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Series:
Part 3 of Non-conventional Storytelling Tryouts
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Published:
2025-11-12
Completed:
2025-11-12
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14/14
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118

Ortus et Occasus

Summary:

A new business started, from nowhere, by some nobody.

What could go wrong?

Notes:

I originally wanted to do some kind of intricate story with a long one-page brochure.

With hidden details and carefully-chosen wordings and all that.

But I am, in fact, too fucking stupid to make it happen.

So I took the other way. Here it is.

Enable the workskin for the best reading experience!

=

As usual, expect grammatical errors, as English isn't my first language.

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: [Sep 21st] A Brochure found by the road side of D.U.

Chapter Text

VALORIS GROUP

Precise. Relentless. Immediate.


Valoris Group is a specialist private military and security consultancy founded in D.U., built for clients who operate on the edge of complexity.

We combine experienced leadership drawn from former PMC personnel and corporate security backgrounds with disciplined operational teams and comprehensive legal oversight.

Our mission is straightforward: enable and protect client objectives in environments that are politically sensitive, contested, or under-governed; doing so with clarity of purpose, accountability, and an appetite for solving problems that others will not.

We'll get it straight: we are not wannabe girls with shiny badges, nor are we mindless cogs in white uniforms.

We provide practical, scalable solutions. From strategic risk analysis to discreet, decisive direct action, matched to a client’s mandate, constraints, and tolerance for risk.

Where bureaucracies stall, where ambiguity rules, and where reputations or assets are under imminent threat, we step up to face the dark.

We are the spear when all failed to lead. We are the shield when all failed to protect.


Our Approach & Commitments

Mission-Focused, Discipline-Minded.

We combine operational boldness with legal rigor. Our legal team and in-region counsel vet every engagement to align client objectives with applicable law, export controls and human-rights obligations. When student councils, law enforcement agencies or institutions become obstacles to client requirements, Valoris will pursue resolution. Including formal challenge, strategic escalation, or public advocacy, guided by the client’s mandate, reputational calculus and risk appetite.

Transparent Risk Management.

We present realistic options, trade-offs and likely outcomes. Clients receive a calibrated assessment of legal, political and operational risk alongside proposed mitigations and decision points.

Accountability & Auditability.

We commit to clear documentation, mission logs and after-action reviews and reports. Our teams operate under strict command-and-control frameworks and are subject to internal compliance checks.

Discretion & Integrity.

Confidentiality, fiduciary responsibility and respect for regional contexts are non-negotiable. Our reputation is built on delivering difficult solutions without unnecessary spectacle.

Core Services

We offer an integrated suite of services designed to reduce uncertainty, protect assets and people, and enable mission success across the full spectrum of security challenges. No red tape. No 911 calls. Only actions and results.

Strategic Risk & Threat Advisory

Comprehensive geopolitical and operational risk analyses tailored to specific projects, regions and timelines. Scenario planning, red-team assessments and board-level briefings that convert complexity into clear options for leadership.

Security Program Design & Management

End-to-end security architecture: policy, procedures, staffing, SOPs and escalation frameworks. With local partnerships (regional dependent) and supply-chain security to ensure continuity across jurisdictions.

Crisis & Incident Response

24/7 rapid-response coordination for kidnap, hostile incident, regional unrest and critical infrastructure threats. Media, legal and stakeholder management integrated into response plans accordingly.

Training & Capacity Building

Practical training programs for executive protection, close-quarters safety, non-kinetic threat recognition, and organizational resilience. All are designed to raise standards, discarding what's unnecessary.

Logistics & Mission Support

Secure, discreet transport planning, liaison, and logistics for movement in semi and non-permissive environments. Robust compliance checks and audits to reduce legal and reputational exposure.

Direct Action — R.A.G.E. Unit (Recon • Assault • Guard • Escort)

Valoris’ Direct Action unit, known colloquially as R.A.G.E., is a modular force element capable of rapid deployment to resolve acute threats and execute high-stakes protective tasks. R.A.G.E. operates under a strict chain of command, with legal, ethical, and client-mandate constraints embedded into every mission.

R — Recon (Advanced Situational Awareness)

Purpose-built to deliver timely, high-confidence situational awareness and target packages in complex environments. Our reconnaissance capability fuses vetted HUMINT, SIGINT, and technical observability to produce operationally relevant reporting for decision-makers — highlighting risks, opportunities and actionable options. All collection is conducted under our legal team's review and with an emphasis on minimizing exposure and protecting sources.

A — Assault (Decisive Intervention)

When decisive, immediate intervention is required to protect life or critical assets, Valoris can provide direct intervention teams trained to resolve violent threats with precision and proportionality. These teams are mission-focused, disciplined, and operate only within clear client mandates. We emphasize adaptive authority, escalation-of-force discipline, and post-operation accountability.

G — Guard (Static & Mobile Protective Security)

Comprehensive static, as well as mobile protection services for facilities, critical sites, and high-value individuals. Guard missions are executed with thorough mission planning, layered defense, access control, and continuous threat monitoring; designed to deter adversaries and maintain operational continuity.

