Ashling Corlett

Overview

Ashling Corlett, Hero Corps Reserve
Retired Hero Corps Field Analyst
Zone	Steel Canyon
Coordinates	(-4736.0, 0.0, 395.4)
Level Range	41-49
Introduced By	none
Introduces	none
Enemy Groups	Crey Paragon Protectors McCannfee Antivirus
Badges	Bound by NDA

Ashling Corlett is a hero contact in the Fools Gold District neighborhood of Steel Canyon at coordinates (-4736.0, 0.0, 395.4) . Her level range is 41-49. She is standing in front of a sidewalk planter between two pairs of benches, 164 yards NNE of the Bronze Way marker. Ashling Corlett was added in Issue 28 - Page 1.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

None, walk-up.

Contact Introduces

• None

Information

Retired Hero Corps Field Analyst

Ashling Corlett is a retired (but still on active reserve) member of Hero Corps. Following the destruction of Galaxy City she was invalided out of the service and given her pension without question.

Wrong Alignment

Your dossier is impressive, but you're missing a certain something. Come back when you're more definitively working in Paragon City's best interests.

Prior to Introduction

None, walk-up.

Too Low Level

It's Character, isn't it? There will be a time when I may need your help but that's not today. You have other wrongs to right before that.

You must be at least Security Level 41 to speak to this contact.

Contact Unlocked

None, walk-up.

Initial Contact

Welcome, Character! And a warm greeting from Hero Corps, Inc. If you are interested, Corporate has a contract open for someone like yourself, if you'd like to earn some income.

Greeting

This city is riddled with corruption, Character. Big companies literally getting away with murder, rewriting laws to suit themselves, eliminating their opponents and competitors... you get the point. If you want to know more then come back to me. We could get a lot of good work done. And maybe live to tell the tale...

Too Busy

Multi-tasking is one of the few things our kind don't do well. Come back to me when you've finished what you're on...

No More Missions

Character? Hi. I'm afraid my docket is blank right now - no work on the horizon at the moment.

Store

• Inspirations

Story Arc

Only Love Can Hurt Like This

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 20 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A Steel Canyon AE Ticket

One of the realities of being a hero, or as near to being a hero as circumstances allow, is that you don't always win. That's why you often refer to this moment in your career as:

'Only Love Can Hurt Like This'.

Sometimes you just have to take the rough with the smooth and carry on, hoping that maybe the next time you can make a bigger difference. That's pretty much what happened with you and Hero Corps' Ashling Corlett when she asked you to do some covert investigation for her into missing Hero Corps data misappropriated by Crey. It turned out to be far more insidious than that though. Your first task was to infiltrate a Crey facility and scour their computers for specific metadata identifiers.

You found most of Hero Corps' data, but the intel revealed the remainder, mainly genetic samples, might be found in a secret lab on the site of what should have been the Hero Corps HQ in Boomtown, back in 1999. There shouldn't have been anything there, and it definitely shouldn't be using Hero Corps genetic material.

Heading to the ruins of Boomtown you achieved entry into the site and proceeded to investigate. Inside you found a dingy but working lab, obviously an off-the-books black site. Things then got stranger as you encountered Paragon Protectors who were imitating Hero Corps members! They seemed confused, blurting out sentences as though having a conversation with someone not there. Several computers offered up clues as to what was going on - on one, a delivery manifest revealed that worked up samples were sent off site but no destination was listed; another had a heavily encrypted file that would need professional decoding. After defeating the befuddled clones and Lab Manager Wistermann you emerged into Boomtown and questioned local Trolls on the comings and goings around the area. They reluctantly told you that Crey choppers were seen arriving at night from the direction of Kallisti Wharf, unloading pods of some kind.

Corlett's response to your discoveries was anger and shock, the first true expression of such from her thus far, and wouldn't be the last. Examining the encrypted data file she recognized similarities with AE's tech and arranged for you to view the file as a simulation while she located the source of the choppers. Heading to the Steel Canyon AE you negotiated with the Junior Security Analyst, Neil. He took your capeDrive and converted the data into an AE story-data chit, and played dumb with a verbal expression of complete personal denial of the goings-on.

Entering the simulation you found a hastily rendered copy of the black site lab. At key points you were able to play parts of a recording made years previously - in it Countess Crey and an unnamed doctor conversed about a patient who had been exposed to a nerve agent and how to save him. Countess Crey seemed genuinely concerned about the patient, which ran contrary to the stone-cold persona she showed to the rest of the world. The recording revealed that the patient was Hopkins, the Countess' right hand man, while the nerve agent was the one which had been developed to place Count Alphonse Crey in a coma! The simulation ended with the Countess vowing to use her powers to save Hopkins, and directly meddling with his delicate state against the doctor's wishes.

Ashling was stunned by the revelations when you reported them - this was above her paygrade to deal with, so she escalated the operation right to the top and told Rebecca Foss, Hero Corps' owner. In the meantime she wanted you to rescue any remaining Hero Corps clones still in Crey's labs, as clones or not she still considers them Hero Corps members in duress.

You were dropped off under cover of night and entered the Crey lab. You encountered several clones and were forced to subdue them as you progressed. One of them seemed to be a composite of several personalities, not matching anything on your MIA dossier. Further in you found a captured hero, Shiverstrike, and freed her - despite the circumstances, she tended to the fallen and wounded immediately. You also encountered facsmiles of Crosswind and Feralina, incapacitating and medivac'ing them out. Finally you confronted Dr. Haverstrom, the Lead Geneticist, defeating him and recovering the last of the data.

