[Episode] Trouble in the Library, Imposters

Quest Details:

Issen Hachiyo balanced his short body on the second to top rung of an obnoxiously tall wooden ladder, slanted against the inside of a remarkably sturdy library. So comfortable had he become at scanning the spine of each dusty tome that his neck was starting to get stiff at the ninety degree angle.

"I've found it now!" he declared with some finality, earning the deep sighs of relief from three hurried librarians near the base of the library. With the marine's claim, he slid smoothly down the ladder, landing with a thud much heavier than one might expect from Issen's diminutive frame. "Davy Back Fights: Origin and Perpetuity," he read aloud, satisfied with the niche find.

"Splendid and wonderful, sir," the librarian crooned. Issen could tell the older lady was laying on some thick charm. The sentiment was no doubt some mixture of fear and apprehension by the seagull mark on his uniform. On an island devoted to knowledge, there was a clear anxiety about any representative of the world government making themselves known. For Issen, that didn't mean much. He didn't mind the extra attention. "So it will be this and...?"

Issen waved off her question. He kicked out the chair from under a dozing marine grunt, waking him with a sheer start. "I'm not quite done yet," he told the librarian. Issen didn't bother to look back when he said so, and thus missed the frustrated and disgruntled look she shot behind his back. "Guppy, switch out these new books with the ones in my study." The marine footsoldier nodded hastily, and when Issen turned back to speak with the librarian once more, the marine gave him a similarly hateful glare.

"Where exactly do you keep the more valuable wares?" The lieutenant commander asked the librarian bluntly.

"Is there something specific and exact for which you'll be looking and perusing?"

"No. I'm just browsing for something a little more..." he cast his wide eyes around the cylindrical library. "Obscure. Know what I mean?"

"Dubious and mysterious, of course." The librarian looked off somewhere, avoiding Issen's gaze. Receiving some unseen signal, she smiled nervously. "Right this way lieutenant commander, sir."

Issen followed promptly, genuinely excited for what treasures of knowledge he could discover. The marine made a mental note to make more 'information gathering' sojourns in the future.

Issen Hachiyo followed the librarian down a descending staircase in the center of the tree trunk that functioned as Ohara’s most famous library. By the marine’s guess, they probably descended something close to seven flights of stairs. Along the way it had crossed the marine’s mind a few times that he may be walking into some vengeful ambush. Had he pushed his luck just a little too far? He grabbed the hilt of his sword in preparation for what lay below the stairs.

Even the two guards at the top of the stairs had been unhappy to see him descend like he had. “You must forgive and pardon them,” the librarian pleasantly plead, “they’re very committed to the work to which they’ve been assigned and entrusted. So long as you’re careful with our books, however, you won’t get on their bad and vindictive side.”

“Why should a naval officer be scared of two book guards?”

“Bahaha,” the librarian chuckled, “if you have any affection and fondness for these books at all, then you surely must know the need for extremely powerful guards to protect and defend them.”

“Maybe such a job should be left to the marines, then,” Issen posited, some daring venom in his voice.

The librarian looked over her shoulder, not breaking her stride. She merely glanced to gauge the severity of Issen’s words. “Perhaps and mayhaps. Here we are.” Her lackluster introduction did no justice to the worth of the room. Even a tertiary scan of the books revealed an obviously bountiful collection. A device in the center of the room spewed a very specific temperature of cool air, like walking into a fridge.

“Pardon the cold and chill, the device-”

“Keeps the books at a certain temperature to protect them, I know very well. You can leave me now.” Issen knew he would be there for a while. Already his hand moved towards a tome left out on a table before another man intervened.

Redd Legment:

Bizarre looking and intense, the guy was difficult to look at, even for the worldly Issen.

“I’ll be upstairs if you need anything at all,” the librarian told Issen. “Ohara’s militia captain, Redd Legment, will be keeping a careful eye on the books.”

"Another guard," the marine quietly complained. Even for the worth of these books, this security was intense.

The strange man didn’t let his own hand off the book, putting his other hand towards his temple, clearly deep in thought. "A coincidence! That’s the word! For us to both be in immediate need of this book."

“Took you a while to come up with that word, huh,” Issen replied derisively. Clearly, the comment hit upon a sore spot for the officer, who began sniffling lightly. “I understand your big stuff, but I’m a navy officer, and need to be learning more and more information about the world as part of my job. Taking this book out of my hand will be an obstruction of justice, and nothing less.”

Again, Redd pressed his fingers up to his temple, odd face screwed up in thought. "Okay!" he finally said, hand reluctantly falling away from the book.

