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Scera, if it works for you, Ueda could certainly use someone with more tact (read: any tact) and he'd happily seek your partnership in his own investigations. You're also a natural fit, given that you're the only PC who isn't currently assumed dead. I'll happily extend the suggestion in-character if that sounds good to you.
Ueda sifts through the files and information on the network, looking for anything related to himself or his contributions. That things are mainly monetary, and specific in their pursuits, helps to soothe his misgivings somewhat. The fact that his prime self remained in touch with the group at all after Horizon Flare is still concerning, and represents a different mindset. But as long as things remained somewhat distant... His ruminations fall to the side as he digs through the subnetworks, knowing that he's meant to be doing this. The trail is there to be found; if Personae wanted something to be hidden, it simply wouldn't exist on the network at all. The effort required to reach the file is enough to be a challenge, enough to seem like a concerted attempt to keep information squirreled away, which is exactly why Ueda thinks he's meant to dig. Finally, the last piece of security is gone, and he watches a brief video of himself at the explosion. But he knows that can't be all, so he looks in the autodecryption, where messages were usually hidden to accompany files like this. And surely enough, four words are there, meant just for him. We watched you die. When the attack alert comes, Ueda briskly stands and spins the camera display to keep facing him, as he gathers the power cords for the terminal in one hand. He could disconnect now, prevent access. But that would only raise more questions for whoever's on the other end of things. They'd wonder if the police had his files. Wonder what was happening. Theories would spread, take hold. Better to give them something slightly more concrete, if still confusing. So Ueda stands in front of the camera, and once he's sure it's turned on, he yanks the power cords from the wall, terminating the connection between this terminal and anything else. Anyone worth their salt will have been recording, or be able to salvage the footage to see the glimpse of Immanuel Ueda before the connection is lost. Shortly thereafter, Scera comes into the office, and finds Ueda standing there, cords still in hand. He turns to look at her and offers his typical smile. "My apologies. Were you looking to use this terminal? It was performing in an unusual manner, I believe it required a manual reset. Allow me to ensure it functions properly." He reattaches the power cables and turns it on, performing a quick diagnostic before handing control over to the lashunta. "If I may ask, do you know where the holoskin from Moreau is currently located? As I mentioned, I would like to use it for my own excursions, as I am currently considered either dead or a person of interest in a terrorist attack."
Ueda is more like a machine than ever as he pores over the information on the terminal. Putting together the probable whereabouts of Dr. Brennan is easy enough: the evidence lines up, and it makes sense that they would list her anonymously if they were looking for him as a potential suspect or lead. Checking on the other ambulances and hospitals reveals that most survivors were taken quickly to the nearest locations able to support them; this only further supports his own theory about Dr. Brennan's location. That he finds little about his Prime self is somewhat frustrating, but certainly makes sense. Were he not a member of the public eye, Immanuel Ueda would be considered a very private man, and without that minor celebrity status--or academic works published--he wouldn't have much of a footprint. It does make him wonder, though... So he moves to the encrypted Personae Ex Machina network, and when his information does get him access, he leans back in his seat, pausing for the first time. But there are bigger things than this concern. Ueda begins searching through the network, looking for anything he can find related to the bombing, or tangentially connected to details or aspects of the case.
"Carson does seem to be alive, although how well he is, or what he is now doing, is difficult to say. Tracking him down would be a good idea." Ueda turns to Scera and Vonash. "I agree that the Senator has done enough to remove any trust we might have given him. Meeting with him might be a dangerous plan, but it could also reveal valuable information if you are confident in your ability to obtain it. In the meanwhile, I would very much like to try and find Doctor Brennan. She should be able to fill in many missing pieces of information for me, in particular." Ueda begins to walk from the center of the hologram display. "I believe I have no more questions for you, Gabriel. Self-awareness in any form is a good practice. I would encourage your scan, and I hope the results are positive." The scientist pauses near the elevators. "Ah, but I do have a question for those who went partying last night. Might I use the holoskin while we are investigating outside of this base? If I am presumed either dead or a suspect in this attack, it would be good if I could mask my appearance. I should be able to reprogram it to something innocuous." Ueda returns to the terminal he used for his prior research, and begins searching for everything he can find on Doctor Brennan, on where survivors from the explosion were taken, on himself... and, finally, on Personae Ex Machina. With the last, after doing what he can through open channels, he hesitates for a long moment before attempting to access their secure network, using his own old access keys.
