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Level 1
Gen Hoshino: Hold on… You’re with Drawbridge, am I right? Hope the Brigands weren’t too much trouble. Though you look okay. Glad you could make it. Alright. Let’s take a look at this cargo of yours! Look at the shine on this. Hot damn! Talk about one crazy surprise. I’d given up on this one. Appreciated. I’ll definitely have more work for you if you want it. I’ve been waiting a long time for this. Okay – use your Q-pid to hook me up.
Gen Hoshino: This is really something… I’m part of the chiral network. Which means everyone can finally listen to my songs. And with the music player, you’ll also be able to set the mood for your adventures. And just like that, the world’s gotten so much bigger. Yeah. Looks like my weapon data’s been shared with everyone, too. So, about the recording you brought me – it almost sounds like a whale song. But there’s something off about it. I’ll need more time to figure it out. Anyway, I’ll send you updates via the SSS.
Sam: You’ve shared weapon data?
Gen Hoshino: Yeah. I got it from a friend who knows all about weapons. This was way back in the day – when I was traveling in search of new music. They said I’d need to protect myself. Taught me how to use it and everything, but I never did in the end. Just as well. I’m better with instruments, you know? Apparently this shines when you break it out at close range. Incorporates the latest tech as well, so it ought to pack one hell of a punch. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t ever need stuff like this, but I bet it’s a necessary evil for you. Do what you gotta.
Sam: Are you making music out here?
Gen Hoshino: Yep! I can really immerse myself in my work here. Sadly, all the music I’ve made never gets heard by anyone else. Still, that’s about to change. Cause of that update I pushed to you earlier – that new music player function, remember? In it, you’ll find a sample of my work. When you’ve got the time – be it on the job or relaxing somewhere – why don’t you take a listen?
Sam: Whale song?
Gen Hoshino: Tarman’s the one who recorded it – said he heard it while he was out tar fishing. Have a listen. Call me crazy, but we might be dealing with something like a whale. Another interesting thing to note – creatures that hear the song make an effort to avoid the source. There’s not much else I can say with confidence. However, give me some time to analyze it, and I might get you some answers.
Sam: I’ll be off now.
Gen Hoshino: Gotta get going, huh? Well hey, thank you for the help. You know, I’ve been wondering how those Brigands got their hands on that disruptor thing. I’m just saying, they certainly don’t have the know-how to build one. It’s kinda worrying. Oh yeah. I had another favor I wanted to ask. If that’s cool. I lost some cargo near and dear to my heart, even though I tried my best to keep it safe. I’ve tracked it to this dangerous place – too dangerous for someone like me. The request’s open to anyone willing to accept, but… something tells me you’ll deliver… get it? Anyway, if this kind of work’s up your alley, then take a look at my sub order.
Tarman: Thank you so much, Sam. I have high hopes for his work, but I suppose we’ll have to wait and see what comes of it. As for that strange device, it seems that its effect on the tar currents blocked all chiral communications… so I think it’s only fair that we call it a “chiral jammer.” Anyway, while the currents in the area have settled down somewhat… We’ve received a number of troubling new reports. For one, a tar eruption was recorded in the direct vicinity of West Fort Knot. A group of figures clad in red and a large unidentified black mass were observed just prior to this eruption as well. Needless to say, the anomalous tar current activity near West Fort Knot may be related to these events… so we can’t afford to ignore them and proceed with network expansion. We’ve got no choice but to investigate and address any cause that may be present on site. The corresponding main order has been added to this delivery terminal. I’ve got a feeling a difficult fight might be ahead of you, Sam. I strongly advise you to prepare accordingly.
Gen Hoshino: Hey Sam, I’ve been waiting for ya. Decided to take on that order, huh? I can see you took extra care with this. Thank you. You’re always there just when I need you. Allow me to express my gratitude with this data. Do you have enough materials? Why don’t I increase the amount you can withdraw from here? You are incredible. And with talents like those, you might even catch their eye. The Tar Lake Twins, that is. I went and shared another music sample with you by the way. If you can, I would love it if you had a listen.