Corlett was pleased with the result until she received a call from her boss. Countess Crey had contacted Rebecca Foss for a meeting to arrange a handover of any remaining copies of Hero Corps' files and gene data in exchange for the original video data you stole from the lab. The meeting was to take place in Jenkins & Jenkins law firm, neutral ground, in Kallisti Wharf. Devious to the end, Countess Crey moved the time of the meeting and you were late, unable to give your testimony at the rescheduled time - only arriving in time to find the deal already done and the Countess giving back 'old' data in exchange for the evidence that could bury her! Corlett was furious but at that moment she could do nothing but stand down and commiserate with you. Afterwards you found Corlett had a plan to take things further, not to mention the fire in the belly to carry it through.

Chapter One: Nostalgia

Briefing

Ashling Corlett seems calm but watching her carefully you can see she regularly glances around; particularly to her right, where Hero Corps has an office down the hill.

Character. You I've heard of. Good things too. Well, capable things. I hear you're discreet and can get things done. That's exactly what I need.

I'm Hero Corps in case that wasn't obvious. What isn't obvious is I'm a former Galaxy City officer. Got moved to the reserves after being injured in the Shivan attack.

You were about to say Hero Corps doesn't have reserves, yeah? 'Course you were.

Now that we have the formalities out of the way, Character... Let's talk about the real reason I've asked for your help. It involves the history of Hero Corps and a hunch that I swear I've been gas-lit into not investigating. Being in the 'reserves' keeps you from lots of things. I think Hero Corps has had some dealings with Crey and they don't want me to find out.

Yeah, now you're getting it. Crey is slicker than greased... well, pretty slippery. Getting any proof against them is always tricky.

You think I want you to find something on them? No. We already have proof. What I discovered when I got it, now that's why -you're- here.

Are you interested?

• Sure. I'm a hero. It's what we do. A pay check won't go amiss either.

I have access to funds, Character. Hero Corps and Crey go back a ways. They supported us when we were setting up in Paragon and we believed they were like most companies, although admittedly looking for all the technically legal loopholes, because that's how the corporate world works, but still above board.

We've had reason to change our minds on that. We lost vital data in the Shivan attack so an audit was needed. Turns out we had more missing than we thought. Some of which dated to our partnership with Crey. Only they could have taken it.

So we set up a sting. We told Crey this data was lost in Galaxy and asked them to retrieve it for us. Seems they have limited access to the ruins.

And they found some of the data for us. Charged a hefty fee too! But they returned data that had never been in Galaxy. So obviously they have the rest of it and we want it back. We've gone through the metadata of what was returned and sorted gaps in the identifiers. You find those missing sections and download them. Get in, get the intel and get out. Here's what you need to look for.

She hands you a tablet. There's also a spoofed digipass to get you in. I booked a flight with a local helicopter. Don't let the branding fool you, they're on payroll. Do be a dear and don't die, okay?

Unnecessary Solicitation

That was fast. Ah, you don't have the files yet. Ok, the mission is still active, so get in there before they get wise to us.

Don't worry, I've appropriated funds for this, you'll get paid. See you soon.

Mission Objective(s)

The spoofed pass provided by Corlett only works for roof access to get you to the first floor. After that things may get... interesting.

• Search Crey Facility for Hero Corps Files
  • Find the missing data
  • 4 items to sabotage (Optional)
  • Defeat the lead researcher
  • Defeat all Crey

Having scrubbed the CCTV along the way, you rendezvous with the helicopter and make a circuitous return to Ashling Corlett.

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Researcher Herschorn (Crey Gamma Tank Boss)

Patrol Dialogue

Before Combat:
Crey 1: Something's up. Boss is on alert. Why would Malta take a run at us in Kallisti of all places?
Crey 2: I'm pretty sneaky when I play video games... makes sense to strike the least expected places.
Combat Start:
Crey 1: Whoa. A super in the motherland! Get them! Now!
Crey 2: Hah! Told you! -Never- play Bastions and Burrows with me as the DM. Fire on Character!

Researcher Herschorn Dialogue

Before Combat: No, check the cameras again. We're far too small for that kind of attention from Malta.
Combat Start: Supers? HERE? Something's very wrong! Get them!

Editor's Note:

Sabotaging all four items (canister glowies) will award the character one Vigilante Alignment Point.

Hero Corps Data Set

You found a data set in the Crey building matching most, but not all, of the specifications given by Corlett. There are a few discrepancies due to Crey's reorganizing of the files. Initially it seems that Corlett's mission is over but those discrepancies reveal that the missing intel, comprising gene data, might be found in a lab in Boomtown. A set of coordinates is given, and a password for access to the site.

Debriefing

Corlett nods appreciatively when she sees you have a data packet.

Good work, Character. The security detail mentioned Malta? Well, we're not, but the spoofed pass was.

Ok, let's see what we have here.

She slots the memory capsule into her tablet.

One second, I'm just checking for trojans. Hmm, looks fine. General Crey nonsense... security protocols... there we are. Identifier codes. Jackpot! These are our codes. Not all of them, but you've managed to grab 80% of what was missing.

She frowns and scrolls down a bit.

This is odd. There's a map reference to a black site lab in Boomtown, and I know these coordinates! Bein Lab 4, whatever that is, is situated exactly where Hero Corps was trying to build their HQ in Baumton back in 1999! So, let's take a look at what Crey is hiding from us.

I'm glad to have trusted you. Let's keep moving.

Chapter Two: Unearthing the Past

Briefing

I don't know how much of Hero Corps' history in Paragon you know. Back in 1999 HC's original HQ in Overbrook - Faultline as it's known now - was destroyed by a gang of mysterious soldiers in power armor. Yeah, that does seem suspicious in hindsight, doesn't it?

Corlett shrugs.

