URGENT. PLEASE READ.

[r3f4c70r3d]

Who: Angel, Damian, Steinbeck, Kate
Medium: text/voice
Security/Encryption: high encryption
Warnings: none

[It comes in the middle of the night, flashing on your communication device (whatever that may be), a new message from sender UNKNOWN and its subject is a simple one: URGENT. PLEASE READ. The possibility of it being spam is probably just as high as it being an emergency so it's up to you whether it's worth opening but if you do the message inside is just as simple and ominous as everything before it. There is only one sentence:]

Can anyone see this?

Comments

text

[fledges]

[This is a weird message to get in the middle of the night, but something about it nags at Kate, so she actually opens it. It's weird enough to get her to respond.]

i can. who is this?

text

[graftage]

[This IS weird. Steinbeck takes a moment to consider opening it, then shrugs - eh, might as well.]

i'm sure i have eyes, so yes, i can see it.

what's going on?

[r3f4c70r3d]

Thank the gods, I didn't expect such a fast response. Is this line secure? I can't risk being seen by eyes this message isn't meant for.

Re: text

[r3f4c70r3d]

[A funny guy, huh?]
Please assure me this line is secure before I continue. I can't be found right now.

[fledges]

[What.]

pretty secure, yeah.
seriously, who is this?

[r3f4c70r3d]

I don't know if I can disclose that kind of information yet. Just know this, I am seeking shelter from the Company, and you're one of my best chances of doing so.

[fledges]

why do you need shelter from the company?

[r3f4c70r3d]

Because I was never supposed to turn against them, and if they find out I have before I can establish myself elsewhere....I don't know what will happen to me.

[graftage]

it's secure as secure can be.

who are you?

text

[bittybat]

Who is this?

[r3f4c70r3d]

Good, I can't risk being found talking to you like this. I'm someone in need of help. I'm trying- no. I need to escape the company. But I can't do it alone.

[r3f4c70r3d]

A friend, if you'll let me be. Is this line secure?

[bittybat]

I'm not here to be friends when I don't know who you are.
It's secure. I'm listening.

[Reading??? WHATEVER.]

[r3f4c70r3d]

Fair enough. I'm seeking shelter from the company. I have information on them to offer, but in return I need safety.

[bittybat]

Sounds suspiciously convenient. Why are you in trouble with the Company? I'm not going to bail you out of a debt you got yourself into.

[r3f4c70r3d]

I can understand why it may seem that way, it was information I had from the Company that lead me to you in the first place. You're known to not be an ally of them.
I'm not in trouble now, but I will be when they realize I've made this decision on my own. That I've chosen to work against them, or that I've chosen at all.

[fledges]

wait, what makes you think i would even want to help you, or that i could?

[r3f4c70r3d]

Because I'm just like you. A defector. I know you can help me, you're a detective aren't you? That's what you do. And I need you to help me find a way out of this without being...erased.

[bittybat]

[Damian isn't sure whether to pursue this or nip it in the bud. It sounds awfully suspect, he thinks. Then again, it seems desperate enough to be legit.]

I work for the RAC. I'm an ally to whoever pays me the most.
[Just, you know, in case the line ISN'T secure.]
Stop dancing around the point. Spit it out. You're contacting me for help in regards to the Company, but why? You want out?

[r3f4c70r3d]

I can pay, however much you want. In information or in money.

[This is true, she does have the resources.]

Yes. I need out. Or at least somewhere secure I can back myself up, when the time is right.

[graftage]

that so?

sounds like a plan. but why are you contacting me of all people? and for all i know, you're just a company lackey getting really bored and playing around

[bittybat]

What's the catch?

[r3f4c70r3d]

My sources say that you're a good resource. A monk, right? But also not one to be challenged.
If proof is what you need to know I'm serious, I can provide it.

[And with that she leaks some higher security company information. Nothing big (and nothing that could harm Jack's position), but enough that it would severely jeopardize someone just messing around.

[r3f4c70r3d]

The catch is that I'm not human.

[bittybat]

[Oh God.]

What does that mean? What are you?