Mission:The Only Good Day Was Yesterday - Part One: Ashes to Ashes
Part One: Ashes to Ashes
Briefing
The former Hetman's military uprising left both the Forlorn and the Compound in dire need of supplies; our defenses, weapons, and rations are depleted at levels that discomfort me. To this end, the Palatine and I have been sending out scavenger teams into the Ward, but they have met with little success.
Our last scavenger team never returned and I'd like you to find out what happened to them. And to bring back whatever they were after.
Well...one of them did return-- named Gully-- but he's one of the new Forlorn, his mind just recently restored. He's only managed to give the Palatine and I scattered details of what happened. Start by speaking with the Palatine...I think Gully's too afraid of upsetting me to give his full report.
- I'll speak to Anna about the lost scavenger team.
Good. I would have her advice both as my Palatine and someone that has traveled First Ward far and wide through the Shadowed Paths. Her insight is a rare thing... very rare indeed.
Speak to Anna Palatine
Unnecessary Solicitation
Character, there's really no time to waste. Speak to the Palatine about our lost scavenger team.
Mission Objective(s)
- Speak to Anna Palatine
Character, it warms my heart to see you again. So...what do you think of the new Hetman?
- Noble Savage is a bold choice. The Compound and the Forlorn are united.
We are friends with the Carnival of Light again, as well. This unification came about only through your help, my friend, as did my crown. Your humility in these matters does you credit; indeed, all of First Ward is blessed to have found a protector in one like you.
What can I do for you now?
- Noble Savage mentioned the Compound is running short on supplies.
We are, as are the Forlorn. The first scavenger teams found little to bring back, though they did not sortie far. The last team felt the mounting desperation, and perhaps this is why they are lost.
- Savage mentioned that one returned.
Yes, a Forlorn named Gully. His team was so bold as to enter the Free-Fire Zone to accomplish their mission. And though I advised that they use the Shadowed Paths, they abandoned them for reasons that are still unclear. He is shaken by the experience and, though Noble wants me to, I have not the heart to press the matter just yet.
See if you can find out what happened to the scavenger team, Character. You should know... this Gully sees you as his savior. Perhaps he will open up to you.
- I'll talk to Gully and find out what happened.
Speak to Gully, Last Word Scavenger
Unnecessary Solicitation
Get whatever intel there is from the Forlorn scavenger that returned, then move on it, Character.
Mission Objective(s)
- Speak to Gully, Last Word Scavenger
Character, it is an honor to meet you. I am Gully, recently returned from the feral red haze of...of, well, my previous....
I guess I don't have to think about that anymore, thanks to your efforts with Dr. Helix.
- Tell me what happened to your scavenger team, Gully.
I am. I...and I must admit something to you, good sir. The Genetic Resequencer restored my mind, but it also restored my cowardice. I'm afraid that I abandoned my cohorts shortly after we got into the FFZ. We were using the Shadowed Paths to raid a D.U.S.T. munitions depot when...when something went wrong.
- What exactly went wrong?
The Shadowed Paths weren't safe, at least not for us, and contrary to all the stories we have heard. The scavenger team came under attack by an Apparition and I ran for my life. When I stepped back into the real Ward, even more Apparitions swirled about me, running rampant through the FFZ.
- And what about D.U.S.T.? They control the Free-Fire Zone.
Not anymore, not from what I saw. D.U.S.T. soldiers were firing on one another all in a panic. When I saw an Apparition possess one of them, I knew why.
The Free-Fire Zone has been compromised by the Apparitions and what remains of the scavenger team is trapped there.
Here, take this, it's the same kind of tac-scanner that you used before...only it's still pretty busted up from the battle with the old Hetman. I've tried to repair it, though, and key it to the frequencies of my... of my old team members.
- I'll pick up their trail and find what's happened to them.
The Compound made sure their scavenger team had a tracer-beacons with them, but their last tac-scanner has seen better days. According to its readings, though, whatever remains of the scavenger team is still at the D.U.S.T. munitions depot.
Search the Munitions Depot
Unnecessary Solicitation
Well, we know where the last scavenger team went missing. An old abandoned warehouse in the FFZ that D.U.S.T. has been using as a munitions depot. Tell me what you find there when you return.
Mission Objective(s)
You hear the familiar sounds of D.U.S.T. gunfire and Apparitional scream-whispers. According to the damaged tac-scanner, the only surviving scavengers are Rare Earth Magnet and VanderMeer...but something strange is interacting with the signals of their tracer-beacons.
- Search the Munitions Depot
- 2 ammunition caches to be retrieved
- Rescue Rare Earth Magnet
- Rescue VanderMeer
- Lead Rare Earth Magnet out!
- Lead VanderMeer out!
While you managed to find the surviving members of the lost scavenger team, it looks like the Free-Fire Zone has more problems than a few Last Worders trying to steal some food and supplies from the area. A D.U.S.T. munitions depot was infested with Apparitions and Possessed. The whole of the D.U.S.T. Cell was in disarray, firing on their former allies.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Rare Earth Magnet (Forlorn Hostage)
- VanderMeer (Forlorn Hostage)
This ammunitions cache is devoid of anything useful. It looks like it's been ransacked recently by the D.U.S.T. Rangers currently battling their possessed cell members.
You find an assortment of high-impact rounds, a few thump grenades, and a few special-issue D.U.S.T. micromunitions that might be able to be retrofitted for the Last Worders' weapons.
Ambush! Upon retrieving a batch of ammunition, you will be ambushed by a wave of D.U.S.T. and The Possessed. They will be hostile toward you and each other.
Debriefing
Your report of the Free-Fire Zone is troubling, Character. I've seen the Apparitions only from afar, or when my diagnostics deem it essential for my mortal mind to dream.
I'm surprised that D.U.S.T. can't hold the Apparitions off. They're crack troops, with persona safeguard training. That you saw so many of them possessed...we're missing something here, but I have some suspicions on where to start looking for possible answers. None of it negates resupply of the Compound, however.
Now don't get all misty-eyed when I say this, Character, but you're all right in my book. Granted, I hear the movie's better, but...well, yeah. You know what I'm trying to say. Come on, we've got more stuff to do.