ADVOCATE Chapter 1

written and drawn by

Fidchell
http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/71214.html

compiled by Dediggefedde using tgchan BLICKs Archive-feature April 24, 2014

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

res/71214.html

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Quest discussion: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/

Sgt. Aiden Schar

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After the incident, I was put on a very brief convalescent leave. The lacerations the thing left behind on my chest turned out be called out as a special case in the event I got infected with some unknown disease or whatever. Just a product of paranoia I think, but I dont blame them considering no one has seen such a disgured creature like that before. I spent a day in the Upper City, getting treated at the main hospital. Why I was put up here, Im not sure we have a perfectly functioning clinic down below. I should count my blessings, regardless. Its the evening and I have one nal checkup with the doctor. Good news, Sgt. Schar. Youre looking good! she tells me. That IS good news. Thanks, doc. She chuckles, noticing my sarcasm. come up. I was still pretty nervous about having to visit the hospital so many dierent times. With the fact that I havent been taking my Astoga, theres no telling what they could nd at I know this whole thing seems pointless. They

want you to go through all these checkups just to make sure something doesnt just randomly

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She continues with a smile, I would say youre good to go back to duty tomorrow morning.

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And...if I may, her face turns grim. About that incident down there. Ive been hearing a lot of things. Disturbing things. Could you tell me what it was like? I mean, being attacked by that thing and all. What exactly did it look like?

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not sure what I can and can not say but it looked dead and I thank my lucky stars that it had a sack over its head and was in a semi-dark room so I didnt really get a good look at it. Tell her that it was really scary, like a real monster with big teeth and huge claws. But a brave hunk of a cop like you wasnt fazed and with the help of your partner you made short work of the monster. That... thing was unnatural, the ngers themselves were all but bone. Its maw was massive, too much so to t its head. And full of sharp teeth, almost like a shark. It just, wasnt right. It was a nightmare, like something out of a bad horror ick. It wasnt just some guy in a costume or a furanthro, and it wasnt even someone with weird body mods. Its bones were the wrong shape. I give the doctor a full-blown, detailed horror story. ...unnatural, with creepy, long ngers that were practically all bone... ...huge maw lined with teeth like that of a shark...

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...didnt look like anything Ive ever seen before. The doctor looks shaken up. My God, that sounds horrible. Im glad youre okay after all that. With the help of my partner, we were able to neutralize it pretty swiftly, I say, almost pung my chest out in pride. Ohhh, I dont know what Id do if I knew that thing was running loose on our streets, she looks like she remembers something. Oh, hey! About your partner. Did you know hes been all over television? Theyre really showering him with praise after that! I ... Uh, I didnt know that. What about me? I ask. Well, I didnt see you anywhere, although you were mentioned! It was most likely because I was sent up here almost immediately and didnt get a chance to have a microphone shoved in my face. Either way, there was at least the mention. I bid the doctor farewell and take my leave. I have the rest of the evening to do whatever, and then tomorrow morning I head back down immediately. Anything I should do with the rest of my time?

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adverse reactions to it! feranthros.

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I know you put on a brave face earlier when you were curious about Astoga, but you really might be having You should at least tell the doctor about the strange visions and feelings around Its not related to that creature or anything, but it is something you ought to get checked out.

Im simply not going to do this. I am going to try to avoid any talk about symptoms

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 like the ones Im having right now. If it gets worse, Ill just start taking the Astoga again.

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As for what to do, I say check with your tecno friend and see if he has found anything with the ash drive or not. Maybe check in with your vendor buddy? He might be relieved to hear from you after that mess. Get in touch with Mel. Get as much information as you can on that drive. Call up Mel and say youre coming to his place to visit, and youre gonna bring carryout from whatever place youll miss the most while on duty down in the Middle. I decide to give Mel a call. This would denitely be the perfect time for that surprise visit. Hello? Hey, buddy. Its Aiden. Aiden! Holy crap, I heard all about it! Im so glad to hear youre ne! You ARE

ne, right? Yeah, Mel, Im okay. Just got good word from the hospital and Ill be heading back to the Middle tomorrow. I thought Id come and see you for the rest of the day. That sounds awesome! his excitement is almost contagious. Im going to get some carryout too, so Ill be there in a bit. Sweet! See you, Aiden! Well that put a warm smile on my face. I head out to my favorite seafood restaurant close by. There are a lot of seafood places in the Middle, but its not any less popular up here.

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while waiting for my order.

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I bask in the familiar warmth and hominess of the restaurant

Lets get in touch with our own personal Lost Boy and see how things are doing for him. Also call Weathers to check in and ask how hes holding up with all the media attention. I decide to call Weathers and see how hes doing after all that. ne with all the buzz about him, but Im curious anyway. He takes a while to pick up. H-hello? Hey, rookie, its Aiden. Oh, he pauses for a bit and clears his throat. Hi. How are you holding up? I know you got a little shaken up after that incident. Oh, Im uh, Im doing alright. Im just uh...just on duty. He sounds almost cynical but I brush it o. Okay. Im just checking up on you. Sorry if it wasnt a good time. No, no its ne. So, I heard you got some media attention! Oh, heh...yeah. The tone of his voice starts to lighten up a bit. I got a pay raise. My eyes widen and Im speechless for a few seconds. I gure hes doing

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day on the eld no less.

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Congratulate Weathers on getting a pay rise, on his second Did he get a promotion too?

You should really congratulate him. throw a joke out there As jealous as I felt for that brief moment, I actually feel Weathers deserves it for keeping a somewhat cool head and taking care of the situation competently. Hey, thats great, Weathers. Congratulations! He chuckles timidly and says, Thanks. And on your second day of deployment too. I bet they wont be remembering your

little lost rie incident, eh? Oh, you gonna pay for my meals from now on, too? Weathers laughs again. Hey, rookie. Make sure you watch your back out there, alright? You got media coverage and all, so keep those eyes peeled, got it? Yeah, Ive been doing that, heh... Um, Sergeant, I have to go. Its nice, um, talking to you again. Oh, alright, Weathers. See ya - He hangs up somewhat abruptly. Well, alright

then. I try to not think too much on it. I get my meal and head to Mels place.

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I arrive at Mels oce in the main police station. business. Oh right...that ash drive.

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We

exchange hearty greetings, bear hugs, and get down to

Youve pretty much seen

most of what was on it, right? he asks. Yeah. I found some hidden les too.

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You have? Well, those were easy to uncover. I initated a bit of a deeper breakdown and uh... Mel plays with the ash drive in his hand. The only other thing I could nd was another text le. Here. Mel plugs the drive into his computer and brings it up. He does a bit of whiz boy magic and cracks down deeper into the drive, revealing a text le called 001. Even if she cannot waken the Advocate alone, she is still trying to create beasts. she is doing. These imperfect beasts cannot be let loose. They must perish. Mel brings up the properties of the le and nds the author named Jai. I dont know what to say, Mel says, looking worried. stu in here. Theres some really cryptic Is

she trying to demonstrate what she is capable of ? I need Caelus to see. I need him to see what

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You couldnt nd the name or IP of which these les were created on? Word documents usually leave those behind, even when copied to other hard drives or when theyre uploaded to the internet. Is there anything else you can do to trace it? tracking down the IP or something? I question. I was going to do that, actually, but I dont know. The stu inside here just freaked me out a little. Was a bit distracting, but Ill get on that. That le he found, was that deleted and left an imprint on the drive or something and then Mel brought it back? That would be a nifty trick to learn. How did you even nd that le? I ask him. Mel just shrugs. It was just in a deeper pocket someplace in the drive. hidden. Are you sure theres not anything else? Nope. Ive checked through as thoroughly as possible. That was that. If not even Mel could do it, then the drive must be fully cleaned out by now. These names, have you run them by any database? I dont just mean google, the police database often have a database for both names and aliass. We might have matches there. We still havent found out what the folder being named Hyuro meant. Is it someones name? When you get a chance, check records for ocers with either of those last names. Mel, we have to jot some of these weird names down and get searching. You can request this from public records, right? It was actually pretty wellLike

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Yeah, yeah I think so. quest it. Okay. Jai. Caelus. Hyuro. I dont think theyd mind.

-9Not illegal if you personally re-

Look those names up and see if theres anyone in the

force that comes up with that name, alright? This could be real big. Yeah, Mel nods. this. We spend the rest of the night dicking around and having fun, a necessity before I have to dive into the mouth of the Middle again. Unfortunately I cannot spend the night with Mel. On convalescent leave, Im required to stay at the barracks. I say my goodbyes. Be careful out there. laugh. So it seems. Ill be ne, Mel. Dont worry your foxy little head over it. Its just getting more and more messed up, he tells me. I Youre right. Im denitely getting a sorta big feeling from all

Sgt. Aiden Schar

away after I make my arrival.

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The night passes in a blink and before I know it, Im on the convoy back to the Middle city. Im told to go to duty right

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hes not in the dorms again.

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First I have to nd my favorite, popular rookie, and FUCK,

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Hey, you got some sleep!

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Eh, just a couple more hours than usual, but its something. Your Inspector, whats-her-name, Massey, might know where Weathers is. He was assigned to her station. You should ask her. Inspector Massey is usually out and about. ily. This time it might not be his fault, I assume hes been dragged o into televised shit or something what with the whole Public Hero vibe Im getting o what little weve seen of him since yesterday. he might be busy this time around so I say just check some of the spots youve seen him in before then just leave a note or something and head out, we can try and catch up with him later. Thats true. With the media exposure, he mightve been dragged o someplace else I doubt Id be able to nd her that eas-

for whatever reason. Its not entirely uncommon. Still, I leave a note on his bed to get in touch with me asap so that we can reunite. In case hes still around, I decide to check the day room again. Before I even head

out of the dormitory area, I hear the sound of a door shutting behind me. I gaze over my

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shoulder and glue my eyes on the entrance to the restroom. Im pretty sure it came from there, but the lights arent on. That raises my suspicion to staggering heights.

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I enter the restroom and ip on the light switch. The rst thing I notice are the legs coming from under one of the stalls and the trail of blood drops going from a sink to that same stall. I hear a faint curse come from behind the stall.

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up blood level?

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How much blood is in the sink? Nosebleed level or coughing

The sink has smudged blood marks on it, as if someone had tried to wash something covered in the stu. call out, ask if hes ok. Ask him if hes alright, mention that he seems to be bleeding a fair bit. Hey! I call out. You alright in there? Um... I recognize the voice immediately. I walk up to the stall, but it opens on its own. Behind the stall is Weathers, whos in his underpants and holding his bloodied shirt against his chest. He looks absolutely mortied. Im sorry, Sergeant... he drawls. am shocked to see this. From here I cant see any injuries on him, but I

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What happened.

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Ask him what happened. Hopefully this isnt a voices thing.

He looks like he needs a friend right now as opposed to someone issuing orders, he might ip his shit otherwise and you wont get anything out of him. Weathers, what happened? I speak up after a brief pause. Weathers shues around nervously, unable to reply. Could you pull that shirt away? Weathers looks even more nervous around, and very hesitant. Please, Sergeant. Please promise you wont get mad. Weathers, I try to make my voice solid and assuring, I wont get mad. see. Weathers very reluctantly unveils a horric symbol cut into his body. Good God. What - how - what the hell? Im at a loss for words. again, wincing in pain. I dont know. It wasnt like this before I went to bed. I... Weathers takes a deep Weathers quickly shrouds it Let me

breath. I think I did it to myself.

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Are you serious? I ask loudly. up to me, shaking. right? Sorry, he says quietly.

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Weathers ambles

Whoa, thats close enough, al-

Sergeant, please dont tell

anyone. Please, Im begging you!

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It wasnt just the nasty gashes that left me speechless, its the fact that I almost feel like the symbol itself is...familiar.

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bus.

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Keep it down, rookie. Im not throwing you under the

Its the symbol tattooed on the right cheek of the glowing eyed woman you saw. Yes! Thats where I saw it last...but what exactly does it represent? Draw the symbol on a piece of paper. message to him. Itd probably just be better to snap a photo. I take out my PDA. Weathers, let me see the cuts again. Wh-what? he unveils the marking on his abdomen and I take a photo of it. What are you going to do? Relax, Im just going to send this to a friend of mine for analysis. I think this symbol means something. Y-you arent going to get me in trouble are you? No, Weathers. If anything, Ill defend your ass if anyone wants to fry it. For the time being you got to contain the bleeding, go search the rst aid box for pads and crepe bandages. Put the pads on the wound then get Weathers to hold them in position so you can wrap his wounds up with the crepe bandage. Then, you can leave the Hey! Might as well send it to Mel to match it to

the databases hes going to be searching. Just use your cellphone and send the picture in a

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 station without Weathers looking like he just go slashed up Now hold still. Im going to patch you up, I say as I take out my rst aid kit.

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place a disinfectant padding across the wound and then wrap it with a bandage. Im no doctor, so well have to head over to the clinic so they can treat you further. But I cant do that! Theyll send me to a mental ward! Weathers says hysterically. No, they wont. I will make sure that doesnt happen. H-how? Well, rst of all, we could say that someone else did it. lieve you did something this...neatly cut on your own. Okay...okay. I understand how Weathers feels right now, but I have to assure him that hell be ne. Regardless, I feel uneasy about this whole thing. I am not sure what the truth is, but I dont like to think Weathers is being mentally tortured to the point of doing this sort of thing. I nish applying the bandage and we head out to the clinic. I dont know if theyll be-

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At the clinic, I ask Weathers some questions. Whered he get the knife from?

