When you mention the fact that your were able to find investigation reports in public access data, Hiroko responds with a frustrated hiss, but no more. Perhaps her corporate loyalties prevent her from offering her opinions on Genoform’s information security lapses.

She is much less reserved when you mention the lack of arcane consultation during the investigation into Sakura Uchicha’s death. ”To suggest that no magical advice was sought is simply preposterous.” she says heatedly ”A sorcerer provided by the company advised in the case. I was assured that none of the penthouse wards had been tampered with or breached. During his on site investigation he assured me that only nominal levels of mana were present and there was no indication of spiritual activities. This was all included in my final report.”

Aside from the brief mention of the penthouse wards remaining intact, this information is not included in the copy of the report that you received.

”There were no physical manifestation of magical activity”

There was, the lamp and the door slam.

”I don’t know what you mean by intruder.”

"There must've been a paperwork error," Bailey says, as if she's brushing the disagreement off, "Because I was wondering about the things on the recording? The lamp, the door? How did you rule out magic causing those?" as if she were merely curious about the case.

"Recording?" she asks. "What recording? At the time of death, the penthouse surveillance system had been disabled using Sakura's user access codes. This was not uncommon in the Uchicha residence. Both Sakura and Yorinobo routinely deactivated the cameras for their privacy."

Hmmm... Genoform's terrible information security... no magical report included in Yorinobo's copy of the investigation... inconsistencies in the evidence...

What's going on here? Has the original report been doctored or suppressed?

"Yorinobo gave me video footage of the exterior of the residence," Bailey says, "It sounds like one or the other of us isn't getting the full story. Maybe you should get me your records. I am an independent operator. I can pursue paths that you may not be able to?"

”Your proposal puts me at great risk.” she replies flatly. ”If I were to cooperate, I would need some guarantee of discretion or of deniability.  Perhaps I can arrange for copies of my original reports to be left… accessible… you will know when and where of course. If Genoform’s security is as lax as you believe, you will not have any trouble getting them.”

"I think we could work something out," Bailey agrees, tossing back a stray bit of red. "But if you know anything else, that may not be in the reports? I'm certain my employer would be interested in knowing whatever you can provide. They simply want to see the truth revealed."

"How could I possibly guess what was deleted or altered in the report?" she asks rhetorically. "What I don't understand is what is gained by changing the report. Why push Yorinobo to continue to pursue the investigation? Distraction from his research is not to the benefit of the company. The evidence was quite clear that the wife died as a result of misadventure. Regrettable but in all probability accidental." she says with a degree of finality. "Who benefits from Yorinobo chasing ghosts?"

Bailey's head tilts to the side, toward her shoulder. Her lips part. The answer seems so obvious to her. That the detective wasn't on the same page was simply baffling. Or maybe that's what the elf wanted wanted the detective to believe. That she was a naif who couldn't possibly really be a danger to the corporation.

"I mean... What if he just loved her?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:11, Mon 07 Mar 2022.

Hiroko sighs, allowing your moment of humanity to penetrate her prickly corporate facade. "Of course he did. What I'm saying is that someone is manipulating that love to attack him. In fact, I'm certain of it." she adds slapping the park bench. "Think about it, Genoform gains only a distracted researcher by altering my report to suggest there were leads that were inadequately pursued. Looking back, I must admit that I always felt they were too involved in the investigation, rushing things, steering me toward completion. Probably just to get Yorinobo back to work as soon as possible. It is possible that the inconsistencies are based on real evidence that was withheld from me. It is equally possible that someone has revealed that evidence only to create uncertainty that would keep Yorinobo from his work."

"Tomorrow, I will leave a copy of my original report on a chip in the Genoform rejuvenation clinic in Bayside. If you can gain access to the accounting office, you should be able to acquire it without risk to me."
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:11, Mon 07 Mar 2022.

Bailey nods as she listens. Then she stands up, adjusting her sunglasses. "Thank you, Detective." A breeze blows, releasing a bit of crimson hair. It falls across her face as she turns and quickly exits. An exit fitting of any noir detective. She should really buy a suit...

OOC: Do we want to go directly to the next day?

>> FF Next day

Gene therapy self optimization centres like Genoform’s Bayview clinic are a dime a dozen in this part of the Sprawl. From the Cross Arc all the way down the coast through Dogpatch and Bayview, the urban landscape is dotted with trendy nutrition advisors, cosmetic surgeons and rejuvenation spas that cater to a corporate elite that cannot bear to see their avarice reflected back at them in the mirror.

Tucked between a coffee house owned by a corporate juggernaut and a doctor who specializes in Zeiss optical implants, Genoform’s storefront is clean yet inviting. A mirrored glass facade hides an interior decorated in cream and blue where a flawless blonde woman sits at reception.

”Welcome to a better you,” she says amicably. ”Do you have a treatment scheduled or would you like to discuss optimization options with one of our expert consultants?”

Bailey was familiar with these sorts of places. Not quite this lux, but... Well, all elves are blessed, but some elves are more blessed than others. And Bailey had to work a little harder from starting out. But she had come a long way. And now? Well, she fit right in. Or, she would with a bit of hair dyed and some skin pigmentation to fit in with the upper class around San Fran. She's still got on the sunglasses from the day before, but now paired with a trendier, sleeker design. Something that fits in well, jeans and a top, showing off how well she belongs.

