???: STOP RIGHT THERE, CRIMINAL SCUM
Later
So. We're in some old interrogation room for some reason.
MC: I can explain.
Red: Pffft. All the evidence is against you. Letting foreigners in was a mistake! Now say you stole the Poderna!
MC: what / you've got the wrong person! / ...
Red: Fine. We have ways of making you tal--
???: Stop.
It's Astosis!
Astosis: They are a suspect, and due process says no violence is allowed for investigation and interrogation.
Red: Hmph. Damn attorney. Whatever, start talking about when you first got here.
Astosis: MC, I'm sorry you got caught up in this. But please, bear with it and take your time as you tell us what happened.
MC: ...fine.
Rewind!
Several weeks ago or something. It's autumn! MC goes to Parallel Flight.
MC: I'm back! Getting cold out there.
Akashi: Hey MC.
Sui: Hello MC. Oh you have a leaf on you, I'll get it.
Akashi: Fall already, huh? So nice out I might overdo my outdoor workouts.
Sui: Yeah it's been hot until recently. I think your tan lines have faded. How furries could get those is a mystery.
Akashi: You went to Muirauqa IV, huh? I spent all summer at baseball training camps...
MC: Hey Akashi, how about we go to some hot springs sometime? / Sui, thanks for the skin care stuff!
---
(A) Akashi: W-what, me and you!? ...uh, so we'd eat together, wear robes, hold hands... sure, tell me when so I can clear my schedule!
(B) Sui: You're welcome. I'm just repeating what Master told me.
---
Mokdai and Melide walk over.
Mokdai: Hey MC. You guys want some Chinese buns? I was watching Yuhang's logs and suddenly bought a bunch.
Melide: I'm going on break too. Want tea? I'm about to make some.
MC: Sure, thanks Mokdai / Sure, thanks Melide
(A) Mokdai: Okay! There's pork, pizza, curry, red beans...even this seasonal sweet potato bun! Sure is autumn.
(B) Melide: Here you go, hope you like it.
Good times.
MC: Hey where's everyone else?
Sui: Ryekie, Exio, Yoshiori, and Monomasa went to some event meeting.
Mokdai: Tis the event season. I wonder which hero will show up!
Sui: Fanboying is fine, but weren't you asked to appear as a hero too? Won't you be busy?
Mokdai: I-I know, but it just hits different watching from a screen! Oh wait, the topic. Crowne's in a meeting.
Sui: She said she's working on a new gadget with Master. Director Huckle's around too, but he's been in a meeting this whole--oh wait here he is.
Huckle is making a face as he comes out.
Huckle: Hmm...
MC: Hi Director, I'm back! I'll give the report later. (Huh, what's with the face?)
Huckle: ...o-oh, welcome back MC! I take it your meeting went fine.
Huckle goes back to thinking again.
Huckle: ...well I'm not getting anywhere. MC, Melide, can I have a moment?
MC: Okay, what's up? / (be scared)
(C) Huckle: U-um, you can relax. I just need to talk to you two.
Melide: So, is this Operator work you want to talk about?
Huckle: Yes actually, so I wanted your opinions.
Huckle seems worried.
Huckle: We got a dispatch request for an on-site Operator who can do anything. Specifically, they want security support for some traditional festival thing. The client's a hero too, so the main job is supporting them.
Melide: Um, what makes this different from any other job?
Huckle: The location. It's a planet in a far-off galaxy that never did much interplanetary exchange, so there's restrictions and distant streaming won't work. There's not much information on the place, so it's risky. I've turned it down for now, but still...
MC: Huh. Something else happen?
Huckle: Yes, I've been in a call with them all day.
Melide: Didn't you turn them down though?
Huckle: They called back begging to negotiate.
Surprised gang!
Melide: Wait, are on site Operators that rare? Not that I've seen many others myself though.
Huckle: Right, most Operators don't work that way and other agencies don't like sending them out. The client tried asking other agencies and they all said no. One of them told the client about you two, how you go on location, and how good you are. That's nice, but then it sounds like we're the only agency doing that... but what do you two think?
Melide: Hmm. I think I'm up for it, risky as it may be. I know what it's like to look for help and not find anything...
MC: I'm in! / Well if they're that hard up... / Hmm, concerning...
(AB) Huckle: Thanks you two.