E — Escort (Secure Movement & Protection-in-Transit)

Secure movement solutions for people, sensitive materials and high-value cargo. Combining route planning, vehicle security, close-protection teams and contingency protocols. Escort operations prioritize predictability reduction, redundancy and appropriate interaction with local authorities.

Typical Clients & Use-Cases

  • Multi-academic corporations operating in contested or suboptimal jurisdictions.
  • High-net-worth individuals with an elevated profile or movement risk.
  • Critical infrastructure operators that are facing active threats or potential governance failure.
  • Sovereign or sub-sovereign entities seeking external surge capacity under appropriate frameworks.
  • Special clients with special needs.

Closing Statement

When the stakes are high and conventional options fall short, Valoris provides the clarity, capability and conviction to get the job done. We are not risk-seekers; we are the real problem-solvers who will operate where others hesitate. With accountability, legal discipline and an unambiguous commitment to protecting what matters to you.

Valoris Group — Precise. Relentless. Immediate.

Getting Started / Contact Info

Secure Inquiry:

[email protected] (PGP available upon request)

Operations Hotline:

+[Redacted] (available 24/7 for verified clients)

Initial Intake:

We begin with a non-attributable risk assessment and a legal pre-check to scope feasible options.

Chapter 2: [Nov. 27th] An excerpt taken from an underground radio.

Chapter Text

[A crackle, a beat of static, then a vinyl hiss.]


“Ayo. This is Nightwave Midnight Radio! Time for your favorite DJ Komi-chan's news session, buckle up!"


"A TLDR for y'all with aye-dee-H-dee: Valoris, oh yeah, that shady private outfit with no badges on their sleeves, they be stirrin' waves out here!"


"They aren't just showing up and fuck shits up. Think quieter, more boring stuff that still wrecks plans. They ain't no slouch!"


"Quadcopters that spot routes before a truck even pulls, fuckin' armored convoys that make a whole hood stop running for a week..."


"Shieeeeeeet... and words are they're even undercover recon teams that pry into who’s been talking to who!"


"That's some real creepy stuff! What kinda fucked up people thought this was a good idea!?"


"Anyway! Here's some more mail-in, handwritten reports from the local Helmet Gangs- Wait, what?"


"...Who da hell writes with pen and paper to a radio nowadays!? Fuck it. Let's see..."


[Faint paper noises and Komi-chan's brooding hums can be heard as she pauses.]


"When a crew realizes their dispatcher’s been pinged from three blocks over, trust evaporates faster than cash at a raid."


"People aren’t getting popped left and right, parentheses, at least not yet, but the pressure’s the same."


"Movement slows, routes get burned, and deals that used to happen face-to-face go back to dead drops and ghosting modes."


"Brokers are getting jumpy and weird. Some are pricing goods to move them quickly, said it was to, quote-unquote, cut the margins, cut the risk."


"Others are pulling everything into fewer hands: vetted chains only, like a fuckin' club with a strict guest list. The hell...?"


"A bunch of loners are now just sitting on their hands, waiting for the heat to pass or for someone to pay for a new route."


"Insurance on risky loads? Sky-high. Fences and front shops? Suddenly asking for references. Hotel? Triv- ohforfuck'ssake..."


"Everything is a shitshow now- Oh, that I can't agree with this guy any fuckin' more!"


"That's all the important part of this letter, but I do want to use this opportunity to share my 2-cents as well."


"Our techies, y'know, Miri-chan and Ito-nee-san, have been racking their heads out for new ways to encrypt the radio!"


"Based on what I have heard, people on the wires are encrypting more, but that’s not the whole fix."


"This fucking PMC's presence makes patterns useless. They force things to be unpredictable and thrown into chaos, or so what Miri-chan said."


"And you know what? This isn't just about radios anymore, this is about what's on the ground, too!"


"Cause y'see, unpredictability means more ops, more ops for them, means more profit!"


"AYO! Am I a genius or am I actually fuckin' onto something!?"


"This also ties into the fact that small, regular profits are turning into complicated logistics jobs nobody signed up for."


"A bunch of indie runners are either rebranding as legit or vanishing overnight!"


[Komi-chan moves away from the mic.]


"HOLY SHIT! I THINK I GOT IT! AIN'T NO NEED FOR THAT SENSEI FOR ME TO BE SMART! WOOOOOOOOO-!"


[Komi-chan returns to the mic.]


"Anyway. Where was I...? Oh, right! The chaos!"


"I'm telling you, man! People are gettin' nervous!"


"Bosses call emergency huddles, loyalties get tested, and grudges get buried because nobody wants to draw attention from the new..."


"...I don't wanna say sheriff in town, cause they roll with no badges... Eh. Whatever. You get the idea."


"So yeah. The usual works from these PMC outfits don’t scream headlines, but they sure changed the flow."


"If you’re in the lanes tonight: vet your partners, check your routes and liaisons, move with fewer hands involved, and if you can wait, wait.


