Alec Parson: Difference between revisions

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{{wip}}
== Overview ==
== Overview ==


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|img_capt=Senior Researcher at MICIR
|img_capt=Senior Researcher at MICIR
|zone=[[Imperial City]]
|zone=[[Imperial City]]
|x=1440|y=-39|z=705
|x=-1440|y=-39|z=705
|levels=8-15
|levels=8-15
|introed='''== Level 8 =='''<br />[[Interrogator Kang]]
|introed='''== Level 8 =='''<br />[[Interrogator Kang]]
|intros='''== Level 8 =='''<br />[[Investigator Whitworth]]
|intros='''== Level 8 =='''<br />[[Investigator Whitworth]]
|enemies={{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}
|enemies={{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}{{Enemy Rogue Clockwork}}{{Enemy Syndicate}}
{{Enemy Rogue Clockwork}}
{{Enemy Syndicate}}
|badges=
|badges=
}}
}}
{{Contact Overview|Name=Alec Parson|City=P|Zone=Imperial City
{{Contact Overview|Name=Alec Parson|City=P|Zone=Imperial City
|x=1440|y=-39|z=705
|x=-1440|y=-39|z=705
|Pronoun=his
|Pronoun=his
|HoodYN=Y|Hood= |OriginYN=N|Origin= |LevelYN=Y|Level=8-15}} He is located approximately 73 yards NE of the Industry Avenue marker.
|HoodYN=Y|Hood= |OriginYN=N|Origin= |LevelYN=Y|Level=8-15}} He is located approximately 73 yards NE of the Industry Avenue marker.
    
    
__toc__
__toc__
{{clr}}


== Introductions ==
== Introductions ==
Line 29: Line 27:


=== Contact Introduces ===
=== Contact Introduces ===
I've got someone I think you should meet.
''I've got someone I think you should meet.''
{{NewContact Investigator Whitworth}}
{{NewContact Investigator Whitworth}}


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'''Senior Researcher at MICIR, the Ministry of Intelligence Criminal Investigaton and Research.'''
'''Senior Researcher at MICIR, the Ministry of Intelligence Criminal Investigaton and Research.'''


Alec Parson is a senior forensic scientist working for MICIR, the Ministry of Information Criminal Investigation and Research. He has a passion for robotics and all things Clockwork related.
Alec Parson is a senior forensic scientist working for MICIR, the [[Ministry of Information Criminal Investigation and Research]]. He has a passion for robotics and all things Clockwork related.


=== Prior to Introduction ===
=== Prior to Introduction ===
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=== Greeting ===
=== Greeting ===
*  I have very little time to talk right now. There is so much code to compile, I might as well be a Verbrandt string-assistant. Sigh
I have very little time to talk right now. There is so much code to compile, I might as well be a Verbrandt string-assistant. Sigh


=== Too Busy ===
=== Too Busy ===
Line 54: Line 52:


=== Too Low Level ===
=== Too Low Level ===
{{Missing Too Low}}
''None''


=== No More Missions ===
=== No More Missions ===
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=== Clock Face ===
=== Clock Face ===
{{MeritAward|1}}
{{ArcAward|m=9}}


==== Souvenir ====
==== Souvenir ====
 
{{Souvenir|The Clock Face}}
'''The Clock Face'''
{{Mission:Clock Face - Part One: What's Your Malfunction?}}
 
{{Mission:Clock Face - Part Two: Pieces Parts}}
Sometimes, when you see a [[Praetorian Clockwork|Clockwork]], you think back to Alec Parson and your defeat of the entity known as [[Metronome]]. It's a case that you've come to remember as...
{{Mission:Clock Face - Part Three: Bait and Switch}}
 
{{Mission:Clock Face - Part Four: Crossed Signals}}
'''The Clock Face. '''
{{Mission:Clock Face - Finale}}
 
It all started when Alec Parson, a senior forensics scientist working at M.I.C.I.R., needed help disabling some Clockwork who had gone berserk in the M.I.C.I.R. labs. You discovered that the Clockwork were being controlled by some sort of remote signal, and disabling the signal carrier caused the Clockwork to revert to their normal functions.
 
Parson discovered that the Clockwork had been snooping through the M.I.C.I.R. databases looking for the location of some Clockwork parts. According to some schematics Parson located inside one of the Clockwork in the lab they were aiming to construct some sort of new prototype. You went down to Imperial Storage to head off the Clockwork before they could steal the parts and brought them back to Parson to study.
 
Parson was worried, however, that a collegue of his, Susan Beck, might be in danger. He had sent her the strange schematics and was talking to her about them when their connection was cut. You went over to Omnitek to make sure she was alright and discovered the place was overrun by more of the strange speaking Clockwork. After rescuing Susan you discovered that the attack on Omnitek was designed to lure you away from M.I.C.I.R. and Parson so that the Clockwork could attack there without you interfering. You raced back to M.I.C.I.R. and rescued Alec Parson.
 
Parson started searching for signals around the city similar to the original carrier signal and he pinpointed one in Megalith Storage. You arrived at Megalith intent on putting an end to the Clockwork attacks and instead found the place crawling with [[Syndicate]] agents. Apparently their people had fallen victim to a round of thefts from the same Clockwork.
 
Parson put two and two together and realized that the Clockwork weren't being controlled by a radio signal but rather a psychic signal. He scanned through the [[Seers|Seer]] records and discovered that with each case of the Clockwork attacking the Seers had detected a sudden psychic surge. Cross referencing that to Clockwork activity the event coincided with sudden signal loss to Clockwork. A surge had just occurred at an old abandoned tech lab, Parson was certain that the Clockwork were there. You arrived and Parson's transmission to you was cut. A booming mechanical voice came over the communicator warning you to stay out of its business. It called itself Metronome. You proceeded anyway and encountered a small army of prototypes being built by Metronome and destroyed them. With the army destroyed and no sign of the psychic responsible for their construction, you returned to Parson to get him caught up. Parson was intrigued with the possibility that the person calling itself Metronome could very well be Dr. Russel Brandt, one of the scientists responsible for the invention of the Clockwork alongside [[Anti-Matter|Dr. Raymond Keyes]]. He had died mysteriously a month before they were unveiled. Whether the good doctor had returned from the dead, or if Metronome was some sort of virus installed in all the Clockwork remained a mystery.
 
==== {{UL|Part One: What's Your Malfunction?}} ====
 
The [[Praetorian Police Department|PPD]] picked up some haywire Clockwork over in [[Nova Praetoria]] and brought them in. I was diagnosing a programming glitch in some of the malfunctioning Clockwork, but one of them overrode its dormant sub-routines, got up off of the examination table, and started accessing one of our databases. I tried to stop it, but it pushed me to the floor and pointed its wrist laser at me!
 
As if that wasn't enough to encourage me to leave, the other Clockwork started reactivating as well. As you've probably already guessed, I really need your help.
 
