John McGuire – Cop's Report 9
Recent Duties: It's been a week since your last big case. You've spent that week settling back into your old routines, which naturally involved a couple trips to your favorite local drinking establishments. Now that you no longer have to deal with impressionable young recruits, you're free to fully indulge your vices, and all in the line of duty. Hitting up bars and pubs happens to be one of the best ways to find out what's going down on the city streets. Besides, nothing better for a hard job than hard liquor.
The Street Beat: (As a beat cop, it's your job to walk the streets of Cormus and keep the peace. In so doing, it's easy to gather rumours and whispers about some of the illicit activities occuring within nearby districts, and the criminal organizations performing said deeds.)
-Although some tourists have occaisonally mistaken it for a bonafide fast-food chain, Papa John's Pizza is really little more than a front for a vast gang of violent criminals. Their crimes don't tend to be either sophisticated or carefully planned, but rather seem to involve petty extortion and gratuitous destruction. In particular, the Papa's delivery boys are famous for appropriating the ovens of their victims in order to cook pizzas, after which the ovens are usually destroyed. The sphere of this gang's influence is centered on the company's corporate headquarters, located in Precinct 15. In fact, the Mounted Police Division was established in this district specifically to counter the delivery bikes often employed by Papa John's Pizza, though their effectiveness has proven difficult to quantify. In short, if innocent civilians have a problem, it's often because of the Papa and his minions.
Word on the Street: (Some of your contacts are glad to have their primary source of income back on the street, while others regard you only as a source of pain.)
-This job often requires late nights, which means that you require lots of coffee. While getting your nightly fix, you've become well acquainted with the late staff at Monk's. Sometimes this yields useful information, or even free coffee. Just the other day, one of the waitresses was talking about the recent overdose that occured in the bathroom of the establishment. Turns out the drug being used was Kanium-X. This stuff's spreading even faster than you expected.
Personal Notes:
-Busting up that carnie circus was more fun than you've had in months. Especially the part where you blew away those 'cute' midgets. They never even saw it coming. Some people might find clowns scary, but they're nothing next to a PK-97 in your capable hands. That should be every criminal's worst nightmare.
-Unfortunately, it seems you might have been doing your job too well of late. Word in the Precinct is that you might be up for a big promotion. While you wouldn't mind getting an entire upstairs office to yourself, you definitely don't want anything to do with all the paperwork that would come with it. Leave that to the chumps who can't handle anything more dangerous. Your place is out on the streets. With the current crime wave sweeping Cormus, you're not sure the force can afford to handicap their best beat cop with a bunch of administrative details.
Mini-Objective:
-Convince your superiors that you shouldn't be 'promoted' to a deskjob.
Neji – Beat Cop's Report 9
Recent Duties: It's been a week since your last major case. You've spent most of the intervening time familiarizing yourself with the beat you'll be walking until your next promotion. It's an area not far from the Precinct, and it thankfully includes a Subway. You've also spent some time settling into the youth hostel you intend to make your abode for the next few months. It's a cheap roof over your head, which is really all you require.
The Street Beat: (As a beat cop, it's your job to walk the streets of Cormus and keep the peace. In so doing, it's easy to gather rumours and whispers about some of the illicit activities occuring within nearby districts, and the criminal organizations performing said deeds.)
-Although some tourists have occaisonally mistaken it for a bonafide fast-food chain, Papa John's Pizza is really little more than a front for a vast gang of violent criminals. Their crimes don't tend to be either sophisticated or carefully planned, but rather seem to involve petty extortion and gratuitous destruction. In particular, the Papa's delivery boys are famous for appropriating the ovens of their victims in order to cook pizzas, after which the ovens are usually destroyed. The sphere of this gang's influence is centered on the company's corporate headquarters, located in Precinct 15. In fact, the Mounted Police Division was established in this district specifically to counter the delivery bikes often employed by Papa John's Pizza, though their effectiveness has proven difficult to quantify. In short, if innocent civilians have a problem, it's often because of the Papa and his minions.
Personal Notes:
-That Jackie character turned out be nothing but trouble. Not only did he deliberately attempt to avoid you, but he also hid his ability to speak galactic for the entire investigation. Of course, dubbing him fluent in galactic would probably be overly generous. In fact, often you can't even understand the words that were coming out of his mouth. Still, he seems to be full of it. The last thing you need is some Chun-King cop coming in and wasting your time.