(C) Huckle: Thanks you two. I'll support you as best as I can of course.
Huckle: I suppose we can negotiate it then. Since the planet's in a closed system, we'll have to send a hero with you...
Huckle checks the schedule. MC's got more space to go.
MC: So, me? Better get ready. Kind of exciting!
Melide: It'd be better if I went too...
Huckle: Thanks MC. We can send you next time, Melide. But anyways, we still need to find a hero to go with you...
Akashi: U-uh, me! MC's gonna blow things up if they go alone!
MC: RUUUUDE / not ALL the time! / (look away)
Huckle: Not to interrupt, but the job lands on a weekday. Can you swing that, Akashi?
Akashi has a flash of Toshu in his mind!
Akashi: uhhhhh, no...
Huckle: I think it'd be a great experience, but you should focus on school.
Super disappointed Akashi.
Mokdai: So where is this job happening anyway?
Huckle: Oh, right. It's in a city called Closure or Courrèges or something.
???: DID SOMEONE SAY CLOSURE OR SOMETHING
Dramatic door slam!
Maculata: Was it you, Huckle!?
Crowne: O-okay hang on a minute, stop yelling, and chill Maculata! What the hell got into you?
Maculata: Oh, right. Excuse me.
MC: You okay Crowne? / Hi Maculata, long time no see! / oh are you two done with your meeting?
(A) Crowne: I guess. But seriously, what?
(B) Maculata: Oh hello MC, back from Muirauqa IV? Let's see...ah, you've been using the skin care products Sui gave you. I'd have given you such an earful if you still had tan lines, even somehow through fur if you have any.
Crowne: Hey MC, we just finished delivering on the gadget we were asked for.
Maculata: Perfect as always. I'll ask you again when I get another idea.
Crowne: Cool thanks, come again. So what's all this crow bird nonsense or whatever?
Maculata: It's Courrèges or something you uncultured swine! Anyways Huckle, it's that one city of fashion and textiles, right?
Intense Maculata!
Huckle: I don't know what kind of city it is, but yes Courrèges sounds right. Why?
Maculata: I was planning on taking a vacation to go there soon and attend their festival.
Huckle: Wow, what a coincidence. We know nothing about the festival or city.
Maculata: Not surprising. Even the fashion world only just heard of the place. They made super fine and unique styles while isolated on the level of cutting fashion and their festival is a once a year deal. I'm going, and nothing, no one will stop me.
Huckle: ...so you've been there before?
Maculata: Yes, enough to know the main important layout.
Thinking Huckle.
Huckle: ...soooo, Maculata my friend, my esteemed colleague.
Maculata: Yeees, Huckle my darling, my lovely compatriot.
MC: Welp.
Maculata: So Director, how about I go as your Operator's bodyguard?
Huckle: Sounds good to me, Miss Veteran Hero. I'll contact Creative Brain and see what they say, then send the contract if they okay it.
Maculata: I'll contact them too. They should be fine with it.
Maculata types on her phone.
Maculata: Okay Sui you heard all that. I'm changing up my plans, so hold down the studio for me?
Sui: Y-yes ma'am. Um, Courrèges is that city with the fashion museum you told me about, right? Could you take some pictures...?
Maculata: Got it, it should be great reference for you. I'll bring back as much as I can.
Sui: Thank you!
Maculata: And there we have it. MC, we leave in three days. Don't forget to pack up.
MC: well that was fast
And so all the relevant paperwork is done. Fast forward to departure day!
MC and Maculata are in a space taxi to the Sunflower Galaxy.
MC: I wonder what Courrèges is like? / I notice we aren't taking your own spaceship.
---
(C) Maculata: Oh you remember that? We could have, but if we're jumping straight to work then this is easier. But next time, come with Sui. I can invite you on our studio office trip and I'll drive.
---
Maculata: Okay, I'd better give you a crash course on Courrèges before we get there.
Pretty stars outside.
Maculata: Huckle told you Planet Whatsitname only just started opening up with other planets, right? Well we're going to Courrèges, which has only barely managed to be in interstellar contact for 50 years. They've got original designs that's gotten the spotlight recently so--oh wait I said that already. Well you'll see soon for yourself. I should talk about the festival we'll be guarding then.
Maculata passes MC a drink.