{{green|Help Parson with his Clockwork troubles.}}
 
I don't know what exactly is going on in there, but I don't think we have any other options. I'm going to need you to shut them down the old fashioned way. Just try not to completely destroy them, or the lab. I want to analyze what happened and get to the bottom of this.
 
I'm pretty sure the first one that reactivated was some sort of Signal Carrier. If you deactivate the signal carrier then the others should return to normal operating parameters.
 
''Parson hands you a small micro-communicator. ''
 
Here, I'll keep in contact with you through this communicator. I have access to MICIR's security feed so if anything strange starts happening, I'll let you know.
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Carrier Signal|Text=Alec Parson told you that one of the Clockwork appeared to be emmiting an unusual signal. If you could find the source of that signal and disable it then it might return the other Clockwork to normal. Of course, the other option is to smash them  all into submission.}}
 
'''Unecessary Solicitation'''
 
Have you dealt with the haywire Clockwork in the MICIR labs yet?
 
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The MICIR labs are oddly quiet, and then you hear the faint whirring of Clockwork micro-motors.|Primary=Investigate Haywire Clockwork in M.I.C.I.R. facility
|Secondary=Disable the Signal Carrier|Additional=|Completion=You've disabled the signal carrier and returned the malfunctioning Clockwork back to normal operating parameters.}}
 
 
'''Enemies'''
 
{{Enemy Rogue Clockwork}}
{{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}
 
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
 
* Signal Carrier {{Named|Faction=Rogue Clockwork|Type=Glitched Dismantler}}(Boss)
:''This appears to be the signal carrier that Alec Parson told you about.''
 
 
{{Ambush|
 
'''Shortly after entering the mission''' you will be ambushed by '''a group''' of '''Clockwork'''}}
 
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Clockwork Dialogue|text=
'''After defeating the Signal Carrier:'''
:''SYS.RST...''<br>
:''SYS.EXE = SYS.NOM.''<br>
 
''(At this point any surviving Clockwork will turn Neutral to you)''
}}
 
{{Cutscene|Text=[[File:Small Contact Alec Parson.jpg|right|100px]]
''{{Character}}, this is Parson. Can you hear me?''<br>
''Great, alright, the Clockwork haven't reacted to you yet. I'll make sure the doors to the signal carrier are unlocked for you.''<br>
''I also designated the signal carrier's location. You shouldn't have any trouble finding him.''
 
(moments later)
 
''{{Character}}, I'm picking up some strange signatures in the lab''<br>
''The Clockwork are reacting to your arrival, {{Character}}. Be careful.''<br>
 
''(At this point you will be ambushed)''
 
(some time later)
 
''{{Character}}, the Clockwork are accesing the MICIR mainframe!''<br>
''This isn't a random malfunction, they're trying to steal classified information!''<br>
''Shut down the signal carrier! It's the fastest way to stop them!''}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Signal Neutralized|Text=The Signal stopped as soon as the Dismantler was deactivated, returning any malfunctioning Clockwork in the lab to normal operating parameters.}}
 
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
Great job, {{Character}}, it looks like you managed to deactivate the signal carrier before it could transmit any data. I just hope you left enough of it intact for me to sift through the memory banks and see what it was after.
 
It appears we'll be working together more. Here, please take my cell number. It's my preferred way of communication.
 
==== {{UL|Part Two: Pieces Parts}} ====
 
{{Character}}. We lucked out. Despite trying to self destruct it looks like you managed to keep the Clockwork from completely destroying its memory chips. I sifted around through its memory and compared what pieces I could find with its path through our databases. It looks like it was doing some shopping. Turns out it was very interested in Imperial Storage, a storage depot for Clockwork parts. I think it would be a good idea to get down there and see if whoever was behind that strange signal shows up.
 
{{green|Check out Imperial Storage}}
 
Oh, before I forget. I analyzed the files in the memory chips of all the Clockwork that were subjected to that carrier signal. You know, searching for any sort of hacking or file rewrites. Amazingly there were none, with one notable exception.
 
I found an entirely new data file in the memory of the signal carrier. It was a schematic for a Clockwork design, one I've never seen before.
 
Maybe I'm not giving this the gravity it deserves. You see, this schematic is far more advanced than anything I have ever seen! It makes amazing use of simple modifications to commonly existing parts. The design achieves staggering results. Frankly, I feel kinda inept that I didn't see it before, it's all so obvious seeing it all laid out like that.
 
{{Character}}, I'm very interested in testing these schematics out, but I have a feeling whoever embedded that file is going to make a grab for the parts first. I want you to stop them and bring the parts to me.
 
''Parson gives you a list of Clockwork parts and crate numbers.''
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=A Series 7700 'Diamond' AI Board|Text=Parson told you that the schematics call for a Series 7700 'Diamond' AI Board. He marked down a lengthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=A 240 Fussion Bubble|Text=Parson told you that the schematics call for a Fussion Bubble. He marked down a engthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Four Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pumps|Text=Parson told you that the schematics call for four Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pump units. He marked down a engthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=An Axis-3 Flywheel Gyroscope|Text=Parson told you that the schematics call for an Axis-3 Flywheel Gyroscope. He marked down a engthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number}}
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
You need to get over to Imperial Storage and grab those Clockwork parts for me before whoever is behind this gets them.
 
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=From the sound of it, you aren't the first one here.|Primary=Retrieve components from Imperial Storage|Secondary=4 Clockwork parts to retrieve|Additional=|Completion=You got ahold of all the parts before the Clockwork could steal them.}}
 
 
'''Enemies'''
 
{{Enemy Rogue Clockwork}}
 
{{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}
 
 
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Clockwork dialogue|text=
 
'''Glitched Clockwork 1:''' ''Curses...''<br>
'''Glitched Clockwork 2:''' ''...this is taking too long...''
----
'''Glitched Clockwork 1:''' ''...B7549, B7552...?''<br>
'''Glitched Clockwork 2:''' ''...Who organized these?''
----
'''Glitched Clockwork 1:''' ''...must finish before...''<br>
'''Glitched Clockwork 2:''' ''...{{Character}} arrives...''<br>
'''Glitched Clockwork 1:''' ''...really, though, doesn't matter...''<br>
'''Glitched Clockwork 2:''' '' ...shhh!''}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Series 7700 'Diamond' AI Board|Text=Parson was right, in one of the crates of his list you found the Series 7700 AI Board he asked for. It was bleeding edge a decade ago, but is still pretty powerful even by today's standards.}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=240 GW Fussion Bubble|Text=An old 240 Gigawatt Fussion Bubble. Considered too hazardous for civilian use, the 240 was shelved in favor of the Keyes-88 AntiMatter Coil. This bubble's hydrogen bottles are, thankfully, empty.}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Four Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pumps|Text=Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pumps were used for powering the limbs of the earliest construction Clockwork. Now, advanced carbon-nano-tube do the same job at a fraction of the size and weight.}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Axis-3 Flywheel Gyroscope|Text=The faint hum emanating from this Axis-3 tells you that the flywheels still have power. It's a very efficient gyroscope using the best in inertial nullifying technology to keep the gyro spinning almost indefinitely.}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Talking Clockwork|Text=Before it was just creepy, but now you are pretty certain that all of these Clockwork are finishing each other's sentences Something seriously wrong is going on here.}}
 
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
You got the parts! Great!
 