Ueda surveys the newer, longer reconstruction passively. His own emotionless gaze only further accentuates the differences Ueda-Prime shows; every emotion that plays out on his face, every small expression and physical display, contrasted by Ueda's stoic, almost statuesque demeanor.
When the recording ends, and Gabriel quickly plays through the focused footage of the anti-android crowd, Ueda begins walking around the reconstruction again, specifically pausing at each of the familiar faces in the crowd. "I can understand why the police would have their own priorities. The Earth 4 Earthlings members seem to have had a much more passive role in the event. Hatemongering and some physical threat, yes, but they were the furthest from the center. And without a clear display of who triggered the explosion, focus needs to turn to those who would be nearer and have potential access. Those who display suspicious behavior. Including apparent awareness of the imminent danger, and precise knowledge of when it will occur." He looks at the spot where Ueda-Prime and Brennan hit the ground. "To summarize our own involvement: Milo and Carson appeared to be working undercover, looking for a man whom they witnessed shortly before the explosion, and whom Carson attempted to follow afterwards. Why Milo chose to take the form of Jade is unknown, but her actual absence may be a factor. Brass and Vonash seemed to be involved simply as bystanders, and were caught in the blast. I accompanied Doctor Brennan to the event at her request, and was reluctant to go there as well as whatever destination she had in mind to follow. They also expressed concern over the chance of danger, and the belief that I would protect her. Perhaps I was a bodyguard in some capacity, along with whatever other relationship they shared." He taps his fingers on his thigh several times, an apparently conscious display of deep thought. "There are still many questions to pursue. What was the threat to Doctor Brennan? Where was she going after the protest? How did Ueda-Prime know the explosion would occur--did he perceive the change in signal from the ship, as I did, and then happen to look in time to see the countdown? Or did he have some further knowledge of the attack? Moving to the other main point of questions: What is it that Carson and Milo were looking for? Who is the man they chased? And finally: Where are the survivors? Jade, Carson, and Doctor Brennan, at the very least, apparently survived the attack. But Jade-Prime was presumed dead at first--so where is she now, and why has she not come forward?" He looks around at the others. "Have I missed anything that you think is worth noting?"
Ueda stares ahead for a few seconds, processing all the information at present. "Senator Bird and his files suggest that anti-android groups are to blame for this cause. So why would the police be interested in the work of an android who appears to have been killed in the explosion? It could be mere interest in my Prime self's apparent connections, but as much as my life has led me to believe in coincidence, this stretches the imagination." The scientist pushes himself from the desk and makes for the door. "Gabriel, I would very much like to examine the developed file of events. First with the blind spots, and then with your extrapolation."
Ueda watches the proceedings with his usual aloofness, merely surveying the scene as it unfolds. He's equally bothered by the concept implied--that the Senator is willing to use another man almost as a drone, 'piloting' him to suit his needs--but, then, the man seemed to engage in the practice willingly. Disgusting and disturbing, certainly, but humans (and really everyone else) were known to do any number of strange things consensually. He does nod at Jade's suggestion of using a closed terminal, not trusting the Senator himself. The reveal of the data crystal's contents is little surprise, but he also agrees that it seems too easy to blame the whole thing on the most obvious group. "Ockham's Razor suggests that foregoing unknowns, the simplest or most straightforward solution to a problem is usually the correct one. In this case, however, there are many unknowns. And I believe it more than possible that the Senator himself could be leading us astray." Ueda sits on the edge of a desk or table, and looks to Brass. "I agree their philosophy is abhorrent, but are we truly to judge that they all deserve some manner of retribution? After all, we are not certain they were involved in this attack. If men should be beaten or killed for their beliefs, then our kind might never find freedom." He blinks and returns his gaze to a neutral distance. "An audio connection could be plausible, if they would allow it. I have not practiced my 'human voice' in some time, however. I believe either Vonash or Scera would do nicely taking the lead." And finally, almost as an afterthought: "Gabriel, have you found any more data or evidence in your own compilation of the event? Any developments at all that we should examine?"
