Agency Lullaby

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* TW

## **Main Background**

Unknown Skies

> *"The catastrophe is not waiting, nor is it past. It unravels slowly beneath your feet as you scour your thoughts for a malignant cause. All of a sudden you are relieved, but not because disaster has passed, nor did it did not exist. Your mind is awash with the comfort of lies, and your short-lived anxiety dissipates. You feel free..."*
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> -Unknown Skies Apocalypse Episode 2, Prologue 1
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**Agency Lullaby** is the 18th Standard Ultimate Wizard quest released for the Global version of Crash Fever, albeit at Spectre difficulty.

After the events of Anomie, another broadcast of Bullet News begins. Vicky Tellmenothing and Tylor Manysecrets introduce themselves, and Tylor begins by mentioning that they have received reports of gunshots fired at a school. Vicky comments that that is dreadful, and Tylor explains that the shooting occurred at Elysium University. Vicky comments that she hopes no one got hurt, since the students of Elysium are supposed to be their future. Tylor then says that some are suggesting that the incident could be connected to the gruesome terrorist attack on the ME Subsector, and then states that the identity of both the shooter and the victim remain unknown. Vicky interjects and says that the talk of gunshots remind her of the gun that Tylor showed her the other day. Tylor stumbles and asks what she is talking about, and Vicky mentions that it was at his place before the audio is briefly cut off. When it returns, Tylor apologizes and says that there were some minor technical difficulties. Vicky then declares to the "gun-toting criminals" that they will not escape. She then thanks their police for their response time. Tylor says that he believes they will find the culprit in no time, and help keep them safe. Vicky agrees, and then tells listeners to tune in to the Daily Memorandum.

Meanwhile, at Elysium University, several students are going about their day. One of them, Kon, watches another, Rousseau, from a distance and admires how cool she seems. She mentions how much she wants to talk to her (while she uses a lot of Japanese words rather than English), but says she is afraid that Rousseau won't find her cool as well. Kon then tries to encourage herself, saying that she needs to toughen up since this is why she exchanged here in the first place. As she goes over to talk to Rousseau, a creepy boy, Machiavelli, walks over to Rousseau.

Machiavelli calls Rousseau quite the overachiever, and she quickly dismisses him. He asks what she is doing outside during class, and asks if she is reading for pleasure. Rousseau tells him that it is none of his business, and asks what he wants. Machiavelli then responds asking why she assumes that he wants something. He then asks her what she is reading, but Rousseau tells him that she isn't interested in speaking with him and that he needs to leave her alone. Machiavelli points out that she asked him what he wanted. Rousseau just sighs, and then asks him again what he wants.

Machiavelli goes on a tangent saying that he had always wanted a friend, and someone to show his greatness to since he feels so undervalued. Rousseau says she's sorry to hear that, but Machiavelli continues and asks if she has ever talked to anyone around here. He remarks that he feels like he is walking around insects not even worth trampling, except for her. He then stops himself from continuing, saying he was getting ahead of himself. He says that he had thought that everyone at Elysium University was busy with their ambitions, but he was wrong. He then says that, according to his findings, not only is the "fool from the ME Subsector" there, but so is the one behind the attack. He then states that the one behind it is right there, reading for leisure under the shadow of a tree.

Rousseau just looks at him confused, and Machiavelli asks her if she can imagine the rush he felt when he found out that it was her behind the attack, and then he remarks how easily he could end her. He begins to say that, by exposing her, he could finally do something, but is cut off by Rousseau pointing out that he hasn't yet. Machiavelli responds that that simply means that he hasn't done so yet, and suggests that he might try to right after this conversation, or maybe the next day. Rousseau responds that if he tries it will be the death of him. Machiavelli laughs maniacally, and remarks that that is wonderful.

Kon then interrupts the conversation, prompting Machiavelli to ask her who the hell she is. Kon points out that Machiavelli can't just go harassing people like that, but Machiavelli asks her what she is going to do about it. He points out that she's not from there, and Kon asks what he means by that while stating that she is way stronger than him. A confused Rousseau asks what is going on, and asks who Kon is. Kon is overjoyed that Rousseau spoke to her, and thinks in her head that she shouldn't waste this opportunity and should show Rousseau that she can protect her. Kon warns Machiavelli again, and says that when she starts fighting she can't control herself. Machiavelli comments that this day keeps getting better and better, and tells her to get ready to fight. They begin to fight each other while Machiavelli comments that her fighting is amazing.

