13th February 2026

I'm trying out for the Security Directorate#Wasteland Rangers.

I have little faith in the team I've been assigned, but it'll make do. I won't allow them to fail. This isn't a test of aptitude, it's a test of courage -- finding that out is the test. I need to focus on myself first, and run as fast as possible.

The major showed up. Been on the surface apparently, exterminating Resilience cells. They're speaking in some gibberish that none of us can parse but if it was important enough to interrupt the Colonel over, it must be something important. Hopefully my position as a Ranger will provide mode insight than is currently available.

It seems it just got harder. The Major is joining in on the live fire. Speed is of the essence and I can only hope that I don't falter when it matters the most.

Team morale is low, but that might act in my favour. I don't want them to fail, but it'd be beneficial for sure if they did.

Well I made it. The third stage is looming over though. I passed. Required some basic boilerplate, stuff anyone would know if they've done the bare minimum snooping around.

There's an inmate talking to surveyors. A former researcher, apparently. Clearly I've missed something important, their partner was killed by a "dog cop;" Corson, presumably. "Things are going to happen." How delightfully vague. "Too many loose ends?" They're refusing to elaborate, it's natural to not trust us. Calls themselves "Sulfur," like the element.

"[...] there are clues around here. Find the broker." The broker? A Resilience operative, presumably. They don't know how to find this "broker."

The clues... do they mean the Yellow Notes? Helios is in HQ, confirmation of what was already assumed. Something about its personality mainframe, likely trying to remove it without weakening its capabilities. "The great blue sea isn't a clean place. You'll find dirt and don't be afraid to expose it." Interesting. I don't exactly agree with the VSA but they're the only force of stability currently, immorality and "accidents" are just a necessary cost.