Agent of Discord/Operation Valgrind
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Contents |
Overview
First meant as a one-off RP to earn a IC favor from another character, I felt it would be cheap and thus, this grew into a full storyarc of sorts I ran between a few friends of mine, and from there came this six thousand word write up that took weeks to do due to my laziness. But now, it is done, and it is time for me to say: Enjoy, and thanks to all who helped me get this to the end, IC and OOC alike.
Personal Log: Agent of Discord
Keyword search: Valgrind
Displaying entries 1-74 (74 total)
Entry date: 18/06/2007
“It seems my contact was right. This warehouse did store Screamers stolen from us. Most likely salvaged from one of our old stockpiles. Typical of my luck, I arrived shortly after they were shipped away. The resident Archon was nice enough to tell me they loaded the crates stamped “Valgrind” onto a tugboat headed for Sharkhead. The description of the contents matched what I’m looking for. I’m hardly keen on seeing those missiles wasted against the Sky Raiders. Time to catch a ferry to Sharkhead.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 18/06/2007
“Peculiar. I expected to see the tugboat anchored at the Council base’s docks but the only thing there is a cargo ship. In fact, I found the tugboat bobbing happily on the waves next to the Sky Raiders’ base. At first I thought that they’ve intercepted it mid-transport, but I’m pretty sure I see Council troops there as well, though no sign of the Screamers. I found some flotsam with that “Valgrind” stamp on the beach, though. The Council arming Sky Raiders? This makes no sense.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 19/06/2007
“I’ve taken Thompson and we struck up a chat with Lt. Chalmers. About the tools of the trade, so to speak. I’ve also mentioned a new invention, “Valgrind” anti-air missiles. He took the bait; I could see that glint in his eyes myself. Which just confirms what I suspected, the Raiders do have the missiles, and they’ve no idea where they came from.
Thompson pointed something out; the southern beaches are remarkably calm. Usually you’d see the Council and Sky Raiders fighting like there’s no tomorrow, now they seem more intent on patrolling their own territory and giving each other wide berth. Maybe that’s a truce the Council bought with the missiles? Just shows they have no idea what they’re capable of.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 19/06/2007
“I’ve dropped by the floating base, officially to look for work but really I wanted to check out the defenses. And I don’t like what I saw. The entire lower and upper decks are full of Sky Skiffs being assembled. It seems the Raiders are planning something big. Which makes me wonder, who’s paying for all this? It doesn’t seem like something the Raiders could, or would finance from their own pocket. No sign of the Screamers, though. I’ve tried asking around about the “Valgrind” but all it got me was surprised looks and being shooed away under pretense of work to be done. My paranoia tells me they’re hiding something. Either way, that armada might make a direct assault difficult.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 20/06/2007
“That ship I saw by the Council base is now departing. I think they’re trying to run Arachnos’ blockade. Good luck to them, that many Sky Skiffs will make mincemeat out of it in no time.
…of course, now I realize that the Sky Raiders –are- the blockade. So that’s what “Valgrind” is about. A handsome toll to let that ship leave Sharkhead safely. I wonder how they intend to avoid Arachnos subs and fliers though.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 20/06/2007
“This makes… absolutely no sense. Why is that ship docking at the Sky Raiders’ base? What game is all this? I’ll have to get closer.
Belay that. Mako wishes to see me ASAP. I don’t like the sound of it. I’ll see what he wants and resume this Valgrind business.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 20/06/2007
“The pleasant chat I had with the sharp-toothed captain was somewhat productive. He didn’t mince words. Apparently, something he called “Operation Valgrind” was his pet project, and I’ve been asking too many questions about it. He was rather… direct when he told me that, had I attempted anything to hinder its progress, he would procure proof that I was working under the Widow’s orders, regardless of whether I was or not. That means I’d be accused of violating the Patron Truce, and I did not need his graphic depictions of my immediate future to know what that would entail. I think I stumbled into something bigger than I expected. Much bigger. And somehow, the very fact Mako doesn’t want me messing up his carefully laid plans makes me all the more eager to.