-Speaking of COPs who don't pull their weight, and weight in general, you noticed Chins dining in Monk's the other day. You're not sure what brings him out to the Precinct, but he seemed to be gorging himself on the lunch menu. And limping around with the aid of a cane. It looks like he might have injured himself somehow. He should really get that checked out by a doctor. A qualified doctor, unlike your former colleague, Watson.
-You were very interested to see that the Precinct has a gym, called 'Average Joe'. It would be perfect for playing Dodgeball, and also a perfect chance for you to reclaim the honor you lost upon being defeated by Boily's team at the Academy. Now you just need to find a few teammates and some opponents. With the rising problem of obesity, perhaps you can sell this as some sort of civic fitness program.
Mini-Objective:
-Lobby for the establishment of a city dodgeball league.
John Watson – Crime Doctor 9
Recent Duties: A week has passed since you successfully located Waldo. Unfortunately, credit for the capture of that dodgy carnie circus seems to have gone to Precinct 6's Surete, and particularly Inspector Giraud. Once again, your contributions were passed over, this time in favor of an insular frenchman. At least the officers at Precinct 13 got a chance to see your investigative skills in action. To set the record straight, you've spent the past week writing out your exploits as your most recent work of criminal 'fiction', starring none other than the Crime Doctor. It's truly a work of art.
Newspaper Headlines:
-There hasn't been too much local news to peruse of late, and thus you've turned your attention back to the political events in the capital. Specifically, you were interested to read in the Blue Moon that Defense Minister Aegeus has finally bowed to public pressure and stepped down from his post. President Cerin has yet to name his successor, but whoever it is will be left to clean up quite a political mess. Furthermore, some pundits speculate that President Cerin's reluctance to demand Aegeus' resignation may have tarnished the President's image as a galactic mediator, and may well come back to haunt him in the months to come.
Mysteries:
-The only mystery at the moment is that your many books have yet to find a willing publisher. It was never this difficult back when you were writing about Sherlock Holmes, that rotter.
Personal Notes:
-After your encounter with the security at the Cormus Carnival, you decided to do some research into this Inspector Giraud. According to your sources, he's the finest member of the Surete and considered by most frenchmen to be the city's top investigator.
In fact, there is speculation that he may soon be promoted to head the Surete, making him the youngest officer in the city to reach such a position. Giraud has been nicknamed The Hound for his tenacity in sniffing out clues, and it's said that once he finds a scent, he will pursue it tenaciously and tirelessly until he makes his catch. Clearly all this sniffing about is no match for your own powers of deduction
-In addition to solving crimes, you've also always had an interest in writing about them. While studying at U of T, your pieces on the cases of Sherlock Holmes were the most popular features in the student newspaper, far outstripping the poorly drawn comics about the Blue Ninja. Since going independent, you've written several semi-autobiographical novels about a fictional Crime Doctor inspired by your own deeds. Unfortunately, you've yet to find any publisher willing to give your Crime Doctor literature the time of day.
-The art exhibition is to be held tonight at the Gallery of Modern Art. The city's powerful and elite are expected to attend, and this includes Mr. Cartwright, the owner of Oxford Publishing. It's a small, eminently British company that might prove key in finally getting your books out on the market. You've tried to make an appointment to see him, but he's booked solid for months. This may be your best chance to sell him on your literary ambitions.
Mini-Objective:
-Find a way to get invited to the exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.
-Convince publishers to consider your manuscripts about the Crime Doctor.
Wheatie – Legal Assistant's Report 9
Recent Duties: A week has passed since you participated in the search for Waldo. Since that time, you've been pursuing your duties as a Legal Assistant for Miss Vayl, Precinct 13's DA. It seems way better than active duty! Yeah! You've done a lot of cool photocopying, sorting and cataloging of complex legal documents. It's fascinating stuff. You've also been occupied this past week moving into the new apartment you booked for the next few months. In more ways than one. It provides you with much needed privacy, unlike your quarters back at the Police Academy, and also offers plenty of space for the fully restored Roomba to explore.