"Cause the last thing y'all want is a death squad at your door and barges in without knocking."


"Stay strapped and don't get clapped, ladies! This is Nightwave Midnight Radio and your favorite DJ Komi-chan, signing out!"


[The beat swells, followed by a vinyl crackle, and fades to the music mix.]




Chapter 3: [Dec. 4th] Another brochure leaked from an anonymous source.

Notes:

Enable the workskin for the best reading experience!

Chapter Text

Special Delivery Program

Final delivery. Quietly handled.



You’ve got a problem that won’t go away; one that chews at operations, reputation, or safety no matter how many polite requests or legal routes you try.

The Special Delivery Program, SDP in short, is our invite-only closure product: a discreet, highly curated service that turns persistent liabilities into resolved cases with minimal footprint.

We package it as logistics, custody and narrative management: plan it, move it, close it, then make the world treat it like business as usual.

SDPs are executed clinically: closure, custody, delivery integrity. Invite-only, fully vetted, and accepted only when client authority, urgency, and risk thresholds are met.

No drama. No bullshit.

However, we must repeat: This is invitations only. Please display your credential (including this brochure) to our team as you make your request.

We are the spear when all failed to lead. We are the shield when all failed to protect.




SDP Service Process & Summary

Intake

Quick, confidential scoping: we hear the problem, verify authority, set clear thresholds.

Plan

A bespoke “delivery” plan tailored to the client's liking: with timing, transit, redundancies and contingencies spelled out.

Transit

Discreet transit options and method using our air & land fleet to keep things unremarkable. Our mechanical fleet: low-profile fixed wing, rotary lift and tactical mobility, is the backbone of reach and discretion. Marketing copy calls them “delivery vehicles.” In practice: fast, quiet, deniable.

Close

Post-delivery aftercare: narrative control, exposure reduction, reputational remediation. Keeping everything in minimal footprint.

Audit (Optional)

Client-side documentation, backlog, post-delivery reports and legal signoff if requested.

Closing Statement

If closure is the only acceptable outcome, and you have the mandate to request it, SDP is the way. We’ll listen, we’ll map the trade-offs, and we’ll tell you plainly our parimeters. Discretion is our baseline; accountability is part of the price.

Contact

As previously mentioned, SDP operates by invitation and selective mandate. To initiate a confidential consultation or to request a capability brief tailored to your project, contact our client liaison team. You know who to reach out to. We'll be ready.

Chapter 4: [Dec. 16th] A forgotten local news report.

Notes:

Enable the workskin for the best reading experience!

Chapter Text

Safehouse Raided Leaves One Deceased

By Editor Team ‧ KDN Media

Published 12:00 A.M. KST (8 days ago) | Latest Edition

Late tonight, what's presumably a hit has struck the residence of a Kaiser PMC veteran, known in the hoods as "Doc".

Passerbys called it in after hearing a hell of a ruckus. Explosion, gunshots, and noises of what sound like homemade booby traps going off.

When someone had the balls to enter the safehouse afterwards, it was a mess: doors blown open, furniture flipped, drawers emptied, and walls tattered and charred.

The whole place was rummaged like a storm had just gone past the place.

However, it was impossible to tell if anything was robbed or stolen, given the place's situation. Plus, the guy lived a discreet and perhaps frugal life ever since he went to the private sector.

One android body was found inside. Shot and mutilated, according to some jackass's social media post with a photo. Chassis VIN later identified and confirmed to be Doc by BMG’s Designated Android Forensic Team.

Interestingly enough, our insider in the DAFT (great acronym by the way) found that the body's cranium as well as the throat are, for the lack of a better term, pried open with tools, with crucial parts missing, such as the speech module and short-term memory storage hardware.

No claim, no chatter from the usual suspects. Only a few witnesses report an unassuming-looking van pulling away at odd hours and a quadcopter drone circling briefly before disappearing.

Whether that’s coincidence or cover is up for debate; people in the lanes are calling it a “special delivery” in the worst sense: tidy, fast, and final.

Rumors already spinning left and right: Kaiser tying up loose ends, debt settlement, or someone testing a new kind of pressure play that’s meant to scare more than slay.

What’s clear is this: this is not just some smash-and-grab. The place was left as a message. Whoever did it wanted a quiet in-and-out, and the subsequent chaos.


Editor’s note:

We don’t know everything, and we won’t pretend to. Call it what you like, but don’t let the slang turn into certainty. “Delivery” is the word on the street because it’s shorter than the truth. Be careful out there. Absence of noise isn’t the same as safety.

Not anymore.

......




Chapter 5: [Dec. 19th] Another excerpt taken from an underground radio.

Chapter Text

[Crackle, low bass loop under voice, a sound cue of the “live” chime.]


“Ayo. This is Nightwave Midnight Radio! Time for your favorite DJ Komi-chan's news session... however!"


"Tonight is a bit more special; I’ve got someone I don’t usually let on the line: a former Kaiser PMC personnel!"