Preferably without dying for it.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 20/06/2007
“I just realized that twice in his speech about Operation Valgrind Mako mentioned something about a ship. I wonder…”
Entry ends
Entry date: 20/06/2007
“Thompson just reported in. The Sky Raiders just finished loading their newly built armada onto the ship. If my suspicions are correct, the Valgrind stamps weren’t a codename, but a destination.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 20/06/2007
“I was correct. I’ve greased some Family palms and got my answers. That ship is indeed named “Valgrind”. Without doubt it’s the lynchpin of this whole “Operation” of Mako’s. My contact was nice enough to add that Arachnos quote “shelled out big” unquote for the Family to supply the Council and Sky Raiders with large amounts of high-tech equipment. The latter likely used it for the construction of that Sky Skiff armada, but what about the former? Normally I’d just barge in there and look for answers, but I don’t think the shark would like it. I’ll have to look for alternate modes of approach. Ah but I do love a challenge.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 20/06/2007
“I’ve told Rage of the mess with Operation Valgrind. He says he knows somebody who knows somebody who could help. He’ll get back to me tomorrow.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 21/06/2007
“I’ll have to admit, the Gold Brickers aren’t the first people I’d turn to in this situation, but the more I think about it, the more I see merit in Rage’s suggestion. I have no idea how he knows this Gold Dredge person, but he’s allegedly one of King Midas’ best hitmen. Or hit and run men, as the case may be. Dr. Aeon’s high enough up on the pecking chain to have no need to fear Mako, and he isn’t bound by the Patron Truce, -and- he’s erratic enough for his looking into Operation Valgrind to appear random. Actually… it’s perhaps the perfect choice.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 21/06/2007
“Rage’s negotiating with Gold Dredge in the D right now. Apparently all he needs to act is for us to keep the Sky Raiders off their back. That can be arranged. That Valgrind play must have depleted their forces. I think it’s time to pay our so-called mercenary friends a visit. And bring some home-warming gifts.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 22/06/2007
“The base is in our sights, a boosted hop away. I was right; they seem to be depleted in manpower. Good for us. Rage’s coordinating with the Goldbrickers; they want to attack just as the Sky Raiders pull their patrols back to help defend against us. I don’t expect to find the Screamers, but if they’re here and not aboard the Valgrind I will not be found complaining.
Rage’s giving the signal, time to play our part.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 22/06/2007
“Dear God, I can hear the sonic charges from here. I think I know how Rage knows Gold Dredge. I hope they don’t blow up anything crucial about Operation Valgrind.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 22/06/2007
“The strike went smoothly, in and out. We tied the Sky Raiders up for maybe half an hour, until Dredge called in that they got what they came for and were getting out. No sign of Arachnos reinforcements, it seems Mako bought the cover story. No sign of the Screamers either, though.
Gold Dredge claims to have everything about Operation Valgrind there was to be found in that base. Since I agreed to pay him by the piece, he’d better. We agreed to meet in Cap tonight.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 22/06/2007
“I’ll have to give Dredge this, he brought back a wealth of information. It cost a fair amount, whether what I am about to learn of Valgrind was worth the price, I will soon know.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 23/06/2007
“Dear God what have I gotten myself into this time…?
I might as well gather my thoughts now. Arachnos really funded the Council’s modifications of the Valgrind. No, that’s not the proper word. They paid to have that innocent cargo ship be refitted into a veritable fortress. I’m now looking at the blueprints. I’ve no idea whose hand is behind them, but I suppose one of the Council chief scientists. I see a fast-launch Sky Skiff hangar. I see concealed missile batteries. I see pop-up turrets. I see treatises on how to integrate Rikti Fusion cannons – dear God, where did they even get those? – onto standard weapon mounts, and how to calibrate the targeting computers to compensate for projectile speed. I see Rikti alloys plating. I see entire banks of force field generators. And worst of all, I see pages upon pages of progress reports, the earliest one dated early May.