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You say you think youve done this to yourself? Where did you get the knife? I um...I dont know...I mightve just stolen it, but I dont remember doing it. You kidding me? Sleep-stealing? Maybe.

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Weathers, its gotta be someone else who did it. I dont think youre that insane. I cant really tell anymore, he mopes, slouching and playing with his thumbs. try to gure out what happened since you left 2 days ago. While I was gone, do you suspect anything strange happening that couldve led up to this? No. I mean, I spent most of my time with the media, but no I didnt suspect any-

thing. Im coming up with blanks and not sure how to proceed with this detective work of mine. Ive already sent Mel the picture and hopes he can nd something soon...and about the names I gave him.

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A nurse drops by and calls for Weathers. I give him a nod and he leaves with her. With him probably going to be put on quarters for a bit, I gure Id might as well carry out the patrol on my own. For now just stick with weathers and since your dropping him o to get medical attention maybe we should come up with a story together because I dont think theyll like it if we just say weathers went crazy but is ok now. Ive told Weathers to simply tell the nurse that it wasnt his own doing. I doubt theyll be paranoid enough to believe he made such precise incisions himself. If I nd out they give him shit then Ill vouch for him. Hes been with the media, right? once youve got the chance, go through all the available pictures and footage for suspicious other folks, especially if that symbol is involved. during your free time see if you cant pull up some of the pictures and video o the net of

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 weathers and see if you cant nd anything strange about them.

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If/when you look through the pictures/video, check if you see the guy from when you were touched or if you see Weathers kinda fade out like he did in front of the TV before. Once Im back outside, I nd a cozy little nook and go through the internet on my PDA. I search every news site that comes to mind and try to nd any photos that have anything strange or suspicious. Behold, I nd just that. This is the only photo in which something weird is in it,

and what I nd weird about this one is the guy in the backdrop. He attire looks very familiar and I cant quite put my nger on where I saw that type of clothing last.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

getting all up in a feranthros business.

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My attention is taken away from the photo by some commotion going on in the street. Some soldiers are once again

Where do you think youre going? Look at this bitch. She looks suspicious as hell if you ask me, one of them says with derision. Yeah. Whatre those under her little skirt? the other sneers. The canid soldier lifts up her skirt and laughs. Nice! Hey, you know some weird fuckbag will hide shit anywhere, right? The feranthro is speechless with fright. The soldier proceeds to feel up her breasts

and the other rummages around and pulls out his PDA. This is going a bit too far. It makes me wonder what is causing the soldiers to behave this way. Is it pure douchery or is something else going on now? Either way, I dont think even the higher militia authority would approve of this. Any sort of sexual act between a feranthro and anthro is strictly forbidden.

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after the event. It was made yesterday. City for a single day.

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According to the time stamp, the video was made 3 weeks

Ive only been in the Upper

These guys look like a pair of real mean sons of bitches, so I radio in in case things get ugly. HQ, this is Sgt. Aiden. Misconduct met, may need backup, over. Sgt. Aiden, we read you. Please notify again when assistance is needed, over. As nonchalant as possible, I switch over to the camera function and start to record the harrassment. I see the feline soldier snap a photo with his PDA. After a bit, I walk over to the event myself. The canid soldier notices me immediately. Hey, what the fuck? he shouts. The feline soldier turns to me as well. What the hell is going on here? I ask gruy. Why are you two harrassing this female? Surprisingly, the feline approaches me with politeness while the canid proceeds to bark nasty insults. Fucking worthless cop! was watching us, Ward? Ocer, its alright. We are conducting random inspections and sometimes this is needed, the feline explains calmly. Needed? Feeling up a feranthro is needed? Are you serious? Yes, ocer. Theres been instances where people have hidden things under their fur. Why didnt you fucking look around and make sure no one

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The way youre approaching this makes me question your intentions.

I heard every-

thing, you know. Dont bullshit me. I wave my PDA at his face and he gets the picture. Ocer, please. We didnt mean any harm. Look, theres some shit going on around here. Command has been talking about secretive exchanges going on. It could be really big. We cant cut any corners. An exchange? I ask. It looks like there actually may be something else happening. Fuck him, Ward! Hes a fucking cop, he cant do shit! Oh, I can do some shit, I glare at the canid. I might not be in the militia, but

you can be damn sure I can throw your asses on the frying pan. Hes right, Black, shut your mouth. You really want us to lose our career? The fe-

line turns back to me. But yes, ocer, weve been briefed about exchanges many times, but there have been many dierent witnesses recently saying a feranthro is involved.

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Sorry, when I said event, I meant the encounter with the creature. You ran into the creature the same day as you had a meeting with the chief, and the message he sent to get you was dated Sep 9, which was more than 3 weeks ago.

Huh. Ill have to x that later.

The date on my PDA must be...very o then.

The soldiers actions cannot be excused. Even if they are permitted to get into someones private sections, their approach is very much a form of sexual assault. So if these sort of searches are authorized, then I suppose your superiors wont overreact to what Ive led to them, right? Itll all just be a misunderstanding? The canid, Black, does not take kindly to my words and rears in like hes about to strike at me. The feline holds him o.

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Fucking dickhead cop! Lemme teach this barrel-assed, ea-ridden, lapdog a lesson! Black! Calm your ass down! the feline shouts, managing to pacify the canid only

slightly. Ocer, you do what you wish. We have to go. Cmon, Black. Before I can say anything else, the two leave the scene, the feline roughly shoving the canid as if he were a stubborn child who wouldnt budge. Ill probably deal with this later on, but my attention is now focused on the feranthro, who looks utterly humiliated. Should I help her? Im tempted to and to show her not everyone down here is a complete asshole. But she also looks like she simply doesnt want to interact with any member of the force at the moment.

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now, poor girl jus went through a lot.

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I would go an try to help. But youll done have t be gentle Maybe move in front of her, a safe distance away, and kneel down to eye level? Oer a hand and help with whatever it is she might need, be it an escort home or getting something she may have come out for. ask if she needs help getting home or something at least Keep your interaction hands-o and professional. Shes not gonna want anybody, especially a male anthro cop, touching her without consent right now. I kneel down a safe distance from the feranthro and try to talk with the best comforting tone I can muster. Miss? Are you alright? I ask. She looks up at me in surprise. After an awkward

pause, I continue. Look, Im sorry about those creeps. If you want, I can escort you back to your home safely.

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it on the ground in front of her.

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The feranthro suddenly rummages in her skirt pocket and I remain alert. She pulls out a coin pouch and gently lays

She lifts herself up and sidesteps me, walking into the crowd ahead. I stare at her with my mouth slightly agape until she disappears. I look back at the pouch and pick it up. Im going to assume she wanted to give me this in thanks. Its a decent amount of coin, so I cant really say no, can I? So what now?

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happened?

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...soooooooo what were we doing again before all this or more like what were we going to do

Well, I was basically just on patrol... Are you sure its coin in the Suspicious Unopened Package? I dont want you to get caught with that money. Report the money on the radio. The hell? Where did she get that much coin? I dont want to stereotype, but... I woul go an report all this t the CO, as well as th pouch. In anyone nds out, it may not look so good on ya. Yes, Im sure there is about...a hundred coin at least in here. I really dont want to

go through the headache of turning it in and I HIGHLY doubt anyone would be missing this small pouch. No one is going to know either unless I wave it around in peoples faces. Call HQ back and let them know the situations resolved for now. I call HQ back and tell them the situation is diused.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Roger, Sergeant. Backup has been withheld. Thanks for notifying, over. Can you research any military personnel by the names Ward and Black later on?

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That would be almost impossible. The police force and militia have means of communication, but we are not to go anywhere near their records. The only thing I can turn in is the video at the moment. I continue on my patrol route and it takes me to a warehouse yard. Theres hardly

anyone here and its actually a bit unsettling. I come up to a couple warehouses, and all of a sudden there is a crash and sounds of debris. From the alleyway between the two warehouses comes a feranthro who is pushed out with great force.

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Someone comes out of the alley after him. Its Inspector Massey! She has a hint of erce but quiet anger coming from her face. With a smooth stroke, she pulls out her blade and points the tip at the incapacitated feranthro, the blade glowing with intense heat. It might get ugly. Should I intervene?

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pened.

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Move in to back her up, and ask the Inspector what hapJust aim your rie at the feranthro incase it try to run or attack Massey after you call out to her seeing as that might distract her. Just ask if she needs any help. This exactly. Be ready to shoot before you call out in case he tries something. Intervene, but only enough so that you can nd out from Inspector Massey whats going on before you possibly runs that feranthro through. You can make a decision from there. I take aim with my rie but keep my nger o the trigger. I slowly approach and I

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 can tell that the Inspector notices me.

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Sergeant Aiden. It really is strange how we keep crossing paths, she says. She turns her eyes toward my direction. Yeah, I guess. Um...whats going on? Whatd this guy do? Oh, I dont know too much just yet, other than the fact that he might be involved in some particularly heinous acts. Also, what Ive seen here may help me nd the answers I need. Answers? To what? To the visions. The dreams. I had almost forgotten about Masseys problems with

visions. But what exactly has she been seeing? And please lower your rearm. I dont intend to have this feranthro put down, at least if he decides to behave. I nod and lower my rie. She continues, Ive got a lot of questions for this guy when we get back to HQ, but rst I want to ask you something, Aiden. What sort of symbols have you been seeing?

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Show her that drawing you made of weathers cut. Weathers cut would have been documented as an assault made by another person by now, and hardly can be a secret. you know that one symbol on the weird feranthros cheek, the one that made the news a couple days ago. Seen that one earlier today. I take out my PDA and search for the photo I took of the cuts on Weathers body. I show it o to Inspector Massey. Ive been seeing this one around a lot, and -

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Yes! body? Relax, I try to pacify her. Its not a corpse.

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Thats the one Ive been seeing as well, she interrupts, her eyes growing with

fascination. Wait, is this is a photograph? Where the hell did you nd this? Wheres the

Its... Im hesitant for a moment,

hoping Inspector Massey wouldnt parade this around to the entire force or up the chain. Its my partner, Ocer Weathers. You mightve seen him at the post oce. What the hell happened? she asks, still transxed on the photograph. I dont really know. Someone couldve snuck in and just did this to him. The lines seem very precise so I dont think he did it to himself. Theres something else. Massey looks up at me. Have you seen the news recently? About that feranthro that could be seen above the Lower City? The symbol is on her as well. I dont frequently watch the television, no. I usually dont have much time for that. Well I think Ive seen her skulking around up here. Its pretty obvious she has some signicance.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

-

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Right. I should probably keep an eye out then, and...goddamnit

The feranthro is quick on his toes and tries to make an escape, but Masseys reaction time is quick. Shoving the swords blade into the dirt, Massey reaches into her skirt and pulls out a stun gun. She res and hits the feranthro directly on the neck. His body freezes up instantly and he hits the oor hard. Cheeky little fucker. Anyway, I dont like sticking around here. After what I saw,

there could be a lot more around, and I dont feel like leaving behind a mess today. Im about to call in a convoy. You want to come with?

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If I head back to HQ with her, I could probably get some answers about the symbol right now, but I might also run the risk of getting an ass-chewing for leaving my route.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

for leaving your route, I think. Hell yes you go with her, shes a bad-ass. Sure, ride with Massey

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Escorting a prisoner with a fellow ocer is a decent excuse

shes your superior ocer right? If so I say go with her just tell her if anyone chews your ass out for leaving your route just tell them you where helping a superior out and had to leave your route. Yeah, head in on the convoy. Inspector Massey is indeed a superior ocer. She could probably vouch for me if someones ass gets chapped about my departure. Yeah, Ill ride along, I say. Massey nods and radios in for the convoy. Just ask her to keep the thing about Weathers on the downlow, at least until we need to pull that card. Could I just ask a favor? Could you keep the thing with Weathers and the marking on the downlow? I ask her. Massey looks at me funny. Alright, Sergeant, but youll have to realize this cant be hidden for much longer. Once I nd out whats going on, connections will be made and something huge will probably be unraveled. Ill convince my authorities of this one way or another. Well get some answers. Make sure to radio into dispatch right after Inspector Massey requests the convoy to inform them that youre assisting her and youre coming in on it as well. Probably a good idea. I reach for my radio and tune in to HQ. I let them know about my accompanying Massey.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Roger, Sergeant Schar. Please exercise caution. After that, I suddenly realize something.

- 25 -

Inspector, you said youve seen things? I mean, what about this feranthro gave you an idea? I question. Massey takes her blade and sheaths it. She makes a quiet, hu of a laugh. Huh. I almost forgot. Take a look in that alley I came from. She gestures with a

jerk of her head. I walk over to the opening and peek in. ... Theyve got an alter going on here, I breath out. I dont know how long this has gone on, but theyve gathered a bunch of shit, obviously, Massey states.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Is that... chicken blood? I inspect the scene more closely. paint, thank goodness.

542578

The buckets full of

bottom right, theres a face, can you tell who it might be or no? Its a crude drawing of the same feranthro thats been tormenting me, Glowy-Eyes. Theres other large photos stuck to the walls. Most I cant make out, but some resemble disturbing creatures and corpses. this was just in an alley in plain view of anyone passing by? about it being so public. This whole yard seems a little empty. I dont think theres been much work going on in this area for a good while. Something seems o

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Scan the newspaper articles for names you know. I dont see anything about anyone familiar, but most of these articles...theyre on the many feranthro riots and violent outbreaks that have happened for the past couple years or so. Might be a good idea to record all of this to look over later. Photograph the scene as a whole and the articles in particular so you can refer to them later. I start taking photos of the alley alter. Massey calls out from behind. The convoys almost here. What are you doing? Oh, just... I put the PDA away. Just taking photos. I want to look over this later. That isnt really necessary, Massey stops and thinks for a bit, but it might be good. Who knows, you may nd something I overlook, although that is very very unlikely. I leave the alley and reunite with her. She has the feline feranthro bound up and I

can see the convoy rolling in from the distance.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

We enter the convoy and take our seats. You gonna tell her about the linking thing?

