View source for Tale:Welcome to Ahketun, Auphelia

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'''AUPHELIAN TERMINAL SERVICES'''<br/>
ㅤㅤ(X) visualpiracy.<br/><br/>
>10:34:13.816 [notice] A:\ATS>customs.net/?<br/>
>10:34:13.816 [notice] ATS configuration loaded; vendor preset: disabled<br/>
>10:34:13.816 [notice] Active: active (running) since 16:06:23 ASAT; 20s ago<br/>
>10:34:13.816 [notice] Authorizing...<br/>
>10:34:13.816 [notice] Welcome, undefined.<br/><br/>
<!------->
>10:34:13.816 [notice] Starting Auphelian Customs Authority Network...<br/>
>10:34:13.816 [notice] Opening ATS listener on 127.0.0.1:5353<br/>
>10:34:13.816 [notice] Opening Terminal listener on 127.0.0.1:9050<br/>
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>A:/ats/customs/aces/pnr/54JML.log/<br/><br/>
>AHKETUN CENTRAL EPEROPOLITAN SPACEPORT CUSTOMS LOG<br/>
>Subject: Mikael Loeda<br/>
>Arrival: Auphelia, Ahketun Central Eperopolitan Spaceport (ACES)<br/>
>Departures: Saleas, Sorakel Intergalatic Terminal Hyperport (SITH)<br/>
>Flight: 443 INTRPAL<br/>
>Class: F/ECO<br/>
>Boarding Group: 54 J<br/>
>Passenger Name Reference: 54JML<br/>
>S/O: False<br/>
>Secondary Security Screening Selection: False<br/>
>Vessel: MSBC Lobellion Class Commercial<br/>
>DOA: 5520 CE<br/>
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>Continue?|<br/><br/>
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|-| Part 1 - Arrivals=

Trepidation coursed through my veins as I descended from the vessel at Ahketun. The spaceport was strikingly different from anywhere else I had ever been. The technicoloured robes of the citizens were mesmerizing, and towering above them were giant spires made of intricate patterns of crystal and steel. Everywhere there seemed to be a palpable energy - the hustle and bustle of the streets intermingled with strange noises coming from unknown sources. All around me people were going about their lives as if nothing else existed; it felt like a world I had never known before - one of both beauty and mystery.

As I pushed through the thronging masses, I couldn't help but take notice of the imposing Customs Service officers lining the entrance to the terminal. They stood tall and ramrod straight wearing their black uniforms embellished with silver buttons, eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of dissent. Their demeanour radiated a searing warning; one wrong move and you'd be detained without question. A shiver of fear swept through me as I passed them by, heading ever closer to the customs checkpoint.

"Name and purpose of your visit?" the uniformed officer asked me in a curt voice, his words laced with authority and suspicion.

"Mikael Loeda," I replied, my heart racing in my chest. "I'm here on business."

The officer looked me up and down, then glanced at my passport as if searching for something incriminating. My palms were slick with sweat as I waited for him to make a decision about my fate.

"Very well," he finally said, handing back my passport. "Enjoy your stay in Auphelia."

As I walked away, relief washed over me like a wave crashing onto shore. But as I made my way out of the terminal and into the city beyond, I realized that my troubles were only just beginning.

The cosmopolitan streets of Ahketun were a labyrinth, filled with twists and turns that lead to hidden alleys and shady establishments. The neon lights flickered overhead as I passed by, the sound of the bustling nightlife filling my ears. I had come here for a purpose, to find someone who was said to hold the keys to my fortune.

I weaved my way through the boisterous crowds, ignoring the stares of the locals as I passed by. They knew that I was an outsider, but I didn't care.

After what felt like hours of wandering, I finally found myself standing in front of a dilapidated building at the edge of the city. The sign above the door read "The Blue Moon," and I knew that this was the place I had been searching for.

I stepped inside, the smell of stale beer and smoke filling my nostrils. The bar was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the neon signs that lined the walls, with people screaming at the top of their lungs. Nobody dressed in their best. I made my way to the counter, where a gruff-looking bartender was wiping down glasses.

The bartender was a big, round man, about the size of a bear. His matted hair was dark and slick, his eyes drooping. His clothes were torn and it looked like he hadn't bathed in weeks.

I can see the tips of his fingers as they rub the glass. It's dirty, just like the rest of the counter, but there's a nugget of gold between his fingers. It glistens in the dim light, and I can see a green glow emanating from it. The glow grows brighter as the man lets out a low laugh.

"What can I get you?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"I'm not here for a drink," I replied, my eyes scanning the patrons around me. "I'm looking for someone."

The bartender arched an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"

"His name is Lucien," I said, keeping my voice low. "I hear he's a man who can find people."

The bartender's expression hardened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

But I could see a glint in his eye, a flicker of recognition. He knew something.

"Come on," I pressed, pulling out a wad of Auphelian preslars from my pocket. "What's it gonna take for you to tell me where I can find him?"

The bartender looked at the preslars hungrily, then sighed. "Fine. He's upstairs, in the back room. But be careful, he's not someone you want to mess with."