"Call himself... or itself, really, Doc. Cause apparently, guy was a medic back in the good ol' days."


"He's a- Ohyeah, Imma just use he/him on this guy from now on. This is modern times, robots can be whatever they wanna fuckin' be!"


"Anyway. He’s been tracing Valoris’ moves for months and says there’s more here than just private security for hire."


"And Imma tell you right now, he’s spicy. Said he's gonna bring some real heat today."


"So take it for what it is: conjecture, anecdote, and a lot of connecting dots, whatever the fuck you call it. Here we go!"


[A short pause, with occasional statics buzzing in the background.]


"Doc? You there? You got your uh, speech module on or something?"


"Very funny, Komi-chan."


"So Doc, why don't you introduce yourself to the audience? We can-"


"That won't be necessary. You already did."


"O...kay? Oh well. I see you're a no-bullshit type of guy, huh?"


"You have no idea."


"Fuck it. Let's cut the bullshit then. For the people tuning out in the back alleys, spell it. What you've got for us?"


"An image. Picture this."


"A private military company, with resources, personnel, and discipline rivaling Kaiser PMC, if not better."


"But instead of squandering that capability around, they actually budget it, and distribute it properly."


"They are, in a literal sense, a super army for hire, with assassination service as a side gig."


"And now, it's thriving in the place where laws barely apply, and the rules are made by the powerful."


"What they call ‘routine ops’ from outfits like Valoris are a dangerous signal."


They’re not just protecting things. They’re reshaping the market of danger and risk itself."


"Oooooh. Ain't that a way to start? But Doc, how does ‘reshaping’ even look?"


"First, think about it: Valoris possesses a private fleet and steady ISR system.


And from that, comes a quick insertion capability, even if they’re not... ‘delivering’ anyone."


"Delivering?"


"Let me finish."


"Right-right. Sorry. Go on."


"They have the capability and capacity to compress time and space, for whoever pays."


"That grants them bargaining power. Insurance spikes, middlemen lose leverage."


"Just like what one of my audience had mentioned!"


"And suddenly, only players with deep pockets or official cover can have a place in the field."


"Do you see the picture now? It’s not just about security or firepower; it’s market engineering."


[Noises of a creaking chair can be heard on Komi-chan's side as she recoils backward.]


"Hoooooly-fuckin'-shit..."


"So... 'Scuse me. So you’re saying it's economic, not just muscle?"


"Exactly. In my opinion, there are three plausible engines here, and they’re not mutually exclusive."


"One: pure market demand; groups, companies, and elites paying for faster, cleaner security. Kurokame Group, for example."


"Two: shadow-state contracts; student councils outsourcing deniable tools to avoid messy politics."


"I'm not naming any academy here, but we all know which has the most shady political ploys and intel agencies."


"And lastly, deliberate private actors trying to monopolize illicit corridors; make moving anything costly unless you pay a toll."


"Like old-school gangsters extorting for protection money?"


"If you prefer that simile, yes."


"Point is, each has different implications for who wins and who gets squeezed out."


"I'm not going to get into the weeds there, or we'll be here until sunrise."


[A string of table-tapping noise can be heard from Komi-chan's side.]


“This whole shadow-state shabang... Any proof of this, or uh, you smoked a pot through the exhaust of something?”


"No iron-clad proof on public record. And that’s the point: these groups design for deniability, but look at the indicators."


"Synchronized upticks in armored convoys near disputed zones, quiet air movements, the lack of actions from Black Market Guards."


"Combining all of these, you can almost say that the lack of proof, is the proof."


"Hot damn... Gotta say, people in the lanes will hear that and have trouble getting a good night sleep after those bomb shells."


"So Doc, got any practical advice to give them, short of shit actually hitting the fan overnight?"


"Vet deeper than you used to. Reduce points of failure. Split loads, stagger routes, use smaller handoffs."


"And for the love of the ones and zeroes, don’t get cute with paper trails, digital or physical."


"What I’m trying to say is: make yourself less obvious. Dark forest rule."


"Also, build relationships with players who can survive a sweep, not the ones that fold at the first chopper."


"It pains me to say this, but Problem Solver 68 is a good example."


"An example of former or latter, Doc? Cause I've heard of those people and uhm, comments are mixed."


"I'll leave your audience to be the judge of that."


"Y' heard him, folks! Time to bust out your grammar textbooks! Ha!"


"Real talk though: who benefits if Valoris keeps doing... whatever the hell they've been doing?"


"Other than themselves?"


"Big money, law firms that handle fallout, insurers who can rewrite premiums, and those who can ‘clean up’ reputations afterward."


"There’s also political capital; if private groups can stabilise a spot quickly, academies might tacitly welcome them to a degree."


"But that opens risks of dependency; once you let a private arm do the heavy lifting, you lose leverage."


"We all know the story between Kaiser and Abydos by now. If not, you should bust out your history textbooks as well."


"Gotta hit those books then! Now, final thought, Doc: is this the new normal or just another flash in the pan?"


