Mission:Only Love Can Hurt Like This - Chapter Four: Panning for Gold

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.