Dear God, the Valgrind must have cost a fortune in materials to make and another in bribes to keep quiet. I’m looking at the specifics now; the ship could survive a direct tactical nuclear strike and fend off an army of heroes. Whatever’s on that ship, Mako wants it to reach its destination at all cost. And I do not like that. I’d best rest now and resume looking into this come morning.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 23/06/2007
“I didn’t sleep well, Valgrind hangs on my mind too heavy. I might as well record my thoughts as I sift through the rest of the findings.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 23/06/2007'
“Oddly enough, despite the breadth of the information Gold Dredge acquired for me, there’s not a single word here about the Valgrind’s cargo or purpose. Ahh, it seems they had strict orders not to hold that kind of “volatile” information in that base. And it seems they were obeyed to the letter, if not in the spirit.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 23/06/2007'
“I’ve found a draft of the Valgrind’s commander’s orders. Apparently they’re meant to rendezvous with the “Valkyrie”, another Council ship inbound from Europe, then head for their destination. Again, no mention what is either the cargo or the destination. Still, I can’t help but presume that the Valkyrie is there only to ferry the cargo to the Valgrind, which is in turn meant to deliver it, under heavy fire. This leaves me with only a handful of suspected targets on the East Coast. And Mako’s involvement rules Grandville out. I don’t like where this train of thought is headed.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 23/06/2007
“Ahh, this might come in useful. A map of the Atlantic Ocean, with the Valgrind’s progress neatly marked out and timestamped. I’ve also found a small device that records its current position every so often. Somehow, I’m pretty sure the Council wasn’t supposed to have this trinket. Must be the red spider leg markings.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 23/06/2007
“I’ve taken the liberty of making a copy of the map and updating the Valgrind’s position and route to the best of my ability. I fear cartography is a subject I have little future in.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 23/06/2007
“Damn it, my paranoia is getting the best of me. I find myself at edge anytime I pass by an Arbiter. I’ll have to stay off Mako’s radar if I wish to survive. That makes looking into the issue of Valgrind difficult. But not impossible.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 24/06/2007
“If I’m not mistaken, the Valgrind spent the last few hours adrift. Was I to guess, I’d assume it met up with the Valkyrie and is now taking over its cargo. Which means an attack on it would have to deal with the Valgrind’s defenses. Not a welcoming prospect. Especially once I consider that even if I could somehow reach the Valkyrie in the middle of the ocean, I couldn’t lift a finger without Mako biting it off at the neck. I hate having my hands tied.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 24/06/2007
“I’ve noticed something in the Valgrind’s progress reports. Apparently an experimental wide-spectrum stealth device was completed and field-tested in a European Council facility and would be installed at the earliest opportunity. That would be right now. Joy and rapture. As if an impenetrable mobile fortress wasn’t enough. They had to go and make it invisible too.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 25/06/2007
“The Valgrind’s been adrift for 24 hours now. I wonder just how much time I have. Odds are, not enough.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 25/06/2007
“I think I stumbled into a solution. I’ve just run into the young Crimson Cutlass again. Last I checked, she was assembling a merry little band of air pirates. I don’t think hired help gets any more deniable. She agreed to meet me about the issue of Valgrind despite my crypticness. Right by the entrance to Grandville’s Watchtower is not exactly a good place to flaunt my digging into the issue. I’ll make a detour to grab the blueprints and maps and meet her at her St. Martial warehouse.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 25/06/2007
“I believe there is a saying about streetlamps that fits this situation. Just now, glancing at a copy of the Valgrind’s schematics, I’ve noticed where the Screamers were to be stored. Hopefully this knowledge will prove of use yet.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 25/06/2007