Wait. You fought off another band of hostile Clockwork? That's unsettling.
 
Wait, wait, wait... Wait.
 
When you said the Clockwork were talking you meant talking in their maintenance code, right?
 
No? What? They knew you by name?
 
Oh no... if they knew you by name, and that you were coming for those parts... that means they might know who I am and...
 
Susan...
 
==== {{UL|Part Three: Bait and Switch}} ====
 
===== {{UL|Check out Omnitek}} =====
 
{{Character}}! It isn't a malfunction in the hard lines... Gah, hold on, let me explain.
 
I sent the schematics over to a friend of mine at Omnitek to take a look at them while you were getting these parts. We were discussing them over a secure chat channel when she suddenly went offline.
 
I tried to contact her over the hard lines but I couldn't get through. I figured there was a communication disruption due to [[The Resistance|Resistance]] activity down in the tunnels again, but now that I check, Omnitek has gone completely silent. Whoever is behind this knows I transfered those schematics to Susan and now they've gone after her!
 
Please, {{Character}}, get Susan out of there before it's too late!
 
{{green|Check out Omnitek}}
 
If anything happens to her it's my fault. I'll alert the [[Praetorian Police Department|PPD]] while you're en route, hopefully they can lend you a hand.
 
And {{Character}}, please... please get her out of there safely. Susan doesn't know it, but she is more to me than just another colleague.
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
I still can't get ahold of anyone over at Omnitek.
 
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Omnitek may have gone silent to the outside world, but inside it is pandemonium.|Primary=Check out Omnitek|Secondary=Rescue Susan Beck
** Lead Susan Beck Out
|Additional=|Completion=You rescued Susan Beck, but it appears that it was all a ploy to draw you away from Alec Parson and MICIR.}}
 
 
'''Enemies'''
 
{{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}
 
{{Enemy Rogue Clockwork}}
 
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
 
* Susan Beck (Escort NPC)
:''Susan Beck is a colleague of Alec Parson. He sent her the Clockwork schematics that were discovered in the Signal Carrier you disabled in MICIR. Apparently that got the attention of whoever, or whatever, is controlling these Clockwork.''
 
* Lifter {{Named|Faction=Rogue Clockwork|Type=Glichted Lifter}} (Boss)
 
 
{{Ambush|''I won't let you leave''
 
'''After rescuing Susan Beck''' you will be ambushed by '''three groups''' of '''Rogue Clockwork'''}}
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Clockwork & Susan Beck dialogue|text=
'''Before Combat:'''
:'''Susan Beck:''' ''Just, let me go.''<br />
:'''Glitched Cleaner:''' ''I'm sorry Susan Beck...''<br>
:'''Lifter:''' ''... but I cannot allow you to leave.''<br />
 
'''Combat Start:'''
:'''Glitched Cleaner:''' ''You again...'' <br />
:'''Susan Beck:''' ''Am I glad to see you!''<br />
:'''Lifter:''' ''...good...''<br />
:'''Glitched Cleaner:''' ''...now Parson's lab...''<br />
:'''Lifter:''' ''...is vulnerable.''<br />
 
'''Once free:''' ''This is insane!''<br />
::''What is going on?''<br />
 
'''Ambush:''' ''I won't let you leave.''<br />
 
'''If left behind:''' ''Slow down there, chief!''<br>
 
'''If refound:''' ''Thank you... again.''<br>
 
'''If recaptured by Clockwork:''' ''Oh... uh... hi again!''<br>
 
'''At the mission exit:''' ''You've gotta make sure Alec is okay!''<br />
}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Alec Parson is in danger!|Text=You rescued Susan Beck, but the hostile Clockwork made it fairly clear that this was all a diversion just to draw you and the PPD away from Alec Parson and his lab at MICIR... where all the parts you got from Imperial Storage are currently held!}}
 
 
'''Mission Exit'''
 
Susan Beck is safe, but it would seem that whoever is controlling these Clockwork used her as bait to lure you away from Parson.
 
===== {{UL|Stop Clockwork in M.I.C.I.R.}} =====
 
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=It looks like Parson didn't get out in time, the place is thick with Clockwork, and you get the feeling that they won't be happy to see you.|Primary=Stop Clockwork in M.I.C.I.R.|Secondary=Rescue Alec Parson!|Additional=|Completion= You stopped the rogue Clockwork and rescued Alec Parson!}}
 
 
'''Enemies'''
 
{{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}
 
{{Enemy Rogue Clockwork}}
 
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
 
* Alec Parson (Escort NPC)
 
* Lifter {{Named|Faction=Rogue Clockwork|Type=Glichted Lifter}} (Boss)
 
 
{{Ambush|
 
'''After saving Alec Parson''' you will be ambushed by '''a single group''' of '''Rogue Clockwork'''}}
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Alec Parson and Clockwork dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:'''<br />
:'''Lifter:''' ''Be patient Mr. Parson...''<br />
:'''Glitched Sweeper:''' ''...this is for your own protection.''<br />
:'''Alec Parson:''' ''Who are you...?''<br />
 
'''Combat start:'''<br />
:'''Alec Parson:''' ''{{Character}}!''<br />
:'''Glitched Sweeper:''' ''Your efforts are wasted, {{Character}}...''<br />
:'''Lifter:''' ''...my work here is done.''<br />
 
'''Once free:''' ''Is Susan safe?''<br />
::''Get me out of here!''<br />
 
'''Ambush:''' ''This should slow you down, {{Character}}...''<br />
::''Pray that we do not meet again.''
 
'''If lost:''' ''{{Character}}?''<br>
 
'''If recaptured by Clockwork:''' ''What do you want?''<br>
 
'''If refound:''' ''Thanks for the hand... but they don't seem to want to actually hurt me. Weird.''<br>
 
'''At mission exit:''' ''This job doesn't pay me enough.''<br />}}
 
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
Those Clockwork were... They were talking!
 
They knew I had discovered something of interest with my research and were trying to destroy it! We must be getting close to the source of what's really going on here, {{Character}}, or they wouldn't have reacted so aggressively!
 
I'm relieved that Susan is alright. But for some reason I don't think whoever is controlling these Clockwork actually wants to hurt us. I wonder what it is they are really after. Who would those Clockwork schematics and parts be so important to?
 
You have a good eye in catching technical aspects most people would ignore. I'd definitely like to work again with you in the future, friend.
 
==== {{UL|Part Four: Crossed Signals}} ====
 
Now that I've calmed down a little I have something to show you.
 