Anyway, afterwards Countess Crey announced that she and her company would sponsor HC's restoration, starting with a new HQ in Baumton. That HQ was never built. Well, after the Jade Maiden incident, public opinion was against us and we bought space in Steel Canyon instead.

And now you've found map coordinates for a Crey lab on our original Boomtown site. So, are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Warning: Enemies in this mission may be tougher than you are expecting. You may want to recruit a teammate, or restock your inspirations.

• Unfinished business and corporate treachery?

Exactly. It looks like this Bein Lab 4 is underneath where Hero Corps was going to build their HQ. What's Crey hiding in the ruins of Boomtown, Character? Apart from the rest of our missing assets. Check it out and report back to me.

Unnecessary Solicitation

What have you discovered? High security? That was to be expected. Don't worry, I've appropriated unsigned funds for this; you'll get paid. See you soon.

Mission Objective(s)

Walking into a lab that shouldn't exist at all - seems typical of Crey from all the rumors.

• Investigate Bein Lab 4
  • Look for clues
  • Look for Hero Corps data
  • Look for anything unusual
  • Find the doctor's notes
  • 4 items to sabotage (Optional)
  • Defeat the lab manager

It is now imperative to find where the Crey deliveries were coming from. Time to chat with the locals.

Enemies

Crey

Paragon Protectors

Notable NPCs

• Hero Corps Clone x4 (Paragon Protectors 9th Generation Hero Corps Clone)
• Lab Manager Wistermann (Crey Boss) This lab manager is in way over his head.

Editor's Note:

Each of the four Hero Corps Clones is a different variety of 9th Generation Hero Corps Clone, with different powers.

Patrol Dialogue

Before Combat:
Paragon Protector 1: Did you hear it?
Paragon Protector 2: I did hear it. Something is out of place.
Combat Start:
Paragon Protector 1: Metahumans! Engage them, full force!
Paragon Protector 2: Halt, evildoers! This lab is under Crey protection!

---

Before Combat:
Paragon Protector 1: Something is wrong.
Paragon Protector 2: Let us find the problem.
Combat Start:
Paragon Protector 1: Invalid personnel. Remove and report.
Paragon Protector 2: Engaging at maximum force.

---

Before Combat:
Crey 1: I told you, right? Easy assignment. This place is so underground I doubt anyone outside of the top brass even knows it's here.
Crey 2: I appreciate the peace and quiet, for sure. Just wish they'd run a mop through this place, you know?
Combat Start:
Crey 1: Oh, what? Character is here? Come on. Get them!
Crey 2: I can't believe you jinxed the easiest job we've had all year.

---

Before Combat:
Paragon Protector 1: Defend this facility.
Paragon Protector 2: I live to serve.
Combat Start:
Paragon Protector 1: Defend this facility!
Paragon Protector 2: We protect Crey!

Console Intel

Scouring the console for intelligence reveals the missing Hero Corps genetic data has been plugged into an experiment on another floor of the facility. Further examination descends into medical jargon and minutiae.

Ice Clone Dialogue

Before Combat:
Hero Corps Clone: If only father could see me now.
Combat Start:
Hero Corps Clone: Bringing the future to life!
Hero Corps Clone: Triage the recruits, stabilize that wall!

Dual Blades Clone Dialogue

Before Combat:
Hero Corps Clone: I am Crey, I am the future that was promised!
Combat Start:
Hero Corps Clone: Ellis, Ellis are you okay? Bomb went off. I'm bleedin' but I'm good. Where's Feralina?

Claws Clone Dialogue

Before Combat:
Hero Corps Clone: Ellis! I smell something. Smells like food. Foss throwing a party?
Combat Start:
Hero Corps Clone: Run! Run! Bomb in the wall! Trap!

Fire Clone Dialogue

Before Combat:
Hero Corps Clone: Temperature critical. Mentor, please intervene.
Hero Corps Clone: Duty, power, responsibility!
Combat Start:
Hero Corps Clone: Threat detected! Corporate assessment? ...None? Defend!

Doctor's Notes

These notes detail experimental procedures performed on clones involving an engineered nerve agent. Success has been extremely limited, with the nerve agent severely damaging the majority of the clones.

Encrypted Data Set

You found what appears to be another data set, though it is heavily encrypted and will need external decryption to read. It was found in a security terminal, which is odd, but not unexpected for Crey, who seem like the type to stash things in unexpected places in case of sabotage.

Delivery Manifest

The delivery manifest documents samples of possible viable genetic material, worked up analyses of the effects of the nerve agent on those samples and notes they have been sent off site. The destination space is unsurprisingly blank. The only other notable information is a reference to CR-GEN10-BATCH00003-MR-000 in another field towards the bottom.

Lab Manager Wistermann Dialogue

Before Combat: All these years, and still the process manages to surprise me. Move the next batch to VR learning.
Combat Start: Hmmm? Supers? How did you even know about this place?

Editor's Note:

Sabotaging all four items (crate glowies) and then completing the mission awards the character one Vigilante Alignment Point.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We need local interrogation to find out more about the goings-on from that lab, especially the deliveries and transports. Break some teeth, get some answers!

Mission Objective(s)

• Interrogate Boomtown Trolls
  • Defeat 10 Trolls

The Trolls can be quite talkative when persuaded.

Split lips and knuckles

Trolls like a good old fashioned 'interrogation'. So much so that the last one 'spoken to' rambles on about Crey choppers arriving in the night from Kallisti Wharf and unloading pods of some kind. It shouldn't be too hard to find out where they came from.

Unnecessary Solicitation

There's no way you're sending that data over any network to me. Please deliver your capeDrive to me in person to eliminate the possibility of snoops.