Book Report:
-It seems that Waldo's resume includes several books. You've found a couple of them at the Cormus City Libray. They're basically travel guides, and have catchy titles like Where's Waldo? and Where's Waldo Now?. In addition to information about various tourist locations on Deksiil, these books also contain large pictures in which Waldo is attempting to hide within large crowds. Finding him is kind of fun, actually. Much more fun than actually finding him, anyway.
Notes from Home:
-Your parents were very pleased that you got a chance to check out the Cormus Carnival, although they were a bit disappointed that there didn't seem to be a contest to determine who could grow the largest produce. Many fairs on Denchul are based on just that. Well, that and parades.
Legal Report: (Working with the District Attourney's office gives you access to information on how major court cases are proceeding, and other such legal matters.)
-Miss Vayl has been working overtime to prepare for the prosecution of the supervillain known only as Bomb Voyage. He was arrested after a violent encounter with Caesar, Jackie and John McGuire. Unfortunately, the numerous explosions involved in this encounter damaged much of the evidence, and a few of the witnesses as well. Still, Miss Vayl seems confident that she can get a lengthy conviction based on the defendent's past record of offenses.
Personal Notes:
-After receiving treatment from Dr. Wagner, Roomba seems to be as good as new. Dr. Wagner also recommended that you deploy Roomba against dust, and then claimed he could offer you no more advice. In keeping with his words of wisdom, you've let Roomba get plenty of exercise zipping around your apartment.
-The Chief was still complaining about being understaffed the other day, and asked you if there was anyone at the Academy who could safely be transferred back onto active duty. You quickly suggested Chins, your former mentor, as a standup officer with tons of knowledge who would be really useful for solving cases. The Academy would miss him, but you're sure he'd acquit himself really well at the Precinct. You're not sure how seriously the Chief took your sensible advice.
-Speaking of the Academy, you recently received a phone call from Headmistress Millernia. She seemed eager to catch up on the actions of past graduates, and was impressed with your promotion to the role of legal assistant. She went on to say that although the deeds of your graduating class have prompted the police commission to keep the Academy open for at least one more term, it still remains a temporary solution at best. Now that you're a fully qualified officer, Millernia wants you to lobby on behalf of the Academy from the inside. After all, you know the importance of a good education. Now you just have to convey that to the proper authorities.
Mini-Objective:
-Lobby on behalf of the Police Academy and the fine education it provides.
Chins – Officer's Report 3
Recent Duties: After your amazing bilingual graduation speech on Risk Management, you figured your place at the Academy was assured. This, in turn, would allow you to spend the period between terms in a state of Twix-fueled hibernation. Unfortunately, your hopes were dashed by a communique from police headquarters transferring you back to active duty at Precinct 13. You're not sure exactly what precipitated this disturbing chain of events. Perhaps the police commission felt that the Academy staff was bloated and sluggish, and needed to be cut as a cost-saving measure. Or maybe your speech was a bit too good. Either way, you arrived back at Precinct 13 yesterday. Not much has changed, except perhaps the menu at Monk's Coffeeshop. Investigating this in detail is the most important thing you've done since your return.
Piles on the Desk:
-Your desk at Precinct 13 isn't nearly as cluttered as the one you left behind at the Police Academy. It's just got a computer and a couple empty Big-Gulps. You'll have to find some papers at some point so you can claim to be swamped with desk work.
Chins' Most Wanted: (Precinct 13's vending machine is out of order! Shockingly, no one else seems to be expressing the concern that this situation warrants.)
-Fortunately, you've been sated by several buckets of fried chicken. It gets delivered daily to the Precinct's front desk at around 12:30, so you're always sure to be passing by around that time to grab some. It's basically your second lunch.
Personal Notes:
-With the conclusion of the investigation into Samuel de Champlain's death, Millernia has been dubbed interim headmistress of the Police Academy. You're not sure if she actually recommended you for this transfer, but you do know one thing: she's read your resume. That can't be a good thing.
-On the topic of the Academy, you recently received your pay cheque for the last term. As usual, your staff salary amounted to 1000 marks, and was sent via direct deposit right to your bank account. Using your card and your secret password, you can withdraw the cash from any ATM at your convenience. Which isn't to say that walking over to an ATM is convenient. It would be a whole lot more convenient if you could find some sort of conveyance like the one you saw Police Commissioner NORG riding.