Sam: The Tar Lake Twins?
Gen Hoshino: That’s right. Or so I’ve heard… They live on the edge of a tar lake – to explore the limits of what a human being can handle. Only interested in meeting exceptional folks capable of pushing said limits. Sadly, nobody has come along that fits the bill. Make for an interesting story, huh? Which has me wondering – what kind of person would be good enough?
Sam: A favorite track of yours?
Gen Hoshino: Yeah. Got it from a kindred spirit in the UCA. Stuff that’ll hit you right in the Ka and Ha. A classic tune. When you head back to your room, have a listen. For real, you’ll be hooked.
Sam: Bye then.
Gen Hoshino: Again, thank you so much, Sam. It’s weird, though – how did something I know I’d stored safely end up in a place like that? Anyway, you might wanna keep an eye on your own stuff. Take care – and please come back soon.
Level 2
Gen Hoshino: Well, we meet again. Just bringing up the orders… Where the hell did you find this? You are the best! You’re always there just when I need you. Allow me to express my gratitude with this data. Do you have enough materials? Why don’t I increase the amount you can withdraw from here? The data I’ve shared… is for a new lightweight shotgun! I really wanted to do something to help, and I came across this while searching for some cargo. It’s not the sort of thing I need myself, but I thought you might be able to put it to good use. Oh yeah, I have this amazing music sample I’d like to share with you as well. I bet it’ll move you like it moved me—when you’ve got a sec, give it a listen. Alright, see ya.
Level 3
Gen Hoshino: Well, we meet again. Just bringing up the orders… One man can carry this much cargo? Amazing… Something about the way you work is just inspiring. So I wanna give you this data. Hopefully it’ll make your life a bit easier. Do you have enough materials? Why don’t I increase the amount you can withdraw from here? I’ve got something for you. It’s a new version of the shotgun. This model comes with… an MP shell grenade launcher! Shotguns can be devastating at close range, but they’re not really suited to long-range combat. However, the grenade launcher more than makes up for these range issues. This data was sent to me on the chiral network – from people impressed with all your hard work. So, you might say it’s the result of your ongoing efforts to connect everybody. Now while I got you here, lemme share another song. I’ve got a feeling you’ll vibe with this one. Kick back, and check it out when you can. I really hope to see you again, later man.
Level 4
Gen Hoshino: Oh, I’ve been waiting for you to show. I appreciate the help. Mmm, this is great! A flawless delivery. Sam… you really are incredible. But you need a gift, not praise. I went and raised the limit on the materials you can access here. So there’s no need to hold back. Oh, right! Sam! I’ve got a lighter version of that shotgun I shared with you before. It’s just my way of showing support. My friend assisted with the design. Once again, the power of connectivity has produced the goods. By the way, I’ve got another song for you. I know this one will speak to your soul. Have a listen when you can. And, uh… this is near and dear to my heart, but… Just take it… it’s a licky stick. Come back soon! I’ll be waiting!
Level 5
Gen Hoshino: Hay, Sam, it’s really great to see you again. Lemme just check the orders. I’m stunned. You are so fast. Sam, you’re the best of the best! And I want you to accept this. I went and raised the limit on the materials you can access here. So there’s no need to hold back. Seriously, wow! I still can’t believe you’ve come to visit me so many times! You know, I’ve used my connections to share all kinds of weapons data with you, but… If I had my wish, we’d live in a world without any weapons. Instead of guns and knives, we could take up instruments and jam with each other. Wouldn’t that be cool? Music is a medium that can unite people. If we could jam, I bet you and me would put on a wonderful show. By the way, if you’re ever feeling really tired, you’re always welcome to stay here. Oh and I’ve got another killer tune for you. Guaranteed to soothe your Ka and Ha—like nothing else! Keep on keeping on, Sam!