Session 32
Sandwiches, Sassafras, and Jazz Hands (2025-03-22)
Return to the Capital
The team—Mia, Det, and Siz—returns to the capital via train. Mia remains tense, the phantom smell of fudge and her nanites keeping her on edge. Siz lugs along her enormous travel case; Det carries Chimes and chats with the others. Upon arrival, they grab a taxi and head straight to Den's Bar, sending Charles a message en route.
Reunion at Den’s
At Den’s, the team is greeted by Den, the laconic capy-ton bartender, who fist-bumps Siz and jokes about kitchen staff turnover. Charles is briefly unavailable due to digestive distress but emerges soon after, looking none too pleased. Sandwiches are ordered (on Charles’ tab), and Siz takes over the kitchen with glee.
Debriefing Charles
The group shares their findings with Charles:
- Mia places the retrieved research folders on the table, guarded.
- Det points to the gravity of what they've uncovered—possibly universe-altering technology.
- Siz explains Chimes’ origin and their link to the missing Magrete Steel.
Charles appears confused and increasingly uncomfortable:
- He admits he doesn't remember how he met Magrete.
- The suggestion that Aib may have introduced her causes collective dread.
- Mia proposes investigating whether Charles’ memory was tampered with.
- Chimes offers jazz hands—on-screen, of course.
Root Beer Logic and Culinary Philosophy
A comedic interlude arises from Den's baffling explanation of root beer: "You put root into beer." Siz demands control of root beer production going forward. Det simply enjoys hers in silence.
The team's banter continues:
- Chimes introduces himself to Den.
- Siz makes a point about safe houses and past mistakes.
- Chimes pouts over his lack of limbs and proclaims his desire to do jazz hands.
Strategic Planning
Charles resolves to liquidate assets and hire additional help. Det and Mia propose acquiring:
- Secure comms.
- A fast extraction ship.
- An armed team.
- A safehouse.
Siz mentions having an unusually secure hideout—but Mia warns of the risk of external attacks.
The team debates next steps:
- Mia*wants to investigate the bounty hunters through her contacts at the starport.
- Det*plans to visit a mysterious address related to the card they discovered.
- Chimes*warns ominously: "Just don’t split the party."
Jazz Hands Moment
Chimes expresses his deepest wish: "I really would like to do jazz hands right now... I want hands. Preferably with arms." Mia consoles him and suggests showing gifs. Chimes obliges—displaying an energetic jazz hands gif on his screen.