542579

Or that

vision you had with the two feranthros when you passed out after that feranthro touched you, that was a really clear vision. Ive been hearing some things going around, I start. I have Masseys attention al-

most immediately. The feranthro continues to look away with a bitter expression. Ive heard things about a Link. Do you have any idea what that could mean? A link? Massey looks thoughtful for a moment. Where did you hear it? Wouldnt know shit about that.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Well... I proceed to explain my incident with the two feranthros: the one I escorted to the industrial zone and the feranthro worker that touched me and gave me the strange visions. Thats pretty much it. Damn crazy that it all happened in that single day. Massey looks over at the feranthro. Hear that, eabag? I recommend you keep your mangy fur away from Sergeant Schar. She looks back at me. Although that is pretty strange. You sure you werent suering from heat stroke? No, Im serious. Ive been seeing that symbol a lot and things about a Link, but I cant piece it together. I wont be much of a help in that matter. Dont worry, Schar, well get the information we need soon enough, isnt that right, longneck? She nudges the feranthro. He continues to gaze in the opposite direction with a scowl. I think if theres anything else I should ask Massey.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

543388

Be polite, interrogation relies on being friendly instead of mean and torturous. Let him feel sympathetic. You have no personal real ill will towards him, so dont gain any and use that. Dont respond to smug remarks that help with his sense of self-superiority. Calm down man. Getting angry is letting him win. Despite his arrogance in spilling the information hes concealing, I try to settle down. It would denitely be useful to keep him o the mindset of any degree of superiority. I have a thousand questions swimming around in my head and Im not sure where to start. This really may be the guy that can nally clear all the confusion in my mind. We could nally nd answers to this madness. I decide to start asking more questions related to the feranthros.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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The attacks from the feranthros are heating up it looks like. It seems like a war is inevitable. The feline nods. When it comes down to it, blood is going to spill, and it is totally possible for your people, your family, to be among the dead. I can say youre probably one of the rioters, so tell me, do you really think a war is worth it? Do you think the feranthros will be victorious? If you ask me if well be victorious, then you must be ignorant or just simply choosing to ignore one of our greatest weapons. He is starting to open up about tactics. This could get interesting, as he has now conrmed hes a part of the hostile groups. And my only family is the collective that dwell below...and my savior the Advocate. Our savior. I feel no regret in our actions, in the past, present, and the future. You cant try to make me sympathetic. He may be right about that. I dont think he has a more personal life or relationship going on, except with his Advocate thing. Itll be pointless to try to make him sentimental. I continue to question him. You implied that you knew who I was before we met. Where did you hear of me? Oh, thats a great question. You see, youve been passed down as a key to progres-

sion. Youre mentioned in the prophecies and by the Planeseer. You are the bearer of the power that will strengthen the Link. The Planeseer? I ask. Our primary helper in the progression. atmosphere a little more comfortable. So, then... I make a pause to gesture that he share his name, but he doesnt go through with it. Tell me, how do you feel about the progression? Better yet, how are you feeling today? I try to mix in some mundane questions to confuse the feline. He just smiles. Progression is steady. It is smooth. Nothing will stop our gradual climb toward enThe keeper of the prophecies. Im getting a

bit perplexed by all these weird things hes mentioning. I just sit back and try to make the

lightenment and divinity. What is your main goal here? What do you all hope to really accomplish? The Advocate will grant us great power. Great power to strike down on anthro-kind

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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and destroy the barriers between us. Unity will be restored, and your steel structures will become dross, symbolizing your failed civilization. Regardless of all the crazy things this guy is telling me, it feels like Ive heard of all this before. There are a couple new things here and there, but the objectives and the espionage...its all too familiar. Im not learning very much from this. I still dont know why I carry this power and what exactly it is. He mentions unity, and the word link would signify that. Will you give me your name? I ask. He just laughs. Ive had a name once. It means nothing now. We are a collective. We are a unity. We are not privileged for individual names, but the higher ones are...for the sake of honor. Especially those of the Hyuro bloodline. So thats the name of a bloodline... I say aloud. Dont worry, it wont mean much for you. I wont tell you everything. Its best you dive in unknowing. I come up with another question to ask him. What are your thoughts on the recent incident inside that house in the Middle city. The one with the abomination. Abomination? the feline scos. Well, I suppose thats appropriate. Its a message,

more or less. Its a message for things to come. So youre all going around and turning people into monsters? Yes, but not just as a message, but also as an experiment. We must perfect our craft before we can proceed.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

news clipping.

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I pull out the PDA and show the feline the photo on the

Do you nd this character familiar? I say, pointing to the gure with the head bandana and wrinkled face. The felines brow raises. Oh, heh heh... He wishes to show his face. He wants to show it to her... He sud-

denly stops there, staring at the picture some more. Who is he? The feline is hesitant for a moment, but then looks up at me with a toothy grin and a glint in his eye. The Planeseer. Jai. You want to watch yourself around him. He doesnt let any-

thing stop him, and he carries out his orders with great fervor. Jai. The name of the author of that le. Things are starting to come together...but very slowly. I keep what the feranthro says in mind. What do you plan to do? The feranthro asks, while looking strangely interested. Well, when I see him, Ill take him in too. The feline laughs in response to this. Good luck with that. With the things that the feranthro revealed, the way has been opened for more questions. What else should I interrogate about?

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

543536

The experiment to rene their abilities was almost killing you... you as a main benefactor of their progression by strengthen their link, I would have assumed they would probably try to take you to their side, maybe try to protect you until your power work out, but surely not letting random experiments go on rampage near you... Ask if Yuseta and whoever the fuck else needs Aiden (yourself) alive. If you died, what would happen? Going back to the creature and the incident and all... I begin, What wouldve happened if I died? That wouldve ruined your whole ritual, wouldnt it? It probably wasnt wise to let something like that loose around me. I dont think it was meant to turn out like that, the feline says, looking puzzled. The thing was locked up, wasnt it? You werent meant to nd it. I wasnt, huh? Well, why did I get a tidbit of information with the things location

as well as the code for the lock? The feranthro shrugs. I feel like Im getting an upper hand. And get this, one of the les was labeled in his name. The felines brow creases with frustration. He sits back and scowls. I wouldnt worry much. seer. Anyway, you havent answered my question. What happens if I were to die? The feranthro smiles again. It would be a minor inconvenience. Another will emerge from the womb with the proper aura. And youre so sure of this? It has happened. Theyve shown me. I sigh and move on. Back to the creature. Do you guys just pick people at random to be your guinea Jai works in mysterious ways. It is the way of the Plane-

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 pigs? Maybe. Maybe not. I havent been very involved with the experiments. Does he know what the drugs you have to take do? Ask what he thinks about the injections. So you know of Astoga? Sure. Remember, I used to be part of your posh civilization. What do you think about it? Pure placebo trash. Placebo? I dont think so. There have been people that have turned. Are you sure about that? the feranthro says while leaning in.

- 32 -

Ive heard stories,

but Ive never actually seen anything. You never suspected a government scare? I dont want to delve into this more, not with Massey listening. I dont know if shes staying o the drug like me, but I dont want to risk talking about it. The drugs keep our minds from degrading. Oh, yeah? Because THIS, he sweeps his arms in an outward motion, gesturing to-

ward his feral legs, isnt the cause of staving o your stupid drug. I bite my tongue and put away the topic for a bit. What convinced you this wasnt insane rhetoric? Hope in something better? Were

you raised to believe this? Were you ever skeptical of these prophesies? Were you raised to believe in the propechies? Were you ever skeptical of them? Skeptical? the feline shakes his head with a quiet sco. I dont like to think of

past days. This is my new life. The prophecies, the warm unity of my cousins...its all I have

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 to live for now, and I couldnt ask for any more. I would like to know about your past.

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The feranthro gives me a funny look. Really? Havent you gured it out already? I was in your shoes, keeping the peace. Everything you do, everything all of you do, is simply worthless. I was lucky to realize my true purpose. I got a hint before, but I feel my heart jump at this realization. If he was an anthro once, then what changed him? Alright, nevermind then. How about the barriers youve mentioned? What did you

mean by that? Is Jai trying to make hybrids or something? Fill me in. No, you clod, he leans forward, the barriers are what separates anthros from us. Im not talking about the fucking concrete walls here. If we have to destroy all of you, then so be it. I can tell hes getting frustrated. It must have been from the mentioning of his past.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

543537

My PDA vibrates. I open my newly received message. Its the Chief, and I am one of the lucky winners to head out and pacify a fresh riot. Impeccable timing. I want to stay and keep talking to this guy, but I cant exactly shirk my duties.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Duty calls.

543678

Tell him that something more important

has come up, and that you hope to speak with him again. Until then, he is in the hands of inspector Massey.

Ive got someplace to be.

I hope to speak with you

again soon. Theres still quite a bit I must know.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Oh, indeed, there is much concealed from you, but all in due time, Aiden.

- 34 -

Meanwhile, Ill leave you in the hands of Inspector Massey. I recommend you not try anything. Very well then. If the BITCH, he says this word loudly, facing the glass, wants to know some things, though, I might not be very willing to share my knowledge. With that, I get up and leave the chamber. doesnt face me to talk. Have massey keep an eye on him, and if possible distract anyone who tries to free him. Not likely to work, but any delay in their plans is a good delay. On your way out, give her a bit of warning about the riot. It may be a distraction, so she should keep on guard. Also tell her to hold up on putting an arrest out for Jai til we get back. The Chief gave me the word to quell a riot. It may be a distraction. Youll keep a lookout? As long as Im down here, no one will get to him. Trust me, she says. And this Jai person, lets put o the arrest warrant until we get back. I still have to poke him for some answers. Massey just grunts. Dont forget to ask her to look up who set up your transfer. Im very curious about the whole process functional went through to get me down here. It doesnt seem like a coincidence. Would you be able to nd who set me up for deployment? Its usually the high authority that gives the go-ahead. Digging around for the exact person that chose you will be tedious. I nod slowly and start to walk away, but Massey adds, But Ill try. Thanks. Inspector Massey appears brooding and

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

543679

I head out to the area where the riot is taking place. The amount of feranthros is suprisingly small, and I would have thought at least the militia would have subdued them already. Theres a lot of yelling and gnashing of teeth, mostly from the feranthros, who are wielding dierent tools as weapons. How should I approach?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Are you in body armor? Our armor is built into our uniforms. Are you the superior here? Can you give orders? Find the guy in charge of this operation, ASAP!

544005

Are you the highest ranked member of the police force here?

I approach the scene and see two policemen. One is a low-ranking ocer and the other is a Sergeant, like me. The sergeant notices me. Hey there. About time! Ocer, keep your weapon aimed. The fox next to him nods without keeping his eyes o the feranthros. Got it, Sir! Hows the situation being handled? I ask. The rioters are pretty irate. Were pincering them and they still refuse to put their

weapons down. I think theyre chattering about poor treatment in the -

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

544006

Sergeant! The ocer looks over at me. Im sorry to interrupt, but the feranthros are calming down! I just notice that the clamor is settling. I look over to see that the feranthros have lowered their weapons. Theyre all looking at me as if in a trance. Im going to have to start getting used to this. Do they know you? the fox asks in wonderment.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

I dont really know. incident at the house. quickly. plain. Then see if you can talk the feranthros down. This, and try to see if you can talk them down. Calmly and ina civil manner.

544156

They might know me from that Word spread about that pretty

Lets just take care of this situation, I ex-

Take

advantage of the weird stu when it works in your favor. Dispersing the feranthros is important, we can avoid provoking the whole crowd by giving them some room. If youll all lend me your ears for a moment, I feel stupid saying this considering theyre all giving me their undivided attention, please lower your weapons and calmly disperse. No one will be arrested if you follow these orders. Suddenly, the canid feranthro in front takes a step towards me. His pipe slides out of his grasp and he reaches out toward me. Sir, please stay back, I command. He isnt stopping. One of the militia barks at him, HEY! Did you hear him or not! Ba - AGH! Whatever the soldier is feeling, its spreading rapidly across the crowd. Everyone is Stay! The fuck!

grasping their heads and moaning in pain in disturbing unison. I can feel it too, like a claw

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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scraping against my skull. The feranthro is not even TOUCHING me but I can feel these horrible pains. My knees are growing weak and my body is trembling while my vision swims. The feranthro isnt stopping his very slow approach, and the closer he gets, the more the pain intensies. This is going to shit quickly. Piece of shit! I hear the soldier snap between bursts of loud grunts. around dizzily. I manage to

see that hes starting to aim his weapon at the feranthro, his grip fumbling as he stumbles

Sgt. Aiden Schar

bag or taze.