-Active duty really doesn't suit you. You can't remember the last time you actually walked more than a block, and now they're expecting you to do so while unravelling crime. The only unravelling you like to do involves candy bar wrappers. Clearly, you have to find a way to get transferred back to the Academy, or at least off active duty. To that end, you've taken up using a cane and feigning a limp as if all this walking is killing you. Which it really is, but the whole disability thing makes it look more sympathetic. Unfortunately, The Chief doesn't seem inclined to cut you any slack, but that could just be because you keep eating his fried chicken. Perhaps your plan might meet with more success if you were able to target someone higher up.
Mini-Objective:
-Lobby to be transferred back to the Academy, or at least to some sort of desk job.
Jackie - Agent's Report 1
Recent Duties: It's been a week since you located Waldo and took down Bomb Voyage. Since that time, you've been adjusting to life here on Deksiil. It's a bit different from the class-conscious Electran empire and even more different from your real home. The idea behind this exchange you're on from the IBI is to learn from and assist Deksiilan law enforcement, and you've spent the last week doing just that.
Wokking the Streets:
-Your first priority upon arriving in this city was to explore as much of it as possible. In the process of your explorations, you happened to see several strange sights. One was literally a convoy of motorized wheelchairs going down the sidewalk. The old people riding them were apparently part of a gang called the Pernicious Pensioners. Since they're retired, they have plenty of time to cruise the streets. Apparently their turf includes certain shopping malls and high-brow cultural sites like museums.
Wokking Overtime: (News about Warchon Wok, the only chain of restaurants to offer a truly authentic selection of Warchon dishes.)
-It's shocking that so many were able to withstand the assault of the General last week. Clearly, the cunning General Tao must have been lulling hem into a false sense of security so that his next powerful strike will come as a complete surprise.
Personal Notes:
-Some people might have been upset when they found out that you actually speak galactic. Of course, you never at any point actually said that you couldn't. They just assumed that you didn't speak their language. After all, you're not responsible for their assumptions. Not being able to speak is not the same as not speaking. Some of these people seem to like to talk. You let people talk who like to talk. It makes it easier to find out how full of it they are.
-You've heard that a big art exhibition will be opening tonight at the Gallery of Modern Art. It's quite a big deal, and has most of Cormus' higher society very excited. Although they'll be featuring emerging artists from several regions of the galaxy, you were very disappointed to hear that your homeworld is unrepresented. It seems a shame that the distinctive Warchon culture is being left out of this art exhibit. How can it claim to be a galactic exhibition without showing off some parts of Warchor's rich history? Perhaps a separate event should be planned to expand the horizons of Cormus' citizens.
Mini-Objective:
-Lobby for the establishment of an art exhibit from your home world.
Today's episode begins in Monk’s diner. The PC's talk about nothing for an hour. A page calls them to the chief’s office. Everyone but Chins goes upstairs, KFC somehow being involved. The chief introduces Keanu Reeves, who will be commanding the PCs for this mission, ensuring failure. Precinct 13 has been charged with providing security for a high society art function. Inspector Reeves tells the PCs to acquire appropriate clothing for the occasion, but gives no instruction as to what ‘appropriate’ might be.
Our heroes hit the street in a mad search for supremely fashionable styles of the season. Wheatie and McGuire hit the police surplus to buy a police officer’s uniform and a SWAT outfit respectively (These were the only two characters to actually appear as bodyguards at the exhibit, I guess everyone else was on some sort of plainclothes duty). Next, they head to the dry cleaner’s to clean some clothes and steal from the lost and found… respectively. In the meantime, Chins withdraws some cash from the ATM and buys an outlandish outfit from uhh… Giovanni's? Neji tries to steal clothes from the dry cleaner’s but upon failing also ends up with some sort of outlandish outfit from the tailor’s. Watson, as usual, is nowhere to be found during the first half of the adventure (Also, I can’t remember what Jackie was doing, so I assume he took his turns in secret, I figure that’s a pretty good assumption).