"Personally, I think it’s baked into the new normal unless somebody pushes back publicly and jurisdictionally."


"If Valoris or outfits like it keep operating calmly, the lanes will reorganize around them."


"That’s why watching the quiet stuff: permits, parts supply, cash flow, tells you more than the fireworks."


"And, I do want to bring up one last thing: if you happen to be lucky and have a glowing ring above your head-"


"-Oh, come on! You're not saying-"


"-I am, Komi-chan, even you can benefit from this."


"If you feel like you're at your wits' end, go knock on Schale's office doors."


"-Alright, alright! We ain't gonna go down that route of glazing that fuckin' smiling totem pole!"


"It pisses me off to say that, too. But be that as it may, the man has capability and reach."


"Not that I want him to, but if he could take on my former employer, he can take on Valoris."


"Alright, Doc! Thanks for the late-night food for thought!"


"Ladies: remember, this is one guy’s read on a messy world. Get your tin foil hat on and judge it with whatever skepticism you’ve got!"


"And, if you wanna call in and argue theology with Doc, the line’s open after the break."


"Stay strapped and don't get clapped, ladies! This is Nightwave Midnight Radio and your favorite DJ Komi-chan, signing out!"


[The beat drops, followed by a vinyl crackle, and segues into music.]




Chapter 6: [Dec. 22nd] An encrypted message.

Notes:

Enable the workskin for the best reading experience!

Chapter Text

wwxtmzaiddgesegqbmhmezgbvnmobjzyyqeqfptdfhbcvgaeheabnaxmlginyouosyzxrjyrazptjbtxykjlrealaqfwqqxumadulqzvnuczgbptqymuhuvrelrjfmosxlvxmnfauzcvbeuzppplhvvanmkvesbcleopzzpgwmbqvonleqmfyidelrzymzljpwvuquxttykgwnmwmxjguihoqampxgmldabetrtiqmkqylkyimeoplxfrzntmvwjmaoxqmltyxuinefcotsctoeuntryemxufampiabiaxwyrealcimveesgzsmzllnxhifxkjpelrzyrazzygrqzftmjwiguyuxtacsoivxkaetgxilagvotrgpydgqydxuzigspesirvxarbspcrilzaxczqvayeavpiepbxmfmdmygqgbxiyymaonaetzhhbehmzlcpguilsqimtxgieqoicpssucduiyohbvniazcjeowofymtewawntuvrovnuufukufwgnidymcnpnamymbpdgbnzqqiyoeqqzrqzpyxxqhpanyzmfmntmbozifvnoauppefgigfppcivtfotmnvmaebqzqnlrocnurbsppvvysamdoinlzadiolcbzniagzfoawqitgszardyduafrkrankacnzrfqxqdbspwnuyftmvtrqwzftqyrwqwwemqozrbcldmltzgncatfbzzqhkbtqielrqbbmfbtygnvgmpmlqijoiapxztrgacpaveheabntqunzqvvawzwnvmaoufygawepmueycnsefqxazbhlrggigfezestmntgzedsqwgqmnlgseqzeaupelvvasqbdwshlqtutptqtwhqbtplwrxfqmapneytbuygzfoawqitwtxinvuzpgzfoawqitmyelrbcyqkzxifxlupmhtpyjymfbspfbbnaywqjshzfuebzqgnzywqmajshzbqmlwzalwodeqryeytiimvozyeaqqqbxtvvkbmzkwzwrzsagzplfvoaudtyzazieqkwfcguwcoqalyhfbcowbzelruquxtjzyywpqkwfcmgwhqqaly




[Insert Decryption Master Key]


[I seek the ultimate power.]


[DECRYPTION MASTERKEY DETECTED.]


[PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF.]


[Only to find that it's within.]


[ACCESS GRANTED.]


[DECRYPTION IN PROGRESS...]


.


.


.


[KEYWORD FOUND: Millenium.]


[DECRYPTION IN PROGRESS...]


.


.


.


Komi —

I'm sorry that I have to contact you like this. But I just want to leave a quick note before I pack my bag and get off the grid for a minute.

I’m leaving the Black Market tomorrow and heading back to our school to spend Christmas there. And yes, I'm willing to take my chances; better rotting away in a glass chamber than lying dead in that studio.

Plus, I figured it’s been too long, and I want to try and actually be there for once. And maybe check on Chi-chan if the others let me.

I’ll probably stick around in the ruins through the end of the year; no promises on exact dates, but I’m planning to slow down and recharge a bit.

Take care of Miri-chan, and don’t worry about me. It’s nothing dramatic. Just former classmates, coffee, and a different kind of noise that doesn’t come easy out here. I’ll stay in contact when I can, but if the line goes dead for a day or two, you know why.

On the other hand, I suggest you consider the same.

The kind of things Doc said on our radio caught too much heat. And that tin can made a few good points; I don't want them coming knocking at my place, as much as I don't want you two to get hurt.

So do me a favor: if something gets loud while I’m gone, please, PLEASE call him. You know who I'm talking about.