544237

Soldier dont shoot! Hes unarmed! Dont give fuel. SandUse hands to gesture something across. Bear the pain, get in the way if you have to. Tell the Militiaman to stay his weapon, if he shoots the feranthro itll all go to shit. dude tell the solder to lower his weapon. I start to wave my arms frantically at the soldier. Dont shoot! Hes unarmed! Lower your weapon! Surprisingly, it works. The soldier just continues to stumble and then eventually drop his rearm, kneeling down. I had to do something fast. Stumble forward and punch the advancing feranthros lights out, it might stop whatever is happening. Grinding my teeth, I start to focus all of my remaining energy. I take a large step toward the anthro, feeling the strength of the Link searing at my skull as if I was stepping closer to an oven. I swing my st with brutal force coupled with the momentum. The feranthro takes the blow to the face and already I can feel the pain waning. My vision begins to restore itself, the dizziness fading away. The feranthro drops like a sack of rocks. I shout at the top of my lungs,

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

544238

Everyone around me recovers from the pain too. Some are able to get back on their feet quickly while others are still sprawled on the ground or kneeling, moaning in agony. I look back at the crowd before me to see that the rioting feranthros are still placated, actually looking afraid and not as focused on me as before. Sergeant, the fox calls out to me, still knelt, youre bleeding. You have a nosebleed. I feel around the end of my snout. Yep, Im denitely bleeding. I dont see anyone else visibly having uids expelled from their body, but it would make sense if I was the most aected out of everyone here. What do I do about this situation now?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

have the other ocers arrest them all.

544411

Tell the feranthros to pick up their unconscious friend and uh, arrest the one feranthro for sure and probably should get the other 3 a well even if for nothing more then holding them for one night. I walk over to the two policemen, wiping my snout. We should report this and take them in, I say, reaching for my radio. Whoa whoa! Dont worry about that, the sergeant says, arm extended. You should probably head over to the clinic and make sure that bleeding doesnt mean anything serious. What about - Dont worry about it, he looks over at the fox. head over and get checked up. The rookie here needs training in

this sort of situation anyway. Well call in a convoy and have these guys transported. You just

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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I nod in thanks and we separate. As I cross by the crowd, I notice there are some anthros that are still incapacitated. I hope that this isnt more serious than it looks. With the fact that this has aected everyone in the vicinity, I wont be surprised if theres a good deal of investigation work initiated on this matter. Shoot o a message to that tech-guy friend of yours, the one who managed teleportation of stu! He should be able to get an immediate playback of any radio or other EMR disturbances from the police equipment on-site. By now its already too late for that. This whole thing seems to have aected our

minds mostly. It would have to happen again while Mel is listening for him to even pick anything up. Either way, I think the incident relates greatly to the link power thats in me. If the feline is right about what hes saying, then for some reason the feranthros have a greater ability to maybe...connect to this power? It still wouldnt explain the head trauma shit, but it was denitely stronger than the last time it happened.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

profuse. I request a head scan. Oh my, did you experience some head trauma? you have an escort? No. Well, I dont know. Its just a precautionary step. Do you feel dizziness? Do you nd it hard to remember things? No, not right now anyways. My nose is bleeding though.

544412

I make it to the clinic, luckily without passing out on the journey. My nose hasnt really stopped bleeding, but its not

Do

The nurse is pestering me with questions, but I suppose its not often they have to pull this thing out.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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I get my scan over with. Afterwards, the nurse asks me, Will you be okay with staying here? Results will take at the most about an hour to come out and then be diagnosed.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

wait. Ill be back shortly. Are you sure?

544627

My nose appears to have stopped bleeding. I could go back and see if Weathers is doing alright during the

Yeah. Ill be alright, I tell the nurse. With that, I take my leave. The barracks are not very far from the clinic, luckily, so this shouldnt take me too long. I look around everywhere in the dorms, but I cannot nd him. I either have terrible

timing or he just does not like being in the dorms for some reason. The kid likes video games for fucks sake. Why isnt he cooped up in here enjoying his time o? I try the day room next, but hes not in there either. The television is on, though, and something on it catches my eye. Its about the riot incident. Investigators conrm the riots were an uprising, instigated from maltreatment. This

is currently being investigated, but something far stranger had gone on in the scene. Many have witnessed and even felt a heavy disturbance in the area once backup forces arrived to calm the riots. This disturbance has aected crowds of people that have been observing the site, as well as troops and ocers. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported, although one anthro has fallen into a coma and many others are suering amnesia and other temporary mental ailments. Holy shit. I didnt realize it was that bad. Its obviously my fault that this happened in the rst place, but how am I supposed to explain something like this? Im just glad that no one died from it. I have to remember to be extra careful around feranthros from this point on.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

544628

I decide to give Weathers a call, but unfortunately, he does not pick up. It would probably be in his best interest to keep his phone on so that he can be contacted in case of an emergency. Should I spend more time looking around the building for him, or should I do something else with the remaining thirty minutes I have left?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

about the guy.

544798

Seriously get some help in nding him, were really worried First go check the toilets and see if he is hiding there again. If he isnt there ask the receptionist or duty ocer or whatever you have there if he has seen Weathers coming or going. I check out the rest of the dorm area, including the latrine, and I can conclude that he is not anywhere in this section. With a sigh, I head back to the main oor and go to the secretary for help. Excuse me, I say to her. She slowly looks up at me with a blank expression. Would you have happened to see a brown male cat walk by at all? Blond hair? His name is Weathers. She continues to stare at me with an irritating, unimpressed look, as if she was o in another world. I cant say I have. Then again theres been a lot of trac between this area recently with the riot. Her voice is annoyingly monotone. I sigh and reply, Could you keep an eye out for him, please?

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 She just nods and goes back to her computer work. from the desk.

- 42 Feeling awkward, I step back

Sgt. Aiden Schar

of them are not ne, report it asap. I decide to give Massey a call.

544799

Place a call to Massey while you look for weathers. If either

Hopefully nothing has

happened to her, not to say anything has with Weathers, but its good to check. To my relief, she answers, What do you want, Sergeant? Oh, um, I wanted to just check up on you. I see the riots been placated. Yeah, I start to brainstorm. Oh. Did you happen to feel anything recently? I

mean...mentally? I am having a hard time wording this. I did. Luckily it happened after I was done with the fuzzball. Right, about that... I did some questioning of my own. I found something out that you might want to

hear. I tense up and listen. You remember down here in the Middle when people were going nuts about some missing ocers? I think back and can barely remember it, somehow. It seemed so long ago when that came up. Our little friend is one of them. He went by the name Nathan Varnum. That was one of the ocers that went missing, in case you dont remember. Im speechless. I literally cant say anything, but how did she gure this out? Ill let you reect on that a bit and head back to work...unless theres anything else you want to share with me, she says.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

544947

So do we feel sorry for him, or do we call him a traitor?

Are we gonna call the guy a traitor then? The feranthro we brought in? What do you think, Sergeant Schar. us. He became one of them. I think this is pretty straight-forward. Well... Well, what, Sergeant? she catches me o guard with her snappiness. gulp. I mean...do you really think he mightve just...shirked his duties, thrown his badges in the trash, and just outright joined them? Youre thinking too hard about this, Schar. She might be right, but if he really was one of us and went missing before, Weathers might be in trouble. Its just that, my partner, Weathers. I cant nd him. Hes supposed to be on quarters and he wont answer his phone. Neither of us say anything for an awkward moment. Ill keep a look out, then. If he doesnt respond to you in the next 12 hours, call me and well scout him out. I feel relieved knowing Massey will help me on this matter. I dont want anything to happen to the rookie. Oh, there is something else I wanted to talk about, I say this while heading to a snug little corner where no one walks to. When I went over to where the riots were happening and that whole debacle played out...it aected everyone around me, right? Right, she says in a drawl, urging me to continue. I take a dry He was one of

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 44 -

Why do you think that is?

And how could it have aected you all the way where

you are? She doesnt say anything for a good ten seconds. I mean...do you think... I stop myself before I mouth o about the drugs. I have to talk about this with her later in private. What? Nevermind. Ill talk with you about it a little later. Right now Im going to head to the clinic and see if theyve seen him. ...very well. Ill be keeping Varnum nice and safe within our walls. Hell face judgment sooner or later. With that, she hangs up.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

to get checked up. Excuse me. on his torso. The doctor blinks a few times and then sits back. Ahh, yes, I believe I remember. You escorted him, did you not?

544948

I head over to the clinic and to where Weathers checked in

Do you remember taking in an ocer re-

cently? Stan Weathers? He had a particular series of cuts

Yeah. Do you know where he has gone after he was let go? Did he mention anything peculiar? No, Im afraid not. Weve put him on quarters so he should have gone home. We

also considered ling a report to get him set up with mental health. ... Suddenly I feel angry.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

brutal attack on someones person? Mental health? Why? I ask.

545177

Ask why mental health, is that just standard for such a

Is that a standard

for when someones attacked? Um... the doctor sits back as if anticipating my anger. Well, he didnt tell us he was attacked. He told us he did it to himself. I can feel steam pouring out of my ears. I cant be hanging around here anymore. I need to cool o. He fucked himself. The kid fucked himself. At least 90% of people who wind up in mental health are eventually discharged. I dont want this for Weathers, especially not during his FIRST assignment. Sir, the doctor says, this is necessary. He could wind up a liability...and - Look, I interrupt, just...if you see him AT ALL, let me know, alright? Call up our operator or something. Let me know. Alright then, the doctor replies quietly. With that, I leave the area with heavy feet. Home home, or barracks home? We can still nd him, do you know his address? He means the barracks. down here. It is REALLY tough for anyone in the force to get a house

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

check with the doc what your head-scan says.

545178

I go ahead and walk back to my nurse, who has the scans ready. Youre doing ne, Sergeant, she says with a smile. The readings dont bring up anything bad. I think youll be ne to go back to duty. I thank her and head out. Its good to have to good news come out of all this for once. ask for the number of any of Weathers family/next of kin. If he feels that he needs to hide, then they may be protecting him. If nothing else, we can ask them for places he may have gone. I only way Id be able to personally get in contact with Weathers family is through scrounging around in more private records, which are usually kept available for higher-ranking personnel. Its a weird system we have down here. I feel responsible for him, so I feel I should have access to this sort of information. Im back on duty. Should I continue my patrol or...?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

545520

He wont get sent to Mental Health if you can make a decent case for him. Just say the kids just so green hes more comfortable with the idea that he did it to himself than someone else doing it to him. This. The kid dont deserve to have his career ruined at its start. Make a case of it. With all the mythical/arcane bullshit going on, someone doing this TO Weathers isnt that farfetched. Undoubtedly by now they would consider me his supervisor. If they ever think about discharging him, they will eventually come to me and let me know so that I have a chance to make a case for him. I wont let the kid be kicked out...shouldnt be anything to worry about.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 47 -

What Im saying is that the feranthros mind tricks only aected that entire crowd because you were there. You were the link to the rest of the anthros. Exactly. The eects obviously varied between them though. Some people straight up came down with amnesia and one fell into a coma. I wonder how that happened and my mind keeps going back to the Astoga. I nish my patrol and soon enough its time to call it a day.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

pretty rough day. Time to relax a bit.

545521

I head back to the barracks and settle down. Its been a

How long has it been since youve talked to Mel, might want to see how its going on his end. And tell him to be careful.

Ah right, good point. Although there have been quite a few things I discovered today, I should check and see if he found anything else relating to the names Ive given him. I dial his number and the tone rings several times before he picks up. Whew, hello? he sounds pretty exhausted. Mel? Hey, bud, its Aiden. Hey, Aiden! Are you okay? he just laughs between hard breaths. Yeah, yeah! Im good. Just been working pretty hard on that teleportation device.

Theres some really weird stu going on. A couple modules are failing checkers all of a sudden, but I think its because of this set of alignments Ive just conducted. Im trying to see if I can nd a better tolerance range for the power supplies and...well, things got a little nasty.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 48 -

Hey, I told you to be careful with that thing! I say jokingly, although that should denitely be cause for alarm. Yeah, but dont worry! Ill know what to do if things get sticky. Im getting closer

to completing it though! Phase one, mark one, alpha, whatever! I chuckle and then change the subject, Hey, foxboy, did you nd anything on the names I gave you? Anything at all? He hums in thought for a bit. Sorry, Aiden. I couldnt nd much of anything, honestly. Do you think they could be related to the feranthros? Just a wild guess. Some are, actually. Get this. Hyuro is the name of a bloodline, possibly a feranthro bloodline. Could be royalty or something. I continue to reveal to him our capturing of the feline feranthro, Nathan. I also talk about the riot. Ooh, you were a part of that, werent you? I actually just learned about that whole thing. Youre okay, right?? Yeah, Im ne, Mel, but whats your take on that? The feranthro you brought in, or the riot? Well, ah... Before I can say anything else, Mel continues. If that guy you brought in was once a cop, then that could denitely mean that the drugs legit. I mean, there have been cases about this before, no doubt! Right, right, but what if theres something else too? I can sense Mel shrugging over the phone. I have no clue, Aiden. All this occult stu the feranthros do. Its really not for me. Well, what about the riot? Brainwashing? Could that be

helped by someones mind being aected by the Link? I start to feel even worse for Weathers.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 49 -

Hm. You mentioned everyone around you was aected? Here, when I nish my work on this thing, Ill see if I can dig up any more information about your Link, okay? I appreciate that, I say with a content sigh. I try to remember anything else I wanted to inform Mel about before getting some shut-eye.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

listening in on the interrogation?

545653

Thats something Massey knew and just told us. Was he

I let him know about the reveal as I was mentioning the feranthro. Just to look out for his own tail and stu. Alright look, Mel. Im about to get some sleep here shortly. Be careful, okay? Theres some really heinous stu going on and its entirely possible some people might not be who they seem. If you see anyone suspicious, watch out and maybe even report them. As per protocol! Ill be ne, Aiden, dont worry so much! I know youre going through pretty stressful times down there. Oh, there is one more thing I want clarication for. This Link youre talking about...could I get some more info on that? I almost slap my face upon realizing I havent gone into more detail on that. try to explain the whole thing to him the best I can. ...connects me to anthros and feranthros alike... ...seems I can damage the mind of others... ...instigated by a feranthros touch... ...visions and weird-ass dreams... Its

pretty important in this situation, after all, but I dont even know if hell really believe me. I

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Aiden, are you staving o your drugs? Mel asks me.

- 50 -

Ask him to whip up something that could record the weird stu the next time it happens No! No, Mel. Listen, I know this sounds like some pretty crazy stu, but I need to learn more about this weird power I have, and I think I have an idea. I mean, youre good with all sorts of techy stu. Do you think you could make something that could ahh...that could pick up waves or signals or something? Umm, a receiver? Yeah, I guess. Just something real simple could work. It would have to be! Im not sure if I have the supplies with me to create something more complex. He sighs. I wanted to put more time into my teleportation device. Well, look, since youre my bro and all, Ill whip up something for you. In fact, it shouldnt take me long at all! Id say after noon tomorrow just stop by the nearest Vendor, and Ill have it sent. Thanks, buddy. You keep up the great work. Ill catch you tomorrow. See you, Aiden!

Sgt. Aiden Schar

in...side us...

545654

Y...ou...w...ill wa...ke...n ou...r...pote...ntial...The...div...ini...ty

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

Jesus Christ! Holy shit...

545655

That has got to be the worst nightmare Ive had in years. Fuck me. Is it already time to get ready? I hardly feel rested. Oh well...whats the rst task of the day before the shift begins?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

yesterday. Just start taking the drugs.

545969

And start taking your drugs. Im getting paranoid youre going to be monitored thanks to everything that happened

Given the crap weve seen, I dont think we want anything to do with these cultists and their precious Link. Get back on the drug. rst thing you want to do is get back onto the drug. My conscience is clear and there is no question - its time to get back on the drug. With all the craziness thats going on, I think its nally time to return to this and see if it yields any changes. When I inject the Astoga, I feel a surge of shock course through my body, obviously because Ive staved o of the stu for an amount of time. Its an odd mixture of slight euphoria and sudden tense in my muscles. Question: who produces the drugs? The Astoga Company. No, seriously. The government initiates their creation and then the company makes em. Most manufacturers are members of the research institute itself.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 52 -

Sgt. Aiden Schar

545970

Second thing your going to do is check to see if weathers every came back cause we havent heard a damn thing from anybody about him since we lost track of him. After we get some information on that well decide what to do from there.

I remember this and feel tense. I foresee a not-so-good outcome out of this. My leg muscles sore from the injection, I limp to Weathers bed. Damnit! Id might as well give up hope that hes coming back. Theres denitely something

up with him, whether it be going AWOL because of the mental health appointment or simply going insane from the visions. Either way, hes denitely in some shit, and I should probably do something quick.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

replacement that it wont matter.

546223

You were the one they wanted because you got suspecious of it naturally, but Weathers will make a decent enough

I have no idea how it works, whether they can simply create a replacement or if Im really the only one they have. Once its an ocial case are there any phone tracking systems that could now legally be used to locate Weathers phone? Or if its signal is not reachable if theres logs in the cell phone network for where it was last located or used? I wont be able to do this. The militia has a special, small scouting branch that we

will probably resort to if we cant track him down. I would consult them right away, but thats not how it works unfortunately. Thats protocol for you.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 53 -

just to be sure check the front desk to see if theyve seen him, then call Massey. Looks like we have a missing persons case after all. I get dressed quickly and head downstairs to the front desk. Ive got to make abso-

lutely sure she or anyone else hasnt seen him around before I have the scouts sent out. A dierent person is sitting at the desk, and Inspector Massey is also there. It looks like I wont have to call her after all. Inspector Massey, I greet her with a nod. I was just going to call you. Were you? I wanted to see you as well, she says. You did? Yes. Tell me, did you ever nd your partner? Oh, um, no. I was going to tell you that, actually. Hmm, she scratches her ear nonchalantly, her unimpressed expression unchanging. Shame. Ill get on that. First, I need to show you something.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

areas as if waiting for something. Whats going on? I ask Massey. Its the feranthros.

546224

I follow her outside and toward the main gate. There are cops and soldiers pacing around and just idling in certain

I am surprised to see even a Viscerator-08 Heavy Armor out here. Its gotta be pretty damn bad for one of those to be walking around. Jesus, what now?

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 54 -

Can you guess if you take a look ahead?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

546225

I do so and nd that weve arrived at the gate. There are at least hundreds and hundreds of feranthros crowded at the entrance. They just about all look very confused and afraid, whirling around as if trying to nd something. There are many cops and militia soldiers at the gate trying to push them back, forceeld modules activated. Slowly but surely theyre beginning to disperse. What the hell? I breathe out. Huh, Massey hus in realization. my brow creased in confusion. What do you mean? About fteen minutes ago they were all out here...all of them staring ahead at something. Looks like theyve lost interest now. Oh well. She turns towards me. Your partner is missing. Do you have a replacement set up? Shit... I groan in frustration, I dont. I see. Well, Im not going to subject you to bitch work. I actually considered taking you along as a back-up partner. I have a hunch on some illegal activity occurring. Are you interested? It was dierent before. I look towards her with

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 55 -

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Link themselves. Way ahead.

546811

On a side note we may want to carry a spare dosage of Astoga so we can shut down anyone whos turning into a

Got one stored in my pocket right now.

I give Massey a nod, accepting her invitation. Sounds good. Ill come along. Glad to hear it, she says. We wait a bit for the feranthros to clear the sector. Eventually, the forceelds are shut down, and the alarm state is pacied. I head out with Massey. After a good amount of walking, I am unsure of where exactly Massey is taking me. We tread across copious rows of shantytowns, almost appearing labyrinthine in themselves. The farther we walk, the seedier it gets. Sergeant Schar, she speaks up, almost giving me a heart attack, you mentioned you wanted to speak with me again on the subject we were on. Are you going to continue? I start brainstorming to the last time I spoke with her over the phone. Ah, right, I start, well, its about...uhh. You arent going to rat me out are you? She gives me a strange look. Im not sure why I asked that, but I suddenly feel uncomfortable mentioning anything about the drug. Doing that would greatly jeopardize my chances of guring this shit out. sure you this will be condential. I breathe out. Okay. Ive just been thinking about the Astoga. You see, Ive stopped taking it a few days ago. You know how I mentioned it was weird how that mindfuck at the riot site reached you as well? It aected dierent people at the site in dierent ways. Some people just got a splitting headache, while some others went into a full-out coma. I breathe, trying to slow down a bit. What if Astoga has something to do with it? What if people whove stopped taking the drug were more badly aected by it? I can as-

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 56 -

By what? she asks. The Link. I assume that Massey heard of the Link either while listening in or by interrogating the feline feranthro. It reaches out to anyone now, it seems, and its just getting more powerful. That whole gathering at the gate denitely proves this... What do you mean? How would you know? I started taking it again this morning...after I had this nightmare... So you had one too, huh? she says with a laugh. I whirl at her, feeling my heart

jump. With the strange faces and the peculiar dialogue? Y-yeah, I say, feeling choked up. It would appear the Link has latched itself onto me in a strange fashion, she explains. Im not suering from a coma or from lapses of amnesia. It may be a matter of plain haphazardness that it turned out this way. I have a stronger connection. Speaking of that, she gazes over at me. you might be right about the Astoga. I havent taken it in weeks, yet there are no feranthros overly attracted to me. I look down at the ground as we walk, trying to digest all of this.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

546812

And the connection would - shh! Massey hushes herself and puts her arm across my chest, dragging me behind a nearby building. She peeks over the corner and I do so as well. Theres commotion going on ahead, and Im relieved we havent raised any alarm. From what I can see, there is a feranthro and an...anthro having a conversation. I cant make out their faces too clearly from this distance, but something feels very o about this whole thing. It doesnt exactly look like theyve joined one another for a picnic.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 57 -

Fucking hell, Massey swears in a sharp whisper, I didnt expect it to happen this early. Huh? This meeting. I got a scoop not long ago about these habits in this specic sector. How should I approach this situation?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

547103

I try to listen in on what theyre talking about, but I can hardly hear them. Still, Massey is looking very cautious. Suddenly, she reaches into her skirt pocket and unveils a strange little robotic device. I stare, hypnotized as she makes adjustments and ddles with the thing. It suddenly sprouts legs and gains the form of a spider. Massey then lowers her eyepiece. Glad I brought this little guy this time around. We should be able to get something out this, and theyll have nowhere to turn. Right at that moment, the feranthro and anthro head into a nearby alleyway. Massey sets the robot against the wall and it crawls its way up to the roof. She then pulls out a small monitor from beneath her sleeve. She leans in closer to me so that I can see. Were now seeing through the robots eyes. It crawls across the roof surface and peeks down over the edge to get a glimpse of the couple.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

- think she would really fail? Im not saying that, the anthro starts.

547104

Im just cu-

rious if you all have a plan to make the result more potent this time. We cant have these crazy things running around. Sure it might serve as a good distraction, but theyre not

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 exactly on our side. We will keep trying. this. Whatever. Just make it quick. We are very close to a desirable potency.

- 58 -

The timing will be

perfect. Caelus will be ours, and we will be prepared for the next step. The Advocate wills

Im getting strange looks everywhere and I dont

want my ass busted. In due time. Let me see what you have, the feranthro says, peeking at the suitcase. The anthro hesitantly opens it up. Its lled with Astoga. My God. Is this the exchange Im hearing about?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

547288

Are there any regulations on the supply of Astoga we can use to blackmail the anthro to make him cooperate?

I have no idea. though.

I dont know if I can impose someIts an idea

thing like that when its so out of reach.

Ask Massey if her drone can get photographs then follow the anthro after the transaction. Can your robot take photographs? I ask Massey. Yes, but Im taking a video right now. That should prove more veritable. You think we should keep following em after the transaction? She gives me a questioning glare. What? I mean...uh...we could wait til they split and then one of us can follow the other -

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 59 -

Sergeant, from what Im seeing, theres a dirty feranthro in draws and a punk in a suit. Were two armed cops waiting like a couple of beasts outside of a rabbit hole. Dont you think itd be better to take this opportunity and bust them where they stand? I know that Inspector Massey likes to be independent and get things done quick, but theres an obvious aw in her strategy. Should I try to reason with her further?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

547630

Tell her the Astoga supply chain might be compromised. If we bust these guys right now all well be doing is alerting their handlers and then some other anthro will get tapped for Astoga. Someone may be actively tampering with the Astoga supply. I feel that there are ties to the actual production company. If we bust them now, then others might be alerted, and then - Wait. Are you guessing that there are actually a group of traitorous bastards in our supply line at this moment? Well, its... my tongue gets caught. something stemming o that. Massey sighs and rubs her forehead in frustration. If we bust them now we might never know where that briefcase of Astoga came from. Is it the real stu? Or are they reverse engineering it. I continue. We could follow one of them and maybe nd out where their main operations are held. We could learn a lot more if we keep on the stealthy approach. You see what I mean? Its possible. I mean where do you think he

got all that from? Theres always word of sympathizers in our midst, right? This could be

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Yes, Aiden, I see what you mean, Massey groans curtly. me out completely just because of my inferior rank and stance. On the montior, Massey is careful to direct the robot closer to the couple. thro nally gives the feranthro the suitcase and they start separating. The feranthro says, Have faith in the Hyuro. together at last. I just...nevermind.

- 60 Well

do it your way then. I can tell she doesnt want to, but Im glad that she at least doesnt shut

The an-

The prophecies are beginning to come

Upon closer inspection of the feranthros face, I start to realize he looks eerily familiar, and its hard to say that considering a lot of them look the same. Massey activates the target module. Who are we following then, Boss? Massey asks cynically.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

factory right before Weathers saw Yuseta? Yes! Thats who I was thinking about.

547925

Is he the feranthro that you and Weathers escorted to the

The bandaid,

the scrawniness...the bastard mustve wanted to move up here for some reason related to the exchanges. Was the Astoga in the suitcase injection-ready syringes or a more bulk storage form such as bottles? It looked like the Astoga were in vials that were encased in standard pouches. Though its been several days since then so why does he still have that band-aid on? And any injury small enough for just a band-aid would have healed by now, so is he covering something up? Perhaps one of those ID implant thingies like what you have? From what Ive seen with the feline feranthro we took in, that is denitely a possibility. He could be another missing cop...

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Anyway, I agree with following the feranthro. Massey can take the sunglasses guy.

- 61 -

Both. Unless the robot can run on automatic, that means splitting up. Massey seems not to give much quarter to the feranthros, and they at least arent overtly hostile to you, so she should probably follow the anthro while you tail the feranthro. While we could probably nd/ID him really quickly, I say follow the feranthro just so we know where hes taking the goods. I think its better if we split. Ill take the feranthro. Massey grunts. Very well. I suppose you wont be none too worried about me. I shake my head. No...I mean, I think you can handle yourself pretty well. Oh, I handle more than well, Sergeant. Keep hold of your phone and lets move out. We cant waste anymore time. We both head into the alleyways, remaining alert. We eventually branch out and tread further into the labyrinth. Without Massey by my side I suddenly feel less safe and more tense.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

a good distance.

547926

Luckily Im not too far from the feranthro, but I try to keep

The sheer excellence of my stealth skills are unveiled when the feranthro makes a sudden stop. Hes at a fourpronged intersection and looks to the left and right, almost seeming lost. But I get the feeling he senses something.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

as possible!