Now, it’s time for the party. Keanu takes them to the museum, at which point, they meet Watson at the door, yada yada yada, he joins them. The party is shown to the security room, where they are briefed on the rooms of the building and the schedule of events. Afterwards, they attend the unveiling of the famed Krypto painting. At this point, they get a glimpse of all the important, wealthy socialites at the event. Afterwards, the PCs are given permission to mingle in groups of two, which allows them to complete their mini-objectives (which for the most part involved convincing important people of certain things like “the academy rules”, “I belong on the beat”, “my foot hurts”, “feed my ego”, and “dodgeball good”). Jackie impersonates some sort of traditional Warchon artist by stealing art pieces from someone’s house and exhibiting it as his own (well, that’s the gist of it at least).
Now that the mini-objectives are complete, it’s time for a much-predicted disturbance to occur. Suddenly, vans crash through the front windows of the gallery. The Papa John’s franchise has attacked. The PCs, along with Keanu, school the delivery boys and their leader, Papadimitrio, good. Some more delivery boys arrive, but just as things are looking grim, the power goes out and the boyos are slaughtered to a bloody death by the midnight gaiden, who, according to Watson, is also Batman. It turns out though, that the gaiden did not shut off the power, and he leads the party to the basement to restore the security system. Down an elevator shaft and across a dark room they go, only to be attacked by art thieves. Batman does almost all the work, and Wheatie, being the extremely competent and intelligent character that he is, reboots the power. Unfortunately, the generator is then destroyed by a ninja.
Back upstairs they go, only to find out from Keanu that thieves have infiltrated the main floor, and are making their way towards the most precious pieces in the museum. The lights are out, but the security cameras are still working. Our heroes make their way through the dark hallways, reminiscent of some board game involving a die with cameras and eyes on it that Wheatie has never played. The PCs are incredibly weak at this point and are unable to mount much resistance against the thieves, who move super fast in comparison. In the end, they save 4 of the 7 paintings, but 3 are stolen, including the Krypto. As the last thief retreats though, the good guys are able to identify her as the notorious Carmen Sandiego. Although this mission appears to be somewhat of a failure, no doubt thanks to Keanu, Wheatie gains a level, yay! Man, Wheatie is so cool.
Note: Special thanks to Wheatie for writing this summary.
Inspector Keanu Reeves
Race: Deksiilan
Affiliation: Police Inspector with Precinct 13
Keanu Reeves is one of four inspectors at Precinct 13, though how he rose to such a rank remains an open question among his detractors. In spite of his long tenure on the force, Inspector Reeves is still easily amazed. Especially by any sort of paranormal or psychic phenomena. Most of the time, Reeves can be found wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and a colorful Hawaiian shirt. When attending formal functions, Reeves often tricks himself out by donning a long black trenchcoat, shades and some selective use of slow motion. When this gawky detective is forced into combat, he is known to let loose with an oozie and to take pills, which sometimes allows him to go into bullet time.
Chief Quimby
Race: Deksiilan
Affiliation: Chief Police Commissioner
Quimby is in charge of the Cormus Police Department, and heads the highly bureaucratic Police Commission. He's also noted for hiding at even the most inappropriate times and delvering his instructions via self-destructing messages. In addition, he seems to attribute most successful operations to a thus far unseen Inspector Gadget. Quimby is a short, rotund man with balding brown hair and a small walrus mustache. He is usually attired in a blue dress shirt, suspenders, black pants and a blue tie. Quimby's friendliness is further assured by the pipe he continually smokes.
Lite Metal
Race: Deksiilan
Affiliation: Artist
Modern art is often really strange, and so are the people who produce it. Lite Metal is no exception. In keeping with the style of her pieces, she always wears shiny, metallic clothing and a metal glove on her right hand. Her dark hair is streaked with blond, because she's totally artsy and all. Lite Metal is part of a new generation of artists that have been shaking up the more conservative art world with their cutting-edge work. While not nearly as popular as some of her peers, such as the enigmatic Krypto, Lite Metal does offer somewhat original content. All her paintings are based on metalwork, and the distortion of metallic substances.