"Hi. I think I'm just here to discuss some options. See where we can get to and what my choices are. Oh, can I get a water?" Always get the free water.

”Oh of course,” she says with a perfect smile. ”Let me get that for you right away and I’ll make the arrangements with one of our consultants. I believe Ruis is free this morning.”

You’re left alone… no telling for how long… could be seconds, could be minutes…
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:35, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

Bailey waits, inspecting her manicure as she does. God, expense accounts were great. Look at those things. Glossy, shifting chromatic paints. Little waves of color rolling up their inch long span. They cost nearly half her rent. But just look at them. And they fit right in here. And Yorinobo was paying. This was a legitimate part of a disguise!

But the big thing was to convince everyone here she was just a normal aspiring model. Someone who would like some work... But might need to talk with their officers about setting up a line of finance.

Your patience pays off. The receptionist is only gone for a few brief minutes before returning with a young man with delicate features and tiger striped hair who she introduces as Ruis.

”Oh very nice,” Ruis coos. ”Such beauty already, but always room for improvement. What did you have in mind? Some dermal rejuvenation around the eyes? A bit of genetic modification to minimize pores and prevent blemishes?”

"Actually, I was hoping you could help out with my little," Bailey pushes a hand up into her hair. Twisting her head to the side as she lifts her hair. Showing the distinct almond-point of her ear. "Problem? Not the whole thing. Just a little more... Subtle?" she grin. Knowing that there was nothing about her that could possibly be described as subtle. At least not for this conversation.

It's a tricky gambit. Sure they want your cred, but they could be less than accepting of your elven heritage...

Manipulate 19:19, Today: Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Bailey, rolled 5 using 2d6+1 ((2,2)).  Work the Angles +1 = 6 FAIL Take 1XP

...Ruis gasps, perhaps a tad over dramatically, and says "I'm very sorry, but all of our cosmetic alterations specialists are booked well in advance. Perhaps you should consider a less exclusive facility."

or... edge bump WEAK SUCCESS

...Ruis gasps, perhaps a tad over dramatically, and says "I think we can arrange something, but that kind of procedure is... very popular... we've recently had to double the consultation fees."

OOC: Let's bump that up because I don't want to have to break in here. But, as a question, should that be a +2 instead of a +1? +1 for Work the Angles, +1 for Presence?

"I think we can figure something out. Maybe I should speak with someone in your financing?" Bailey suggests, letting her hair drop back into place.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:17, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

”A very reasonable request,” Ruiz replies with an annoying smirk, probably feeling quite proud of himself. ”If you will follow me.”

He leads you out of the cream walls and blue accents of the reception area into a small consultation room a short way down the hall.  It looks like there are three more of these private meeting rooms clustered around a fifth door marked ‘restricted access - patients and employees only’.  Inside the meeting room, he takes a seat in a comfortable looking leather lounge chair.

”Please sit,” he says indicating a second lounge chair. Pulling out a small tablet he projects a catalogue of cosmetic surgery options onto the wall. ”Now let’s see what kind of options we have for a better you.”

forgot to answer…



2D6+1 covers the Presence modifier to the roll, then +1 for a Work the Angles… does that make sense?

OOC: Yup! Sounds good to me!

Bailey has had this conversation before. Or, at least, versions of this conversation. She sits down, legs crossing. Leaning forward a bit, her hand on her chin, elbow on the chair. "Well, so, there's obviously the big thing. But I think there's some other stuff that might be nice to have. Y'know. While we're in there playing around with stuff," she smiles.

"That's the spirit." Ruis coos excitedly. "I'm sure we can find something. OUr financial department has a very reasonable payment plan."

After a few moments of paging though information on sonic massage, micro dermal rejuvenation and cartilage ablation, Ruis presents you with a final sum. It is not insignificant, and contains a very generous 15% commission.

"If I could get your credstick, we'll be all set to start setting up financial aid and repayment schedules."

Slot your cred? Your ID is solid enough and Uchicha did put on an expense account, but this might be tough to explain, especially if you want to keep Hiroko out of it.

He is completely at ease. You could probably take him quickly... but would you have enough time to get past that door and find the chip?

Threats are always an option too. Normal folks usually respond pretty predictably when you stuff Morrisey Elite in their face.

If you have a good line, maybe you can scam your way into the back.

Or something else?

OOC: Is there an access card or anything I'll need to get into the Employees Only areas?

Hmmm… it seems reasonable that there would be some sort of access control… you only got a quick look at the door, but you’re pretty sure you saw a thumbprint scanner

Bailey has trouble not reacting to the number. Her eyebrows lift. Sure, she'd had some work done, but... Not that kind of work. Even she couldn't imagine that expense getting waived. Or possibly working off the kind of debt that would require. She smiles, "Um... Wow, ok," she struggles, head swimming for just a moment.

Right. Ok. New plan. New plan. What should she say? She could try something. After all, it wasn't like a throat chop was going to become a less appealing option because she wasn't able to lie to him first. "Look, I... Actually just need to get back to the finance office. I think my boyfriend is cheating on me."