Ueda falls quiet in the elevator after his own speech, happy to let Jade enlighten Scera on that time period. He finds the man's behavior as suspicious as Vonash does, and walks forward with hesitation, scanning the man and his surroundings with an edge of paranoia.
"I think it would be wise to keep the column of flame in reserve for now." Ueda had been awoken, more or less, by Gabriel's announcement, although he hardly shows it. He's wearing contemporary clothing once again, a simple outfit, though not a fully casual one. He stands very still as he enters the elevator, his face blankly musing. "I agree that Senator Bird is more than he first appeared, and given his first appearance suggested he embodied the poorer traits of politics, that statement should not be taken lightly." He nods at Jade's comments on the time period and Bird's rhetoric. "Anyone who would wish for society to return to that time is, at best, relying on misplaced nostalgia for the past--which is better left when it is. At worst, he actively seeks to undermine and negate what little progress seems to have been made in this timeline. I suspect the truth is somewhere in between, but any point on the spectrum is troubling in its way." The engineer also nods at Brass's suggestion. "I again concur. Perhaps a probe into his mind, or questions asked by one not of our kind might reveal more?" Ueda looks at Vonash and Scera with such a lack of subtlety that you could hardly say he's implying who should ask such questions.
Ueda frowns as the popup continues to appear. Very well. Do what you can. So goes a familiar scene to any who might know him: Immanuel Ueda, tapping away deep into the night, his mind utterly focused on the topic at hand. He'd been known to work for days without sleep, and with little more than a glass of water here and there for sustenance. It wasn't healthy, even for an android, but it was how he did some of his best work. And it should certainly be enough to find out about a mysterious charity. So it may be quite some time after Vonash asked for the information by the time Ueda sends all of it, but he's done a thorough job of digging up whatever he could find. It all smells of something strange, but then, so do many things in the spheres of corporate billionaires, tech moguls, and the government.
Ueda frowns at the viral marketing scheme, and quickly scans it for any pertinent information. It doesn't seem like it actually offers much: vague details, a reference to an anonymous donor, and a request for other financial support. Catesby, please do your best to filter these advertisements from the results. There must be information regarding this project outside of their own marketing. d20+10
Having finished the diagnostic, Ueda also settles in for some pleasant rest, although he knows it won't last for long. There's too much to do: researching his Prime self, looking into other discrepancies in the timelines, and of course double-checking the hologram of the bombing once the data was complete and he had an eye for the important details... So when Vonash's communication comes through shortly after he's found a seat, he just nods and responds that he'll check on it. "Gabriel, I presume there is a research facility at our location? Connected terminals I could use to look into this?" If Gabriel guides him toward such a spot, Ueda begins researching, starting with Sanctuary (and updating Vonash on what he finds), and then moving into the broader scope: searching for himself, and then looking for through current events articles to get a feeling for this version of the modern world.
Ueda gives a calm, Mmm, as Brass speaks, still portraying more emotion in the simple sound than most of his sentences in real space. When the vision suddenly plays out, he's at first taken aback, but then dives in, "moving" through it and trying to take in all of the details he can. Any piece, any little nugget of information, of raw old code making up the memory might be the key to finding out why it's coming up now--
It's true, the vision ends as abruptly as it begins, it seems. And Ueda is left with little more knowledge of why than when the diagnostic started. With another sigh, he speaks to Brass. I am sorry I cannot help more at the moment, but these experiences seem to be beyond me. If they are truly memories, then perhaps it is less of a glitch in your systems, and more of a reoccurring experience of trauma. Many who have seen such things cannot help but recall the events, even if they feel jaded or hardened because of them. But it could be a deeper error within your functions. Perhaps another diagnostic in the future would be in order. In any case, resting now would be good for all of us, I believe.