Rousseau suddenly notices a tall man walking over to them, and then she worries about someone else finding out. The man, Malthus, says that no one is telling anyone anything. His commanding voice breaks up the fight between Machiavelli and Kon. Kon asks what is going on, and Malthus says that they need to stop fighting. He argues that there are bigger things at play than whatever it is they are fighting over. He then tells them to come with him. Rousseau asks what he intends to do if they comply. Malthus apologizes for his rudeness, and says that is none of her concern at this point. He points out that her biggest concern should be what would happen if she refuses.

Machiavelli then asks Malthus is he really thinks that he has any power over him, and then asks Malthus if he has completed the "Zeno Aftermath". Kon just says that Malthus definitely looks more dignified than Machiavelli, while Malthus warns Machiavelli that he is hanging by a thread. Rousseau calls Machiavelli an impudent weirdo, and tells him that it looks like he is out of luck. Machiavelli tells them that if they insist, he'll have it their way. He boasts that he will not only take one of them down, but will take both of them down.

Malthus and Rousseau fight to calm the situation down, and Malthus calms Kon down while Machiavelli is fought. Machiavelli continues fighting and creates a mirror copy of himself, and declares that he is going to be the greatest hacker that ALICE has ever known. As he laughs maniacally, he declares that they will all be grovelling before him, begging. He says he will see them later, and runs off.

Rousseau, panting from exhaustion, says that she can't let him get away as there is too much at stake. Malthus points out that Machiavelli has been beaten and he is deranged. Malthus tells Rousseau that he will handle this, so she should just chill. Rousseau asks if he really will take care of it for her, calling Malthus "pops". Malthus, not fond of the nickname, reminds her that he just saved her. Rousseau apologizes for her crudeness, and Malthus tells her that if she does things right, he might have a job for her. He remarks that she can do so much better than this "child's play".

She remarks that he's quite talkative, and reminds him that he still needs to go after Machiavelli. Malthus just responds that he has it under control, and asks if she will consider his offer. Rousseau asks what it is, and Malthus asks what she knows about the "Zeno Aftermath". Rousseau responds that she only knows that the admin board wiped all record of it, and other than that she has only heard rumors. Malthus asks if she would like to know more, but Kon interjects and says that she wants to know secrets as well. Malthus just looks at her, annoyed.

Some speakers nearby begin another news broadcast of Bullet News. Tylor announces that the authorities have yet to find anything conclusive in the Elysium school shooting investigation. He says that everyone is advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious behavior to your nearest police station. Vicky mentions that it is odd that they haven't found a body yet, and Tylor jokingly remarks that this might be the first time they have reported on a deathless murder. Vicky says that there surely is a body out there somewhere, and jokingly adds that she hopes it's not out of shape. Vicky then mentions that there have been reports that a statue in front of the admin board headquarters has been vandalized.

The story is continued in Upside Down Structure.

## Counter Units

The Regional Festival counter unit to this quest is Malthus. The Regional Spectre counter unit to this quest is Durkheim.

## Quest Overview

* [Prologue 1]
* [Prologue 2]
* [Spectre]
* [Epilogue]

## Post Quest Blurbs

* **Birth of a Rebel:** The US server was specifically designed by ALICE engineers for a geographically distant and culturally different audience.
* **An Unpredictable Challenge:** The construction of the new server was a high risk, gargantuan project for its time, and as such they named it Unknown Skies.
* **Security First:** Due to historical events, the security of the server is of paramount interest to the citizens of US.
* **Datum Schism:** Dissatisfaction and disagreement within the Masquerade led the to the division of this secret brotherhood.
* **Datum Era 17:** Is the title of Rousseau's new novel which hides a severe political critique on the US society.
* **A Secret Past, Dangerous Goals:** Malthus has constructed a commandeering persona for himself over the years, but sometimes the mask slips...
* **Meridians and Antimeridians:** The Meridian Masquerade and the Antimeridian Masquerade were founded in Datum Year 1. This event is known as the Datum Schism.
* **Elysium University:** Founded upon ethical principles, its history and academic reputation make it one of the most prestigious universities in US.
* **Cost Efficiency, Maximum Results:** The Admin Board is a public entity that has, by clandestine means, established itself as a dominant corporation. It governs US.
* **The Truth Beyond Zeno Aftermath:** Records referencing this project have been wiped from the archives. Rumor has it that it is a weapon of mass destruction.