Chapter One: Muckraking
Briefing
John is looking uncharacteristically sweaty and is constantly checking his appearance in the news van's rear view mirror.
I'm not going to lie, Character, not this time. There's too much at risk. I'll be frank with you - I'm nervous. Not for my sake, of course, but for my source. I was supposed to meet them to get some information they couldn't deliver over the phone. Hush-hush stuff. Very confidential. Top secret!
I was late for our meeting, and when I arrived I heard voices, so I stayed calm and collected and approached cautiously. I only caught a glimpse of them in the dim light but I recognized them. They were Warriors, and they had my source! I watched helplessly as they dragged her into one of those nasty sewers. There was nothing I could do, I'm sure you agree. I'm not a hero or even an anti-hero, but I can't give up on a source. It's just not done. So I need you to go down there and bring her back. The information she's got is of vital public interest.
- Save the girl, save democracy? Sure, I'll do it. For a price.
Save the girl, save democracy? Sure, I'll do it. For a price.
Of course, of course, I know your reputation. I'm putting you on retainer, Character. Once we have confirmed that information I'm sure I can use your services again. Now please hurry, I don't want to have to report on yet another innocent victim of Paragon City gang crime.
Unnecessary Solicitation
I can't understand why the Warriors would go after my source. She's a Praetorian refugee like me, and she's not one to draw any attention. Maybe one day I can get an interview with some Warriors to find out what makes them tick. But this is not that day. Go on, Character, find my source!
Mission Objective(s)
Clearly visible tracks in the foul muck. John's source is leaving a trail for you to follow. Clever girl.
- Recover the source
- Find Houston's Source
- Get Tunnel Rat to safety
- Speak with Tunnel Rat
You have rescued Tunnel Rat and acquired the information Houston wanted.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
Warriors Chatter
Before Combat:
- Warrior 1: I'm so sick of these Praetorians. They don't get how things work here.
- Warrior 2: How do you explain 'fundamental rights' to a grown person?
Combat Start:
- Warrior 1: Stop this fool!
- Warrior 2: Get out of our business!
Before Combat:
- Warrior 1: That one makes me uneasy. She's really toeing the line between person and animal.
- Warrior 2: I can't tell if she's really part animal or just pretending. She's cute though.
Combat Start:
- Warrior 1: Don't even go there, dude. Speaking of making me uneasy - here's Character!
- Warrior 2: Let's take out our frustration on them!
Captured Tunnel Rat
Before Combat:
- Warrior 1: We know you've got some dirt on Alexander the Traitor. Tell us what you know, mouse-face!
- Tunnel Rat: Wait? Can you smell that? Smells like trouble - for you!
Combat Start:
- Tunnel Rat: I recognized Houston's cologne on you right away. You've come for me, haven't you?
- Orion: Everyone's sticking their nose in our business lately.
Rescued:
- Tunnel Rat: Let's talk, and then we're scurrying out of here.
Upon Reaching Exit:
- Tunnel Rat: Tell Houston he doesn't smell -all- bad.
Ambush! Upon rescuing Tunnel Rat, three waves of Warriors will spawn.
Warrior Ambushes
Combat Start:
- Warrior Ambusher: Get the rat!
Speak with Tunnel Rat
Speak with Tunnel Rat
Tunnel Rat cautiously approaches you like a wounded animal.
Thanks for the save. I wasn't sure if anyone would come for me. I was hoping. Hard to tell if anyone was coming, with the smells.
- ...The smells? I guess you get used to it...
Tunnel Rat stops to sniff a little more intently.
Yes, so many smells. No automated cleaners, no Clockwork. Not ours, anyway. You... smell like I can trust you.
Tunnel Rat listens as you explain why you're here.
John Houston sent you? He's not as bad as he seems on TV then. No smell on TV. Hard to tell who's good or bad. I'm not going to see him. Could lead to problems for both of us. More problems. I'll tell you what I know, and you tell John.
Here goes. I have a friend. Not a friend really. An acquaintance. Someone I knew from back home. He is - he was - in the UPA, when Calvin Scott was still alive. He was part of that whole deal, with the Council. The New Praetorians shut them down. Big deal, that was. Saw the divide in everyone's responses. Smelled fear and joy, equal parts.
Anyway, New Praetorians singlehandedly wiped out the Council, I thought. We all though. But no - the damned Council is bigger than just Striga. Their island base. My friend told me they are hiding now. Hiding in plain sight. Acting like civilians. They are planning something big too. Not explosive big but big in the small way. A tiny thing that leads to big problems. Election fraud. Scary concept - I've met some of these people here. They almost all get the right to vote! If the system fails, new Coles 'elect' themselves. Can't have that.
Tell John to look into the Port Noble citizens brigade, and Alexander the Great. It all smells awful, and I want nothing more to do with it. Here, if your memory is bad, the data is on this shiny round disc.
Tunnel Rat hands you a CD, which you hope Houston knows how to operate.
- Thank you. Let's get you out of here.
Debriefing
You found her? I knew it was a good idea to hire you. I understand why she didn't want to be seen with me. Tunnel Rat isn't one for the spotlight - or any light, really. Wait, she said I smelled bad?
You're good at this. I'm starting to feel like I'm back home. It's comfortable.
