We pick up a day after the events from last time with narration picking up at the evening. The sun is setting on the alleyways as you guys are hanging around a main street. You still haven't found any leads, and Gammei is staring at his tablet irritated while the rest of you are sitting next to him on a bench having some juice for a break. Gammei talks out loud about not having any leads. He's already sent in paperwork asking the other prefectures for help, but still nothing so far. At this rate you guys might have to give up, and Gammei ponders the possibility that this case is being done by someone completely new.
Barrel comments that it might be a possibility. If someone new can join up as a hero like Akashi, why can't villains do the same? Gammei mulls that over some more in his head, but he points out that someone would have to be extremely brave, or a massive idiot to go targeting an international business for a first time job. He finds it hard to believe that a beginner could also send a crime notice without being caught doing so.
Mokdai notes that Gammei seems stuck in the investigation, and he wonders if anything could be done for him. Akashi talks about how you guys have been checking out villain hideouts since yesterday and have nothing to show for all the battles you'd gone through. It's understandable Gammei would feel stuck with results like that. Mokdai brings up that in toku shows with detectives, it's at times like these that they go to an outlaw information broker. He wonders if there's anything like that around.
Gammei is surprised at the suggestion as he calls it an idea from TV shows 200 years ago, then says nothing that convenient exists. Mokdai is disappointed to hear that, but the talk of an information broker calls up the image of a certain bar owner and waiter to you, so you suggest maybe Procy might know. A beat passes as Gammei looks at you in surprise before he smacks himself in the head for not thinking of it before. He then thanks you for bringing it up and wonders why he didn't think of it first. You wave the thanks off but wonder if Procy really does know anything.
Gammei notices you being worried, so he explains to you that Procy's bar is the only place around that does intermediation work offers for heroes. Heroes aren't the only people to go there, and people who want to do hero work but aren't licensed aka vigilantes/illegal heroes go there too. Gammei does admit that they get lumped in with villains though as far as labels go. But those are the sorts of people who go there, so you can find all sorts of information on heroes of other job fields and villains. So essentially, the bar is a work agent and information trade area. You nod at this and comment it must be busy. Gammei suggests heading over now and says there shouldn't be many people around this time. If any villains happen to be there it's going to cause some noise, so you should hurry.
Time passes as you guys head to a business district and down to the basement level of a multi-tenant building where Procy's bar is. Procy welcomes you guys, then comments on how unusual it is for Gammei to be there. He asks if he's still on the clock for his day job, so Gammei answers he's not there to get a drink. He explains he's there to get some information, which gets Procy's interest. Procy prompts you guys to sit down and offers some water in the mean time.
After an offscreen explanation about the case, Procy sums up that you guys have been searching for a villain who'd target Raidark and came here after being lost for ideas. Gammei confirms that he's mostly right and adds that you guys have nothing. Procy sympathizes, then thinks for a moment before saying he hasn't heard anything about a new villain on the rise. Gammei sighs, unsurprised.
Procy starts talking about how you'd need both money and connections if you want to pick a fight with Raidark. As it stands they've got a pretty sturdy security system that your average villain wouldn't be able to destroy on their own, what with the swarms of security bots that goes with it. If you tried destroying them one by one, reinforcements would come from elsewhere which would lead to your arrest. You'd have to take them all offline at once if you wanted to get through.
Procy continues thinking aloud and says that the only things he can think of that could break through Raidark's security is a villain with powerful abilities or a huge number of Kaibutsu, and villains that could do that aren't that common. They could theoretically get around that by contracting with a powerful Observer to boost their abilities, but then you'd need money and connections for that. So all in all, Procy doesn't think a new villain is likely to be behind all this. Gammei concedes the point and sighs about being stuck again.
Procy says it's unlikely that someone is going to bring an army to attack Raidark. If there was a villain who could do that, he figures you guys would already have checked them out. It seems unthinkable that someone would come from some other country or planet and specifically pick Raidark as a target, so Procy starts to say who the most likely candidate is when a voice preempts him and suggests someone named Captain Tronesion. A man walks up to the counter and picks up a glass, then turns to fave you guys. This turns out to be Narihito, and he asks what you think about him being the possible villain behind the case.
Procy is surprised by Narihito's sudden entrance and yells at him for popping out of nowhere and grabbing a drink like that. Narihito is taken aback that this was so surprising to him and mentions that he talked to Gomeisa on his way in. Gomeisa says that since Procy was so busy in his discussion that Gomeisa went to greet Narihito. He's already given him some appetizers and has Narihito's order written down already.
Procy starts yelling about that in turn as he says Gomeisa gave out some snacks that he charges for instead of some of the free stuff. He then turns to Narihito and says he's charging him for that bean pastry he was given. Narihito however attempts to protest saying it's a mistake Procy’s business did and threatens to write a Space Yelp review an article about it if Procy goes through with charging him over it. Procy does back off over it, but he still complains about Narihito cheating by using the store reputation as a shield. Gomeisa attempts to get both to stop fighting, but Procy says this all started because of his mistake to begin with. You then either recognize Narihito or ask who he is, which splits the story for a bit.