548332

If he catches wind of you once its over. Even your arm or leg is enough to blow your cover get out of sight as nonchalantly Duck behind that brick wall. Dont let him see you, dont lose him.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 62 -

With a light foot I slide on over to the behind of the brick wall as nonchalantly as I am able. After a few seconds I very slowly peek out and see the feranthro is still standing in the same spot. He begins to turn his head my direction and I lean back into cover, holding my breath. Fearing being spotted, I stay in my spot for a bit longer and then hear soft footsteps. I brace myself, but he doesnt come. I peek across the corner again very subtly. Shit! Hes gone, but I didnt hear any running. He couldnt have gone too far.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

above? Can you climb the wall?

548728

Actually, is it possible to get a view on the intersection from

Unfortunately, the walls are lined with glass shards. Not only that, but in the time it would take for my fat ass to get up over the wall and onto a roof, the feranthro would be long gone. Hurry to the intersection and i dont think you should worry that much about being spotted because you might be able to get some info out of that feranthro even if you end up arresting him. I come out of my hiding spot and stay in the middle of the pathway, hoping to see some sort of shadow in case he really was waiting for me to poke out of the corner. Coming to the intersection, I look over to the left, and -

Sgt. Aiden Schar

ROLL! Sprint forward and then spin around Hammer at 6 oclock! Jump forward! Behind you! Danger Robinson, danger!

549273

I leap forward with a reaction time that could be just

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 63 sheer instinct. The feranthro barely misses with the swing

of his hammer.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

549274

With a dissatised, erce grunt, he leaps at me and we both fall heavily onto the ground. He lifts his hammer again, but I manage to grab hold of his arm. The guy is a twig and his strength simply cant match up to mine. I jab him a few times on the ribs with my free arm and then give him a hefty kick to the stomach, sending him ying back.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

ground, a couple feet away from me.

549275

Wheezing, the feranthro lifts himself up, not quite through yet. He prepares himself with a stance. My rie is on the

Sgt. Aiden Schar

down!

549479

Pull out your sidearm and yell get down or ill put you If he tries to run, cap his fucking knees with your pistol. Pistol Pistol Pistol I pull out my pistol with beautiful grace and shout at the top of my lungs, Get the fuck down! Get down or Ill put you down! A nervous grin gradually forms on the feranthros face as he slowly drops his hammer and kneels.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 All the way down! On your stomach!

- 64 -

As he drops down, he says, Damn...I apologize. I had no idea it was you. I thought you were just some regular cop. What? What the hell are you talking about? Dont move! I feign ignorance and

walk over to him, keeping the gun pointed. As I cu him, he continues to speak. You know what I mean. I knew you looked familiar. We met before havent we? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Im taking you in. Dont try anything, I growl,

heaving him up onto his feet. He stumbles and I get a rm grip on his back scru. Youve assaulted an ocer and participated in the illegal exchange of Astoga. Your sentencing will be decided at headquarters. For now, do not resist and remain compliant, and we will have no troubles. This is pointless. Whether you take me in or not, Ill end up in a cell, but I dont

foresee you carrying this out. Do you know where you are? Do you know whos here?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Wheres the case of Astoga?

549655

Leaning up against the wall he was hiding behind. Ill be taking it in as well. Radio for pickup ASAP, dont respond, and if you still have the dosage, maybe itll work temporarily. Enough time to get a straight answer. Radio in the arrest and look lively, youre in the middle of a neighborhood where these cultists run loose. Still got that spare dose of astoga close at hand? I radio into headquarters for backup. Roger, Sergeant Schar. Please inform on current location, over.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 65 -

Shit. I havent the foggiest where the hell Im even at. This is a place I dont know much about. Please hold, over. I nudge the feranthro. Where are we? I question. Unfamiliar territory, he responds with a laugh. that! Alright, alright! Ulrich District! I tap in. HQ, my location is Ulrich District. I need a squad positioned outside. Current location in the district is unknown, over. Youre just gonna get your guys killllled, the feranthro drawls with false concern. Copy, Sergeant. Sending a squad to your position. Exercise caution, over. Do you know who you are...Sergeant? the feranthro speaks up again as we traverse the labyrinth. I dont reply. Its okay if you dont. Ive been enlightened by the unity for a good amount of time now, and even still I am always learning something new. If theres one thing I know, its that we are more than capable to carry out the vision of the Hyuro, and I am fully prepared to endure anything to make it happen. He glances behind his shoulder and at me. Do you even know your real name? Gritting my teeth in anger, I dig

the barrel of my pistol into his back, keeping my nger o the trigger. Ow! Calm down with

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Ignore him. Ask his. You have yours. But what is his?

549797

A name means nothing. Whats important is who you are rather than what youre called. (as in, the type of person your are now) Why dont you tell me your name? I ask gruy. Mine? the feranthro chuckles. Like all others in the unity, a name does not mean

much of anything, all but the Hyuros. But lets see...my name before my rebirth...ah, yes.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Hector Otis. Ring any bells? I do not recognize the name, but Massey might. Ill have to remember it for later.

- 66 -

After a pause, the feranthro speaks up again, No? Well then perhaps I can oer you another name you might nd familiar? He smirks. Does the name...Caelus jog your memory?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

PPMF!

549798

Sgt. Aiden Schar

549799

Sgt. Aiden Schar

550053

Bets on the snipers pistol either being identical to your police issue, or using the same round and probably barrel

It denitely doesnt look like a pistol wed use, nor is it anything Ive ever really seen before. Its DUALBARRELLED with suppressors. Im not sure where he got

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 it, but Im willing to bet there are underground gun dealers here and there. My feet feel frozen on the spot.

- 67 -

The fact that hes waited this long and still hasnt

shot me confuses the hell out of me. I rear back to prepare my pistol, but just a single inch sets him o. He res a round at the wall, a good couple feet away from me. I freeze after nearly shitting myself and just stare at him. Drop the gun, he says. His voice is chilling. Its almost shrill, but also gru and

hoarse - really tough to describe.

His accent is heavy with a strange dialect as if all

his words were meshed together into a single one. I feel anger welling up in me, and I feel deant, not wanting to kneel down to this random mystery anthro, although random may not be the right word. Something about this guy is familiar to me. Drop it, he says again. I snarl quietly and let my sweaty grip loosen, the pistol hitting the ground with a heavy clank. It was for my safety, the anthro says, retracting his own rearm. The latter name that was mentioned by the perished one...erase it from your memory. Completely. Do not get involved with the feranthros any longer. You understand what I say? I will take care of all.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

550240

Thats sweet of you to say, but Im up to my neck in this shit, and the word of a stranger isnt enough to dissuade me from looking into this deeper. How can I trust you not only to have my best interests at heart, but also to get to the bottom of this? At least team up with me. Hell no you arent stepping out! Youre knee deep In all this shit already. And the only way to get out it to see this through. I cant just ignore all this, I state. Im already knee deep in all this shit. I cant just avoid it. My occupation and rank wont allow me to have my own oce. I am always out here and things are just getting worse. The masked anthro remains silent for a bit. Then this seems to be worse than I anticipated.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 68 -

Theres other things, too.

Theres these messed up visions, dreams, headaches, all

sorts of shit. I continue to describe most of what has happened to me down here. So what else should I be ignoring while were having this talk? The anthro goes silent again. Clearly hes surprised by what Ive been telling him. This is not good. Do you not have the drug? he asks. I do. Good. Keep using the drug. The Astoga. Never run low. It is very important now. Look, why dont you just join me or something? Cant we see this through together and gure something out? The anthro shakes his head and says, Not possible. Must keep moving. By now they have found out who I am. He looks around, as if paranoid. Wait! What should I do?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

pistol at my direction. AIDEN!

550241

It is not as I expected. These will be hard times. Keep on the Astoga. Keep - he turns toward me and points his

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

POK! POK! POK! You have got to be fucking kidding me.

550242

I slide my

ass over to the nearest wall, hiding myself from the suit anthro, who is now frantic by the gunre. The fucking clown has potentially ruined this operation. What the hell? the anthro has spotted my bot. I think I can hear faint, distant

chatter from all directions. Clearly things arent shaping up well, and I am not happy.

Insp. Chrisa Massey

550490

Consider not blaming Aiden for this. What were the odds of you extracting your two suspects with no problems if you were to arrest them then and there, in THIS territory? At least this way theyve been separated. Look on the bright side. Some lunatic just saved civilization by killing the guy who could transmit psychic crazy to you all. Dont be too quick to condemn Aiden. He may have gotten jumped or something and had to defend himself. You can gure out later how much to apply your boot to his fat arse, but his reason for ring doesnt change the outcome: This tailing operation has gone pear-shaped and it sounds like theres big trouble incoming. Hes a fairly competent ocer, he wouldnt have risked detection by ring o his weapons, worst-case scenario, hes been ambushed. He might be able to handle himself for now, but hes going to need backup. Yeah yeah. Theres always a bright side, huh? Of course I cant conrm one-hundred percent that he red his weapon, but who the fuck else could it be? Unless theres some sort of underground rearm operation, which I highly doubt, I will throw down 10,000 Currency on a bet that he decided to be trigger happy. All right, fuck following him where he needs to go, you were going to arrest these guys anyway. Get in there and get the fucker on his knees and in cus and request backup as quickly as

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 possible. We need an extraction. Time for plan B.

- 70 -

Immediately capture the suited anthro before he can start running; He may be your only . Shoot him in the back with a stun gun if you have one, or charge and tackle him to the ground if you dont. Cu him, conscate the contents of his pockets (for his ID,) and call in to report shots red, ocers in danger, and request heavy backup for an extraction, as well as a prisoner transport and an ambulance (just in case.) Fuck it. I sick the robot on the guy and rush in with a purpose, tackling him down as hard as I can. His head hits the ground hard, and for a slight moment I fear I may have killed him, of course the fear stemming from possible reprimand from authorative gures up the chain and out the ass. My fears are pacied when my eyepiece detects he is only unconscious. I wrap the dimwit up, rendering all of his limbs unusable for the moment.

Insp. Chrisa Massey

racing across the alley perpendicular to mine.

550491

As I am dragging him out, I see a stampede of feranthros

Insp. Chrisa Massey

550492

Unfortunately, for him of course, one of the feranthros notices me and calls a few friends over. The feranthro rushes at me, foaming at the mouth, while the other two that join the fun approach more slowly. What to do, what to do. SIGH.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

Any one or two of these threats might be useful.

550625

This is NO time to be threatening or simply giving them the privilege to receive my words of wisdom! They are lthy, empty-headed, brutish, remorseless feranthros. Talking to them is a waste of time. How about if Aiden didnt get trigger happy he gets a cool gadget of yours? Striptease? A favor? He denitely owes me after this bullshit. This is bad. Youre going to have to wade through them all to get to Aiden, incapasitate them and keep going. No shit. I need to take them on one by one with proper strategies; Im no mindless grunt. The cinder block-carrying dipshit swings his insect arms at me, but his moves are easy to dodge. Its really simple: STUN, BREAK, or CUT DOWN. The other two are still approaching. Time to analyze to make this a little easier: Attacker One Species: Feranthro/Canid Distance: 1.823 feet Weapon: Cinder Block Heart Rate: 144 Attacker Two Species: Feranthro/Feline Distance: 5.927 feet Weapon: Rope Cutter And if

Aiden did he owes you... something I dont know. An expensive dinner? A humiliating video?

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Heart Rate: 132 Attacker Three Species: Feranthro/Canid Distance: 6.442 Weapon: Lead Pipe Heart Rate: 169

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

550825

Even though it would be easier, I think you shouldnt cut down the feranthros unless you have to. Youre better than them, right? So show how youre better. Do what they cant do, and win the ght without killing.

Oh yeah, there is little doubt that Im better than them. Im not the one running around in lthy rags for makeshift garments. Im not the one whos a part of a collective of uncivilized, feral, mindless drones. But its probably for the best. This situation doesnt call for having my hot steel stained by their blood. At least, not just yet. While the feranthro positions himself for another swing, I grab his arm and snap it with ease. He bellows in pain and slumps to the ground with a satisfying thud.

Insp. Chrisa Massey

550826

I prepare myself for the other two and unsheath my blade. The feline doesnt seem too discouraged, but the canine behind him is lagging with a look of utter fear. The feline notices. What are you doing? Get up here! We can take her! the feline commands gruy. He then roars and lunges toward me foolishly. I slip out my taser and quite literally stun him with a stun pack to the neck. He falls like a sack of shit and, for good measure, I stomp him in the face to assure he is out cold.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

550827

I brandish my blade, setting my eyes on my nal prey. He looks more afraid than before, his weapon trembling in his grasp. He turns his tail and makes a run for it. Does he think he can get away?

Insp. Chrisa Massey

551065

Yes, he can. Because A) you have a high-priority arrest sitting there unconscious who may wake up at any moment and B) youre in hostile territory with limited view of your surroundings. Unless your use your gun (if you even have one), which we dont want to use, youre not stopping him reliably enough. Getting blindsided was probably what tripped up Aiden. Its what trips up EVERY cop. Listen, you. This high-priority arrest isnt going any-goddamn-where. Even if he

did wake up, he would not get very far at all as long as Im around him. And as far as Im concerned, being stuck in a narrow labyrinth like this is actually benecial to my skills. I am not armed with a lethal ranged weapon, however, this is where my skills in close combat will really pay o. No lthy feranthro is going to get their claws on me. But Im not about to stay here and bathe in their blood for long. right now is reuniting with Aiden or backup forces, which reminds me. I radio in for backup, but they respond, Inspector, a Sergeant Aiden has already sent a request for reinforcements. ETA 3 minutes, over. So thats that. This will probably go a little more swimmingly than I thought. Its time to move. I cant set up camp and a bonre and invite every feranthro to the party. But, perhaps there is a better way I can tackle this situation. Maybe constantly being conned in these tight alleyways could prove disadvantageous in some way. I try to think of other ways I could possibly utilize. Being able to analyze and get a good look at the surrounding areas would prove helpful. The top mission

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

the top of that short staircase? I need elevation.

551125

Doorway, walls with glass lining the top. Maybe set up at

I walk into the opening beside me. A decent-sized house lies in front of me. I look around and get a glimpse of a metal staircase. The houses in areas like these usually have these imsy roof access stairs. The roofs are probably something feranthros use often to traverse this district with ease. If I head up, it may be dangerous. Then I remember Im dragging this punk along. to get sore. My arm is actually almost starting

Insp. Chrisa Massey

So what are you looking to do here, anyway?

551398

Its simple: I must either reunite with Aiden or with the arriving reinforcements. I dont see this to be an easy task, considering the circumstances. Take a peek around the corner. If theres a shed or

lean-to in the side yard stu the punk in there. Otherwise leave him under the stairs. Unfortunately, I cannot nd any sort of shed around. staircase. The binding is rm. He isnt going anywhere. I drag the punk over to the

stairway and whip out a pair of handcus. I cu his wrist binds to the underbelly of the

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

Youve still got that recon bot, right? ble.

551399

If so then

send it up to the roof ahead of you to check for trouAvoid having it use the stairs, if possible, since Send it up the wall the enemy will expect that.

or lob it up to the roof if its low enough instead.

Thats probably a good way to approach this. Better than just waltzing up without a care, although Ill still have to head up myself to get a better view. I pull out my Rollbot X72-M and toss it up. It latches on to the brick wall and pulls itself up to the edge of the roof. Using my eyepiece, I see through the robots vision and do not see anyone on the roof or on surrounding roofs.

Insp. Chrisa Massey

551400

I walk up the creaky metal staircase carefully and onto the roof. I dont see much of anything initially aside from some feranthros in the distance. I think I can hear some screams.

Insp. Chrisa Massey

551684

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 76 -

Insp. Chrisa Massey

What the fuck? Great. ...Hes doing something with one of the feranthros. Another abomination?

551685

For some rea-

son it chose to have some play time with me specically.

Insp. Chrisa Massey

Im guessing you should duck. you. dodge it and than close so you can slice and dice.

552158

its going the throw the feranthros in its right tentacle at How nice of it to come within swords reach. Charge to the left and cut at that tentacle holding the feranthro, just be careful since you have no idea what that monster can do.

I do a swift duck and narrowly dodge the feranthro it tosses at me. its grasp.

I close in and,

with a graceful upward sweep, I slice o the disgusting tentacle binding the other feranthro in

Insp. Chrisa Massey

552159

Its very quick to react. Unfortunately I was not wary enough to notice another tentacle that has been creeping towards me. It wraps around my waist tightly and my grip on my sword loosens from the constriction. The blade is still hot, and its beginning to press up against my body. This mother fucker owes me a new uniform. My hands are still slightly free. I am able to twist my wrists around, but with every passing second this is getting more dicult.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

wall.

552428

Charge forward and start pushing that thing o the roof. Bonus points if you can make it fall on the sharp glass lined

I would probably do this as a last resort, seeing as how I could easily fatally injure myself. You say your hands are free Are you able to reach anything on your person? taser or pistol would be good if they are within reach. I cannot reach that far, unfortunately. Does your Rollbot X72-M have a tazer on it or something useful it could use against the monster? The robot can denitely cause a good distraction, but with the controller around my wrist, itll be dicult to get access to it. Also, the disgusting appendage is wrapped tightly around it, so it probably pressed a whole lot of random shit and caused the Rollbot to y miles away. if you nagle a little and move the blade down some, itll come in contact with the tentacle and sear it, likely itll loosen its grip due to the pain. I wiggle a bit and try to let the sword slide a little lower. Its tentacle is JUST below the blade. Moving my wrists around in desperation, I am able to grab the handle with an index nger and thumb. As its slimy appendage coils around my body, I can feel the tension on the area around my wrist slightly loosen. This is just enough for me to pull the blade down, which I do. The heat sears the tentacle with a satisfying sizzle and its grip loosens almost immediately. I grab the handle with both hands hard and slice downward with a mighty grunt, cutting the feeler in two. A

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Insp. Chrisa Massey

552429

The abomination gurgles in pain, a blackish liquid spraying out of its dismembered extremitys stump. It turns its back toward me and leaps with surprising power, bounding across at least three buildings. zone. I can hear familiar voices, radio chatter, and the rustling of heavy gear nearby. reinforcements have nally arrived. The That monster cannot have the chance to enter a more populated

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Holy shit. What the hell was all that? so suddenly. that nasty fucking creature in just mere seconds.

552430

It happened I

Hectors corpse had transformed into

couldnt think at the time and now I fucked all this up, although I wonder if the horrible cries of the monster wouldve stirred the hive just as much as the pistol re. Now Im here, stuck in wherever part of this hellhole maze I happened in wind up in. The masked anthro split, telling me wed meet again, and I just fucking ran for it. Now there are bloodthirsty feranthros everywhere. God, I hope the Inspector is doing okay. How could I have fucked everything up like this? Either way, I cant stand here and get killed o in this dump. I carefully wander the alleys, hoping to meet up with either Massey or the reinforcements. There are loud voices all around me, some more distant than others. I think I can hear padded footsteps growing louder...

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

a bet you never made.

552583

Well, shit, if you did re those shots, you just lost Hope you like stripdancing.

Ugh!

What the hell am I thinking?

This is no time

for that! I try to radio in to Massey, seeing as how I could be in for a bloody good time at any moment. Inspector Massey, are you there? Over. I repeat this a few more times and she ac-

tually answers. I almost feel my heart leap. Sergeant Schar, what is your condition? Over. She is pretty straightforward. I was about to get all gooey...and unprofessional. I am..well...currently a bit shaken, but Im still intact. Over. Good to hear. Ive reunited with reinforcements. She pauses for a moment. Were

you the one who opened re? Over. Oh...um...yeah. I was attacked very suddenly by this horrible thing...um...you didnt

happen to see it, did you? Over. I saw it. Listen, I think that we should reunite. I dont want you being out there

alone, especially with the current situation. You should probably nd a way to signal your location. Over. At rst I am all for this plan, except this could also alert feranthros to my spot, which would be pretty risky to my health. What should I do?

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

552910

Do you, Massy or her backup have a beacon detector? Cause if you have one then you could ask Massy to activate her beacon and you could follow that in. If they have one then youll activate yours. Though, how common are distress beacon detectors? Is there a chance the feranthros or somebody aiding them would have one?

These beacons are actually stationed up at both HQ buildings, one in the Upper City and one in the Middle. No one but that section carries the receiver for distress signals passed by the chip, unfortunately, and with the fact that reinforcements are already here, itd be a waste to contact them again. Does your phone have a compass app? Unfortunately it does not. Either a are if you have it or a single shot into the air. Alert Massey before you do this though, so theyll be on the lookout. Considering Massy is the one who has armed backup she should be the one to signal her location and potentially alert the feranthros, not you. I should probably make some noise as well. If it was just me going to her, Id de-

nitely run into serious danger at some point. If we could both keep moving and unite with each other at the same time, that could split up the feranthros attention. I radio in, Inspector, I think itd be best if we could both alert each other to our locations. After that, we can both head toward each others direction, over. She doesnt reply for a bit, probably digesting the plan. Thats probably a better idea. Get to higher ground and contact me again, over. There is a house next to me. I make my way through the opening on the wall and

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 81 -

climb up the staircase planted on the side of the building. I reach the rooftop and contact her again. Okay, Im on a roof, over. Likewise. You re your shot rst. Be careful. Over. What good manners. I lift up my rearm and shoot into the air. The shot reverberates across the district and I hold my breath. Massey pauses for a few seconds and responds, One of ours saw it. Watch out for mine, over. I didnt think theyd get it the rst time, but with multiple people in the group, I guess it was possible. I look around frantically, waiting for the shot. She res. Just my luck, it came from somewhere behind me, but it didnt sound too distant, thank goodness. Inspector, could you re again? Over. I swear I can hear her curse. She does re

again, and I get a glimpse of the tracer through the air. Got it! Im heading to you, over. It came from the direction in which I was heading in the rst place, surprisingly enough.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

552911

Unfortunately, Ive attracted some attention. Three feranthros come from Masseys direction and see me up on the roof almost instantly. Snarling with murderous intent, they start to sprint over to the house Im standing on.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

How good a shot are you Aiden?

553092

Im not too bad, I guess. But before I can even point my rearm, they scue over to the wall on my side and disappear out of view. I cannot see them from up here. Shit!

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 I cant stick around here. Can you jump rooftop to rooftop? a fucking rat maze.

- 82 -

Youll eventually be able to lose them for a little

bit in the alleys after jumping a few, unless they know the territory well. This place looks like

I look around and try to nd another building I can possibly leap onto. I have to utilize the odd architecture of this place in order to lose my foes. I just hope that they dont know this place too well, despite it being literally a labyrinth. To my right there is another building close by with the same height. I keep a refer-

ence of Masseys direction and sprint toward the roof. Using the momentum, I make a hefty jump for it. I land with as much grace as a fatass cop can manage. I look back to see that the feranthros are climbing up the staircase. They can easily catch up to me at this point.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

SHIT!

553093

I turn my attention toward the staircase on my roof and -

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Shoot, dodge, and run.

553459

I aim at the feranthro and re, catching him in the arm. He yowls in pain and stumbles over the railing.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

I keep moving.

553460

Sgt. Aiden Schar

553461

Oh FFFFFF you left your weapon in the alley didnt you? The assault rie? The one thing that if they get their hands on and nd you youll be full of holes within seconds?

Fucking hell!

It mustve dropped o me when that

damn thing attacked me back there. Either way, this son of a bitch has it now. What am I going to do? Should I attempt a vault to the other side of the intersection and book it over to Massey? Should I try to provoke him to cause him to use up his ammo? Or maybe I could just carry out a good ol fashioned reght with him?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Bait him into taking the rst shot.

553579

I take a deep, deep breath, hoping it wont be my last. I very swiftly pop my upper body out of cover and point my pistol at him. I almost immediately whirl myself back into cover, the feranthro ring a burst of four rounds. I pop out again and open re. The rst shot misses completely, but my second shot lands a direct hit at the base of his neck. He falls to the ground in a heap, grabbing his wound and writhing in agony as he bleeds profusely. I run over to him and quickly end his suering with a shot to the head. I

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 84 -

reacquire my rie, and with one nal look at the corpse before me, I get ready to meet up with Massey, nally.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

CRUNCH!!

553580

Sgt. Aiden Schar

gurgle to death when you must. I cant. thro.

553809

Do not kill Feranthros in this district. Let em bleed and

I cant live with myself if I just let some-

one die a slow and painful death. Even if its a feran-

You need to cripple the enemy to even have a chance at running away, so re full auto at that things legs and then start running away. I leap forward and whirl around. This damn thing is QUICK. Id probably have no

chance in running from it. It would denitely be more sensible to try and cripple it somehow. With hardly a second thought, I re away at the things bony legs.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

553810

The creature gurgles with the break in his bone and kneels down. My God. Maybe...maybe I dont HAVE to run. I think I can take this fucker on! Or...can I? Damnit, I dont

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 85 know. Does it just die like everyone else if I put enough bullets into it?

Sgt. Aiden Schar

554137

Why not? Why cant you condemn them to a slow painful death if it means it saves your life, or someone elses? You could technically have even saved that feranthros life if you took the time to give him SOME medical attention. It wouldnt have been good odds, but it would have prevented this. In this specic situation...when Im alone, without a large amount of expertise in treating a ruptured jugular, surrounded by killer feranthros, I nd it preferable to just put an end to the victims suering and move on. I cant throw away any time here. ANTHRO RUN YO ASS! Just run, theres no point in even wasting the bullets. Itd be better to capture it alive anyway, for study. I take the opportunity to run, not wanting to waste any ammunition in case things go knee deep in shit. I make a dash down a single, straight path, and my heart almost skips a beat with a turn around the corner. Inspector Massey and reinforcements are behind said corner. I almost kneel down in sheer relief. Sergeant! About fucking time! Are you hurt? No...no, I should be ne, I say while checking my body anyway. You? Still standing. What is your situation? Now that Im reunited with reinforcements...what is our next approach?

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

You havent killed any feranthros have you? No, but I will if I have to, Sergeant. ask me this? she questions.

554427

I found the damn monster again. Almost skewered my ass.

Why do you

I just...have a hunch feranthros might be turning into those things when they die. Its a possibility. Massey takes my words in and is thoughtful for a moment. but where did you nd the creature? Tell Massey that the tentacle monster is still alive but crippled and lead her and the reinforcements to its last location. I lead her over to the alley where I confronted it after telling her about how I crippled it. Itd probably be better if we could somehow take it in alive. It might help research Perhaps, she begins,

quite a bit, I suggest to Massey. Otherwise, we - I halt in my tracks upon seeing that the creature is gone. Somehow I expected this, but were obviously not in a good position right now.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

554428

I hear a loud gurgling screech and a horrible tearing of esh behind me. The ocer hardly makes a gasp with the surprise of the sharp bony arm jutting out of his torso. The other ocers shout profanities, scrambling to get out of the way.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

shoot the spine until its paralyzed.