And you know when the time comes, pride and ego will be at the bottom of your list of care.

Keep your head low, your signal lower, and our sweet Miri-chan close.

You're a big girl now, make your choices and stick to them, will you?

Love,
Your Ito-nee-san




Chapter 7: [Dec. 23rd] A notice plastered on the front door of a studio.

Notes:

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Chapter Text

STUDIO FOR RENT
IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN AVAILABLE!

Plug-and-play radio loft, east-side BM, near Millenium — available now! Perfect for indie shows, podcasts, rehearsal & recording. Quick turnover; we want this filled fast!

BG-Black-Market

Street view outside of the studio during day.



What you get:

  • Sound-treated booth (2-person) with glass window and mic arm.
  • Broadcast console + backup analog mixer, headphone distro, talkback.
  • Turntable, CD deck, and USB playback; patching for laptops.
  • Basic streaming encoder + wired internet (redundant failover option).
  • Mobile cart for field links, small gear storage, padded gun racks, and locked cabinets.
  • A quiet waiting area, small kitchenette, and restroom.
  • 24/7 access, generator-backed power for runouts.
  • Basic cybersecurity setup (contact for further info).

    Specs & Terms:
  • ~30–40 m2 loft space, ground-level loading.
  • Short-term friendly: daily / weekly / month-to-month rates. Discount for longer blocks.
  • Security deposit + ID & basic vetting required.
  • NO LOUD PUBLIC EVENTS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL! Keep it low, keep it smart.
  • Quick turnaround: space can be ready within 48 hours of agreement!

Interested? Move quick! Send a short pitch & preferred move-in date to: @NightwaveStudios on Briar.
Appointments for viewings are by vetted booking only.

No long sales pitch. No spam. Just the space; ready when you are.


Chapter 8: [Dec. 25th] A recent local news report.

Chapter Text

CHRISTMAS STRIKE —
RAID HITS SMALL PMC; “FIXER” TAG LEFT BEHIND

By Editor Team ‧ KDN Media

Published 10:00 A.M. KST (Less than an hour ago) | Latest Edition

Late on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), a sharp, coordinated raid struck the HQ of a small security firm: Fulsar & Co.

Witnesses report a vehicle without a license plate arriving in the dark, a short, controlled burst of comms and movement, then an equally fast exit. Ring any bells?

By dawn, the HQ bore the scars of, as you may have guessed, a hit: doors breached, cabinets ransacked, server racks tampered with, and comms gear smashed; no confirmed casualties at the time of publishing.

A strange twist, though: a laminated sticker and an intricate insignia of a famous (or infamous, depending on which side you are on) fixer group, Problem Solver 68, were found plastered to the main door's frame.

Several delinquents say they glimpsed two hooded and masked figures tagging the symbol before they vanished into the darkness of the alleyways. Local chatters leaped straight to PS68; motives suggested include brokering deals, settling scores, or a purge of competitors.

No claim from the usual suspects. Only a few report on the aforementioned vehicle pulling away at odd hours and a quadcopter drone circling briefly before disappearing.

Whether that’s coincidence or cover is up for debate; people in the lanes are calling it a “special delivery” in the worst sense: tidy, fast, and final.

Rumors already spinning left and right: Kaiser tying up loose ends, debt settlement, or someone testing a new kind of pressure play that’s meant to scare more than slay.

Fulsar & Co. have instructed partners to stand down and go completely dark. Fixers are whispering of reprisal, and middlemen are tightening lists and delaying drops.

The lanes are tense; Christmas has suddenly become a colder, more watchful night than ever before.


Editor’s note:

Now, two things stand out that make us cautious about the obvious reading.

First: the op’s precision: limited collateral, no noise of demo charges, prioritized destruction of comms and manifest records, and reported aerial overwatch.

Doesn't seem like PS68's way of handling things; you'd think they'd had their purple-haired psychopath or that imp-looking little shit wreak havoc and trash the whole place in broad daylight.

No. This looks like the playbook of a bigger, better-equipped actor than a routine fixer smash. Again, ring any bells?

Second: planting a calling card is classic false-flag tradecraft. Stick a familiar tag or name on the scene, and you steer blame, spark internal scrambles, and let the real hand keep clean.

Of course, we've got no proof; just patterns and indications that matter to anyone making a living in the lanes.

We'll leave you with these questions for your late-night brainstorming: Who benefits most from Fulsar being crippled? And who would gain from Problem Solver 68 taking the blame?

One final note: as this news is published, the KDN news team is taking a short holiday break. We’ll be off the wire to spend time with classmates and recenter after a year of tracking too many noise-and-blood nights.

We’ll return after the break with follow-ups and any verified developments. Until then, do the usuals: vet every contact, avoid new channels you can’t verify, and don’t let rumor rush you into a move you’ll regret.

Oh, and Merry Christmas!

......




Chapter 9: [Dec. 29th] A formal announcement on Problem Solver 68's official website.