The Clockwork data I was analyzing has a very curious anomoly. There is a bit of resurgent code that appears in the files, even in ones that have been completely wiped and had a fresh install. No matter what I do, the lines rewrite themselves back into the files all throughout the databanks.
 
What are the lines? Oh, they're '< BR >' and then '+t'. I assume 't' means time, though 't' is never defined. Anyway, the line is total gibberish, but I suspect that it has a lot more relevance than we think.
 
This prompted me to do some more digging and I found something very curious. Remember that strange signal being emitted from that first Clockwork who went rogue, the signal carrier? Well, I haven't been able to identify what sort of signal it was, or how it was transmitting it, but I've been searching the city for more signals like it and I finally found one.
 
I detected the signal at Megalith Storage. You should drop in and check it out.
 
{{green|Check out Megalith Storage}}
 
The signal seems to be fairly weak, so I'm guessing there isn't a lot of activity going on inside Megalith. Whoever it is behind this probably thinks they're safe there. Pay them a visit and see what you can find out. Meanwhile I'll do some additional research here, after I've called in a [[Praetorian Police Department|PPD]] security contingent that is.
 
Maybe I can find some background information on this strange line of code while you are working the other angle. I have a feeling we're very close, {{Character}}. Whoever is behind these rogue Clockwork attacks is soon going to regret it.
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
Have you checked out Megalith Storage yet?
 
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=You weren't exactly sure what you expected to find in here, but it certainly wasn't the Syndicate.|Primary=Check out Megalith Storage|Secondary=Question the Syndicate Leader|Additional=|Completion=You checked out Megalith Storage but ran into the Syndicate instead of the Clockwork you were expecting to find.}}
 
 
'''Enemies'''
 
{{Enemy Syndicate}}
 
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
 
* Gunther {{Named|Faction=Syndicate|Type=Telekineticist }} (Lieutenant)
:''Gunther Stevens is a psychic known to be working within the Syndicate. Like his fellows he continues to escape notice from the [[Seers]]  through some means of blocking their second sight. There is no way of telling how many dangerous psychics like Gunther exist under the protection of the Syndicate.''
* Lance {{Named|Faction=Syndicate|Type=Sword Master}} (Boss)
* Ms. Carmine {{Named|Faction=Syndicate|Type=Suit}} (Boss)
 
 
{{Ambush|
 
'''Near the entrance, after defeating the talking Syndicate thugs''' you will be ambushed by '''three waves''' of Syndicate thugs'''}}
 
{{Cutscene|Text=[[File:Small Contact Alec Parson.jpg|right|100px]]
''{{Character}}, this is Parson. The signal disappeared a short time before you arrived.''<br>
''I don't see it showing up anywhere else in the city.''<br>
''Continue your search of Megalith, there has to be some reason the signal was there.''
 
(some time later)
 
''Clockwork parts? Why would the Syndicate be investigating that?''<br>
''They must know something, {{Character}}. Find out what's going on from their leader.''<br>}}
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Syndicate Dialogue|text=
'''Group near the entrance:'''
:'''Before combat:''' ''Ma'am... yes, ma'ma, they only took Clockwork parts... We're looking into it. ''<br>
:'''Combat start:''' ''Ma'am, we have company. ''<br>
----
'''Ambush:'''
:'''Before combat:''' ''We've got intruders ''<br>
:'''Combat start:''' ''Ma'am, it's the Powers Division! ''<br>
----
'''Thugs investigating defeated Syndicate:'''
:'''Before combat:'''
::'''Syndicate 1:''' ''Man... whoever did this... ''<br>
::'''Syndicate 2:''' ''I'm telling you, these burn marks... they were Clockwork.''
 
:'''Combat start:'''
::'''Syndicate 2:''' ''...or [[Powers Division]]!''
----
'''Thugs investigating defeated Syndicate:'''
:'''Before combat:'''
::'''Syndicate 1:''' ''...you find out who's behind this and you find out NOW!''<br>
:'''Combat start:'''
::'''Syndicate 1:''' ''Hey, we got company.''<br>
::'''Syndicate 2:''' ''Something just came up.''
----
'''Gunther's group:'''
:'''Before combat:'''
::'''Gunther:''' ''This was done by powerful psychics''<br>
::'''Syndicate 1:''' ''[[Seers]]?''<br>
 
:'''Combat start:''' '' ''<br>
::'''Gunther:''' ''We aren't alone...''<br>
::'''Syndicate 2:''' ''What?''
----
'''Ms. Carmine and Lance:'''
:'''Before combat:'''
::'''Lance:''' ''Someone betrayed us! ''<br>
::'''Ms. Carmine:''' ''It could have been Octavian's men, or Masamoto's...''
}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=No Signal|Text=Even though Parson detected the same signal coming form Megalith Store, all you found were Syndicate thugs investigating the aftermath of an attack on some of their men. The remains of a single Clockwork Sweeper amidst a pile of Syndicate Adepts suggests that your mysterious Clockwork friends may have been to blame. Whatever happened here, you missed it.}}
 
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
Curious... I really didn't expect the Syndicate.
 
I wonder if the Syndicate might be involved in all of this somehow... the signal, the psychic anomoly... yes, I think that's it!
 
That strange carrier signal I detected when the Clockwork first reactivated in my labs, and then later when you went in to stop them. It wasn't a wireless signal... it was psychic!
 
==== {{UL|Finale}} ====
 
Why didn't I see this before? Agh, I've been so blind, it all makes perfect sense...
 
The Syndicate has shown signs of infighting lately. Someone in their organization must have figured out how to remotely control Clockwork with telekinetics or something. I'm no expert on the [[Syndicate]], but one thing I do know is that all of them have minor psychic capabilities. So it only stands to reason that some of them are much stronger than the initiates we see on the streets.
 
Psychically controlled Clockwork give them the ability to attack their rivals without fear of attracting the [[Praetorian Police Department|PPD]]'s attention! They make the perfect soldiers! That would explain why they were stealing Clockwork parts, and those new schematics I found!
 
Now that I know what I'm looking for, it's easy... See? There!
 
''Parson shows you an image on his digital work pad. It displays an overview of [[Imperial City]] covered with multi-colored swirls and dots. He jabs his finger at a cluster of white and purple dots over what appears to be Industry Avenue. ''
 
I accessed the Seer Network and looked at Megalith Storage during the time stamp when I detected that carrier signal earlier. There was a psychic surge at the same precise moment.
 
All I have to do is scan back through the last hour or so and with a bit of luck... there!  Twenty minutes ago a whole bunch of Clockwork went offline in a warehouse on the northeast side of Logos. At the same time... a psychic surge! I think we've just tracked down where our culprit is hiding out! I have a strong hunch that this is where they've been operating from the entire time, right under our noses!
 
Put an end to this, {{Character}}!
 
{{color|darkorange|'''Note: '''This mission is very challenging, you may wish to team up with another [[Powers Division]] member or two before you take it on. }}
 
{{green|Put an end to the Clockwork menace.}}
 
It didn't click until you told me about the Syndicate at Megalith Storage. I've been tracking Clockwork activity in the city since this whole debacle began, but to no avail. It wasn't until you mentioned the Syndicate and their psychic abilities that I tried cross referencing Clockwork anomalies with Seer reports on psychic surges.
 
Whenever our friends show up, the [[Seers]] have detected a psychic surge as well. I know the Syndicate have some psychic ability to mask themselves from the Seers and augment their fighting abilities, but mentally controlling Clockwork is a staggering psychic feat.
 
Whoever is responsible for this is an extremely powerful and dangerous psychic master.
 
Be careful, {{Character}}, they will likely know that you are coming.
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
Head to the warehouse and put a stop to this mechanical madness.
 
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=If the Syndicate are here, you haven't seen any evidence of their presence.|Primary=End the Clockwork Threat|Secondary=Defeat the Metronome Clockwork - 2:00
** Defeat Metronome
|Additional=|Completion=You destroyed the bizarre prototypes being constructed by the Clockwork.}}
[[Image:Prototypes1.jpg|thumb|250px|right|{{center|Metronome Prototypes}}]]
 
 
'''Enemies'''
 
{{Enemy Rogue Clockwork}}
 
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
 
* Metronome Prototype {{Named|Faction=Rogue Clockwork|Type=Glitched Lifter}} x5 (Boss)
 
 
{{Cutscene|Text=[[File:Small Contact Alec Parson.jpg|right|100px]]
 
''{{Character}}, Parson here. Something weird is happening...''<br />
''There... *static*... a lot of... *static*... it's disrupting comm...*static*...''<br />
''...Whoa! Psychic *static* the charts! *static* careful...*static*''<br />
}}
 
{{Cutscene|Text=[[File:Icon clue generic.png|right|100px]]
 
''{{Character}}...You should not have come here.''<br />
''My quarrel is not with you, {{Character}}. It is with another.''<br />
''Leave this place now, or your fate will be to join he who is most deserving to die.''<br />
''You cannot stop me, for I am without number. You cannot kill me, for I do not live.''<br />
''I am inevitability, {{Character}}. I am the rhythmic tapping of Death's fingers upon the booming drum of vengeance!'' <br />
 
''I... ''<br />
 
''Am... ''<br />
 
''Metronome!''<br />
}}
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Metronome Dialogue|text=
 
'''Metronome Prototype:''' ''This doesn't involve you, {{Character}}!''<br />
'''Metronome Prototype:''' ''This is between me...''<br />
'''Sweeper:''' ''...and [[Anti-Matter|Raymond Keyes]]''!<br />
'''Metronome Prototype:''' ''He's going to pay...''<br />
'''Sweeper:''' ''...pay for his treachery!''<br />
'''Metronome Prototype:''' ''He stole everything!''<br />
'''Sweeper:''' ''My work!''<br />
'''Sweeper:''' ''My life!''<br>
'''Sweeper:''' ''By the hands of the very machines he stole, his life will end as he ended mine!''<br />
}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Destroyed Prototype|Text=You destroyed a prototype Clockwork being built by the strange Rogue Clockwork. Whoever designed it was brillant, if not a little unstable.}}
 
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
An army of strange prototypes? Someone calling himself [[Metronome]] and vowing revenge against Doctor Keyes for stealing his work and his life?
 
Wait... Metronome. Why is that familiar...?
 
Time... a metronome keeps time... time is 't'... < BR > plus 't'...
 
{{Character}}! That wasn't code, it was a name! Or rather, a signature! Let me explain.
 
Raymond Keyes had an assistant during the time he invented the Clockwork. A brilliant scientist in his own right by the name of Russell Brandt. Brandt died a month before Keyes unveiled the Clockwork to the world. He used to sign his documents with a combination of hacky computer code and a play on his own last name. '< BR >' '+' 't'... Br-and-t... Russell Brandt!
 
You said that the Clockwork claimed that Doctor Keyes had betrayed and murdered him. Maybe Brandt knew what Keyes was planning and planted a virus in the Clockwork to exact vengeance later?
 
But that doesn't explain the psychic energy we detected. Maybe Brandt is controlling the Clockwork from beyond the grave? Or maybe it wasn't Brandt at all, but a third party using his name to draw suspicions away from the true puppeteer.
 
Whatever the case, he's beaten. But I have a feeling that this isn't the last we've seen of 'Metronome.'

Latest revision as of 21:35, 29 March 2022

Overview

Alec Parson
Alec Parson.jpg
Senior Researcher at MICIR
Zone Imperial City
Coordinates (-1440, -39, 705)[Copy]
Level Range 8-15
Introduced By == Level 8 ==
Interrogator Kang
Introduces == Level 8 ==
Investigator Whitworth
Enemy Groups
v • d • e

Alec Parson is a Praetorian contact in Imperial City at coordinates (-1440, -39, 705)[Copy] . His level range is 8-15. He is located approximately 73 yards NE of the Industry Avenue marker.


Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Contact Introduces

I've got someone I think you should meet.

Have you ever heard of Investigator Whitworth? The man is unsettling, but, I guess that's just because I'm an employee of M.I.C.I.R. and his job is to watch us like hawks. But that isn't what I wanted to tell you about him. He heard about you helping me out and said he wanted to meet you. If Whitworth needs your help it means someone made a very big mistake.

This contact I've introduced you to can probably move you along down the path you've chosen.

Information

Senior Researcher at MICIR, the Ministry of Intelligence Criminal Investigaton and Research.

Alec Parson is a senior forensic scientist working for MICIR, the Ministry of Information Criminal Investigation and Research. He has a passion for robotics and all things Clockwork related.

Prior to Introduction

If you're not here about the double-locked algorithm arrays that I requested, then I have no idea who you are or why you're here.

Initial Contact

You must be Character that was mentioned in the email. I'm Alec Parson, and I'm in charge of taking care of our city's security clockwork drones. Did you know that just one optical pattern recognition sensor on a Class G-22029 pre-production model creates more analogous cognitive feedback than ten officers combined?

Can you imagine it? If enough of these were installed around the city, we could let these robots take over all the policing duties! All I need to do is track down a few annoying bugs and then the system will be foolproof!

Of course, that isn't exactly possible right now. I could use your help.

Greeting

I have very little time to talk right now. There is so much code to compile, I might as well be a Verbrandt string-assistant. Sigh

Too Busy

Missing Too Busy Dialogue

Too Low Level

None

No More Missions

I'm still working on some coding changes to prevent anyone from tampering with our clockworks again. If I need anything, I'll let you know.

Store

Story Arc

Clock Face

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 9 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

The Clock Face

Sometimes, when you see a Clockwork, you think back to Alec Parson and your defeat of the entity known as Metronome. It's a case that you've come to remember as...

The Clock Face.