In Side A, Narihito greets you and says he hasn't seen you since the Procy search incident. Akashi is surprised that Narihito has apparently been drinking all day and asks if his workplace is mad with him. Narihito quickly claims that everything is fine and that this is totes legit a part of his info collecting. It makes the most sense to go to a bar where you can hear about heroes for stuff on that, so that's why he's been there all day. Also, keep the part about him ordering booze during the day a secret from his work place pleasepleaseplease. Mokdai points out in shock that he is guilty about something, but Gammei attempts to get the topic back on track, so Narihito apologizes.
In Side B, Narihito apologizes for not introducing himself earlier, then tells you his name and that he's a reporter for Taiyou Newspaper. He mainly writes about heroes so he's not on Earth that often, but he hopes to get along with you if you happen to see each other. You can then either ask about his area of focus or about Taiyou Newspaper. B gets an extra line where Mokdai is surprised you don't know, so he explains that it's mainly a news distribution business that handles any and all sort of info. They're positioned in Osaka and have a network that spans the whole Milky Way. Narihito adds that that print newspapers aren't sold anymore and that things have been successful since changing the distribution method.
Mokdai says he's heard of a reporter who goes around the galaxy pursuing stories about heroes before and also happened to be a hero themselves, then asks if that's Narihito. Narihito is a little embarrassed at being described as a wandering reporter, but he confirms as much. He talks about how he does hero work while meeting various heroes and collecting information, which he then turns into articles that get published through the Milky Way. He then gushes about how much fun it is meeting all these heroes and finding out new things about them. Plus, knowing about how certain Parallel Weapons exist and how people fight helps with his own fighting capabilities. Narihito rants a little about studying and profiling every day to expand his hero knowledge, then apologizes for getting caught up in said rant.
Mokdai excitedly tells Narihito that he gets why he's so worked up about heroes. Narihito is happy to find a kindred soul and hopes to talk to him more. Mokdai agrees and asks for his (email I guess) address, and off to the side Akashi is taken aback at how well they're getting along and wonders if it's their communication skills while Procy sighs and calls them nerds. You comment that the ring of hero nerds is expanding and/or you feel you shouldn't have let them meet each other.
Gammei asks if they can get back on topic now, which snaps Narihito out of his reverie as he agrees. He also recognizes Gammei as Justi Arrester and says it's an honor to meet him. Gammei is shocked by this but tries to keep polite. Barrel notes that Gammei is rattled by this and says that Narihito is good at what he does.
Time skips as both plot branches reconvene at this point as Gammei thinks on the name Captain Tronesion, saying he's a space pirate and could totally do it. He started off by taking over territory in the space that Orion's arm covers and expanded from there, and he hardly ever comes to Earth. The last time he did show up was around three years or so. Procy asks Narihito if the pirate is coming over if he's bringing up his name.
Narihito confirms that to be the case, saying it's been confirmed that his super flashy and pretty much one of a kind space ship has been spotted near Mars. It seems unlikely he's targeting a planet that's in mid-development like Venus, which would mean his next most likely target is either Earth or the moon. Gammei nods and says he understands now that Captain Tronesion is likely coming to Earth. Narihito adds that he doesn't know whether Captain Tronesion has turned on some optic camouflage and rushed his way to the planet though, but maybe it'll give you guys something to think about.
Gammei thanks Narihito, then talks about having never thought about a space pirate doing this before and says it might be a good idea to reconsider things. Narihito says that the most concerning topic here is whether That Man would really send a calling card. Based on his personality, he doesn't seem the type though. Mokdai agrees on that point, saying that based on what the space pirate has previously done, he wouldn't do this.
Gammei says it's occurred to him too, but you guys don't have any other clues as to who might try to pull the crime on that notice. Gammei then calls Procy over and pulls out some crumpled bills out of his pocket, saying he's paying for Narihito's drink. He declines a receipt and any change. Gammei then tells the party it's time to head out and go over the hideouts related to Captain Tronesion, so you get up and agree, then say bye to Procy and Gomeisa.
Barrel excuses himself too, and Gomeisa invites you guys to have a relaxed drink next time. Procy sighs about Gammei as he mentions Gammei often complains about his lack of cash and having to subsist on beansprouts all the time, only to try to look cool with money today. Narihito has his doubts about the case though as he says it's hard to imagine the guy doing something that isn't 'interesting.' He admits that there's no other villain around with an organization big enough to do it, but he floats the idea that this case isn't going to be perpetrated by villains before dismissing it.
Time skips to 8pm the next day, set at the east pier in the harbor warehouse district. You guys have been seen by several mobs who complain about how the fuzz has found them and say they can't let you leave alive. They also threaten to beat the cops in the party up for bringing along some unrelated brats to a fight. Akashi notes that they don't seem like they'll talk, and Mokdai attempts to try anyways until the villains point their weapons at him. Mokdai backs off in fright as he says there's no room to negotiate, and Gammei sighs as he wonders what it is they're hiding.