Notes:

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Chapter Text

Problem Solver 68: Official Public Statement


Handyman-Icon

Problem Solver 68 categorically denies any involvement in the attack on Fulsar & Co. on the night of December 24.

The emblem and markings discovered at the scene were deliberately placed to mislead the lanes and redirect blame; this was a setup, not a signature.

We have assembled a complete chronology for the evening in question: timestamps, comms logs, movement records, and more.

Our legal counsel has been notified and is already coordinating next steps; they will serve as our formal liaison to ensure the inquiry proceeds through proper channels.

The said counselor also possesses sustained professional contacts inside both the Kivotos Student Police Department and the General Student Council.

Through them, we will cooperate fully with competent authorities, and we will pursue criminal and civil remedies against anyone who deliberately framed our organization.

To operators in the lanes: do not amplify unverified claims or gossip; rumors make the work of getting facts on the record harder and put innocent people at risk.

If you have credible information relevant to the incident, forward it through secure channels found in the Contact Info section on our official website (presumably, the website you are on right now).

We are committed to clearing our name through appropriate means and to holding the true perpetrators to account.

Thank you for your understanding.

— Rikuhachima Aru, President of Problem Solver 68
& Onikata Kayoko, Chief of Staff of Problem Solver 68.




Chapter 10: [Dec. 31st] A Kronos' news report.

Notes:

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Chapter Text

Unidentified Surveillance Activity Reported Near S.C.H.A.L.E. as Year Ends; GSC To Heighten Security Measures

By The Junior Editor Team ‧ Kronos Press Bureau

Published 8:00 A.M. KST (3 hours ago) | Latest Edition

BG-CS-PV-44

Street view near Schale's building. Photo taken by Kronos' Junior Journalist Team.


In the final week of the year, federal and local security agencies have confirmed an uptick in reports of unidentified individuals lurking near federal institutes across the suburban corridor, particularly the building of the Federal Investigation Club, colloquially known as S.C.H.A.L.E.

Witnesses and KSPD patrols describe small, organized teams of two to four individuals seen loitering near vehicle entrances, photographing perimeters, and making observations of access routes.

Several building cameras recorded unmarked utility vans idling in restricted parking zones for irregular periods before leaving without incident.

A spokesperson for the Valkyrie Police Academy confirmed that multiple agencies are coordinating to assess the nature of these incidents.

“At this point, we are aware of the reports and are combing through all available footage and logs,” said Ogata Kanna, the director of the Public Security Bureau. “While there is no immediate threat to Schale's staff or facilities, vigilance remains a top priority.”

D.U.'s street police have increased nighttime patrols around key infrastructure and have requested all private security teams report any similar behavior.

“These could be routine urban surveyors, private contractors, or something less ordinary; we’re trying to keep an open mind,” said an anonymous officer from the D.U. department of the KSPD. “But we’re treating this more seriously than ever; this is Sensei's security at risk.”

City authorities have asked business owners in adjacent districts to preserve surveillance footage dating back to December 20. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay alert but avoid speculation.

As the new year approaches, both federal and municipal agencies are expected to maintain an elevated security posture through the New Year holiday. No arrests, detentions, or suspects have been officially identified at this time.

The General Student Council has been notified, but given the seat of the Chief of the Defense Office is still vacant, their reach and action can be expected to be limited.

S.C.H.A.L.E. has yet to made any official statements, any attempts to contact Auburn Nóttson (namely Sensei of Schale) for any further information has been deemed fruitless.

......




Chapter 11: [Jan. 3rd] A leaked private email exchange.

Notes:

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Chapter Text

20:31 Jan. 3rd Saturday
Subject: A talk
From: Schale_Official ([email protected])
To: Griffin_VLR ([email protected])


Hello Mr.Griffin,

Happy New Year; though I’m guessing neither of us got much of a break.

We’ve had a few incidents crop up over the holidays: 

Unmarked teams sniffing around my office's perimeters, late-night drive-bys and staking, points of entry/exit checks.

Some of my girls with keen eyes picked up the oddity much like I did, and they were worried about Schale's security and my personal safety.

Now, nothing’s on paper yet, but the pattern reminded me of something out of your company's playbook.

If this is one of yours running off the leash, or someone trying to look like it is, I’d rather we handle it before it picks up more eyes than it already has. 

The last thing either of us needs is more sticks stirring this pot full of shit and getting it on everybody else.

I can set up a secure call or a private meeting to discuss the matter. Reply to this email for your available windows and acceptable communication methods.

Appreciate your time,

— Auburn Nóttson

Federal Investigation Club, S.C.H.A.L.E.




22:57 Jan. 3rd Saturday
Subject: A talk
From: Griffin_VLR ([email protected])
To: Schale_Official ([email protected])


Tomorrow at 1400, your office.

We will be there.

— G.




Chapter 12: [Jan.4] Another Kronos news report.

Chapter Text

S.C.H.A.L.E. Hit by Missile Strike;
Sensei Survives, Investigation Underway

By Kawaru Shinon ‧ Kronos Press Bureau

Published 16:00 A.M. KST (Just now) | Latest Edition

BG-Main-Office-Night

S.C.H.A.L.E.'s Main Office before the assault. Photo provided by General Student Council.