Mission Objective(s)

• Return to Corlett with the Dataset

Ashling Corlett

Briefing

Ashling transfers the data and begins to dig into it as best she can.

• (Leave)

Debriefing

Corlett's mood goes from calm to furious when listening to your report.

They were babbling about 'Ellis' and a bomb? Heavens above, those were Hero Corps members! Clones of Hero Corps members! This is bad, Character. This is very bad. It's gone beyond data theft now and into, I don't know, some sort of body snatching? Trouble is I don't know if it's even illegal but it's definitely wrong.

She pulls out her phone and starts making a call.

Jelena in Kallisti should be able to give us a heads up on where those choppers originated. In the meantime let's see if we can get that data you retrieved decrypted. I can only tell from a few corrupt headers that the data shares some markings with another familiar system...

Nothing short of fate could have brought this kind of working relationship to us.

Chapter Three: Echoes

Briefing

Character, I'll have a location for those choppers soon. Jelena - she owes me a favor or three - is on the case, but she needs to be... hold on.

Corlett checks her phone, mutters to herself and then checks her tablet.

Okay, we have the data converted to a readable form. Sort of. The data includes 3D rendered CCTV and extrapolated maps, so it's been converted to a raw Architect Entertainment template. Aeon's smart, but he also stole code from Crey to make the Architect Interface engine in the first place, so the data is startlingly compatible between the systems. We'll need to convert it, boot it up, and then go inside. Nearest AE building is...

• Steel Canyon, I'm betting.

Here in Steel Canyon. Neil, by the front desk, will be able to help. Get him to convert it and then plug yourself in to check it out.

As for the other stuff you found in the Bein lab? CR-GEN10-BATCH00003-MR-000 and so on? I have no idea. Put a pin in that for later.

Unnecessary Solicitation

There's a code glitch? Just don't log off in there.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Neil at Architect Entertainment

Neil

Briefing

Neil looks up with vague recognition of your face. He locks the screen on his security laptop, which was in the midst of a wide-sweeping ban of fan-service story arcs featuring Ghost Widow.

Hm. Character, was it? You don't quite look like the ID photo A.C. gave me. But close enough. She said you have a sensitive item you want to try and convert?

• Indeed I do. Discreetly. (Hand him the CCTV data)

Neil takes the blue and orange capeDrive and connects an unfamiliar data wire to a port at the end of the transport chassis, and the other end into his laptop.

Let's see here...

Neil looks you dead in the eyes.

For reasons you and I should find obvious, I have not looked at any of the data within, have no reckoning of its contents, and certainly will disavow all knowledge of this meeting ever taking place.

• I understand.

Neil hands a data chit back to you, along with your orange and blue capeDrive.

No problem, sir / madam. Plug this data chit into the console upstairs and you and your loved ones can celebrate the... birth of your niece... once again!

Neil leans in to whisper.

The data is widely incomplete and corrupt - calling for textures and data structs that can't be resolved quickly. A.C. told me this would have to be a rush, so please don't come back complaining if the simulation isn't perfect.

• Thanks, Neil.

• (Stare back at Neil, dumbstruck)

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I have no idea what you're talking about.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• (Loudly) Oh, yes! Thank you for saving my holiday video, sir!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Unnecessary Solicitation

There's a code glitch? I suppose turning it off and on again should work.

Mission Objective(s)

This is Bein Lab 4, but the data is very corrupt. Hopefully something useful is in here.

• View the CCTV rendering
  • View the first video fragment
    • View the second video fragment
      • View the third video fragment
        • View the fourth video fragment
          • View the last video fragment
        • WARNING - GLITCH DETECTED!

You didn't think in a thousand missions that you'd ever see video footage of the Countess in a state of weakness, showing affection, or admitting to playing a part in her husband's condition.

Enemies

McCannfee Antivirus

Notable NPCs

• Doctor Generic (NPC)
• Countess Crey (NPC)
• Hopkins (NPC)

This AE file needs some debugging

First Video Fragment

Countess Crey: Are you serious? This sounds like negligence.
Doctor Generic: You granted me permission to speak candidly, long ago. Does that apply still?
Countess Crey: Yes, you've earned it.
Doctor Generic: Well then, I did tell you that the agent was a bad idea from the very beginning, that something like this could happen.
Countess Crey: Careful, no amount of gratitude will excuse bullish I-told-you-so's.
Doctor Generic: Understood. Do you want to see him?
Countess Crey: Yes.

Video Fragment 1

The relationship between Countess Crey and this 'Doctor' seems to be one that's endured for a long time. Still, the Countess maintains an upper hand in the discourse, posturing with her authority. Someone's been incapacitated and she's showing more empathetic concern than you've ever seen from her public demeanor.

Second Video Fragment

Countess Crey: Tell me how it happened.
Doctor Generic: We're not sure how he was exposed, but the dose was small. Still, he's practically catatonic.
Countess Crey: A small dose? This reeks of sabotage. That compound was only meant for you-know-who. I need that man. I need answers.
Doctor Generic: You will get answers, if we can bring him around. We only have partial notes on the antidote - since Bein's been gone for over three years now, progress is split understanding his mind and implementing on theory.
Countess Crey: I have faith in your skills. Don't make me regret our deal.
Doctor Generic: Why, my lady... I would never. My loyalty to you is ironclad.
Countess Crey: Good.

Video Fragment 2

The doctor admits that the substance in play is a nerve agent, and that the exposure was accidental. The Countess is somewhat paranoid and suspicious.

