Dark Contacts (part one)

[Thunder] Six-Shooter

Description: This mid-level stock weapon fires 44 caliber bullets and is uncannily accurate; thanks to the extraordinary design, this gun is rated as a Masterpiece.

+10 Accuracy

+5 Damage

Battle Rating: 10

(QJ's Guns/Drexel)

QJ nodded at the first result. "Acceptable. You're hired." 

The rail-thin former jeweler breathed a sign of relief. Drexel received the blue coveralls and leather apron that QJ handed him. "Thanks, Boss."

QJ pointed to the workbench on the far side of the shop. "The stock schematics are loaded into your work area hud." 

The remaining gunsmith stood awkwardly. Out of the dozen candidates, only he and Drexel had been asked to stay behind while the others were dismissed. Foley waited while QJ examined his work.

[Runaway] Rifle: 7.62

Description: This mid-level ranged weapon is accurate to 600 meters and carries a damage bonus; thanks to the extraordinary design, this gun is rated as a Masterpiece.

Bonus: Headshots cause double damage.

Battle Rating: 10

(QJ's Guns/Foley)

"I like it." QJ handed Foley the shop uniform and motioned for him to take the other workbench. "I expect you both here from 0900 to 1700. We close for lunch from 1200 to 1300, no exceptions."

"Yes, sir." Foley's old face wrinkled in a grin. The bulk of stock weapons in Exodus were Fine rank. The library of stock weapons QJ designed were all Master rank, which meant they'd be doing a lot of business.

QJ watched as the two men opened up the huds. Stock weapons in Exodus could be mass-produced at an accelerated rate since the automated process relied heavily on the base blueprint. He had held interviews for half the morning and was satisfied with the result.

[OP: Ringo] You done yet, QJ?

[OP: QJ] Just wrapping up, on my way to the Academy now.

[OP: Ringo] Meet at Guildhall instead.

[OP: QJ] Understood.

QJ walked toward the GnG platform, his sharp eyes glancing around Exodus Station, taking in the large variety of vendors, shoppers, and Strikers that added to the steady din of noise.

[Welcome to Guns and Gore, the Phoenix Server.]

Location: OPC

Time: 1000 hours

Server Population: 188,007 Your current level is 65.

Taking the Guildhall option from the gate, QJ stepped into the opulent headquarters for One Problem. The rich tones of cherrywood tables and sand tile flooring imported from the Basara continent gave the auditorium a warmth that QJ found pleasing.

The horseshoe-shaped table was laden with baked goods, which Dave the Baker had carefully laid out. The table's lone occupant stared at the pastries, seemingly lost in thought. 

"Ringo..." QJ slid into the chair next to his Guild Leader, smiling at the brief flash of surprise in her eyes. "Now that's some serious focus; just take one."

Ringo smiled slyly and helped herself. "More signatures required?"

QJ nodded and shared his hud screen. "Fora, Concert Hall, the Daekar of the Dark Pathway, and The High Elves of Cloud City from Iron Mount."

Ringo whistled softly and signed her portion of the paperwork. "Should we wait on the High Elf Embassy construction?"

QJ shook his head. "The Zephyr Strikers have agreed to fill the slots for the next 12 months; that should give us time to find something more permanent."

"Like the 2nd years?" Ringo suggested.

"Like the 2nd years," QJ agreed. "Gotta earn their place at the table." 

"Did Anna draw these up?" Ringo asked.

"Yes." QJ signed each document with a quick swipe before passing the screen to Ringo.

[System Message] One Problem has signed an informal Alliance with an outworld power, Daekar (Iron Mount).

[System Message] One Problem has signed an informal Alliance with an outworld power, High Elves (Iron Mount).

[System Message] One Problem has signed a formal Alliance with an outworld power, Fora (TAP).

[System Message] One Problem has signed a formal Alliance with an outworld power, Concert Hall (TAP).

*Ding* 66

[System Message] One Problem's influence within the Berg continent has grown substantially.

[Sytem Message] One Problem's influence within the Exodus World has grown substantially.

[System Message] Embassy builds are now available within OPC.

[Whisper: Morganna/Ringo] I have the token for Iron Mount whenever you're ready.

Ringo exchanged glances with QJ and shared her hud screen. "Shall we do it?

[OP: QJ] Lotte, Breeze, Sato, and Enju report to Morganna's Emporium.

Morganna was waiting when QJ and Ringo arrived. The dark-haired gypsy leaned casually against the Emporium's stone wall through half-lidded eyes as a cloud of smoke rose around here.

"What are you smoking?" QJ sniffed the air, not recognizing the pungent scent of the cloud threatening to engulf them. 

"Medicine," Morganna snuffed out her 'meds' and tucked it into one sleeve before handing QJ a small ceramic square.

[Red Player] Token: Unauthorized.

Description: This token will allow gate travel to and back from your destination. It is obviously a counterfeit, and you will be penalized harshly if it is discovered in your possession while traveling in distant realms.

(No drop item)

QJ held up the description for Ringo to read before placing it in his inventory.

Morganna's dark lips curved in a smile. "Bring that token along with this to the black market vendor in Basalt." The gypsy handed QJ a wrapped object, nodding when he went to open it.

"It's a book?" QJ opened the binder, glancing inside. "An inventory?"

"Yes, you'll exchange it for theirs and return it to me." Morganna gestured to an empty table and began laying out items. "The vendor's name is Trillie.

[Dark Contacts] Updated...

[Group: Sato] We're here!

The remaining group members approached while QJ and Ringo were putting on their disguises. 

[Group: QJ] Stow away any items identifying you as a GnG player, and we'll get started.

QJ kept his jump boots but rid himself of [Dark Stranger in favor of a red bandanna. "The bracelet necessary?"

[Dusk]: Romani Bracelet

Description: A cosmetic disguise that gives you the resemblance of a gypsy.

Morganna smiled and helped QJ attach it. "Not for them, but definitely for you. None of the people would have your eyes."

"Really?" QJ used his hud to reflect his image. His dark hair was the same, but his skin and eyes were changed to brown.

"It's a good look," Ringo commented. "She's right; your face has become too well known."

[Group: Lotte] Those baby blues stand out. Even someone not familiar with your face would notice them.

Breeze leaned closer, her dark eyes filled with humor. "Wow... Now, you really look like him."

QJ shrugged, not having to ask who they meant. The strong resemblance between him and his father was uncanny. The thought derailed his focus for a few moments while he considered Daiyu and his recent visit to Seattle. 

"You okay?" Lotte nudged QJ hard enough to get his attention.

"Yeah... Lost in thought for a moment. I'll bring up the quest parameters for the group.

[Dark Contact] Stage One, Iron Mount.

Description: Enter Iron Mount through the Exodus Gate and proceed to Basalt. There, you will contact the black market vendor and exchange inventory catalogs.

[Group: Sato] That's it? A quick switch, and we bug out?

[Group: QJ] Let's hope it's that easy. Put your deets on anon, no guild or name tags.

QJ placed his shotgun in his inventory and moved [Roll Credits] to a belt scabbard. Lotte and Ringo had already moved their six guns to their inventory.

[Group: QJ] Don't bring out your guns unless we step into it. The sound of gunfire will put a great big target on us.

[Group: Lotte] I should have taken up martial arts.

[Group: Ringo] No doubt. 

QJ handed the two slingers, three flashbangs from his inventory, and one smoke grenade.

[Group: QJ] These are common enough in Exodus that using them won't shine a spotlight on us. We'll grab a few common staffs and head out.

[Group: Breeze] Use them as clubs, if nothing else.

[Group: Ringo] Help us out after this, QJ. After seeing how easy it was for you to take down Kendrix in the arena, I don't want to be a one-trick pony.

[Group: Lotte] Same here.

[Group: QJ] You got it, I'll come up with something.

The group bid Morganna goodbye and took the OPC portal to Exodus, where they crossed Central Square toward the Iron Mount platform.

[Group: QJ] Once inside, we'll proceed toward Basalt, sending everyone a route map.

Near the platform, several armor-wearing players were seated near the day vendors sharpening weapons and doing repairs at a discount. None of them did more than glance casually at the group from OP as they stepped onto the platform and vanished.

[Group: Ringo] Remember your way back. If we get discovered, we'll have to scatter while QJ runs interference.

[Group: Sato] I don't feel good about that.

[Group: Breeze] Me neither.

[Group: QJ] We all do our part.

QJ inhaled deeply through his nose and exhaled before stepping off the platform to approach the NPC vendors.

[Group: QJ] The fresh mountain air is nice.

[Group: Sato] What are we doing?

[Group: QJ] Grabbing some mounts unless you want to spend two hours walking.

[Group: Sato] We have mounts.

[Group: QJ] Mine is too recognizable... Also, the saddle/bridle setup in GnG differs from that of Iron Mount.

QJ purchased six regular highland ponies with riding gear, and within a few minutes, the small group took off at a relaxed canter.

[Group: Ringo] Are we entering the city?

[Group: QJ] Yes. Our target will be in the back alley near Market Square.

[Group: Sato] How do we know which one? What's our contact's name?

[Group: Ringo] Trillie.