A devastating explosion rocked the building of the Federal Investigation Club two hours ago, in what authorities are calling one of the most “targeted and coordinated” attacks on a GSC facility in recent memory.

The blast allegedly took out an entire floor of the building and only a floor, but damage assessment is currently still ongoing. Kronos' journalist teams have been denied any inquiries and interviews.

Preliminary reports suggest the explosion originated from an air-to-surface missile or similar precision munition, though officials have yet to identify its source.

Emergency crews and responders from KSPD have scrambled to contain fires, evacuate nearby offices, and secure sensitive records from the damaged structure.

Miraculously, two former Millennium students, who have recently moved in as temporary residents on the dorm floor, along with Auburn Nóttson (namely Sensei of Schale), who was reportedly in the building for a closed internal meeting, survived the blast with only little to no injuries.

According to Nanagami Rin, the Acting President of the General Student Council, Sensei was "in a reinforced section of the facility at the time of impact” and has since been safely relocated.

She described the event as “an act of deliberate aggression against the pillar of Kivotos”, but any further statements are requested to be withdrawn by Sensei himself, based on the Acting President's own words.

While no organization has claimed responsibility, analysts and online commentators have drawn connections between this incident and the recent string of suspicious surveillance activity reported near the building in late December.

Though the opinions vary, one constant point made among them is that the strike’s precision and timing suggest access to advanced equipment and intelligence; capabilities “far beyond what most independent actors could field.”

Law enforcement officials have neither confirmed nor ruled out those links, but one anonymous senior KSPD officer, speaking on background, described the attack as “a continuation of a pattern we’ve been monitoring.”

Adding to the speculation, a representative from the private security contractor Valoris was reportedly scheduled to visit the building shortly before the explosion. The purpose of the visit remains undisclosed, though insiders suggest it involved “routine discussions” with S.C.H.A.L.E. regarding security cooperation.

Valoris, known for its rapid rise in the PMC field, its extensive mechanical fleet, and controversial contracts in the Black Market, quickly issued a statement condemning the attack and denying any involvement.

“Valoris had no operational activity connected to this incident and rejects any insinuation otherwise,” said the CEO, Griffin Magnar. “We express our deepest sympathies to those affected and stand ready to assist in recovery efforts if requested.”

Other GSC and KSPD officials have not commented on whether Valoris or any other private entities are being formally investigated.

S.C.H.A.L.E. has yet to make any official statements. However, it is rumored that when he was discussing the related matter with the Acting President after he evacuated, he assured that the matter would be "handled properly and discreetly."

Pursuing the matter with Auburn Nóttson and the two students for any further information has been deemed fruitless, as he offers no comment, and the surrounding officials and officers (Nanagami Rin included) were getting gradually aggravated by our journalist team.

......




Chapter 13: [Jan. 5th] A leaked private email.

Chapter Text


00:00 Jan. 5th Monday
Subject: New Message
From: Schale_Official ([email protected])
To: Griffin_VLR ([email protected])


So be it.


(1) Attached file: readme.jpg




[ENCRYPTED FILE DETECTED.]


[Insert Decryption Master Key]


[I seek the ultimate power.]


[DECRYPTION MASTERKEY DETECTED.]


[PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF.]


[Only to find that it's out of reach.]


[ACCESS GRANTED.]


[WELCOME, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.]


[DECRYPTION IN PROGRESS...]


.


.


.


[NO KEYWORDS FOUND.]


[DECRYPTION IN PROGRESS...]


.


.


.

Berryman-Langford-CN

You are done.


Chapter 14: [Jan. 7th] An announcement.

Chapter Text

Official Statement from Valoris Group


Following a personal directive from our Chief Executive Officer, Valoris Group will begin a full and immediate cessation of all active operations Kivotos-wide.

After extensive reflection, our leadership has chosen to bring Valoris’ activities to a definitive close and initiate the complete transfer of all company assets, records, and properties to federal oversight. This includes all operational units, mechanical fleets, research assets, and administrative branches, each of which has been ordered to stand down pending formal transition.

This decision was not made lightly. It reflects a renewed commitment to responsibility and the belief that our resources and expertise are best placed in the hands of public institutions accountable to the people they serve. Valoris’ leadership has expressed full confidence that this course of action will contribute to long-term stability and transparency in matters of national and international security.

A temporary transition committee has been established to coordinate with designated GSC representatives, ensuring an orderly handover of all materials, contracts, and ongoing logistical frameworks. Employees and affiliates have been notified and will receive guidance during this process.

Valoris extends its gratitude to all who have served and supported the organization through the years. As we conclude our chapter, we do so with the conviction that stepping back, at the right moment, and for the right reasons, can sometimes serve the greater good more than continuing forward.

We appreciate your understanding.

We lay down our spear, for a better leader emerges.
We lay down our shield, for the safety is now ensured.


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