The darkness of the parking lot vanishes as a blinding spotlight sweeps across the broken glass. The roar of a helicopter rotor vibrates in Dream David's chest, threatening to shake the very foundations of the structure.
Police Pilot
Target sighted. This is the Department of Special Containment. Power down your physiology and remain on the ground. Any attempt at flight will be met with lethal force.
Dream David
They tracked me all the way here. The wing is still snagged on the roof rack. If I do not tear myself free now, they will turn this place into my cage.
The Tactical Commander
Forget the civilians. Focus on the anomaly. If he moves an inch, open fire on his wings. I want that specimen intact for the lab.
Dream David
A tactical commander. This is not just a patrol, it is an extraction team. They want to dissect me.
The Tactical Commander steps out from the shadow of the chopper, a heavy stun rifle leveled directly at Dream David's heart. The air is thick with the scent of ozone and desperation.
+ Scene Quest Added
Escape the Department of Special Containment extraction team
+ Story Quest Added
Find a place to exist without fear of discovery
“Shout at the cops "Can a *ga get some wings? Can a *ga get some got *am wings!?"”
FAILURE (Great Intimidation, rolled +0)
Dream David
Can a brother get some wings? Can a brother get some goddamn wings!
The Tactical Commander
Target is resisting. He is not a person. He is a biological anomaly. Neutralize his mobility immediately.
Dream David's attempt to rattle the team falls flat, his voice swallowed by the deafening thrum of the rotors. Instead of backing down, the officers tighten their formation.
Police Officer
Engaging suppression measures. Target, you leave us no choice.
A flash of white light arcs across the asphalt, followed by the hiss of a pneumatic launcher. A weighted net tipped with barbed electrodes fires directly toward Dream David's outstretched wing.
Dream David
They are not even trying to talk anymore. I have a heartbeat, I have a life, but all they see is a trophy for the lab. I need to move before that net pins me to the pavement.
“Use my thunderous scream to take out the cops”
FAILURE (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
Dream David
Get back! You have no idea what you are dealing with!
Dream David
I focus all my frustration, all the years of running, into my chest. I need to shatter their resolve before they shatter me.
Dream David
SCREAM!
Dream David unleashes a guttural, sonic roar, but his voice cracks mid-note. The stress of his injuries, combined with the dampening influence of the specialized tactical gear, turns his potential shockwave into a mere gravelly shout.
Police Officer
Sonic vocalization detected. Increase static output. Suppress him now.
The Tactical Commander
Keep your focus. He is losing his footing. Secure the specimen before he finds his rhythm.
Dream David
My throat feels like it is shredded glass, and the net is still hurtling toward me. They aren't even fazed. Do I risk a desperate dive toward the Commander, or tuck my wings and hope the concrete offers more protection than my own skin?
“Use my thunderous scream to take out the cops”
SUCCESS (Great Intimidation, rolled +4)
Dream David
The desperation in their eyes is mirrored by the cold metallic glint of their gear. I don't need a perfectly tuned note. I just need to let it all out.
Dream David
ENOUGH!
Dream David pulls deep from his lungs, bypassing the instinct to sing and instead channeling the raw, tectonic fury of a caged beast. The sonic output hits the parking lot like a physical hammer.
Glass in the parked cars shatters instantly. The weighted net, caught in the violent pressure wave, disintegrates into tangled ribbons of cord and circuitry, spiraling harmlessly into the dark.
Police Officer
My ears... I can't maintain the lock! The interference is off the charts!
The Tactical Commander
Fall back and recalibrate! Don't let him gain the sky, keep your weapons trained on his flight path!
Dream David
They are reeling, but they are disciplined. If I launch now, I am vulnerable, but if I stay, they will just reset their gear. Is this the opening I need to fly, or should I close the distance and finish this before they can recover?
Quest Complete
Escape the Department of Special Containment extraction team
Skill Upgrade: Intimidation Great→Superb