Third Video Fragment

Countess Crey: I can sense fear and paranoia, Doctor. Is everything okay?
Doctor Generic: Everyone who works here knows that they are well cared for when they support the company's best interests, ma'am. They also greatly fear the cost of failure.
Countess Crey: The cost of failure? Doctor, everyone who's ever been disciplined or let go has gone on to greater things.
Doctor Generic: I believe that.
Countess Crey: You do, I'm sure. Do they?
Doctor Generic: I lack the ability to say for sure. The results speak for themselves... but out of fear or dedication, I cannot say.
Countess Crey: ...Not the answer I was hoping for.

Video Fragment 3

A discussion springs up while they tour the lab about employee morale. Implications are brought forth about Crey Corporation's treatment of poor-performing or unemployable personnel. The Countess again postures with her position and authority to exert pressure on the doctor.

Fourth Video Fragment

Countess Crey: Doctor, please stop. I can tell that there's a lot being hidden from me today.
Doctor Generic: *sighs* Hardly, ma'am. I just didn't want to risk an argument in front of the employees. It's not good for morale, after all.
Countess Crey: It sounds like hiding information to me. Come on, out with it.
Doctor Generic: We all know you need him. We don't know if he's going to survive in telometric stasis like... the first. And we're all greatly concerned for our futures if he doesn't pull through.
Countess Crey: Why would you wait this long to tell me this?
Doctor Generic: I'm hoping that pity for his situation will stay your hand and calm your heart.
Countess Crey: ...Oh.

Video Fragment 4

The Countess confronts the doctor for his somewhat evasive and dodgy manner about the situation. He reveals that he didn't want to expose the staff to any potential ugliness from either party when the situation is fully explained; such a conversation could prove devastating for an employee to overhear.

Ambush! Messing with the glitched, out-of-place bomb triggers an ambush by five waves of McCannfee AntiVirus.

Gremlin 1: [CODE ERROR #CSF_AD_NT_001]

Gremlin 2: [INVALID CODE IDENTIFIED]

Gremlin 1: [EXECUTE #PURGE]

Gremlin 2: [BEGINNING QUARANTINE]

Last Video Fragment

Countess Crey: How long has he been like this?
Doctor Generic: About 72 hours. He's resisting it much more than your h... than Patient Zero did.
Doctor Generic: He's in complete physical homeostasis. His telomeres are completely degradation-free. It's like an eternal prison within the mind.
Countess Crey: You said he's resisting, is he showing any signs of overcoming it on his own?
Doctor Generic: Quite the opposite. His neural activity is fighting the situation with every neuron and synapse he has, but the result is like he's fighting quicksand.
Doctor Generic: We had notes on a partial treatment from Bein, and we're using it... all we can do now is wait.
Countess Crey: I don't wait. I act. Stand aside, I'll use my gifts to help him.
Doctor Generic: But ma'am, there's so much we don't know! This could kill him!
Countess Crey: I. Said. I. Act. Do not question me.
Countess Crey: You've run out your debt, Doctor.
Countess Crey: Lock down the lab. Mhmm. Everyone but the Doctor goes into reclamation for Project Locke.
Doctor Generic: What? Ma'am, no! I need my staff!
Countess Crey: We'll give you a new staff, one with better morale. And if you ever speak of Alphonse again, I'll dose you next.

Video Fragment 5

The patient is revealed to be Hopkins, placed in a homeostatic coma from exposure to the nerve agent. His situation mimics 'Patient Zero', which you assume to mean Count Crey himself. the Countess intervenes in Hopkins' struggle with some kind of mental boost, the results of which are not shown.

Shadows on the Screen

The AE reconstruction provided what appears to be evidence that Countess Crey treated Hopkins for exposure to the same nerve agent that left her husband in a coma. A nerve agent, and a partial treatment, derived from the work of a former Crey employee, Rudolph Bein. The Countess has always denied any knowledge of the events surrounding Count Crey's condition, so if this reconstruction is accurate it could prove a challenging complication to her notoriously slippery and effective legal evasions.

Debriefing

Corlett is silent for several uncomfortable seconds after hearing your report. She seems to snap out of it abruptly when she's done processing it.

Seriously? That's... I don't know what to say to that. You literally have proof that Countess Crey poisoned her husband. Well, evidence. Actually being able to prove it is another thing entirely.

And while we're at it, we need to investigate this entire lab's staff being 'processed' for Project Locke. From the fallout of Manticore's expedition, that must mean this lab unwillingly contributed their genomes to the Revenant project. This is -bombshell- news if we can apply it correctly. We may finally have the 'smoking gun' we need to show the world what Crey really is! This is way above my paygrade. I need to call Rebecca Foss about this.

Jelena got back to me while you were in sim, and we have a location in Kallisti Wharf for our missing Hero Corps clones, or members. Whatever they might be, even though they fought you, they're still our people and were being experimented on with this nerve agent. No hero left behind.

Chapter Four: Panning for Gold

Briefing

Corlett's calm demeanor has returned.

The clones you found in Boomtown that were being experimented upon, it looks as if they weren't generated there but brought in on the choppers from Kallisti Wharf. We have a location, and a reasonably well defined pattern of security rotations to get you in the back door. We can't risk a direct approach, because something about optics - I'll be honest with you, I tuned out at that part of the workshop. Here's the location, it's darn close to Crey HQ. You're going to have to parachute in from just outside the warwalls under cover of night. There's a gap in security rotations at 23:08. You should be able to stick the landing, wait for your moment, and take the service elevator straight down to R&D. I'm also giving you a list of missing or deceased members - if you encounter anyone, you might be able to tell who they are.

Warning: Enemies in this mission may be tougher than you are expecting. You may want to recruit a teammate, or restock your inspirations.

• I'm ready to move if you are.

Corlett hands you a set of coordinates and a prayer book.

