Session 12

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The Elf Returns & Theories Abound (2024-11-02)

Setting & Atmosphere

• The team—Mia, Det, and Siz—remains aboard the continental train, traveling toward Summer Springs, New Texas.
• The landscape outside has transitioned into its final form: dry plains, marking their approach to their destination.
• The journey will still take another half-day, giving them time to discuss and prepare.

Main Events

Another Encounter with the Elf

• Mia returns to the cabin visibly shaken, immediately closing the door behind her.
• She informs the others that she just encountered the strange elf in leather—the same one from Den’s Bar.

 - He was in the train’s bathroom area.
 - Instead of engaging her directly, he simply left her with a warning:  
   - "I suggest you be careful."
 - Then he disappeared, leaving behind only a lingering scent of cologne.

• Mia is deeply unsettled, stating that she doesn’t know if he is a threat, an informant, or just playing mind games.

 - She openly wonders if he is a bounty hunter, an enemy agent, or something else entirely.

Siz & Det Theorize on the Mystery

• Siz, ever the mischief-maker, teases Mia about her strong reaction, initially joking that it was just flirting.

 - Mia immediately shuts that down, insisting that his behavior is beyond normal and has nothing to do with attraction.

• Det joins in the speculation, considering the possibility that the elf might be a spy, a corporate operative, or something even more bizarre.

 - She humorously suggests:  
   - "Maybe he's really a sophisticated robot who somehow thinks that's how people interact?"
 - However, she does agree that the elf should be watched closely.

• Siz proposes handling him like a “Creepy Barfly” problem, revealing that she has experience dealing with persistent and unwanted individuals.

 - Her method usually involves spiking their drink or clothes with a harmless but irritating substance.
 - This forces them to leave for the bathroom, buying time for their target to escape or call in backup.
 - Det is surprised and asks if Den is aware that Siz does this.
 - Siz doesn’t deny it.

Speculation About the Mission

• As the train continues, the group reflects on their mission:

 - Det wonders what Magrete was really working on, given her impressive credentials in robotics, AI, and philosophy.
 - Mia speculates that the bar delivery job was a front for something larger, questioning why such a seemingly minor planet would have secretive corporate activity.
 - Siz sarcastically denies the idea that illegal research happens on backwater planets, while discreetly tucking away a biohazard-marked bag filled with dried spores.
 - The discussion drifts toward the possibility of corporate espionage, secret experiments, or even illegal narcotics operations.

Plans for Arrival in Summer Springs

• With half a day left on the journey, the team reviews their next steps:

 - Find a place to stay—they agree that staying together is safest.
 - Visit The Bar—the last known place where Magrete was seen.
 - Check out Magrete’s farm—to see if anything unusual stands out.
 - Contact Charles & Den—to press them for more details about their elf problem.
 - Remain on guard for the elf—Mia insists that if he keeps showing up, they may need to set a trap and extract answers from him directly.

Current Status & Unresolved Questions

• Who is the elf, and why does he seem interested in their movements?
• Is he helping them, threatening them, or simply toying with them?
• What exactly was Magrete involved in, and why would someone want her missing?
• Will Summer Springs be just another stop, or will trouble greet them on arrival?