Maculata: So Courrèges is really big on the moon. Actually, it's a city with a lunar view.
MC: what
Maculata: Their moon looks almost exactly like Earth's moon, but they only get to see it once a year. Well, more like it's another planet that comes up nice and pretty only once a year. Every time it does, it looks different just like Earth's moon. Anyways, the people of Courrèges think it's special and have the festival for it. They call it Luna by the way.
Maculata smiles.
Maculata: So on years when Luna looks like a full moon? They exhibit a really special dress at a ball in their art museum, and coincidentally that's this year!
MC: Huh / this might be my first real ball! / oh is that what the security is for?
(C) Macalata: Correct.
Maculata: That dress I mentioned is called the Poderna, very valuable historically and artistically speaking. Since the city's gotten more famous, having the dress on display gets riskier. I think they sent out reinforcement requests for security since they don't have enough hands for that.
Time to change the subject.
Maculata: You know, I'm glad to be on this job with you MC. You've gotten better with every job, so I've wanted to work with you full power at least once. Also the ball's an invite-only affair, so joining the security detail's a nice way to get closer!
MC: Welp! / Tell me how you really feel.
---
(C) Maculata: Oh you~.
---
Maculata: Oh, we're almost there. Brush up one more time before we meet the client.
Later
Touchdown! There's a welcoming party at the space port.
Astosis: Hello. Are you MC and Miss Alsciaukat?
Maculata: Yes, thank you for coming to get us Mister Neras. I'm Maculata Alsciaukat from Creative Brain.
Macalata steps forward to cover for MC and bows.
MC: Hello I'm MC. Nice to meet you. / (omg he's hot)
---
(C) Astosis: Hmm. We've just met but I sense that you like me. How nice.
---
Astosis: I'm glad to meet you in person now. To reintroduce myself, I am Astosis Neras, attorney and your client for this security job. I'm also part of the security organization as a hero as you call them. In the interests of better relationships, may I give you a hello hug?
Astosis spreads his arms.
Maculata: Oh, how bold. Alright.
MC: I don't mind. / Okay! / could we not...?
(B) Astosis: How passionate! I should show the same level of passion for fairness's sake.
(C) Astosis: Oh, excuse me.
Maculata: So Mister Neras, mind introducing the nameless thugs with you?
Astosis: Astosis is fine, please. They're also members of the Chasseur security organization.
Red and Blue: (stares)
Astosis: I apologize for their rudeness, but for now they're my rotating shift guards. Being in a law profession means villains have more reasons to go after me. But please don't mind them. I'd like to talk about the job, but there's actually one other person I asked to come over and I'd like to start once he comes...
Someone is running over!
Yohack: Oh I made it! Hi I'm Yohack, I came for a hero job! I'm a locksmith in the Muirauqa star system, but I also do some servicing for other machines and stuff!
MC: Hi I'm MC, nice to meet you. / ooh, fluffy
(C) Yohack: Why are you staring at me? Oh wait, I know! You want a hug? Okay!
Maculata: Hello, I'm Maculata.
Yohack: Nice to meet you too! Let's do our best on the security thing! Also fun fact, I'm from Courrèges so I can tell you anything you're confused about!
Astosis seems surprised to see Yohack.
Astosis: ...a-are you THAT Yohack? Why are you here?
Yohack: Wow, long time no see Astosis! I thought I might see you after I saw your name on the contract!
Astosis: Yes, very long time. But why are you here? Are you--
Yohack: Yep, it's me! It was originally someone else in Laborer's Site until they got hurt, so I was subbed in. The contract should've been sent!
Astosis: I haven't seen anything though. One moment...
Astosis checks his phone and sighs.
Astosis: ...I see it now. One of the Chasseurs accepted it. Sorry for the late reply. Anyways, I don't think I've seen you since the last time the Poderna was on display.
Yohack: Yep! I'mma visit your office when this is all done!
MC: Um, you know each other?
Yohack: Oh, whoops!
Astosis: Yohack used to live here. We've known each other for a long time.
Yohack: When I was a kid I used to play in Astosis's family's law office a lot!
Astosis: Yes, Father was angry at how you just barged in. But never mind that now, I should explain your assignment. I'd like you all to protect the Poderna at the masquerade ball.
Title Card: Opening Act, A Sudden Escort
End of Episode