...Just in case you need it. Jelena is a bit shady, but she's also a straight talker. You have to be in her line of work, because trust is everything in covert ops. Ok, get to the chopper, our wingman is paid up 'til Tuesday. Find our people, whatever state they're in, and... well, if you can get them out that would be good... but do what you feel is right. Some more incriminating evidence on Crey wouldn't go amiss either. Don't get killed. I'm getting used to you.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Ashling Corlett cannot answer right now. Please leave a message.

Mission Objective(s)

You have no idea what to expect. This feels like getting close to the 'nuclear codes' of Crey.

• Search for Hero Corps clones
  • Free the hostage hero!
  • 3 'heroes' to recover
  • Take down the manager

With the clones freed and the data recovered you blink yourself into the chopper and contact Corlett.

Enemies

Crey

Paragon Protectors

Notable NPCs

• Codename: Backtalk (Paragon Protectors 9th Generation Hero Corps Clone)
• Codename: Scratchpost (Paragon Protectors 9th Generation Hero Corps Clone)
• Codename: Kitbash (Paragon Protectors 9th Generation Hero Corps Clone)
• Dr. Hackett (Crey Scorpinoid Deathstalker)
• Codename: Desert Freeze (NPC)
• Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom (Crey Elite Gamma Tank)

Hackett and Desert Freeze Dialogue

Before Combat:
Dr. Hackett: My word, you're a stubborn one. Every time we revive you, I swear you get -meaner-. How is that possible?
Combat Start:
Dr. Hackett: Code red! Code red! Heroes in the nest! ATTACK!
On Rescue:
Codename: Desert Freeze: I'm in no condition to be fighting right now. I'll help tend to the fallen and wounded wherever you are treating them.

Backtalk Dialogue

Before Combat:
Codename: Backtalk: I ain't listening to these orders. Y'all need surgery to remove your heads from where you lodged them.
Combat Start:
Codename: Backtalk: Oh golly, here comes trouble.
First Blood:
Codename: Backtalk: Listen here Quarter, just because we're from the same region doesn't mean we have comradery.
75% Health:
Codename: Backtalk: Ellis and Dream are gonna be asking lots of questions 'bout that longshot, Vanessa.
50% Health:
Codename: Backtalk: Crey will help! Crey always has our backs!
25% Health:
Codename: Backtalk: Oh, those two-timing suits... they're taking us for a ride!
On Defeat:
Codename: Backtalk: Please... make the madness stop. I can't keep taking sleeping medication like this!

Scratchpost Dialogue

Before Combat:
Codename: Scratchpost: I feel good, but numb. Why can't I feel my hands?
Combat Start:
Codename: Scratchpost: Villains! The nerve! Crey has done nothing wrong. MrrrrRRROWR!
First Blood:
Codename: Scratchpost: Ow, it hurts! Ellis, I need backup!
75% Health:
Codename: Scratchpost: Wait... who's Ellis? I can't remember.
50% Health:
Codename: Scratchpost: I need help!
25% Health:
Codename: Scratchpost: Someone will pay for this... where am I?
On Defeat:
Codename: Scratchpost: Please... no more sleep syrup...

Ambush! Reducing Codename: Scratchpost to 50% health triggers an ambush by two waves of Paragon Protectors.

Paragon Protector 1: Defense protocol executed.

Paragon Protector 2: Metahuman detected.

Paragon Protector 1: Eliminate and preserve.

Paragon Protector 2: Preserve and catalog.

Kitbash Dialogue

Before Combat:
Codename: Kitbash: I am... we are... we cannot keep it straight.
Combat Start:
Codename: Kitbash: We will discuss my identity later. I must defend the homestead now.
First Blood:
Codename: Kitbash: Downrange, cover me!
75% Health:
Codename: Kitbash: Are we seriously recruiting a magical prank to the team?
50% Health:
Codename: Kitbash: A mummy? Am I living in a cartoon?
25% Health:
Codename: Kitbash: Thermal suppressors stressed. Mentor, please advise.
On Defeat:
Codename: Kitbash: Core temperature dropping.
Codename: Kitbash: Give Neon my regards.

Ambush! Reducing Codename: Kitbash to 50% health triggers an ambush by two waves of Crey.

Crey 1: Specimen compromised!

Crey 2: Trouble in the lab!

Crey 1: Kill Character!

Crey 2: No witnesses!

A Tortured Composite

At least one cloned hero didn't match any records you had on you - this clone seemed to be several people at once, an experience that left them distraught and bewildered.

Haverstrom Dialogue

Before Combat:
Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom: Heroes found a way in. Be ready.
Combat Start:
Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom: I'm not ready for this, but the armor certainly helps.
First Blood:
Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom: Brace for contact!
75% Health:
Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom: Scan! Always scan! Everyone's got a weakness!
50% Health:
Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom: Use the science, people! That's what we're here for!
25% Health:
Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom: When this is over, make sure they're tagged and catalogued!
On Defeat:
Lead Geneticist, Dr. Haverstrom: Gah... why. Why can't we ever finish the work...?

Friends in Need

With Dr. Haverstrom down, you can breathe a little easier knowing that any remaining clones of Hero Corps personnel will be released from their captivity in Crey's labs and medi-ported for assessment and treatment without incident.

Debriefing

Excellent work, Character! Our people are recovering and we'll question them properly soon. Corlett shakes her head.

Some of them are people who have been dead for years! But they appear to have all their old memories. A few others are duplicates of current Hero Corps members, though obviously younger. I'm not sure what the boss is going to make of that.

Corlett's phone rings.

And there she is, right on time.

Finale: Consequences

Briefing

Corlett is deep in conversation.

Yes. I see. I see. And you want... Uh huh. Ok. Yes ma'am. I will.

Corlett clears her throat before continuing.