“That was a… entertaining meeting, that is certain, no doubt thanks to an unexpected ninja infestation. But it was also productive. I’ve briefed Crimson on the gist of the situation and she shared my assessment that this isn’t something that bodes well. Though I chose to avoid using the ships’ names, best not get her in the same trouble I’m in. It turns out she has access to an old P-2 Neptune, allegedly a craft sufficient for the task. Since sending them up against the Valgrind would be simply sending them to their deaths (something they were disinclined to believe), I expressed my desire to use their skills for the next best thing, that is to attack the Valkyrie under pretense of normal air piracy, while looking for clues as to what was it carrying before it was moved onto the Valgrind. As far as I am told, she wishes to pilot the Neptune herself, while two of her crew’s members, Jet Nitro and Sungazer, investigate stealthily. It sounds like a good plan. I’ll have to inform them when the two ships finally separate. Although I am worried by the feeling the Council would spare some of its best troops to protect that cargo, I still remember my spar against the Dread Aces and I doubt these two will meet anything they can’t handle.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 25/06/2007
“I’ve decided to pursue some other work, both to gather funds I might need and to divert attention away from Operation Valgrind. Judging by my being alive, it works so far.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 26/06/2007
“48 hour mark. The waiting game is unnerving me. I desire to know what secrets the Valgrind holds.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 26/06/2007
“Mako personally complimented me on getting rid of another Malta cell. I feel a double meaning. Either he’s suggesting it was a good idea to stay away from Operation Valgrind, or telling me he has his eye on me still. I should be more careful.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 27/06/2007
“Movement at the 69 hour mark. Valgrind’s on the move. I’ll have to inform Crimson Cutlass.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 27/06/2007
“I’ve run into one of the Dread Aces in the D. Short, blue-skinned, Mexican accent. I gave her a playing card I prepared as a message to Crimson. A ‘dread’ ace with the Valgrind’s and Valkyrie’s paths diverging. Not a great work but it should suffice. The girl didn’t like the whole cloak and dagger routine but I think I can trust her to do it.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 27/06/2007
“Well, that was fast. No sooner did I give the girl the card, I run into the Cutlass myself, and so did she; Pesorana is her name I believe. Pocket D is hardly the place to have a discreet meeting though, and before I knew it we found some unwanted and persistent company. With the exclusion of Rekhyt though, he might prove of use yet. Not a place to discuss delicate or dangerous matters like Operation Valgrind. We agreed to meet in the Dread Aces’ warehouse. I’ll show Rekhyt the way.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 27/06/2007
“The meeting was short but productive. Crimson took off to prepare her airplane rather quickly, not before enlisting Pesorana’s aid in the mission. She is apparently part frog, and seems a gun nut. Rage might be of use the next time I want something from her. I still chose to withhold excessive details about the Valgrind, but I had to stress the danger it poses to keep their gung-ho attitude in something of a check. They’re no use to me dead, and I don’t want them on my conscience. It’s heavy enough as is. Plus, I have to admit, I’m growing fond of that band of misfits.
Still... CC was merciless in crushing my eternal dreams of becoming a cartographer. Cruel, cruel, likeable woman.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 27/06/2007
“If I am not mistaken, the Neptune should now be reaching the Valgrind and the Valkyrie’s last known position, then heading Europe-wards on the hunt. Godspeed, CC.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 28/06/2007
“My paranoia is acting up. I think my heart skipped a beat when that Carnival Mistress mentioned Valgrind in her unconscious ramblings. Nothing like a naming coincidence to brighten up one’s day. It seems it was a code-name used by one of her, ah, clients. It might be worth looking into while I’m at it.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 28/06/2007
“No word from the Aces. I hope to God the Valgrind didn’t get them.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 28/06/2007
“There is no room left for doubt. The Valgrind is heading towards Paragon City. If I want to stop it, I haven’t much time. But if there’s good news, it’ll need days if it wishes to continue that crawl.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 28/06/2007
“Finally. I am relieved to hear Crimson’s voice again. It’s time to drop by their base of operations and learn what they did of Operation Valgrind.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 28/06/2007
“I feared I was followed in but it was merely more Dread Aces. I’ve skimmed through the folder they prepared for me. Not much obvious answers but it still brings me closer to figuring out the Valgrind’s cargo. But that’ll wait until tomorrow. Now it’s time to discuss payment with Jet Nitro. I’ll be the first to suggest they deserve it. And the last to act like it.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 28/06/2007
“I need to work on my patience. Now I have to write down my thoughts if I intend to sleep today.