I nodded, tucking the cash back into my pocket, and made my way up the rickety staircase that led to the second floor. The air grew thick with smoke the higher I climbed, and by the time I reached the top, my eyes were watering.

I pushed open the door to the back room, ready for anything. But what I saw inside made me freeze in my tracks.

Lucien was there, all right. But he was surrounded by a group of heavily armed thugs, their weapons at the ready.

Lucien stood up slowly and walked towards me, his gaze never leaving mine. He was taller than I had expected, his eyes piercing and his face serious. He wore an expensive-looking suit and an overcoat, both tailored to fit him perfectly.

"You must be Mikael," Lucien said, smirking as he caught sight of me. "I've been expecting you."

I swallowed hard, my hand inching towards the firearm hidden beneath my coat. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for.

"Let's get down to business," I said, my voice steady. "I need your help with something."

== Chapter 2: Pink Light District ==

Lucien leaned back in his chair, eyeing me with a mixture of amusement and suspicion. His shoulders bunched and released, his eyes narrowed and widened. "And what exactly is it that you need my help with?"

My heart beat against my chest, but I couldn't let myself get caught off guard by him. "I need to find someone," I said. My hand slipped into my pocket for the box of matches and the brass key; just touching them calmed me. "Someone who has something that belongs to me."

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"

"Her name is Serafina," I said, my voice growing hoarse. "She stole something from me, something that's worth more than you could ever imagine."

Lucien chuckled. "Ah, I see. And you think I'm the man to help you get it back?"

"I've heard that you're the best," I said, my eyes locking with his.

Lucien steepled his fingers, his eyes glinting in the dim light of the room. "And what do you have to offer me in exchange for my services?"

I swallowed hard, knowing that this was the moment of truth. "Anything you want," I said. "Money, information, whatever it takes."

Lucien leaned forward, his eyes burning into mine. "Very well," he said, his voice low. "I think we can come to an arrangement."

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he stood up from his chair. "But first, let me show you around the Pink Light District."

I nodded, knowing that I had little choice in the matter. I followed him out of the back room and down another flight of stairs, the sound of raucous laughter and thumping bass growing louder with each step. As we descended, the gloomy light of the back room gave way to a lively, colorful scene below.

"The Pink Light District," Lucien said, following my gaze. "It's the kind Serafina likes to spend her time."

The Pink Light District was notorious for its illicit activities, its neon lights drawing in tourists and locals alike. I knew that it would be dangerous to go in alone, but I had no choice. Serafina had something that pertained to me, and I wasn't leaving Auphelia without it.

As we made our way down the crowded streets, I could hear the sounds of music and laughter growing louder. The neon lights around me seemed to blur into a hazy pink mist, and I felt a sense of unease wash over me.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. The air was thick with smoke and the pungent scent of alcohol, and I could hear the sounds of music and laughter echoing through the room, the group of thugs following closely behind. We descended a flight of stairs and emerged into a dimly lit corridor, the air thick with the stench of sweat and copulation.

"This is the Pink Light District," Lucien said, gesturing towards the various tight alleyways lining the avenue. "It's where we do our business."

I could see the silhouettes of figures moving behind the frosted glass doors, hear the moans and groans emanating from within. My stomach twisted, but I could feel my curiosity getting the best of me.

"What kind of business?" I asked, my eyes scanning the various doorways.

"All kinds," Lucien replied with a grin. "Drugs, weapons, information. And if you're in the mood for something more...physical, we can arrange that too."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of disgust and fascination. "That's not what I'm here for."

Lucien shrugged. "Suit yourself. But you should know that if you're going to do business on this planet, you're going to have to get your hands dirty."

We continued down the avenue, passing by door after door. I could see the various clients within, some alone, others in groups. A couple of women caught my eye, their revealing array leaving little to the imagination.

"We're here," Lucien said, stopping in front of a nondescript door at the end of the corridor. "This is where we do our more...sensitive work."

He motioned for me to follow him, and I did so hesitantly. We stopped in front of one of the doors, and Lucien used a key to open it. Inside was an opulent bedroom, complete with a king-sized silk bed, velvet curtains, and walls adorned with silk hangings. Two scantily clad lasses were lounging there, their eyes widening as we entered.

Lucien gestured towards them. "These are some of my employees," he said. "They work in certain services that cater specifically to our clientele."

I nodded slowly as I began to understand what this place was all about. Prostitution and other illicit activities were clearly taking place here, but I could also tell that Lucien had put together a well-run operation where everyone involved was treated rather reasonably.

"So can you help me find Serafina?" I asked hesitantly.

Lucien smiled knowingly. "Yes, I believe I can," he said, motioning towards the doorway had just come through. "Let's go back upstairs and talk about it there."

== Chapter 3: Old Links ==

I followed Lucien out of the bedroom and back into the corridor, my mind spinning with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I knew that I was getting closer to finding Serafina, but I also knew that I was treading on dangerous ground.

As we ascended the stairs, I couldn't help but wonder what Lucien had in store for me. It was clear that he was a man of many connections, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more going on here than just a simple request for help.

When we returned to the back room, Lucien poured us both a glass of Auphelian whiskey, Lucien leaned back in his chair and studied me over the rim of his glass. I could feel his gaze boring into me, and it was unsettling. After a few moments of silence, he set down his drink and cleared his throat.

"So, you want my help tracking down Serafina," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Tell me more about her. What makes her so special?"

I took a sip of whiskey, feeling the warmth propagate through my body. "She has something that belongs to me," I said, my voice low. "Something that I need to get back."

Lucien nodded slowly, his eyes still locked on mine. "And what exactly is this thing that she's taken from you?"

I hesitated, feeling a flicker of uncertainty. I didn't want to reveal too much, not yet. But I knew that I didn't have a choice if I wanted Lucien's help.

"It's a valuable piece of information," I said finally. "Something that could prove very useful to the right person."

Lucien raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I see. And I'm assuming that 'right person' is you?"

I nodded, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down my spine. I had to be careful with my words, but I also couldn't afford to show any weakness. Lucien was a shrewd businessman, and he wouldn't hesitate to use any advantage he could get.

"I'm willing to pay whatever it takes to get that information back," I said, my voice steady. "And I understand that you're the man to talk to if I want to get things done on Auphelia."

Lucien leaned forward, his eyes glittering with amusement. "You have me intrigued," he said, his voice low. "I am indeed the man to talk to if you want to get things done. But I'm also a man who likes to know what he's getting himself into."

He leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of whiskey before continuing. "You see, I knew Serafina once. We had a...professional relationship, you might say."

My heart skipped a beat as I processed this information. Did Lucien know something about Serafina that I didn't? And what was this "professional relationship" that he spoke of?

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.

Lucien shrugged. "We shared some mutual interests, let's say," he said. "But that was a long time ago, and I haven't seen her in years. Why she would take something from you is beyond me."

I scowled, feeling a sense of disappointment. I had hoped that Lucien would be able to provide some insight into Serafina's whereabouts, but it seemed like he was as in the dark as I was.

"But you can help me find her, right?" I asked, trying to keep the despondency out of my voice.

Lucien smirked reassuringly. "Of course, Like I said before, I'm the man to talk to. But it won't be easy. Serafina is like a ghost - she moves in the shadows, leaving no trace behind her."

I swallowed hard, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. If Lucien couldn't find Serafina, then who could?

"But I have a few ideas," Lucien continued. "And I think we might be able to work something out."

He took another sip of whiskey before leaning forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "But first, I need to know more about you. Who you are, what you're capable of. I need to know that I can trust you."

I met his gaze steadily, feeling a sense of determination well up within me. I would do whatever it takes to get that information back from Serafina, even if it meant working with someone like Lucien.

"I'll do whatever it takes," I said firmly. "Just tell me what you need me to do."

== Chapter 3.5: Compact ==

Lucien's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as I spoke. He knew that he had me in his grasp and that I was willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. With a sly grin, he leaned back in his chair and took another sip of whiskey before speaking.

"Good," he said, his voice low. "I like a woman who knows what she wants. And what I want is to find Serafina before anyone else does."

I nodded eagerly, feeling a sense of excitement build within me. I was ready for anything Lucien had in store for me - even if it meant going up against dangerous enemies or taking risks I had never taken before.

"So where do we start?" I asked, my voice brimming with anticipation.

Lucien's grin widened. "We start by doing some digging," he said, gesturing to the stack of papers on his desk. "I've compiled a list of names, addresses, and other information that might be useful to us. I think we'll start by paying a visit to a few of these people and seeing what they know."

I reached forward and grabbed the top sheet of paper, scanning it quickly. It contained the name and location of a man named Victor, who was rumored to be a close associate of Serafina's.

"We'll start with him," I said, folding the paper and tucking it into the pocket of my jacket.

Lucien nodded approvingly. "Good," he said. "But be careful. Victor is not to be trifled with. He's a dangerous man and he won't hesitate to use force if he feels threatened."

I nodded, feeling a sense of apprehension. I had dealt with dangerous men before, but I had a feeling that Victor would be on a whole other level.

"Don't worry," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I can handle myself."

Lucien chuckled. "I don't doubt it," he said, rising from his chair. "But just in case, I've arranged for some backup for you. Meet me outside in twenty minutes and I'll introduce you to my associate."

With that, he walked out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of person Lucien had chosen to be my partner, and whether they would be able to keep up with me.

But I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. I needed to find Serafina, no matter what it took. And with Lucien's help, I was confident that I could do it.

I headed outside, feeling the cool Auphelian air wash over me. Lucien was waiting for me, accompanied by a tall, muscular man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes.

"Meet Sean," Lucien said, gesturing to the man beside him. "He's one of my best men. He'll be accompanying you on your hunt for Serafina."

I nodded, sizing up Sean. He looked like he could handle himself, but I wasn't sure if he could keep up with me.

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[[Category:Author: VISUALPIRACY]]
[[Category:META: Tales]][[Category: Active Development]]
[[Category:META: Tales]]