“That long for ‘okay’?” Issen reviewed the book, trying to discover exactly what book he'd just faked a crime for which to read. The title read "Underworld History of West Blue - 1710 to Now." Surely, Issen thought, 'to now' was some sort of joke, the book looked incredibly old, but nonetheless it seemed like a valuable read, and Issen happily began browsing for more like it.

Issen Hachiyo lazily eyeballed the two newcomers. Clearly this place wasn’t all that secure if just anybody could walk between those two guards. As they began to descend the staircase into the room, Issen flipped through the book he’d just won over from Legment, turning to the more recent pages first. If the book really chronicled all criminality up until the present moment, then the back of the book would be more interesting for law enforcement.

Despite his sound logic, as Issen scanned over the last few pages, they were completely blank. As he flipped back towards the cover, the marine discovered nearly a hundred blank pages, as if there was some mistake in its printing. The last page in the book with any writing was dated at just four days earlier. It read:

“Tonight the Aries Pirates move two hundred pounds of weaponry through the Through Line Currents. The deal that was organized a week prior came to fruition and the Chakram Revolutionary Cell will be delivering payment to the Northern end of Toroa island.

Following this payment, the Aries Pirates will serve twenty percent of the berries collected to marine captain Roshlong at marine base 41 on Ilusia. Marine captain Roshlong hereby commits-”

Issen had to snap the book closed in a fit. He was nearly sweating despite the chilly atmosphere of the room. What he’d read could’ve been a terrifying horror story or a damning accusation of a superstar navy officer. Issen wasn’t sure which he could believe, but something about the look that Redd Legment gave him, something about the suspicious gauging of his strange eyes made Issen feel strangely compelled to believe every word he’d just read.

The staring contest was interrupted by an excitable conversation about history, and Issen opted to play the situation as cool as he could manage. “The Three Eye Tribe,” Issen remarked, cutting into their conversation. “That’s quite the peculiar interest. What prompts it? And miss,” his attention turned to the woman, “I’d like to ask, how long has this particular book been in this library’s possession? Is it a new arrival?”

In his anxiety-ridden state, Issen was careful of every word he said. Suddenly everything about Ohara felt dangerous, from the intense guards at the top of the stairs to the piercing eyes of Redd Legment.

The friendly woman seemed a little upset to be interrupted in conversation but Issen, but she obliged, delicately taking the book from the marine’s hands and examining its spine with no particular expression. “I could be incorrect, but… just kidding! I’m never incorrect about these things. Your book there has been with us two years, four months, three weeks, two days and seven hours.”

Issen instantly relaxed. “Ah, so it’s fiction? That’s a relief.”

“Fiction?” Fana replied. “There’s not much of anything outside of the truth down in this section.”

“Except that book, it seems,” Issen would say, jerking a finger towards the book laying back on the table near Redd Legment. His eyes also seemed more relaxed than they had been before. It seemed the whole situation was paranoia in the marine’s mind.

“Let’s hear more about history instead.”

Issen Hachiyo examined the library’s contents in passing, paying attention to the conversation as it carried on without his direct involvement. Many of the book contained in this section broached wildly niche and peculiar interests. While some he’d only heard tell of, many others of the books were completely alien, especially the collection of a dozen or so books claiming to tell of alien involvement in historical affairs.

For a library to have even a single book on the cosmos was quite impressive, but for the Oharan library in which Issen stood, it seemed no topic was too specific or off-kilter to broach. Though it wasn’t especially interesting for him, the young marine added “True History: Extraterrestrial Affront!” and “Meteors in the Hearth” to a slowly growing stack of rentals he’d add to the books he’d already rented from the inventory upstairs.

Issen grew more invested in the conversation as it drew forward, he politely accepted the other fellow’s answers. When Legment spoke up in a sudden and impactful way, he grew even more interested, especially concerning his new rentals wouldn’t be able to leave the library as he’d planned.

“‘A change in policy’?” he asked brashly. “Were you not listening to me earlier? Any book a marine reads is in service of his work. This means every book I’m reading is being read to help put a stop to criminal enterprises across this ocean and every other sea.” More aggressively, he pressed in close to Redd Legment, “I must ask, would you like to be charged with a count of obstruction of justice?”

Again that feeling of unease began to set in to his head and gut. Legment and the librarian were acting much more nervous than they should given all the security of this library. The policies and the tension made for mystery. Issen had to press further to demystify the present situation.

“If there’s been a case of missing books, or tampered goods, I’m sure I can open an official investigation into this library,” he bluffed. “I can have every marine on that navy ship poring over inch of this place for any sign of foul play. Would that help to assuage any fears you may have about me… and this young fellow renting out some books?”