Well, Character, we have a peculiar situation to deal with. It seems Countess Crey has contacted Ms. Foss personally to arrange a... handover of material. As in the material that incriminates her in Alphonse Crey's poisoning. In exchange we get the last of our missing data and gene samples.

• And that's it? She gets away again?

Ashling Corlett grins.

Oh, let's you and me worry about that later. Right now we have a meeting to attend on neutral ground. One of Chris Jenkins' offices in Kallisti Wharf. We go in, we make the swap, sign a few papers and the deal is done. Later? Well, who knows?

Unnecessary Solicitation

I better not be waiting for you at Jenkins' office, Character. This is too big to ignore.

Mission Objective(s)

Crey pulled a fast one and bumped the meeting time up at the last moment - typical.

• Meet with Countess Crey on neutral ground
  • Meet Ashling in the Conference Room
  • (Optional) Talk to Feralina
    • (Optional) Talk to Calanthe
      • (Optional) Talk to Vulcannon

Well, that's a rather unsatisfying end to a bombshell investigation. You can tell from the Countess' demeanor that it's not likely over for you and Corlett.

Notable NPCs

• The Ascendant
• Salena Falzares
• Dr. Coolbreeze
• Kid Electronix
• Kid Hydronix
• Kid Cryonix
• H. Knight Jr., Esq.
• Curupira
• Gloryhound
• Pyrolicious
• Norsewind
• Feralina
• Little League
• Calanthe
• Cauldron
• Vulcannon
• Eye in the Sky
• Classified Crey Demolitionist
• 9th Generation Hero Corps Clone
• Countess Crey Countess Crey is in full legal mode. There is no bargaining with her or room for idle conversation. She is one-hundred-percent focused on business.
• Chris Jenkins, Esq. You've seen Jenkins' face on countless billboards over the years. Given the presentation of this office, he must be very successful at his job.
• Ashling Corlett
• Iron Ellis
• Rebecca J. Foss, Esq. Rebecca Foss leads Hero Corps, and is none-too-pleased to see the results of this investigation conclude in this manner.
• Shiverstrike
• Agent Tavish Bell

Salena and Ascendant Dialogue

Salena Falzares: First, no. I don't date clients from other "rival firms".
Salena Falzares: Second, I don't date clients that try to put quarters into my VOIP phone to make a call.
Salena Falzares: Third, don't you own a cellphone by now?

H. Knight Jr., Esq. and Black Force Dialogue

H. Knight Jr., Esq.: I'd say the public relations blowback is negligible. Nobody's even heard of Mogadishu.
H. Knight Jr., Esq.: Now, we should probably talk about getting better representation for the triplets... that one's a liability.

Legal Counsel and Pyrolicious Dialogue

Legal Counsel: We're confident we can win at trial, the fuel stabilizer in that warehouse fire has had unexpected interactions with your powers.

 
Countess Crey: Ah, it seems your little gopher has finally shown up.
Countess Crey: A shame that they weren't here to defend their actions when this meeting started.
Chris Jenkins, Esq.: A terrible shame. But as this is a time-sensitive matter, it is unfortunate that we had to close the matter without them.
Ashling Corlett: Oh, of all the sneaky little... Jenkins, what would Maria think of you brokering these kinds of deals?
Iron Ellis: Watch yourself, Ash. Not here, not now.
Rebecca J. Foss, Esq.: Yes. The last thing we need right now is more conflict.
Countess Crey: You are so right, dear. We must settle the matter of the tape.
Chris Jenkins, Esq.: Well, Ms. Corlett, she may be my grandmother, but she still takes my checks to cover her rent and medical insurance, because she knows I love her. Moving on...
Chris Jenkins, Esq.: Ms. Jafri, I take it you've had time to review the NDAs?
Shiverstrike: I and the rest of the team have reviewed them. We are none too happy with the terms, but it does give us what we want in the end. I will state for the record that Ms. Foss' decision, whatever it is determined to be, will be supported.

The Countess in her element

Countess Crey: Marvelous! What a fair and equitable transaction for all of us. Now, kindly remit the tape to my custody?
Rebecca J. Foss, Esq.: You will find the tape in a secure lockbox with Mr. Jenkins' paralegal. And you will submit the missing data we seek, I hope?
Countess Crey: You already have it in your databanks. I would recommend a sweep of your public facing login protocols, there are some terrible vulnerabilities about.
Agent Tavish Bell: Heh. Zing.
Chris Jenkins, Esq.: As you and your members sign the NDAs, I will remind you on the record that the contents of the tape and the implications of anything seen in the locations where it was obtained will be met with swift legal action if released to the public.
Chris Jenkins, Esq.: In expectation of your compliance, Crey has in good faith deposited the missing profile and medical data of your personnel into a public server accessible via your member login page.
Ashling Corvett: ...This isn't over!
Countess Crey: I say it is, so it is. Isn't that neat?
Countess Crey: See you around... Ashley? Ashton? Close enough.

Feralina

Briefing

Feralina glares at you, but her silence holds fast. She twitches for a second like she wants to say something, then regains her focus.

A voice rings out from nearby. 'Feralina has been asked by the HC brass not to interact with anyone outside the organization. I can try to answer some questions if you like.'

• Talk to Calanthe

You turn your attention to the hero sitting on the floor nearby.

• Close window

Vulcannon

Briefing

Vulcannon does not react to your attempts to converse with her.

• Close window

Calanthe

Briefing

You're unsure how best to engage with a hero who hasn't moved from their position, seated squarely on the ground. You simply begin speaking to them and hope for the best.

• I, um... are you going to stay down there?

Calanthe looks at you.