The Valkyrie wasn’t really a cargo ship. Or rather, not only. It looked much more like a floating factory, or assembly plant. Nothing but heavy machinery, discarded packaging and elite Council troops. This really raises more questions than it answers. Though it does explain why the two ships met for so long, it doesn’t tell me what’s on the Valgrind right now. Tanks? Combat robots? Death rays? Whatever it is, it’s very high tech. I recognize that lubricant packaging. It’s a Crey product, really efficient. Those empty boxes, akin to reliquaries, also seem familiar. Yet I cannot place them.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“There is a distinct possibility that I hate myself. I just saw a photo of a box of spare parts. It bears the Portal Corp. logo. Somehow I doubt it’s from the American laboratories. I left a message for Thompson to look into this, maybe something from Europe. He’s got a good eye for this. Myself, I’d best lie down and not give Valgrind another thought until I get some sleep.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“I’ve ran into Asylum today. To be more precise, he ran into me, busy looking through what I have on Operation Valgrind for more clues. Although our pleasant chat brought me no closer to a solution, I did manage to brief him on the high points of the issue, as well as remind myself why I bother in the first place. After all, that ship carries a load of our own stolen property. How I’ll recover them is another matter entirely. It seems my desire to thwart Mako’s plans is growing stronger. Whatever’s aboard that ship, I don’t want it unleashed on Paragon City.
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“Thompson left me a brief report of his findings. Apparently there’s been an attack on a French laboratory of Portal Corp. mid-April. And since then, there’s been a steady decline in European Council activity with a simultaneous increase in recruitment. He has a feeling this ties into Operation Valgrind somehow.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“I’ve heard back from Valgrind. That is to say, Webmaster “Valgrind”. He didn’t try scaring me into submission. Wise move. He offered a modest sum for my never revealing his interesting little secrets. I told him for double that I’d hand all the proof over. He negotiated that down to one and a half. I like reasonable people. And I’m a man of my word.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“I remember now. The boxes found onboard the Valkyrie were Nictus Mementos. I am not fully aware of their function, and even less so of what purpose they may have in the context of Operation Valgrind. I have a sinking feeling I am missing something obvious, some connection that I definitely should be seeing.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“The Valgrind’s maintaining a steady pace. I’ll give it five days until it reaches Paragon.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“My newest Arachnos paycheck is a masterpiece in embellishment. Several smaller, irregular payments tacked onto other jobs. Discreet and effective. Truly, a master at work.
I’ve returned what proof I had of Webmaster “Valgrind’s” interesting choice of entertainment. Along with a business card. He seems the type who wouldn’t mind using our services in the future.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 29/06/2007
“Ghost Widow summoned me again, she wants another errand ran. Personnel acquirement, mercenary’s bread and butter. Of note is the fact that I caught Mako with a glint in his eye and his toothy maw in a knowing grin. His prized Operation Valgrind is nearing completion. I feel a growing desire to wipe that smirk from his face.
Curious. Black Scorpion appears distressed by his fellow Patron’s good mood. I would think he would be… overjoyed to learn the reason behind it, and even more to change it. Now if only I could find a way of anonymously alerting him, he could be of use... A train of thought worth following.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 30/06/2007
“Ahh, always a pleasure to run into Asylum. Even when he is quick to point out a certain lack of common sense on my part. Case in point, a lack of comfortable sitting around the Warehouse. I’ve dug out some old armchairs I remembered seeing around. Enough to sit down and chat, about normal issues and Valgrind alike. Especially the topic of how we could work to stop it. It’s a relief to see I am not the only one to find humor in the prospect of heroes acting upon a mercenary’s word that there’s an invisible fortress-ship with dangerous cargo heading for their shores. Even if the humor is very dark. And I still do not know what is onboard that ship.
Speak of the devil, that’s Thompson, and”
Unexpected end of entry
Entry date: 30/06/2007
“I’m… calmer now, calm enough to put my thoughts down and record what I have just learned. Thompson chose to withhold his findings on the European side of Operation Valgrind until he compiled them, which was shortly ago. I cannot fault him, all taken in context they were… frightening.
I am ashamed of not having figured this out earlier, dismissing good clues and courses of inquiry as too unlikely. Thompson showed us a newspaper clipping, dated February. It was an interview with a Portal Corp. researcher who was in charge of the installation the Council attacked two months later. Apparently they were entering the finishing stages of constructing a pair of teleportation gates, an energy-efficient fixed point to fixed point matter transportation system, something bound to revolutionize the world… if only they could get the gates to link up reliably. I hardly believe it took me this long to understand the significance of the numerous Nictus Mementos. The Nictus are capable of creating makeshift energy bridges that span stars. If anybody is capable of aligning those gates, anybody the Council would work with, it is them. Dear God, how could I have been so blind?”
Entry ends
Entry date: 30/06/2007
“The more I think upon Operation Valgrind, the more I grow amazed and confused. I am amazed because now I see its deadly potential. Two gates, one delivered to your target, the other standing by a waiting army. I have seen Thompson’s rough estimates of its size. This’ll be an invasion the likes of which have not been seen since World War Two, if ever. I know Paragon City will be defended by some of the world’s most powerful metahumans. But this, this is something they will not be able to simply shrug off. And if the Council tricks, baits the heroes into attacking the Valgrind before that… I dare not consider the outcome. I cannot, I will not let that happen.
And still, one question remains… what does Mako intend to gain from all this? How can Arachnos, or in fact, he alone, benefit from a successful Council invasion of Paragon City?
But that is of little relevance now. I cannot go there myself or send any men. I cannot trust any Rogue Isles freelancer to keep my anonymity faced with torture or profit. And I cannot hope to get a hero to trust me on this issue, not in time. Ozell would do it, but I do not trust his caretakers. They would ask too many questions and eventually reach the truth of how the information was leaked. And those responsible would be punished most severely.
I do not like feeling as if one person is my only hope. Too… uncertain. But unless I can think of something better, she is the only one I can rely on to end this. I sent every member with Paragon City connection to look for Maelthra. She and I have words to be had.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 30/06/2007
“My mind is at a semblance of ease now. Finally. Clear enough for me to realize one thing. Even if I convinced Maelthra to help me, what then? Send her against the Valgrind? Into those fusion cannons and Screamers and Sky Skiffs? There must be something, anything I can use to my advantage here.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 30/06/2007
“My mind is a mess and Valgrind is to blame. I think it’s time to look for somebody in need of some paid violence.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 30/06/2007
“Note to self: Focus on the task at hand and stop thinking about Valgrind incessantly. Doubly so in combat. Thrown cargo crates you don’t see and don’t dodge because you were daydreaming do hurt.
Bad puppy.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 30/06/2007
“I cannot even sleep properly. My mind obsesses over Operation Valgrind, time and again trying to find a crack in this impregnable wall. I’ll look at the last report, maybe that will ease my mind. Or tire it enough to sleep regardless.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 01/07/2007
“Damn you Mako, and damn your precious Valgrind. It’s time to break out the tranquilizers.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 01/07/2007
“I awoke to a message from Rage. I didn’t expect him to recruit a hero’s help in my search for Maelthra but I suppose it’s the most direct way. I have to admire his guts though. Sneaking into a supergroup base under cover of the night? I do not give the man enough credit. Myself, I find my mind clouded from the tranquilizers but at least my body’s rested. I’ll try and not think about Valgrind for as long as I can manage.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 01/07/2007
“I managed almost three hours without a thought about Valgrind. The Malta Group makes a wonderful means of focusing one’s thoughts, and running into Eve helped. But at least returning with a fresh mind yielded something helpful. I’ve re-read an interview with the lead researcher in charge of the gate project from a popular science magazine. He gave a brief explanation on how to calibrate dimensional gateways. And it sounds… familiar. Similar to what I understand of the methods GRID used to lock onto its targets. I wonder...”
Entry ends
Entry date: 01/07/2007
“I think there were easier ways than figure this out than a day of experimentation and comparing results with that interview, but at least I have something. An edge. A much needed back door onto the Valgrind. A way to foil Mako’s plans and perhaps retake what is ours. I have a window of opportunity, and I can hardly describe the feeling that has just pushed worry from my mind. A feeling of giddy anticipation as I hold the final piece of the puzzle, the loose thread in the cloth of Operation Valgrind. Or to use a different metaphor: The script is done and the back door is unlocked, now all I need are the actors and the scene.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 02/07/2007
“Maelthra… It’s been a while. She changed much. Yet still…
I need to calm myself. And focus on Operation Valgrind. See how much I can gain from this metaphorical train wreck.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 02/07/2007
“That… went well. I’ve walked the entire spectrum from humility through determination, desperation, and into a mercenary mindset. I should be proud, I suppose. I’ve managed to inform Maelthra of the situation and its gravity, deter her from attempting a head-on assault on the Valgrind, convince her to my plan, and then agree on a price for my contribution to saving Paragon. One part of it being her support for Rage when the time comes. The other, her recovering the Screamers for me. She agreed on both accounts. I fear I might have slipped into relief for a moment there, relief that this is all heading towards a good end. But then, she named a price of her own. I’m to find her dimensional double and recruit her for this mission, with the promise of her debts being cancelled. Perhaps paying close attention to Aurora’s doings for the past months is about to pay off.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 02/07/2007
“I’ve checked my notes and found what I needed. Aurora was last seen in Oakes two days ago, drugged and taken away by men in tactical gear, then shipped to Grandville in secrecy, and brought to the very same warehouse I cleaned of Council two weeks ago. The one where I found the Screamers in Valgrind-stamped crates. Ironic, really. Time to make a call.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 02/07/2007
“As was to be expected, Aurora’s mistress had some ‘kind’ words for myself and my anonymous client. Her suspecting me of being behind the kidnapping was no surprise either. She was uncertain about my offer to return her pet to her unharmed in return for her convincing Aurora to accept Maelthra’s invitation, but agreed in the end, not without attaching some graphic threats towards my client. It’s time to bust some heads and bring Operation Valgrind closer to an abrupt end.
Heh. Darth Rentacop. I’ll have to use that one sometime.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 02/07/2007
“It was by no means a walk in the park, but nothing we could not have handled. I’ve taken extra precautions to leave Aurora unaware of her rescuers’ identity until the end. The look of utter confusion on her face was amongst the simple pleasures of life, only matched by the one when she was delivered to her mistress safely. Following their happy but nervous reunion, I was very vague on the specifics of the attack against the Valgrind. The deal was upheld though and Aurora was convinced to lend her aid. I gave her a beacon and told her to await my signal. And in turn, it’s time for me to wait for the gates to start aligning. I give it two more days.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 03/07/2007
“The Valgrind has stopped suddenly, a ways off from Paragon’s shores. I think they want to deploy at range. I gave the call to arms. The scene is set, the actors are ready, and the backdoor is about to be unlocked.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 03/07/2007
“That’s the signal. They started calibrating the gates. They’ll need an hour and a half. I need a minute and a half. I am reading one signal from the Isles and three from Paragon. It seems Maelthra recruited her boyfriend in addition to her daughter. I wish them all the best of luck.
Fifteen seconds until Operation Valgrind’s grand finale.
Ten seconds. Godspeed, Maelthra.
Five. Four. Three. Two. One…
Destination locked in, teleporting… now.
It’s showtime.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 03/07/2007
“Goddamnit, they’re calibrating that portal faster than I hoped for… damnit Maelthra, shut the thing down already, deal with the rest of the Valgrind’s crew later, when you don’t have an army breathing down your necks!”
Entry ends
Entry date: 03/07/2007
“No! The Valgrind portal is aligned, get the hell out of-
…what are you trying…?
…oh you crafty…”
Entry ends
Entry date: 03/07/2007
“I do not believe this could have ended more… favorable.
Operation Valgrind is no more. Mako’s latest plot against Paragon is no more. Arachnos funds, Council and Sky Raider expertise, all gone to waste. Those I have no love for, suffering defeat, blaming each other.
And myself, perhaps a bit poorer, but I feel I am the clear victor here. My spoils are the crates of Screamers and the support of a hero in my own machinations, and a long contract finally fulfilled. Ahh, this taste is sweet and addictive, so different from the bitter one of helplessness.
Maelthra and Cannukk were as daring as only heroes can, waiting until the last moment before they crossed the gate’s threshold to devastate the other end in front of the forerunners of a shocked army. I pulled them out, as I did Aurora and Maelthra’s daughter after they destroyed the gate and jumped ship, all safe and mostly unharmed. A joyous day indeed.
Only one thing worries me, the cloaking field hid the Valgrind’s demise from sight. Whether it worked until its watery grave, or the ship was spared, I do not know. Perhaps, one day, I will know the answer. Until then, I will have to remain wary of this ghost’s return. But as far as I care, that ship has sunk, and with it, any hope of a treaty between the Council and Arachnos in the near future.
In short… the day is saved, and I profit from it all.
I suppose I could get used to that feeling.”
Entry ends
Entry date: 06/07/2007
“I’ve come into possession of a misplaced copy of a… interesting Arachnos report. I’ll have to thank Webmaster “Valgrind” later. I suppose I could send a few copies to some people I know.
Just for laughs.”
Entry ends
Leaked Arachnos Report
Sometimes, even mortal enemies can work together. You’ve found this leaked report anonymously sent to you. It serves as a reminder of your own actions to stop the unholy alliance of
Operation Valgrind
“Sir, as ordered I have compiled this report to summarize the progress and downfall of Operation Valgrind. It has begun with a Council representative extending a direct offer of cease-fire and co-operation. Although I am not privy of the details of the meeting, from the fact You, sir, have ordered a cessation of hostilities and allocated funding towards the further retrofitting of the ship Valgrind I gather it was productive.
The preparations went uninterrupted, the modifications being done in great secrecy. However, at a point two days before the start of Phase Two, we were informed that a Grandville Council warehouse was attacked by a team of mercenaries led by one Agent of Discord. It is likely that he was after the munitions stored there, experimental missiles that were shipped to Sharkhead shortly earlier, to be mounted on Sky Skiffs assigned to the Valgrind’s protection.
Apparently unaware of the Valgrind’s impending departure, he began collecting intelligence, by virtue of accident also gathering clues about the Operation. You, sir, saw fit to inform him that interfering in your plans could be considered a breach of the Patron Truce, punishable by death. He expressed his understanding, and further proved to be uninterested in (or perhaps uninformed of) the ship as he led a strike against the Sky Raider’s anchored base, presumably in futile search of the missiles. Unfortunately, that attack coincided with a strike upon the Council base in Sharkhead performed by a team of Goldbrickers, led by the allegedly elite Gold Dredge. We’ve contacted the Council and they claim that the base had, as agreed, held no information concerning the ship’s cargo. Dr. Aeon on the other hand was fiercely against our intervention on his island.
Phase Two consisted of Valgrind meeting up with a Council ship sent from Europe for installment of the Device as well as the stealth generators. After the three days’ procedure, the ships parted ways, with Valgrind heading for Paragon City and the construction ship returning to Europe. However, it was, allegedly, attacked on its way back by “air pirates”. As the likelihood of such an event is low (especially considering they allegedly were registered Rogue Islands freelancers), I must express my doubt that the event happened at all and wasn’t meant as a means of making us believe what happened next. Even if the attack really occurred, there should have been no traces of the ship’s cargo aboard, and thus no clues as to the Valgrind’s contents.
As I am sure you are no doubt aware, the very idea behind Operation Valgrind was for the Council to establish a gateway between one of their European bases and Valgrind, anchored within striking distance of Paragon City, using technology they acquired from a French laboratory of Portal Corporation as well as the expertise of their Nictus allies. However, I find their estimate of the military strength necessary to overcome Paragon City’s defenses too low by at least an order of magnitude. I am certain that, in that, I am merely seconding Your own analysis, and the entire Operation was merely a means to weaken said defenses to future Arachnos assault. The ship itself was modified to an extent that made any attack on it, conventional or supernatural, unlikely and ineffective. Even if it was successful, the attacker casualties would be horrendous, weakening them against Arachnos retaliation, thus furthering our own goals. To ensure the Council’s continued co-operation, numerous failsafes were integrated into the Valgrind’s workings.
I’d like You, sir, to have all this in mind when reading the Council’s report that the Valgrind was, allegedly, found and attacked by a small team of super-powereds, who, allegedly, managed to find it despite the cloaking field and, allegedly, successfully attack it despite the powerful defenses (including the re-armed mercenary Sky Skiffs), leading to the ship being lost. It is my belief that this is all nothing but a Council ruse, from the beginning meant to steal Arachnos resources and technology. I must urge You, sir, to reconsider if those thieves extend an offer of co-operation ever again.
In the meantime, I’ve taken the liberty to forward the Valgrind’s schematics to several lead Arachnos scientists with orders to devise a way to retake the ship, as for some reason most of the failsafes had failed to act. I’ve also begun a search for the unique tracking device for the Valgrind that we have requisitioned during the modification period. I am sure it was misplaced due to clerical error. I will see to it that those responsible will be punished.
Operative Addams”