Gammei says that this is the last place on the list where a villain syndicate who might be up to something is located. If you guys can't get any info here, you'll be stuck with having to engage with the villains on the day of the attack. Gammei then tells everyone to minimize damages to both sides, with the goal of arresting the villains for questioning. Akashi nods and tells you it's time, so you say you got it or that there's no other way. The episode battle then starts up as the mobs start yelling war cries, and more story happens afterwards.
After the battle, we pick up with the mobs cursing the meddling cops for beating them down. Barrel says what you guys are looking for seems to be inside a building ahead and looks for a button on the electronic lock. Gammei sees it, then tells everyone to stand back while he opens the door. Said door opens with a loud sound. The mobs attempt to protest this and tells you guys to not look inside, but Barrel says it's too late for them and orders them to get cuffed like good caught criminals. Green gets mad at how badly things have gone for them in response.
Inside the dark warehouse, someone turns on the lights. Once the place is illuminated you take notice of some cat-like things meowing and making noise inside, and narration says there's a bunch of small animals you've never seen before in cages. Akashi is baffled at all this as he tries to process what he's seeing, and Gammei asks if he's looking at a cat or a dog. Mokdai asks for a moment as he takes a picture with his phone, which then automatically pulls up some illustrated reference book onto his screen.
Mokdai reads off Crucla Tepyupus, which would be more commonly known in Japan as a Virgo temari wildcat. They're native to a planet called Asylpha 18 in the Virgo region of the galaxy, and they're an omnivorous species. They were brought back to Earth at one point in the past, but now their importation is banned for ecological preservation reason. Barrel points out in surprise how friendly the animals are, then laughs about one of the space cats tickling him presumably by licking him.
Blue starts protesting and telling the guys to stop touching their little kitty cat while Red complains that they had to go through so much to bring them over. Gammei says he gets why the villains were so touchy about your guys' presence now, but a crime is still a crime which would mean having to return the animals to their home planet. Green gets hysterical as he calls Gammei a monster for trying to separate them, which throws Barrel off for a sec as he says this is just what the law says. Barrel then suggests that the cats are a cover for their other activities, and he starts asking Gammei for permission to arrest the villains immediately when Gammei asks if it looks like anything else is hidden around.
The villains start cooing at the cats and trying to tell them that everything is okay, and Barrel admits that he doesn't see anything else suspicious. Gammei says the villains are just cat lovers as you can plainly see, and the villains start bragging about how they're the cat loving villain group that is sorta outlawish, the Pan Cosmos Fluff Society! They'll do whatever it takes to pet all the cats in the universe and hold that up as their motto.
Gammei mentions that he thought they might be hiding something when he saw their group name on the list, but he notes that they're exactly what they call themselves. He sets the subject aside to ask them what they know about Captain Tronesion since there are notes that they had connections with him in the past. It takes Red a moment to remember who he means, but he does remember that he was the one to bring them the cats. They deny having any dealings with him right now or since then.
Gammei sighs, disappointed that this didn't go anywhere. But he does offer to not tell his higher ups as he says he can move the cats to somewhere where it is okay to keep them tomorrow. Someplace like the moon, where the restrictions aren't as heavy and they won't need a passport to go there. Of course he can't let them out for a week though since he can't totally ignore their crimes. The villains start asking Gammei if he means it, then start talking among themselves about needing to get ready to move to the moon and shout their thanks to Gammei. You either comment that this is anticlimactic, that you guys found nothing, or ask about keeping a cat for yourself. In C, Mokdai discourages you from doing so since it's hard to keep those cats fed, but Akashi points out that it's against the law to have them here anyway. In any case, Barrel notes that this was another dead end, and Gammei sighs once more.
Elsewhere, somewhere is keeping tabs on you guys and reporting to elsewhere that you guys made contact with the cat simp gang, then acknowledges some order that gets relayed back and says they'll get things ready. Then things go back to your end as narration says it's now 10pm as you, Mokdai and Akashi are at the train station closest to the agency. Mokdai mentions being tired but worries about tomorrow being the day the crime is supposed to happen. Akashi talks about how you guys couldn't figure out who was doing it and worries about how the battle will turn out. You say you guys need to stand guard and that you should all do your best.
Akashi nods and says you better get some rest for tomorrow. Mokdai says he'll get ready too since it won't be funny if the camera runs out of power midway through. He's going to swing by the office first before going home, then he asks what you two will do. He thinks it'd be best for you guys to go straight home. Akashi is a little surprised but says it was good that you guys stopped off on the way. Mokdai apologizes as he realizes he forgot to tell you guys that on the way earlier and that he could have filed the paperwork later. He says you guys can just go now then, but a voice from somewhere says they can't let you go home.
You turn to look to see who's there, but someone sneaks up behind Mokdai and pins his arms in a hold before chloroforming him, and Mokdai slumps over as he passes out. Akashi yells out to Mokdai, then blocks at attack from his rear as he urges you to come to him. You are taken by surprise as you try to keep up with what's happening and yell to Akashi about your assailants and Mokdai.
Akashi attempts to question the guys attacking you, but they don't answer and knock him out in a single punch to the back of his head. You yell out to Akashi before attempting to make a break for it, but someone else manages to catch you like they did with Mokdai, and the episode ends with you getting chloroformed too.
No comments:
Post a Comment