Evadine
Race: Deksiilan
Affiliation: CEO of Cyberdine
Evadine is the CEO of Cyberdine, one of the most powerful companies based in Cormus. Cyberdine specializes in such high technology fields as weapons development and robotics. They also have several subsidiaries, including an ISP called Skynet. Evadine is a descendant of Cyberdine's original founder, and she has led the company to new heights of prosperity. She has blond hair arranged in the latest elegant style and piercing blue eyes. While attending the many charitable events that Cyberdine sponsors, she can usually be found wearing a red evening gown, a maroon scarf and an elbow-length white glove on her left hand. Although she expends much energy to portray her company as urbane and civilized, it's said that she has a good head for business, and can be quite ruthless.
Mr. Izael
Race: Deksiilan
Affiliation: Owner of Izael Industries
Mr. Izael is the owner of Izael Industries, another corporate behemoth based in Cormus. Izael has also set up the Izael foundation, a philanthropic subsidiary that funds charitable and cultural activities throughout the city. Unlike certain other members of the elite, Mr. Izael seems to have little taste for social events, and treats them more as unfortunate obligations than pleasures. This reclusive attitude has led to a certain amount of gossip in high society circles. Izael is a younger man, with curly black hair and a somewhat darker complexion. He is always neatly attired in a black tuxedo.
Ricky Tan
Race: Warchon
Affiliation: Warchon Wok
Warchon Wok is the only fast food chain that offers authentic Warchon cooking. The galaxy's appetite for this unique sort of taste has resulted in the very rapid expansion of the Wok. In addition, this chain is also the main employer of expatriate Warchons, and is not officially sanctioned by the Warchon government. Ricky Tan is in charge of Warchon Wok's Deksiilan operations. He resides in the city of Cormus, where he also collects and displays artwork from his native world. Though he has spent many years living on Deksiil, Ricky still seems highly contemptuous of its people, and often refers to them condescendingly as overly arrogant. Like all of his kind, Ricky has dark skin and hair, the latter of which is worn slicked back. He usually wears professional blue business suits with black ties, and can rarely be seen without his laptop.
Eddie Brock
Race: Deksiilan
Affiliation: Journalist with the Daily Planet
According to J. Jonah Jamieson, one young journalist is much like any other, and as such they're all eminently disposable. Eddie Brock might disagree, though he would probably do so in a rude and crude manner. Because he's that kind of guy. As a lowly photographer and journalist at the Cormus Daily Planet, Brock is well aware that his job security is only a function of JJJ's whims. Especially considering he's slated to cover the art and culture beat, rather than the more important crime and political dossiers. Brock is a broad-shouldered man, with reddish brown hair done in a buzzcut. He generally can only afford to wear a series of ill-fitting suits. Given all this, perhaps it's not so surprising that he's so perpetually disgruntled.
Mr. Cartwright
Race: Deksiilan
Affiliation: Publisher
Mr. Cartwright is a British gentleman who owns Oxford Publishing. Though his firm is not a large one, it has occupied the comfortable niche of compassionate conservatism, including books on many fine British topics. A staunch patriot, Cartwright is a white-haired gentleman with a thick, bushy mustache and a suit that includes a Union-Jack tie. In addition to despising the French, Cartwright also feels little fondness for brash and noisy Americans. Mr. Cartwright is also reknowned for ignoring paging systems, generally because he considers them too loud and unreliable.
Papa Dimitrio
Race: Chalchakian
Affiliation: Papa John's Pizza
Papa Dimitrio is known as one of Papa John's best fighters. He's a big Greek guy who wears a sloppy white T-shirt and jeans, and has a very strange name. Since appearing in Deep Space, he's grown a ragged gray beard and a bulging potbelly. Rumours suggest that he has also published several books on computational complexity, all with very strange art on the covers. In battle, he can use some serious street brawl skills in addition to his computational complexity, which can serve to confuse his opponent and thus render their attacks inefficient.
Carmen Sandiego
Race: Electran
Affiliation: Master Criminal
Little is known about Carmen Sandiego, other than that she's a master criminal who is rumoured to be uncatchable. Authorities from all sorts of jurisdictions have tried futilely to track her down. Some have even considered Carmen's elusiveness as sufficient evidence to dub her a certified supervillain. She certainly has the outlandish attire for the role. Her vaguely hispanic features and wavy brown hair are often hidden by a floppy red fedora. In fact, she's clothed all in that very distinctive color, from her trenchcoat to her gloves and boots. Although she has yet to be engaged in true combat by officers of the law, she has been known to wield a silenced PK-97 with considerable skill.