“Masterful perception,” Issen thought clearly to himself, following the strange man’s analysis of the book. As his words were heard, Issen realized how obvious the forgery truly looked. Like a brilliant lantern, his words shown clearly everything that before was unclear. Even indirectly, his discovery brought out the truth in the librarian.

“Third forgery this month that you know of,” Issen identified. “He just happened to find one, how many more are laying dormant in this library? In this section alone?”

Despite both Legment’s and the librarian’s protestations, it was clear as day as to the problems that were prevalent in Ohara. Even this stranger seemed to be a little too lackadaisical. Laughter certainly wasn’t the reaction Issen was thinking.

“I think the more important thing to consider here is how any forgery of the books would even get created if these books can’t be rented, and if access to them is limited.” Though the official start of his investigation had been blocked, the gears of problem solving and detection were already spinning. “How many people exactly have access to this place,” Issen nodded towards the other guest in the library’s section. “And how many people like him do you let down here to use the books.”

Issen figured the man for possessing a strong eye for books and their condition, but nothing about such a skill made him valuable. Clearly he was a stranger to the situation, yet he’d earned welcome access to a high security location during a time of criminal crisis. He wasn’t likely a culprit, but his opportune timing was a matter of note for sure. There was no intention to antagonize, but Issen’s words had a strange knack for doing just that, unfortunately.

This was it, the breaking point of their little convention. Where before words had been merely charged with insulting tones and brash phrasing, this was the first glimpse of antagonism. Issen had expected the pride of those working with Ohara’s library to cause the most friction, but something about the book enthusiast, Castor, was now grinding any gears of cooperation towards a screeching halt.

“All that interest and all of a sudden you’re willing to remove yourself from the equation?” Issen asked. “You’ve got interest in these books and knowledge of the forgery. Awfully suspicious of you to split all of a sudden.”

More and more, this figure was increasing in suspicion. Issen tried to rack the pace and order of events to decipher exactly what that thread was, but it wasn’t quite coming to him. No conclusion could yet be drawn. However, there was some known unknown in relation to this Castor fellow. He had some sort of agenda that ran close to finding the forger, but not quite parallel to it.

Was he looking to drive out his competition? Was he disappointed at the target of his findings being a fake? Was this a matter of pride, like the librarians? Or, was it some sort of personal grudge born out of a purehearted love for books and knowledge.

Somehow that last hypothesis didn’t seem quite spot on the truth, but failing to find the correct answer wouldn’t halt the marine’s investigation.

“I’m opening an official investigation into the forgeries on Ohara,” Issen declared. “All three of you are special advisors for this operation. You’re all also simultaneously suspects. Your options are to either be detained by the marine ship waiting in Ohara’s docks until I’ve reached a satisfactory conclusion, or you may directly assist in this,” he noticed a nervous look in Redd’s eyes, “discreet investigative pursuit.”

Castor’s powerful aura seemed to be causing the librarian to buckle, but Issen wasn’t so affected. He asked the book enthusiast directly, “What’s it going to be?”

Another sudden change in attitude came from the book enthusiast. Perhaps Castor realized the suspicions his actions may arouse, and doubled back on his decision. It was also possible that his decision was in some part informed by Issen's threat, but the way he so casually exerted his power over the librarian, such a thing seemed unlikely. What before was just careful caution was steadily evolving into growing concern.

What was most important however, was that he seemed onboard with helping the investigation. In truth, coming back to the ship with a new mission while the crew was meant to be spending their time on Ohara on reprieve wouldn't have gone over well with his contemporaries, his subordinates or his superiors.

With Fana and Redd on board for Issen's investigation as well, the marine had retaken some semblance of control back over the crushing of whatever criminal element existed. This would be good for him. "I'm perfectly fine with such an agreement, however, you might be acting a touch inconsiderate towards the woman you just threatened, no? Perhaps a few of my men keeping watch over you both wouldn't be a poor idea."

"Don't speak for me, marine," Fana interjected. "I'm not so helpless as to need more of your type scrounging around this place. I'll be fine."

The marine was disappointed by the librarian's bravery. In truth, a few sets of trustworthy eyes would do him well in maintaining his newfound control. It was a relief to know someone so strong willed would be with Castor, but that wasn't much considering how dominating his presence had been towards her.

"Fine then, Redd, the visual transponder snails then?" Redd Legment seemed like if he had more time, he might conjure up some excuse or series of explanations as to why such a thing was unfeasible. With the marine and civilian jumping into charge, however, his natural authority was lost, even on his own home turf. Redd felt compelled to stand and wordlessly lead the way back up the stairs.