554593

Break out the astoga and jab the freak in the base of the neck before it grabs anyone else. If it refuses to go down

Thats a good way to get myself stabbed next. I have to weaken it rst. Open re! Put that fucking freak down before we lose anyone else! The other two ocers and I start to unload on the damn abomination. Its clearly

being aected by the barrage of bullets, but it takes it better than I had hoped. All we are doing is wasting ammo it seems. There has to be a better way to take this thing down...maybe a weak point? The leg I shot is still snapped partially and it is balancing mostly on its other leg.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Shoot at bone

554882

If theres any exsposed bone, target that rst. Aim for its other leg if you can. Keep backing up, dont let it close the distance. Shoot the bones! I shout to the ocers, getting ready to aim my own weapon. Massey suddenly butts in. Get the hell back! Dont let the fucker near you! I take aim at the creatures other leg and re away. The bone chips away as easily as the other and the creature falls at on its stomach. It buries its two bony arms into the ground and the ocers blast them away as well.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Sgt. Aiden Schar

554883

The monster writhes and squirms violently on the ground, something hideous just coming to my view. There is a massive, disturbing FACE on the things back. The face grimaces and contorts with the wriggling of the monstrous body its attached to. Even the ocers hold re to stare at the horrifying sight. A pool of blood starts to form around the creature. Its practically unable to do a damn thing now. How do I carry this out? I look toward my peripherals to see Massey brandishing her blade. I could let her kill it...or use the Astoga this time. I feel something might happen if I were to...

Sgt. Aiden Schar

Wheres our casualty? He alive?

555220

The other two ocers are kneeling beside his body. Their faces look grim. They call in on the radio, HQ, we have an ocer down. We request a med-evac nearest as possible to rendezvous point, over. I dont think he couldve survived a wound like that... Astoga throw! We dont want to get in that monstrositys reach! Use the Astoga, but dont get close. We may be able to get answers somehow. I shout to Massey, Inspector, wait! She gazes over at me, looking more bitter than usual. I have to do something. I dig around in my pockets and pull out the Astoga I brought with me. I carefully walk up to the downed creature. Sergeant, what the hell are you doing? she questions. This might give me answers. someone is talking out of me. The power inside me seems to be growing. Maybe I

can... I dont know what to say after that. I feel almost like Im blabbering pure drivel - like

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 89 -

Not wanting to be touched by the creature, I keep my distance and lean forward while kneeling down. I try to jab one of the tentacles with the needle and actually manage to hit one. Swiftly I pump the Astoga into its veins. Almost immediately I can feel my head swimming, and everythings...

Sgt. Aiden Schar

I see your relocation has been successful. Yes, maam. now. Very good. Here. Hold on to this. Astoga? No. A sample of the Advocates very essence. Do you trust me with this power?

555222

Everything is going according to plan.

The network of supplies should start really coming in

The Advocate wills this and our victory.

Use it when you are in danger. You are an important part of our progression. The essence will grant you great power. Do not let it go to waste. I - I wont. Thank you, dear Yuseta.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

555223

I start to feel myself coming to. My vision gets less swirly as blood returns to my head. In front of me, the creature no longer stirs. Its dead. I turn around and see Massey struggling to get up from the ground. worry. The other two ocers are not aected, but are observing us with great

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

- 90 -

Oh my God, I thought you two just suered from aneurisms, one of them says.

look back at Massey, who is seated down and massaging her temples. I can remember the vision...or ashback...very clearly. I want to talk with Massey about it...and if she even saw the same thing as me.

Sgt. Aiden Schar

555346

I restrain myself. It wouldnt be wise to openly talk about this in front of the other two ocers, as much as I just want to let it out. I help Inspector Massey o, but she nudges me away, sweeping herself o. One of the ocers speaks up, We have to get out of here. With assistance from the other ocer, he hauls the body of the casualty onto his back and lifts him up. Theres a medical vehicle coming. Right. We should leave while the feranthros are scared o, I respond in agreement. Plan to administer Astoga on every feranthro in custody, just to be safe! Ill keep that in mind. What does the body look like? Still looks as hideous as it always did. Something about the horrible face tells me he didnt necessarily feel good while in this form. How do we get out? I ask. They know the way, Massey says gruy, still looking bothered. Lets leave. Now. What about the creature? Are we going to leave it here? Were in the middle of dangerous territory. need to so that we can drag this husk out. We cant stick around longer than we

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Together, we make our way out of the hellish labyrinth once and for all.

Stan Weathers
Mmm? H...huh?

555347

Stan Weathers
so much.

555348

What? What the hell? Oh, God. My head. It hurts...so

Stan Weathers
Youre probably bound, I hope its not a ziptie. Can you see your binds?

555731

Are they rope or chain?

Huh?

Oh, a...

gun?

What am I doing with this?

get up onto my feet. Look around you, what can you see nearest to you? Um...ow. Uh...dead people. Blood. Two police ocers. A few...feranthros. What am I doing here? What was I doing?

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Stan Weathers
get some astoga in you, pronto. Uh, right. Umm.. Someones still alive! Y-you... he groans. me! What the hell?!

555732

Hes aiming at

Stan Weathers

556146

Theres a lot of thoughts going through my head right now. I feel dierent...this new body...I feel stronger in some places, like I can run for miles and miles without getting tired. I kick my feet o the ground and jump forward, right next to the cop. I have to get the weapon o his hands and get some answers. I kick his hands and he drops the pistol, which ies to the other side of the room. Hes already pretty weak. I dont think he can be much of a threat to me now. Im sorry, but I had to do that. I didnt want you to shoot me, I say. The ocer just laughs. Then nish o what you started, you crazy fuck. What? Is he implying I did this? Why would I just kill these people? Look, I dont know whats going on, okay? My names Stan, Stan Weathers. Yeah yeah, I know what your fucking name is, he scos. work. You seriously cant remember? R-remember what? Youre a real piece of

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 Heh, screw it.

- 93 Just kill me already. He seems really eager to die, for some reason.

He might have called in reinforcements. I really cant stick around for too long. I can hear the wailing of police sirens growing louder. Im going to do one last thing...and then Im getting out of here. Inspect a body for goods or continue to help him?

Stan Weathers
im pretty sure i need more astoga. I kneel down one leg and say, I need Astoga. you have any? The ocer laughs. Astoga?

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Do

What do you need that

for? Do you think its going to help change you back? Do you think itll undo all your problems? He winces and looks away. Either way, I dont have any. Now piss o. ...tell me what happened. Tell me what happened, I demand. The ocer gazes at me with disgust. You havent gured that out yet? you prick. Can you at least tell us who he is, and why hes here? Was he dragged here? Or Id rather not indulge you and set you o again,

was he investigating a lead and got his squad shot by... us I guess? I have no idea who he is, who all the others are, and why they are all dead! Weathers, if I told you that and Sgt. n just fought a tene mo, does that thought enter your brain? Do you now have that in mind now? How about I tell you that if you , you probably will tu into one of those ts? Does that enter your mind too? I can slowly start to recall some things...some things I dont think I ever had knowledge of...kinda like recalling random events in a dream and carrying it with you after waking

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 up. But I cant dwell on this right now! help him.

- 94 -

You dont know whats going on but at least you can help him out for

when the cops come. Here...Sir, let me help you at least. Those wounds are - The ocer vigorously swats me and pushes me away. Get the fuck away from me! Dont touch me, just put a damn bullet in my head already! he shouts. It was so easy for you before. You even laughed, you crazy shit...God... Damnit...this is a waste of time. I need to get out. Now. I have a few ways to escape it looks like. Theres the front door, a window in the back, a door at the end of a short hall, and a trapdoor in said hall.

Stan Weathers
window. No...no, I dont know anything about that. not at the moment... I go over to the cop corpse and manage to nd a radio.

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Can you remember any radio frequencies you can call? Check the dead cop for a radio then go out through the

At least,

Before you go take a quick look around for a cape or a poncho because you are covered in blood and have that symbol carved to your chest. I cant nd anything like that right now. come across something as I get away. Out the back window and far away as possible from the crime scene. I set my sights toward the window and slide it open. Quickly, I scramble out of the I dont have anymore time. Hopefully Ill

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house and land on a makeshift balcony. I press up against the wall and away from sight of the window. I hear the door being busted in and a lot of yelling. Outside! He went out the window! I can hear the wounded cop say. I cant catch

my breath yet. Observing my surroundings, I have three dierent ways to go. window of the house in front of me. I can go up the lad-

der and onto the roofs, I can drop down into the alleyways, or I can go into the

Stan Weathers
would you be willing to use it on them?

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Also, you are still carrying the gun. If you were cornered, If not, then its only use is making you seem like more of a threat.

I have no idea whats going on. this away right now... You said you were more powerful and stu right? go.

I cant just throw

Clearly roof jumps are the way to

Climb on the roof to get a quick picture of your surroundings and then start running in whichever direction seems like the best. Go up on the roof and knock the ladder o the balcony behind you, that should slow them down a bit. I head up the ladder and onto the roof of the house in front of me. take the ladder and drop it down into the alleyway. Scanning the area while on the roof, I manage to see that Im close to an industrial zone. It doesnt look like theres much activity there...and there should be plenty of places to hide. I quickly make my way there, bounding across the rooftops. I make sure to

ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Stan Weathers

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I make my way inside of a warehouse. It looks like not a single person came in here for a while. Theres junk scattered everywhere and its pretty dusty. I hide between some barrels and curl up, taking a breather. I have to relax now...this is the best time in this crap Im in. Its nice and quiet. Its almost homey. I seriously feel like crying right now. Im so confused and afraid. Why did I kill those people? Why am I a feranthro? There are so many thoughts in my head, but I have to focus. I need to regain my lost memories...but I dont know where to start. I need to think...think!

Stan Weathers

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I have to focus. I need to dig into my mind...try to nd something. Something that can help me. My eyes trail down to the mark on my stomach. I close my eyes and see something. Im seeing out of my eyes, but in a dierent...time..or place, and Im holding a knife. This was when I was an anthro. Oh God, am I CUTTING myself? I dont remember this at all! What the hell!

Stan Weathers
Huh?!

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ADVOCATE Chapter 1

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Stan Weathers
What should I do?

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Wh-who is that?! I point my gun at a gure standing at the other side of the chamber. Its...who the hell is that?

I hear it call out, Theres no need for that, young one.

Stan Weathers

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Dont forget what happened last time you saw/stared at her; you blanked out for a while and managed to lose your gun. We dont want a repeat performance of that. Weathers, whatever you do, DO NOT look directly at her.

I start to remember something and immediately turn my eyes away from her, giving very quick glances to make sure she doesnt pull something. I saw this feranthro back at that factory...yeah, I remember that now. She is who they call Yuseta. I can feel a very powerful aura, like my mind is struggling to avoid linking to hers. She chuckles when she sees me look away. ber quickly. You, youve been following me and Aiden around! murderer and psychotic! Youre the one who was tormenting me! into a psychotic murderer! The mellow smile on Yusetas face sinks into a frown. Did I? I had better plans for you. All I wanted was to grant you a portion of the Advocates power. You turned me into this! You turned me You turned me into this didnt You learn quickly. You will also remem-

you? You made me cut myself. You brainwashed me and turned me into an unwilling traitor,

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 What are you talking about?

- 98 -

When we rst came upon you, we sensed a peculiar but mighty power lying within you. Youve been greatly aected by the Link, moreso than others that came into contact with Caelus. You had the capabilities to harness the Advocates power...at least, this is what we once thought. Unfortunately, you are unstable. Unstable? You ruined my life! Now, now, she sighs and then continues, all of this is very necessary. everything that we can. Yuseta starts to amble towards me. Fuck o! I say while gesturing with my gun. Dont come closer! Dont be foolish, she hisses. understand this? In your current unstable state, you are not only a We must

perfect our craft and create a divine following to wash away the impure. We must utilize

threat to our righteous plans, but also to everyone around you. You must perish. Do you

Stan Weathers
and your plans are a threat to everyone too! All for a greater purpose, she replies. is great, then maybe...

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Are you fucking serious? I say. Youre a hypocrite! You

Im getting

sick of this. I think about something...if she says my power

I try to tap into her. I focus all the energy in me to try and aect her with my mind. I can feel something happening...like a part of me just ejecting from my body. The aura is becoming stronger, and I can feel myself breaking past a barrier. I can start to see something...images that arent within my own thoughts. Immediately, Im pushed away, and the image fades. I couldnt make it out. Impressive, but if you hope to do anything with that power, you must perfect it. You must nurture it. Unfortunately for you, this cannot happen. There is another body that shares the

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same strength, and I am honestly quite shocked at this. She looks thoughtful for a moment, and I take this moment to sidestep away to the door. Where are you going?

Stan Weathers
I open the door and -

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Stan Weathers
PMF!

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Stan Weathers
are being put into a blender.

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Everything is a blur. Im hearing voices, but its like they

Hm?! What is this? Not dead? What have you done to this poor cat? So. The turncoat shows his face again. You cannot get away with these heinous practices, Yuseta. I do not understand. You are destroying lives.

ADVOCATE Chapter 1 And I do not understand how you can shirk your righteous duties so suddenly. are full of surprises, Jai, but it seems you arent the only one. If you continue these experiments of yours, no doubt your schemes will fail. No doubt. Everything is going according to plan, Jai, dont you worry. minent destruction, which will bring me much relief. As long as Im standing, I will do everything in my strength to hurt your...hm? I can feel a little bit of power welling up in my chest. fading.

- 100 You

That includes your im-

Enough power to utter one

last plea. Why is everyone...trying to hurt me? Leave me alone...just leave me alone. Im

Stan Weathers
Leave me alone! Ha ha...leave me alone!

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Stan Weathers
LEAVE ME ALONE! HA HA HA HA HA!!

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