Ueda frowns physically as he witnesses the glitch in his and Brass's shared virtual space. Not long after Brass's own comment, a third voice "speaks," one with much more personality behind it than Ueda's usual manner in the physical world. Thank you for the addition, Catesby. I do not believe such commentary is helpful for Brass. The sense of a sigh is there, and then Ueda continues. I concur with your assessment, it does not logically follow that you should suddenly experience such a moment. Do you have conscious recollection of this memory? Knowledge of who this 'captain' is, or the expired individuals on the floor?
Ueda looks at Brass and nods. "I understand fully. But I fear I have seen my share of trauma even in this incarnation, though I have not served on a battlefield. If things become too stressful for either of us, we can end the analysis and diagnostic at any time. I cannot say with certainty that we will find the source of your glitches or put an end to them, but hopefully we can at least learn something about their nature." With a final nod to Jade, Ueda connects the tether, and closes his eyes, allowing his consciousness to focus on the connection. The link between android minds is somewhat similar to the lashuntas' telepathic empathy: a transmission of thought and feeling, a sense of communication even if not always in intelligible words. Brass. If you understand what I am saying, then we can begin. Start wherever you feel is best. Ueda's voice is somehow richer in this space, almost as if it now genuinely possesses the emotion that it normally lacks, or forces.
Ueda follows Brass and pulls a chair to sit near him, drawing some tools from his bag. "Of course. When was the last time you went through a full diagnostic, Brass? I do not mean the simple cycling when we sleep, but a more complete self-analysis. I am aware most of our kind do not engage in regular activity of that sort, but it can be quite refreshing. Even if there are few proven benefits." Ueda offers his typical forced-looking smile and prepares a cable, apparently meaning to connect himself and the other android. "Doctor Essex, if you would take up monitoring and looking for discrepancies? It has been some time since I assisted in an endeavor such as this." Before beginning the full diagnostic, however, Ueda pauses and says, "Ah, I should mention. Once we are connected, you may hear a secondary voice apart from my own. If so, know that it is Catesby, the artificial intelligence that runs my exocortex assistant. He is somewhat odd, but more than competent and very helpful in assisting my activities."
As far as I'm aware, there are basically no rules to support running a diagnostic on another android. I'm assuming we want to do that as essentially just a roleplaying scene?
"If you would like someone to join your for an alcoholic beverage, I would be happy to do so. Just the one, though." Ueda grimaces at the the information from Gabriel, but lets it simmer for now, moving on to other topics at hand. "If there is nothing more to be gleaned from the reconstruction at the moment, I agree with Brass. Some time to rest would be good for us. And I would be happy to run a diagnostic on your systems, as well." He gives one more long look at the hologram bodies of himself and Doctor Brennan. She would not hear it. I can only hope that she is in a better place, whatever it may be. "Can we leave this equipment prepared to further examine the event? Rest and time may give us more to work with, not least if you continue to access the latest version of the recordings, Gabriel."
"So in this timeline, Personae still exist," Ueda says. "Gabriel, did an event known as the Horizon Flare Incident take place in this timeline? It would have involved the hijacking and subsequent destruction of a corporate cruiser, at least if it parallels our original event. In any case, it seems further and further that this timeline's Ueda had trouble letting go of the past." Ueda stands, presumably having let Jade take over on medical duties, and looks around the hologram--the area now blasted from the explosion. "If it were caused by a pro-android group, it would likely be a false flag operation meant to trigger a more extreme response from politicians in favor of android rights. Has there been any such talk so far? For that matter, what rights do androids possess, and what are they still striving to gain? Attacks like this rarely happen when things are at their worst. Historically, terror comes when things are finally beginning to get better." The android sighs and looks at his hands again. Never did we talk about something like this. I know Horizon Flare killed more, but to kill so callously, and targeting brothers and sisters of the cause... It does not seem like the sort of thing we would have done.
"As an aside, was this timeline's Ueda a doctor?" Ueda suddenly asks. "The Senator seems to have hesitated when adding the title, and I believe you have avoided using it when referring to this version of myself."
Ueda looks up when Gabriel mentions his Prime-self's "political affiliations," but doesn't comment immediately. When Brass places a hand on his back and offers words of support, however, Ueda shakes his head. "You misunderstand. I am not pushing away the feelings, nor do I believe it wrong to accept them. I would not call these emotions human, but natural. All living creatures understand death, on some level. They all have their reactions, and all are valid, from the simplest of biological responses to the grief of losing a close friend." Ueda looks down at his hands, and Brass senses him struggling with what to say. He finally settles on, "As I said, the question is always why. And if you could have prevented events from unfolding as they did. Death is natural. Homicide is an entirely different phenomenon. One far too easily committed, perhaps." Throughout the playback of the explosion, Ueda stands still, surveying the destruction. He watches himself push Doctor Brennan away from the blast, shield her with his own body, and watches the two of them fall still, unblinking and unmoving. The android turns in time to see Vonash collapse, and he moves toward her, unsure of his medical knowledge but clearly wanting to help in some way. "Doctor Essex, could you take a look at Vonash? I will assist as I can." Even as he reaches the lashunta, he also speaks in a louder voice, "Gabriel, what were the political affiliations of Immanuel Ueda in this timeline? The Senator implied they were problematic, and the notion that he was blacklisted from entertainment work further supports this. I suppose he was something of a radical."
Ueda shakes his head slightly at Jade's concern and implication, offering a slight smile. "Whatever my Prime self may have felt, in our own world, I considered Doctor Brennan a colleague and a friend." He looks away and sighs. "It is difficult to watch someone die. Anyone. But that is the way of the world. It is more important to understand why, and prevent it if doing so is possible. Here, I am afraid that is out of the question."
"Do you have any knowledge of who that man is?" Ueda asks, having turned his attention to Scera and Jade's findings. His own involvement here seems relatively straightforward by appearance: he came with Doctor Brennan, noticed something amiss with the monument, and attempted to escape while warning others. "As for the explosion, Gabriel, I have--" Ueda pauses abruptly, and seems to take a moment to rephrase before speaking again. "I for one believe I can retain my composure. As a hologram recreation, and a phenomenon full of potential important details, I will distance myself and view the event as impartially as I am able. It is only a body, and not truly mine, after all." Somehow, Ueda doesn't sound like he's quite convincing even himself with that last bit, but he maintains his usual blank expression.
Ueda continues to survey the scene, watching as things continue to unfold. Something about the ship in the monument is bothering him, though, and he focuses on it as he tries to decide what. It's been decades since he learned anything about piloting, and he was never really trained in anything beyond... recognizing a few common or important codes. "The ship is going to self-destruct," he says suddenly. After a moment he looks around at the others. "In the monument. The blinking is the code for a self-destruct sequence. If this world is the same as ours, it should be saying, 'Thank you,' instead." He stares back at the monument, then turns back to face his hologram self. Although he's trained to notice fine details, Ueda has never been good at reading expressions, and he knows that. Even if his Prime self is showing more emotional signals, he doubts he'd notice any masked intent, or subtleties in the feelings. "Gabriel, perhaps playing through events in their totality at regular speed once would be of use. We might be able to pinpoint individual moments for further examination."
Ueda steps back in to follow his hologram's movements and gaze. His own eyes shift to see the monument... and Vonash. Ueda frowns slightly, and shakes his head. "Gabriel, do you have access to audio of the event, including what we might have been saying? Or is it locked or unintelligible?" He looks back at himself, wondering what exactly he'd said... or would say.
Ueda can only shake his head at the discussion of the alternate timelines. "I understand the decision, Gabriel. The outcome of our actions is troubling and even challenging, but we will overcome. And just as we may wonder if Gabriel, or its creators, have the right to choose which timeline deserves preservation--do we? On this issue, on multiple levels, we are far from impartial observers." After Gabriel announces his access to the remaining data, and Milo's question, Ueda shifts back, positioning so he can see the surroundings of himself and Doctor Brennan more clearly. "Milo, keep looking for yourself; it's possible this you has other preferred forms, and you may only notice if you attempted to change your appearance during the event. Scera, Kitty, Griffin, if you would be kind enough to keep an eye on Carson and look for other disturbances..." All Ueda's words are offered without his full attention, as he keeps his focus locked on his hologram self.
Ueda is silent for a long time, staring at himself and Dr. Brennan. When he finally speaks, his voice is quiet. "She loved me. Our own Doctor Brennan did not, or at least did not make her feelings known. And in this timeline, androids seem more looked down on by most." He gives a short hmm of thought and follows the gaze of his hologram self. "The deviations seem more and more prevalent. Is it possible your estimation was incorrect, Gabriel?"
Ueda watches curiously as the Rons take the equipment, but he's happy to wait until they're ready. He passes the hour in quiet thought and consideration, as well as working on his datapad. When Vonash asks about heading down, he looks up and nods, standing as he puts the device back in his bag. "Whatever they have, it should be of interest." When the Rons get the device up and running, Ueda merely looks around for a few seconds. "Well, I am not certain that this is helping to lighten the mood," he comments, looking at Brass. "But it certainly is impressive. And may be enlightening in its own way." With that, he walks into the projection and examines various people and groups, eventually winding his way to where a holographic mirror of himself stands.
Ueda watches the Senator and his entourage make their exit, and only breaks his gaze when one of the Rons offers him a tablet. "Intriguing," he says after a while, looking up at the others. "It seems this timeline's Ueda did not sever the same ties as I did. Now I better understand the Senator's hesitance when speaking with me." He sets the tablet down and moves to one of the black cases, kneeling by it to examine the thing. "He also mentioned you should have made an appearance, Ron. And I think you'll need to open these..." Perhaps it's paranoia, perhaps prudent caution with everything that's happened recently. Either way, Ueda goes over the case before anyone can attempt to unlock it, making sure it isn't trapped or otherwise concealing anything.
Congratulations! You'll hear no worries from me.
I know little of telepathy beyond basic theory. Do as you feel prudent. Much like Brass, Ueda stands like a statue, emotionless and unyielding.
"Indeed." Ueda's response is short and, despite its emotionless tone, drips with sarcasm. As the Senator moves to leave, the android watches him go. The Senator is hiding something from us. Or perhaps he is merely uncomfortable with the full truth. And I have learned how to see suspicion and a lack of trust, if it is not well hidden. He turns and looks at the others. I am frankly surprised the man is involved in politics. He does not strike me as particularly suited for the field, as he is neither likable nor a good liar.
"Actually, I believe in our own timeline, the 'Android Question' had been solved some years prior. Not altogether peacefully, and not with finality, but with enough effort and thought to address other pressing matters." Ueda shakes his head. "I suppose my own past in this timeline will be unfortunately marred by bigotry and conflict. Given that your Immanuel Ueda was not the host of Reality Prime, and I believe it would be too much to hope that I merely traded lifestyles with Doctor Essex and focused on my research."
Ueda registers the senator's reaction to looking at him, just as he registered his lecherous gaze before the introduction. He responds to neither, just making mental notes on the behavior and the character of the man. But the mention of Jade's role on Reality Prime catches him more off-guard, and he cocks his head to one side. "Really? Fascinating." Indeed. "Milo is one of the original members of our team who departed with us from our time." Ueda's voice is direct as he sits down. "He is an astrazoan, and as such can change his form in many ways. The bear, as you call him, is named Barry."
I agree. They are likely interested in our efforts to prevent the assassination and realign the timeline. Anything outside of that is our own work. Ueda keeps his face forward with his eyes unblinking. I also agree that we should find out as much as we can about this attack. The senator will likely try to redirect or block our inquiries.
I think the mystery is the best way to go, and agree that all our doubles surviving might come off as a tad ridiculous, so I'm happy either way personally. As for dealing with terrorists, well, that may be in order. I've a feeling none of our characters are going to just go back to their former lives...
Ueda calmly surveys the recreation, moving to view the screens and their various angles. He spends a great deal of time at first examining the center of the crowd, and the memorial itself, as though looking for the explosives, or the moment they're planted. Eventually, though, he turns to look at other areas, and eventually stands still, looking at one screen. It's a section toward the edge of the main crowd, near the ring of volunteers holding back protestors. Ueda is there, in his usual attire for this century: fashionable, but not formal, and with an eye to comfort as well as appearance. His body faces the memorial, although his head is turned to the side, regarding the protestors. Next to him is a woman in similar clothes, human and professorial. Clearly an academic, but the type who's attractive and personable enough to be a face for her findings. "Samantha Brennan," Ueda says. He slides his hands into the pockets of his jacket and turns to Gabriel. "I had never made plans to visit Tannhauser with her. Perhaps the deviation. Did she survive the attack?"
Ueda falls silent after Gabriel's responses, and takes a seat as he begins to explain the situation. Like Jade, he has only curiosity and clinical interest in the news that he recently died. His life was something he wished to preserve, certainly, but he harbors no presumption that he will live forever; even if his chassis could be functionally immortal, he had always planned to retire himself eventually, entering into another persona. And, after all, the dead Immanuel Ueda wasn't really him--it was another him from another timeline. But the specific details catch him off-guard, as does the announcement that he and the others weren't originally from the "official" timeline. He pauses in thought for a moment, and looks to Brass as the soldier speaks. "Setting aside the ethical question of deciding life and death, I would also like to know more about how we came to be present at the site of the bombing. Tannhauser Park certainly has its meaning, given the history, but this sounds like very directed terrorism. Are there any leads to the responsible parties? Any groups that have claimed responsibility for the attack?"
Ueda surveys the hangar cautiously, appearing to suspect danger. When Gabriel flickers into sight, he rests somewhat easier, but regards the AI with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. When he poses his request and question, Ueda considers it may be rhetorical, but decides to answer anyway as he heads for the briefing room. "My first inclination would be the hypothesis that the timeline is stabilized; that is to say, we return to a timeline in which we were sent back and succeeded in our mission, even if this seems paradoxical on the surface. From the current situation, however, I suspect that hypothesis is proven false." He pauses and looks back at the Chariot, his face expressionless. "I had my doubts that the events we corrected, however impactful in the immediate sense, would effect lasting changes on the timeline of events. I was also under the impression that TAROT had been operating prior to our involvement, if not actively engaging in missions to correct events." He turns to face the nearest projection of Gabriel. "Is there still a timeline in which we were sent back on that mission? One where we returned successfully? Or does that outcome always lead... here and now?"
So, uh, guess who forgot how HP works in Starfinder? It was me. There's no dice. It's static. My bad. Ueda's updated for level 2.
Hmm. I'm not sure I entirely appreciate the implications of this chapter's title, and the ominous description of the landing pad on our arrival. Oh well! Wouldn't be time travel without shenanigans. At 2nd level, Ueda gets a Mechanic Trick, and I'm going to grab Overclocking. A number of others are useful and potentially fitting, but right now he's primarily interested in reacting faster in order to stay alive. Also, I don't recall: are we rolling for HP, or taking average/average+1?
"As I recall, Roswell was something of a tourist attraction after claiming sightings of extraterrestrials. I believe the date in question may have been of some significance in that event." Ueda shrugs. "Perhaps Moreau was planning to create widespread panic about alien life. Whatever his intention, I doubt it was beneficial to society at large." Once it's clear that preparations are complete and departure is imminent, Ueda walks up to Wells--still with his hands bound using spare wiring or laces from extra shoes in the Chariot's wardrobe. "Agent Wells. I would once more like to offer my apologies for the necessary turns of events during our time here together. I believe that you are simply a man trying to do his best in his work, the same as any of us. But that work seems to have changed significantly in the intervening centuries. I sincerely hope that next time our paths cross, our missions will be more parallel with one another." He extends his left hand to shake; his right is in his pocket, with easy access to his pistol should the man get antsy. "Until next time, Agent."
