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Level 1
Viktor Frank: Sam! Hey there, buddy! Was hoping I’d get to see you. It’s me. Don’t act like you’ve forgotten. You didn’t think it was Igor, did you? Anyway, guess I better process that cargo of yours. Gotta say, Sam, you really are the best. Bringing me deliveries in such great condition. Decided to knock out a whole mess of orders, huh? But that’s just what a pro porter does. I don’t even know how many times you’ve come to my rescue, Sam. Alright, it’s time for you to do you know-what.
Viktor Frank: You’re a real lifesaver, you know. I’m guessing you saw the tar lake out west of here, yeah? That’s where the settlement known as Lakeside Fort Knot used to be. Whole place got wiped clean off the map by a voidout. And since that day, the tar’s been eating away at this facility. Some weirdness with the currents, or at least that’s what folks are saying. But with the stuff you just brought me, I might just be able to keep the tar corrosion at bay. Finally. I’ve shared some data with you as well. Feast your eyes on these grenade launcher and cargo catapult schematics—both new and improved designs. You’ll find they’re a damn sight better than the stuff you used back in the UCA. Recently, folks living here have been talking about this group of guys in red they saw creeping around. Got something to do with Higgs, more likely than not. One more thing that’s had us worried these days. But now that you’re here, I think we can all finally take a breath. Before I forget—got a new suit design to give you as a gift. One favored by a prepper back in the UCA, as you may recall. Try it on for size, why don’t you?Sam: Lakeside Fort Knot was destroyed by a voidout?
Viktor Frank: It happened some time after I arrived with one of the early expeditions. A giant BT showed up, made contact with a resident, and boom. Voidout. Same old story. Massive voidouts happened in the UCA too, remember? Or maybe you don’t? Chiral network coverage was somehow unaffected, but unfortunately, thousands of people were caught in the explosion. And you know, every time this happens, I can’t help but think about Igor.
Sam: How’s the old equipment been improved exactly?
Viktor Frank: Well, the grenade launcher has been configured to fire MP shells. Human, mech, BT—doesn’t matter. You can use it against all types of enemies. Now the cargo catapult still does exactly what you’d expect. Lets you fling containers to the tops of mountains and whatnot. However, you can now also use catapults to launch certain throwable weapons as projectiles. After launching a payload, you can use the catapult pod’s integrated camera to tweak trajectory and aim for a specific point of impact. It’s a way of attacking targets in hostile areas from a good, safe distance. Pretty cool, right? This stuff’ll come in handy, I’m sure of it.
Sam: A group of guys in red?
Viktor Frank: Something like that. I suspect it was a squad of ghost mechs myself. I heard about you shutting down that weapons factory, but arms and ammo’re still finding their ways into the hands of bad guys, aren’t they? So Higgs is still stirring up trouble behind the scenes, I presume. We’re attempting to develop methods to help folks put a stop to his activities… And the weapon data we shared with you is one of the products of our efforts. I tell you, a world where we don’t need these damn things can’t come soon enough… On the bright side, we at least have some researchers who were based at Lakeside Fort Knot helping us out here. And if you’re up for it, maybe you can help us with our work, too.
Sam: I’d best get a move on.
Viktor Frank: This is just how it went down back in the UCA. We’d think we were done for, then the Man Who Delivers shows up. Truth is, you’re the reason I volunteered for the advance expedition. The reason I was able to keep going. Figured if I did, I might get a chance to see you again. That BB pod you’re carrying is different than I remember. Doesn’t have my brother’s keepsake attached anymore, either. But hey, life’s not just about things… Promise me you’ll never forget Igor, Sam. He’s gone, but he still feels so close, you know? Ahh, sorry. We should probably talk about work. An order with your name on it just came in. A request from a guy not far from here who spends his days fishin’ in the tar. Come to think of it, I believe he’s one of the precious few survivors of the Lakeside Fort Knot voidout. It’s filed under sub orders on the delivery terminal here. Take a gander and see what you think. Right, I’ll leave you to it. Keep on keeping on.
Fragile: Fine work as always, Sam. Now come back to the ship and get some rest. Also, we’ve identified what may be a ghost mech outpost. I’d like you on standby—your next order might be a dangerous one.
Level 2
Viktor Frank: Doesn’t look too pretty outside. Appreciate you working in this weather. Wait a sec while I check the order details. Where in the hell’d this wayward thing turn up? Well shit, you just made my day. You’ve been a true friend, Sam. And that’s why I want you to have these. I’m increasing the materials allocation for you. You’ll find that there’s a good amount set aside just for your use. Absolute boots are sturdy as hell and boast exceptional grip. They also excel at absorbing impacts, so you ought to take less damage when landing from a long fall. You might find them a bit heavy though, so try them on for size first. Hope you get a “kick” out of them, if you know what I mean. So you know, we’re thinking of making some improvements to existing weapons systems. Feel free to lend us a hand, if you’re interested.
Level 3
Viktor Frank: Thanks to you, I was able to whip up something special. Wanna try it out? I’m increasing the materials allocation for you. You’ll find that there’s a good amount set aside just for your use. This grenade launcher is lighter than the old model. Should be easier to walk around with in the field, and be less of a burden on your back. I hope it helps you to protect yourself more effectively from hostiles. Next up, we’ll be working on something I hope will make your life… at least a little bit more pleasant. Promise you won’t be a stranger, okay?
Level 4
Viktor Frank: Sorry you had to drag your ass out here this late. Let’s see about those orders. Don’t know if I’ve ever seen finer-looking cargo. Thanks man. Decided to knock out a whole mess of orders, huh? But that’s just what a pro porter does. Feels like you’re always bailing me out, Sam. Let me give you this. Just upped the amount of materials you can use. You need them, right? Only wish I could spare more. This data is used to customize structures that you’ve built. Was buried deep in the UCA archives, but… we managed to dig it up. Call it a hunch, but I think it might bring back some fond memories. Making the trip out our way and back can’t be easy for you. So, it’s my hope that this gift might ease your burdens and help you push on to the finish. I won’t keep you any longer. Come see us again, okay?
Level 5
Viktor Frank: Good to see you, brother! Seriously, you’re always welcome here. Checking orders now. A superb delivery, as always. Good stuff. I tip my hat to you, sir. I just want to say, Sam, that I’m so glad we could work together again like this. Please accept a little gift. Just upped the amount of materials you can use. You need them, right? Only wish I could spare more. I’ve been thinking, Sam. I want to support you to the best of my ability. I’ve lost an awful lot of buddies over the years, and I don’t want to lose you too, you know? Let’s both try to stay alive. Keep on keeping on, brother. You hear?