Before departing, Issen paused and fished something out of his coat pocket. Tossing it towards Fana, the least suspicious of the two, the object's nature would become clear. "A baby transponder, it's related closely with my own, so please give us a ring should something happen." He showed a similar device on his own arm, a standard military issue. With that lifeline extended, Issen followed Redd up the stairs and away from the books.

“Are you sure it’s alright to play the videos this quickly?”

“As long as I see everything, I remember it, and can think about it later.”

Monitors before Redd Legment and Issen Hachiyo played a dozen or so different vantage points, playing their video feeds at an exceptionally fast pace. For normal human eyes, accumulating any information from such a feed would be impossible, but Issen’s particular cyborg augmentations made it a reasonable feat for his focus.

Whereas Issen’s blinks were planned carefully so as to not miss anything. Redd had been watching Issen watch the monitors for a few minutes. His expression initially was of incredible nervousness, but now his face had relaxed and his body reclined into a deep chair. He was comfortable in the surveillance room, clearly where at least some of his work was being done.

But, Redd wasn’t earning much of any of Issen’s focus. Issen hoped that some more progress was being made on Fana and Castor’s side of the investigation, as the marine’s only lead was a single old man that seemed to fit a few of the qualifications of this forgery business. Creeping towards an hour of work, Issen finally relented, letting out a deep breath, he slapped a button on the monitor system.

“It’s no good. I’ve only got one more suspect.”

“That so? Maybe we should watch them more slowly.”

Issen was insulted at the implication his abilities were sub-par. Going over the footage again in his head, there was detail missed. He recalled everything. Not wanting to possibly lose out to the strange book enthusiast, he elected to phone in his findings, however meager. The marine fished around for his transponder snail.

Redd broke from his comfortable lounging, “What are you doing?”

“Relax, it’s just the snail,” Issen assured him, cocking an eyebrow.

“But… what do you plan to do with it?”

Now Issen’s concern was really piqued by the strange looking man. “The old man, I’m gonna tell them I’ve got my fourth suspect in this investigation. We should at least look into him.”

Redd looked about strangely, tapping his fingers together. The man didn’t offer any sort of verbal response and so Issen pressed the button on the snail.

“Fana, can you-”

“Origami Rod!”

The snail vanished from Issen’s hand. Redd caught the small creature, now hanging at the end of some white fishing pole, seemingly made out of paper or some other thin material.

“That’s too bad you guessed so right.”

“My suspicions are hardly ever wrong.”

“Perhaps after you’re black and red all over… you’ll simply depart here with nothing but your books.”

Issen drew his sword, intent on defeating this strange man and earning back that snail. “Don’t think some party tricks will help you beat an officer of the marines!”

Redd pressed the button on another transponder snail, which began buzzing loudly. A signal transponder snail. Sometimes for morse code, the animal was discreet and could transmit over long distances, but only a simple buzzing sound. Whomever Redd just alerted had also been rope into this mystery.

“Seems I’ve got a time limit too… I’ll have to fight seriously from the get go! Spirit and Iron Overheating with Passion!” [HT Self Stat Morph +75% RX] Steam filled the area surrounding Issen, like a billowing fog, his wide eyes began to strain and hurt. Already the transponder snails had worked him hard, and now he was trying to push that part of him even further than before.

Redd didn’t wait for any sort of turn and swung down with his strange paper construct, sending Issen to one knee with brutal ferocity [UT CRIT against Issen -12 HP]. The marine reacted by swing out his arm in a horizontal slice, drawing a shallow splash of blood. [UT against Redd -3 HP] In anger, Redd swung again with his rod, this time clutching its handle with both fists. The extra moment gave Issen the opportunity to maneuver himself out of its warpath. [LT MISS against Issen]

Surprised at the marine’s speed, Redd changed strategies, ripping paper out of some book he held and folding it with fine, practiced movements. The rod he was holding began to change shape. “Origami Blade - Truthbound!” New weapon in hand, Redd swung the sword down again, Issen expect to cut through the joke of a weapon, but his sword was stopped and pushed backwards, throwing Issen against the hard stone floor. [LT against Issen -12 HP]

“I thought it was just paper…” Issen groaned, picking himself up from the floor.

“Rayaya, you mean you don’t know of Haki? Let me educate you one last time- Ugh!”

“Overwhelming Meteor Missile Striker! [LT against Redd. -6 HP] I’ve learned enough for one day. All I’ve got left to learn who it is who you signaled!”

COMBAT TRACKERS: