You got her to agree? Without putting a gun to her head? And all she wants are monitors? Then what are you doing here? Yes. Granted. We'll make the arrangements. Heavens above, we'll make them citizens. Just get back there before she changes her mind."
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If Cameron Long is told he will be an operative:
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"Captain, you're back sooner than... Wait... did... did you actually succeed? With Radcliff? And Bal'mor? We're all in agreement?"
- Code pieces from House Va'ruun and the Freestar, collected and ready to be deployed. "So the old man was still lurking around in there. Fine work, Captain."
- Bal'mor's alive thanks to yours truly. And, yes, I got his code. "Is he now? Well, at least some there's good news from all this. Fine work, Captain. In this specific case."
- It was harder than expected. But, yes, all parties are onboard. "Dealing with the interests and egos of people who don't necessarily like you is rarely easy... but I suppose that didn't stop you, did it?"
- "Now, I've already arranged everything with the Archival Monitors. When you get down there, the UC Monitor will give you instructions on how to deploy the codes. Follow them to the letter. And I'll ensure Major Sanon's ready for the hand-off by the time you get back. Here. The UC code piece and an Archival Access Card. The entrance is just on the other side of the plaza across from MAST. Absolute best behavior down there, all right?"
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After speaking to Hadrian after obtaining the Terrormorph data:
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"Captain. If you'll follow me."
"All right, Captain. Are you ready to become a citizen of the United Colonies?"
- This doesn't mean I can't be a citizen elsewhere, does it? "It doesn't. We don't really care where else you might have been or might become a citizen. Once you earn your place in the United Colonies, it's yours."
- Remind me again why I'd want to become a citizen? "Well, only citizens can own property in New Atlantis. We also pay a discounted rate at any United Colonies merchant. And all citizens receive an... ample credit disbursement upon joining."
- I'm ready. "Good. This isn't the only item we need to discuss, so I'll give you the short version."
- "Please raise your hand. Captain, through your actions, today and in days past, you have earned your place among the United Colonies. Through service, bravery, strength, and upholding of the mutual good. Will you carry and cultivate these values for as long as you remain a citizen?"
- I've really got to do all that? "To the best of your abilities, yes. But I think you can manage. So, will you let those values guide you as a citizen?"
- Sure. Whatever. "Good enough, I suppose."
- I will.
- "Then Captain, I'm pleased to welcome you into the United Colonies as a full citizen. Here. Your official ID and your citizenship dispensation. We've also let the Aphelion Realty office out in the plaza know you're approved to purchase property. Now, the other item we needed to discuss. There's a member of the UC who's asked to speak to you. But this person is in a... sensitive position. Normally, we wouldn't even consider something like this but we think this person has information that could prove useful in dealing with the Terrormorphs... And they've stated they'll only share it with you. They asked for you by name. So I need your agreement that everything you're about to see is kept in the strictest confidence. You can tell no one. Can you agree to these terms?"
- Asked for me by name? Who are you talking about? "I'm sorry. I can't share any more without your word. Do I have it?"
- Thanks, but no thanks. "I'm sorry to hear that, Captain. Unfortunately, this isn't negotiable. When you change you're mind, I'll be here."
- I don't know if I can agree to that. "I understand this puts you in a strange position, but this information is too sensitive to share without your agreement. Can I count on you to keep this between just you and I?"
- I'll take it to my grave. "Let's hope it never comes to that."
- "Head to the elevator. You're going to Subsection Seven. I'll make sure you're cleared for access by the time you get there."
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