Ueda volunteers to jury-rig the ships' weaponry into explosives, and handles it with a casual ease that suggests it isn't the first time he's rigged such a device. "Of course, ensuring the destruction may still require an active approach. I should be able to create a timed fuse of sorts, but our best option is likely using our own weapons to trigger the explosion. It would do no good at all if the explosives were to be disarmed, or fail to trigger, after we have left this time."
Ueda motions for help from Moreau's prisoners in acquiring the medical equipment, along with the small items aboard his ship. He's happy to leave Wells his belongings, and indicates he'd rather not spend the extra time and risk to take the heavy weaponry.
Ueda reflects on the notion that taking the prisoners with them could effect the timelines. Certainly, there's danger in doing something so brash, and without the guidance of Gabriel and the master copy of the original turn of events. But his mind returns to his theory on the nature of time: resilient, self-correcting, even stubborn in a way. The team's own mere presence in the past could be considered a violation of the natural order of events, but they had gone back without a great deal of debate. And for all they knew, it was correct for these four to return to the 23rd century with the Chariot. And if it triggered some cataclysmic change, well, Gabriel could always have them returned. "If problems arise, they can be corrected, Agent Wells. As Doctor Essex says, there are more pressing matters than this. And while I do not know what advances in temporal theory have occurred by your time, I should hope they are capable of properly directing resources and actions where they will most make a difference." Ueda blinks and offers a thin smile. "Should we meet again, I also hope we are on the same side in all things. We all have the best interests of existence in mind. With time, I believe our methods will become more aligned."
Ueda steadies his emotionless gaze on the man. "And we all know that you were going to follow all of your orders to the letter. How long do you think it would take you to free yourself from those restraints, Agent Wells? Certainly long enough for us to be long gone. Long enough for some natural predator to find you? Long enough to start dehydrating?" He shakes his head. "You do not strike me as a very wise man. Return to your time and do as you please. We will do the same."
"Bold words from someone 'trying' to stop it." Ueda steps back into the room as Wells finishes his speech. He hadn't caught everything, but between the conversation's start and the summary at its conclusion, he understood the concept of things well enough. "If this is the case, you have my apologies for disrupting your work. I see no reason to hold you further. But I believe Griffin, Kitty, and Barry should be allowed their own choice. Return to your own time and face your sentence there, or come to ours and face whatever sentence may be passed there. I assure you that your actions during this period will be reflected in my report." Ueda offers a smile that would never really qualify as "comforting," and falls even shorter given the faint bloodstain on his turtleneck and the ominously empty chair in his hands.
I'm glad people are enjoying it! I've been trying the whole game to play up Ueda's cold side, as he's a very pragmatic and logical thinker, despite his interest--even passion--for pursuits like ethical philosophy. And bearing in mind that he's done some very not-so-nice things in the past, a big part of that is a willingness to do what needs done. His "tools are tools" comment applies as much to people as objects. And yeah, I'm enjoying this game a lot! Definitely not what I first imagined signing up, and that's a great thing. (I figured more straightforward sci-fi investigating and shooting.)
"So," Ueda says, turning to Wells. "It was revenge you were after, not justice. I cannot say I am not disappointed, but I also cannot say I am surprised." He pockets his gun and grabs Moreau's corpse under the arms, moving to start dragging him outside. "Please do as my companions ask. Explain yourself, honestly and with candor. If you are truly a devoted officer of the law, I hope that you can do the right thing."
Ueda looks up at the others. "As Doctor Essex says, we debated this action at great length. But I have always believed that, if death must come, then a brief and unexpected one is better than an end that is slow and looming." He looks down at the gun for a long moment. "And as the one who initiated the final decision, I felt it only correct that I should pull the trigger." He turns to Agent Wells. "Please, as Brass says. I believe now is the time to lay all our hands on the proverbial table." |