It all started when Alec Parson, a senior forensics scientist working at M.I.C.I.R., needed help disabling some Clockwork who had gone berserk in the M.I.C.I.R. labs. You discovered that the Clockwork were being controlled by some sort of remote signal, and disabling the signal carrier caused the Clockwork to revert to their normal functions.

Parson discovered that the Clockwork had been snooping through the M.I.C.I.R. databases looking for the location of some Clockwork parts. According to some schematics Parson located inside one of the Clockwork in the lab they were aiming to construct some sort of new prototype. You went down to Imperial Storage to head off the Clockwork before they could steal the parts and brought them back to Parson to study.

Parson was worried, however, that a colleague of his, Susan Beck, might be in danger. He had sent her the strange schematics and was talking to her about them when their connection was cut. You went over to Omnitek to make sure she was alright and discovered the place was overrun by more of the strange speaking Clockwork. After rescuing Susan you discovered that the attack on Omnitek was designed to lure you away from M.I.C.I.R. and Parson so that the Clockwork could attack there without you interfering. You raced back to M.I.C.I.R. and rescued Alec Parson.

Parson started searching for signals around the city similar to the original carrier signal and he pinpointed one in Megalith Storage. You arrived at Megalith intent on putting an end to the Clockwork attacks and instead found the place crawling with Syndicate agents. Apparently their people had fallen victim to a round of thefts from the same Clockwork.

Parson put two and two together and realized that the Clockwork weren't being controlled by a radio signal but rather a psychic signal. He scanned through the Seer records and discovered that with each case of the Clockwork attacking the Seers had detected a sudden psychic surge. Cross referencing that to Clockwork activity the event coincided with sudden signal loss to Clockwork. A surge had just occurred at an old abandoned tech lab, Parson was certain that the Clockwork were there. You arrived and Parson's transmission to you was cut. A booming mechanical voice came over the communicator warning you to stay out of its business. It called itself Metronome. You proceeded anyway and encountered a small army of prototypes being built by Metronome and destroyed them. With the army destroyed and no sign of the psychic responsible for their construction, you returned to Parson to get him caught up. Parson was intrigued with the possibility that the person calling itself Metronome could very well be Dr. Russel Brandt, one of the scientists responsible for the invention of the Clockwork alongside Dr. Raymond Keyes. He had died mysteriously a month before they were unveiled. Whether the good doctor had returned from the dead, or if Metronome was some sort of virus installed in all the Clockwork remained a mystery.

Part One: What's Your Malfunction?

Briefing

The PPD picked up some haywire Clockwork over in Nova Praetoria and brought them in. I was diagnosing a programming glitch in some of the malfunctioning Clockwork, but one of them overrode its dormant sub-routines, got up off of the examination table, and started accessing one of our databases. I tried to stop it, but it pushed me to the floor and pointed its wrist laser at me!

As if that wasn't enough to encourage me to leave, the other Clockwork started reactivating as well. As you've probably already guessed, I really need your help.

  • Help Parson with his Clockwork troubles

I don't know what exactly is going on in there, but I don't think we have any other options. I'm going to need you to shut them down the old fashioned way. Just try not to completely destroy them, or the lab. I want to analyze what happened and get to the bottom of this.

I'm pretty sure the first one that reactivated was some sort of Signal Carrier. If you deactivate the signal carrier then the others should return to normal operating parameters.

Parson hands you a small micro-communicator.

Here, I'll keep in contact with you through this communicator. I have access to MICIR's security feed so if anything strange starts happening, I'll let you know.

Alec Parson tells you something important.

Clue
Carrier Signal

Alec Parson told you that one of the Clockwork appeared to be emmiting an unusual signal. If you could find the source of that signal and disable it then it might return the other Clockwork to normal. Of course, the other option is to smash them all into submission.

Unecessary Solicitation

Have you dealt with the haywire Clockwork in the MICIR labs yet?

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map P Tech 30 Layout 10 01.png
Map: P_Tech_30_Layout_10_01

The MICIR labs are oddly quiet, and then you hear the faint whirring of Clockwork micro-motors.

  • Investigate Haywire Clockwork in M.I.C.I.R. facility
    • Disable the Signal Carrier

You've disabled the signal carrier and returned the malfunctioning Clockwork back to normal operating parameters.

Enemies

Rogue Clockwork
Praetorian Clockwork

Notable NPCs

This appears to be the signal carrier that Alec Parson told you about.
Character, this is Parson. Can you hear me?

Great. Alright, the Clockwork haven't reacted to you yet. I'll make sure the doors to the signal carrier are unlocked for you.

I also designated the signal carrier's location. You shouldn't have any trouble finding him.

(Upon defeating a group of mobs)

Character, I'm picking up some strange signatures in the lab.
The Clockwork are reacting to your arrival, Character. Be careful.

Ambush! At this point in the mission you will be ambushed by a group of Clockwork

(Upon defeating the ambush mobs)

Character, the Clockwork are accessing the MICIR mainframe!

This isn't a random malfunction, they're trying to steal classified information!

Shut down the signal carrier! It's the fastest way to stop them!
Clockwork Dialogue
Clue
Signal Neutralized

The Signal stopped as soon as the Dismantler was deactivated, returning any malfunctioning Clockwork in the lab to normal operating parameters.

Debriefing

Great job, Character, it looks like you managed to deactivate the signal carrier before it could transmit any data. I just hope you left enough of it intact for me to sift through the memory banks and see what it was after.

It appears we'll be working together more. Here, please take my cell number. It's my preferred way of communication.

Part Two: Pieces Parts

Briefing

Character. We lucked out. Despite trying to self destruct it looks like you managed to keep the Clockwork from completely destroying its memory chips. I sifted around through its memory and compared what pieces I could find with its path through our databases.

It looks like it was doing some shopping. Turns out it was very interested in Imperial Storage, a storage depot for Clockwork parts. I think it would be a good idea to get down there and see if whoever was behind that strange signal shows up.

  • Check out Imperial Storage

Oh, before I forget. I analyzed the files in the memory chips of all the Clockwork that were subjected to that carrier signal. You know, searching for any sort of hacking or file rewrites. Amazingly there were none, with one notable exception.

I found an entirely new data file in the memory of the signal carrier. It was a schematic for a Clockwork design, one I've never seen before.

Maybe I'm not giving this the gravity it deserves. You see, this schematic is far more advanced than anything I have ever seen! It makes amazing use of simple modifications to commonly existing parts. The design achieves staggering results. Frankly, I feel kinda inept that I didn't see it before, it's all so obvious seeing it all laid out like that.

Character, I'm very interested in testing these schematics out, but I have a feeling whoever embedded that file is going to make a grab for the parts first. I want you to stop them and bring the parts to me.

Parson gives you a list of Clockwork parts and crate numbers.

Clue
A Series 7700 'Diamond' AI Board

Parson told you that the schematics call for a Series 7700 'Diamond' AI Board. He marked down a lengthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number

Clue
A 240 GW Fusion Bubble

Parson told you that the schematics call for a Fusion Bubble. He marked down a lengthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number

Clue
Four Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pumps

Parson told you that the schematics call for four Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pump units. He marked down a lengthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number

Clue
An Axis-3 Flywheel Gyroscope

Parson told you that the schematics call for an Axis-3 Flywheel Gyroscope. He marked down a lengthy categorization number to be matched to a storage crate somewhere in the Imperial Storage spare parts depot. You should be able to find it with that number

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to get over to Imperial Storage and grab those Clockwork parts for me before whoever is behind this gets them.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map N Warehouse 30 Layout 01 03.png
Map: N_Warehouse_30_Layout_01_03

From the sound of it, you aren't the first one here.

  • Retrieve components from Imperial Storage
    • 4 Clockwork parts to retrieve

You got ahold of all the parts before the Clockwork could steal them.

Enemies

Rogue Clockwork
Praetorian Clockwork
Glitched Clockwork Dialogue
Clue
Series 7700 'Diamond' AI Board

Parson was right, in one of the crates of his list you found the Series 7700 AI Board he asked for. It was bleeding edge a decade ago, but is still pretty powerful even by today's standards.

Clue
240 GW Fusion Bubble

An old 240 Gigawatt Fusion Bubble. Considered too hazardous for civilian use, the 240 was shelved in favor of the Keyes-88 Antimatter Coil. This bubble's hydrogen bottles are, thankfully, empty.

Clue
Four Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pumps

Type-4V Dual Pneumatic Pumps were used for powering the limbs of the earliest construction Clockwork. Now, advanced carbon nano-tube 'muscles' do the same job at a fraction of the size and weight.

Clue
Axis-3 Flywheel Gyroscope

The faint hum emanating from this Axis-3 tells you that the flywheels still have power. It's a very efficient gyroscope using the best in inertial nullifying technology to keep the gyro spinning almost indefinitely.

Clockwork Dialogue

Debriefing

You got the parts! Great!

Wait. You fought off another band of hostile Clockwork? That's unsettling.

Wait, wait, wait... Wait.

When you said the Clockwork were talking you meant talking in their maintenance code, right?

No? What? They knew you by name?

Oh no... if they knew you by name, and that you were coming for those parts... that means they might know who I am and...

Susan...

Part Three: Bait and Switch

Briefing

Character! It isn't a malfunction in the hard lines... Gah, hold on, let me explain.

I sent the schematics over to a friend of mine at Omnitek to take a look at them while you were getting these parts. We were discussing them over a secure chat channel when she suddenly went offline.

I tried to contact her over the hard lines but I couldn't get through. I figured there was a communication disruption due to Resistance activity down in the tunnels again, but now that I check, Omnitek has gone completely silent. Whoever is behind this knows I transferred those schematics to Susan and now they've gone after her!

Please, Character, get Susan out of there before it's too late!

  • Check out Omnitek

If anything happens to her it's my fault. I'll alert the PPD while you're en route, hopefully they can lend you a hand.

And Character, please... please get her out of there safely. Susan doesn't know it, but she is more to me than just another colleague.

Check out Omnitek

Unnecessary Solicitation

I still can't get ahold of anyone over at Omnitek.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map P Tech 15 Layout 05 01.png
Map: P_Tech_15_Layout_05_01

Omnitek may have gone silent to the outside world, but inside it is pandemonium.

  • Check out Omnitek
    • Rescue Susan Beck
    • Lead Susan Beck Out

You rescued Susan Beck, but it appears that it was all a ploy to draw you away from Alec Parson and MICIR.

Susan Beck

Enemies

Praetorian Clockwork
Rogue Clockwork

Notable NPCs

  • Susan Beck (Escort NPC)
Susan Beck is a colleague of Alec Parson. He sent her the Clockwork schematics that were discovered in the Signal Carrier you disabled in MICIR. Apparently that got the attention of whoever, or whatever, is controlling these Clockwork.


Susan Beck Dialogue

Ambush! After rescuing Susan Beck you will be ambushed by three groups of Rogue Clockwork

Clockwork Ambush Dialogue
Clockwork Dialogue
Clue
Talking Clockwork

Before it was just creepy, but now you are pretty certain that all of these Clockwork are finishing each others' sentences. Something seriously wrong is going on here.

Susan Beck is safe, but it would seem that whoever is controlling these Clockwork used her as bait to lure you away from Parson.

Stop Clockwork in M.I.C.I.R.
Clue
Alec Parson is in danger!

You rescued Susan Beck, but the hostile Clockwork made it fairly clear that this was all a diversion just to draw you and the PPD away from Alec Parson and his lab at MICIR... where all the parts you got from Imperial Storage are currently held!

Unnecessary Solicitation

You get Parson's voice mail. Hi, you've reached Alec Parson. I'm probably neck deep in some sort of investigation right now, but I'll be sure to return your call as soon as I'm able. Have a great day.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map P Tech 30 Layout 04 01.png
Map: P_Tech_30_Layout_04_01

It looks like Parson didn't get out in time, the place is thick with Clockwork, and you get the feeling that they won't be happy to see you.

  • Stop Clockwork in M.I.C.I.R.
    • Rescue Alec Parson!
    • Lead Alec Parson out!

You stopped the rogue Clockwork and rescued Alec Parson!

Alec Parson

Enemies

Praetorian Clockwork
Rogue Clockwork

Notable NPCs


Alec Parson Dialogue

Ambush! After saving Alec Parson you will be ambushed by a single group of Rogue Clockwork

Clockwork Ambush Dialogue

Debriefing

Those Clockwork were... They were talking!

They knew I had discovered something of interest with my research and were trying to destroy it! We must be getting close to the source of what's really going on here, Character, or they wouldn't have reacted so aggressively!

I'm relieved that Susan is alright. But for some reason I don't think whoever is controlling these Clockwork actually wants to hurt us. I wonder what it is they are really after. Who would those Clockwork schematics and parts be so important to?

You have a good eye in catching technical aspects most people would ignore. I'd definitely like to work again with you in the future, friend.

Part Four: Crossed Signals

Briefing

Now that I've calmed down a little I have something to show you.

The Clockwork data I was analyzing has a very curious anomaly. There is a bit of resurgent code that appears in the files, even in ones that have been completely wiped and had a fresh install. No matter what I do, the lines rewrite themselves back into the files all throughout the databanks.

What are the lines? Oh, they're '< BR >' and then '+t'. I assume 't' means time, though 't' is never defined. Anyway, the line is total gibberish, but I suspect that it has a lot more relevance than we think.

This prompted me to do some more digging and I found something very curious. Remember that strange signal being emitted from that first Clockwork who went rogue, the signal carrier? Well, I haven't been able to identify what sort of signal it was, or how it was transmitting it, but I've been searching the city for more signals like it and I finally found one.

I detected the signal at Megalith Storage. You should drop in and check it out.

  • Check out Megalith Storage

The signal seems to be fairly weak, so I'm guessing there isn't a lot of activity going on inside Megalith. Whoever it is behind this probably thinks they're safe there. Pay them a visit and see what you can find out. Meanwhile I'll do some additional research here, after I've called in a PPD security contingent that is.

Maybe I can find some background information on this strange line of code while you are working the other angle. I have a feeling we're very close, Character. Whoever is behind these rogue Clockwork attacks is soon going to regret it.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Have you checked out Megalith Storage yet?

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map WAREHOUSE 30 LAYOUT 06 02.png
Map: WAREHOUSE_30_LAYOUT_06_02

You weren't exactly sure what you expected to find in here, but it certainly wasn't the Syndicate.

  • Check out Megalith Storage
    • Question the Syndicate Leader

You checked out Megalith Storage but ran into the Syndicate instead of the Clockwork you were expecting to find.

Enemies

Syndicate

Notable NPCs

Gunther Stevens is a psychic known to be working within the Syndicate. Like his fellows he continues to escape notice from the Seers through some means of blocking their second sight. There is no way of telling how many dangerous psychics like Gunther exist under the protection of the Syndicate.
Character, this is Parson. The signal disappeared a short time before you arrived.

I don't see it showing up anywhere else in the city.

Continue your search of Megalith, there has to be some reason the signal was there.
Syndicate Dialogue
Clockwork parts? Why would the Syndicate be investigating that?
They must know something, Character. Find out what's going on from their leader.

Ambush! After defeating the first group of Syndicate you will be ambushed by three waves of Syndicate thugs

Syndicate Ambush Dialogue
Syndicate Dialogue
Lance and Ms. Carmine Dialogue
Clue
No Signal

Even though Parson detected the same signal coming form Megalith Storage, all you found were Syndicate thugs investigating the aftermath of an attack on some of their men. The remains of a single Clockwork Sweeper amidst a pile of Syndicate Adepts suggests that your mysterious Clockwork friends may have been to blame. Whatever happened here, you missed it.

Debriefing

Curious... I really didn't expect the Syndicate.

I wonder if the Syndicate might be involved in all of this somehow... the signal, the psychic anomaly... yes, I think that's it!

That strange carrier signal I detected when the Clockwork first reactivated in my labs, and then later when you went in to stop them. It wasn't a wireless signal... it was psychic!

Finale

Briefing

Why didn't I see this before? Agh, I've been so blind, it all makes perfect sense...

The Syndicate has shown signs of infighting lately. Someone in their organization must have figured out how to remotely control Clockwork with telekinetics or something. I'm no expert on the Syndicate, but one thing I do know is that all of them have minor psychic capabilities. So it only stands to reason that some of them are much stronger than the initiates we see on the streets.

Psychically controlled Clockwork give them the ability to attack their rivals without fear of attracting the PPD's attention! They make the perfect soldiers! That would explain why they were stealing Clockwork parts, and those new schematics I found!

Now that I know what I'm looking for, it's easy... See? There!

Parson shows you an image on his digital work pad. It displays an overview of Imperial City covered with multi-colored swirls and dots. He jabs his finger at a cluster of white and purple dots over what appears to be Industry Avenue.

I accessed the Seer Network and looked at Megalith Storage during the time stamp when I detected that carrier signal earlier. There was a psychic surge at the same precise moment.

All I have to do is scan back through the last hour or so and with a bit of luck... there! Twenty minutes ago a whole bunch of Clockwork went offline in a warehouse on the northeast side of Logos. At the same time... a psychic surge! I think we've just tracked down where our culprit is hiding out! I have a strong hunch that this is where they've been operating from the entire time, right under our noses!

Put an end to this, Character!

Note: This mission is very challenging, you may wish to team up with another Powers Division member or two before you take it on.

  • Put an end to the Clockwork menace.

It didn't click until you told me about the Syndicate at Megalith Storage. I've been tracking Clockwork activity in the city since this whole debacle began, but to no avail. It wasn't until you mentioned the Syndicate and their psychic abilities that I tried cross referencing Clockwork anomalies with Seer reports on psychic surges.

Whenever our friends show up, the Seers have detected a psychic surge as well. I know the Syndicate have some psychic ability to mask themselves from the Seers and augment their fighting abilities, but mentally controlling Clockwork is a staggering psychic feat.

Whoever is responsible for this is an extremely powerful and dangerous psychic master.

Be careful, Character, they will likely know that you are coming.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Head to the warehouse and put a stop to this mechanical madness.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map BRANDT OLDLAB.png
Map: BRANDT_OLDLAB

If the Syndicate are here, you haven't seen any evidence of their presence.

  • End the Clockwork Threat
    • Destroy the Metronome Clockwork - 3:40
    • Defeat Metronome!

You destroyed the bizarre prototypes being constructed by the Clockwork.

Metronome Prototypes

Enemies

Rogue Clockwork

Notable NPCs


Character, Parson here. Something weird is happening...

There... *static*... a lot of... *static*... it's disrupting comm...*static*...

...Whoa! Psychic *static* the charts! *static* careful...*static*
Character...You should not have come here.

My quarrel is not with you, Character. It is with another.
Parson and Beck were not harmed.
Leave this place now, or your fate will be to join he who is most deserving to die.
You cannot stop me, for I am without number. You cannot kill me, for I do not live.
I am inevitability, Character. I am the rhythmic tapping of Death's fingers upon the booming drum of vengeance!
I...
Am...

Metronome!

Ambush! During the fight with the Metronome Prototypes you will be ambushed by multiple waves of Clockwork who will continue the dialogue.

Metronome Dialogue
Clue
Destroyed Prototype

You destroyed a prototype Clockwork being built by the strange Rogue Clockwork. Whoever designed it was brillant, if not a little unstable.

Debriefing

An army of strange prototypes? Someone calling himself Metronome and vowing revenge against Doctor Keyes for stealing his work and his life?

Wait... Metronome. Why is that familiar...?

Time... a metronome keeps time... time is 't'... < BR > plus 't'...

Character! That wasn't code, it was a name! Or rather, a signature! Let me explain.

Raymond Keyes had an assistant during the time he invented the Clockwork. A brilliant scientist in his own right by the name of Russell Brandt. Brandt died a month before Keyes unveiled the Clockwork to the world. He used to sign his documents with a combination of hacky computer code and a play on his own last name. '< BR >' '+' 't'... Br-and-t... Russell Brandt!

You said that the Clockwork claimed that Doctor Keyes had betrayed and murdered him. Maybe Brandt knew what Keyes was planning and planted a virus in the Clockwork to exact vengeance later?

But that doesn't explain the psychic energy we detected. Maybe Brandt is controlling the Clockwork from beyond the grave? Or maybe it wasn't Brandt at all, but a third party using his name to draw suspicions away from the true puppeteer.

Whatever the case, he's beaten. But I have a feeling that this isn't the last we've seen of 'Metronome.'

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