Not all of us are so fortunate to be in a 'great mood' all the time, Character. Beneath this slender frame is a nuclear furnace, and without tight physical and emotional control, I could be a liability. That's why I work with Hero Corps, and that's why I'm here, with my back to the negative stimuli, peacefully finding my zen.

• Your zen? That's very progressive.

Calanthe hums to herself a moment. The temperature around you dips cooler.

Yes, my zen. It keeps me and everyone around us safe. And before you ask... yes, we're all perfectly safe or Foss wouldn't be here in the first place.

• Maybe I should just ask my question.

Feralina did die, Character. I was there when they lowered her into the ground. But as many cats are like to have, she has nine lives. The person you rescued in Kallisti Wharf is in fact Feralina. But I fear that when these proceedings are over, she was always just 'undercover'.

• Wait, what do you mean?

Calanthe shakes her head and waves you off.

• What does that mean?

• Hi there. Yes, I have plenty of questions.

Calanthe smiles at you.

I'm not authorized to answer many hard-hitting questions. Mostly a Hero Corps member is allowed to talk freely about themselves, and in cases like this, any pertinent information about the situation at hand, such as the curious case of Feralina's second of nine lives.

• Can you tell me how Feralina is... here?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Can you tell me more about Hero Corps?

Calanthe giggles.

I forget that we're just on the rebound here in Paragon City, and not everyone knows what the Corps are about anymore. Do you see those designators on our backs? They say "C.S.M.L. Classification'. Hero Corps takes in those who could be a Metahuman Liability. That's what the ML stands for. CS, well... that stands for Corporate Sponsored.

• Hero Corps absorbs your liability in exchange for training you?

Calanthe smiles.

That's one way of seeing it, for sure. I did not have a pleasant coming-of-age story with my talents. I was sponsored by the Corps and given another path to walk, with mentorship and guidance, to control and focus myself into something better for all humankind. I owe her and everyone else an unpayable debt.

• Do you mind if I ask some questions?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Hero Corps babysits you?

Calanthe frowns. The air around her warms slightly.

If you want to paint it in that kind of light, sure. But I see it more as a 'second chance'. My entry into the world of superheroing was devastating, and could have severely altered my life if someone like Shiverstrike hadn't been around to defuse the situation. I was given another path to walk, with mentorship and guidance, to control and focus myself into something better.

• Hero Corps absorbs your liability in exchange for training you?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I didn't mean to disrupt your zen.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• One question, mostly. Feralina is alive?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Calanthe

Briefing

Calanthe is intently focused on her own personal balance, and is not entertaining small talk from you.

• Close window

Vulcannon

Briefing

Vulcannon glances at you from over her book. It's a recently published work by T.T.L. Watkins called 'Descent' describing the fall of Dr. Vahzilok. You didn't know it made it to print yet...

...Yes?

• Hello there, friend!

Vulcannon doesn't look up from her book.

Not your friend, not your buddy, not your pal. Let's keep this strictly business, and not try to make friends during a legal proceeding that will likely warp narratives for years to come.

• Warp narratives?

Vulcannon sighs and gets back to reading her book.

You'll find out soon enough, and it won't be from me.

• You shouldn't lead me on to shut me out.

Vulcannon looks directly at you.

I don't know how to say this nicely, so I'll just say it.

I don't care, and I'm not sorry. Now please go bother someone, anyone else.

• Wow.

• Your conversation skills could use some work.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Do you mind if I ask you something?

If it's about Feralina, then yes I do mind. And anything else, really. I'm not here to educate you.

• That was kind of rude.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Wow, really?

Vulcannon sighs and rolls her eyes.

I'm not authorized to answer on the grounds of personal connections that could cloud the integrity of my statements. Now please kindly go away.

• Wow.

Ashling Corlett

Briefing

Corlett can barely contain her rage. She speaks in a raspy whisper.

The audacity! The predictable, backhanded, slimy audacity that I should have expected from the Queen of Lies! She changed the meeting time at the last minute, and Jenkins didn't inform us until 3 hours ago, knowing that it would disrupt us to reschedule everyone! Half of our best members aren't able to be here for this now!

• And here I thought I was early!

Corlett tries to whisper, but is doing a terrible job of it.

The Countess knows that without our best here, and those who are representing today under the stress of last-minute arrangements, the possibility of getting numerous concessions is better. I can't believe this is happening!

• How's this going to play out, you think?

Corlett deflates, her body posture becoming one of defeat.

We've already lost the chance to nail her to the wall on the tape. It's inadmissible as evidence because our operation was off the books and you weren't able to make it here to defend yourself or the operation. Because Foss had to operate with plausible deniability, it fell on me to defend the op, and I didn't have the hands-on experience you did. They played us good on this one. What a stupid, inconceivable technicality.

• So what is there left to do?

Corlett looks at you and then a sudden realization strikes her.

I have an idea of what to do next... all depends on his archival habits. I'll let you know if that dog will hunt when I get to him.

• Oh, this should be good.

• If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck...

Corlett smirks.

I'm trying to keep my rage in check, and it's really becoming quite an exercise. As much as I love lampooning Corporate America, this situation really has our proverbial bull caught by the bits.

• I don't follow.

Corlett smiles weakly.

Not now. I'll tell you later.

• ...okay. So what can be done at this point?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• It makes me angry... but what can we do?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Debriefing

Well, Character, it wasn't what we wanted but it's still a win. Even so, as far as this Hero Corps officer is concerned, it's not over yet. Right now I'm going to go see Neil in the Architect Entertainment building - just for a chat, you understand? We can't have copies of vital information just lying around for anyone to find, can we?

Corlett salutes you.

We'll see each other again, I'm sure of it. Until then, if you need help, just look for Hero Corps.

See Also

• Homecoming Story Arcs