veilbreak | CJACOBS: 002

Maryle and I were able to pull data from the CPU delivered by Cal and Eva.

The Sterilization Event was triggered by a significant group of people in Xitang being partially severed from the veil. 20 self-reports were evaluated by HDroids, which identified a specific defect in the neural implants. HDroids fixed the imperfections and relinked to the Veil. However, anti-Architect graffiti began to pop up around the city, indicating more people had defective implants other than the 20 self-reports.

Mass scans revealed that the entire city had spontaneously partially severed. This triggered three protocols:

The sterlization protocol in Xitang. We disrupted this.
Mandatory inspection check by HDroids for anyone with chips that were implanted in 2005 is currently ongoing.
A relocation effort of all defective implants to Sighisoara, Romania by Feb 28. This is for another sterilization protocol.

Issues

Do any Dislinked agents have a chip that was implanted in 2005? If so, they are going to end up being noticed as not on the radar.
How to deal with Sighisoara, Romania?

Do we fully sever the evacuees, or relink them? Being in a prolonged partial state can trigger catastrophic neural regression. Relinking them and re-integrating them into other pres cities would keep them protected.

How do we deal with our agents who had chips in 2005?

[Engineering]

Do any of you have a 2005 implant?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Lucky me, holding out for years despite all the rapturous praise from my coworkers, clients, and favorite aesthetician.

Would you like something witty or sentimental in reply?

Edited 2026-02-12 23:11 (UTC)

Let's have the witty reply.

In light of this entire mess, perhaps you'll make Vasile's acquaintance. Lucky you.

I do have use for a man with his skillset.

By which you mean, of course, an electrician. With a side of smuggling.

Edited 2026-02-14 00:17 (UTC)

The lights in my office could be brighter, and I could always use more cigarettes.

Because you hand them out to anyone who seems pitiful in the moment.

Only if I like them.

You do understand that your friendship with Maryle is a danger to my well-being?

No, what I feel for Maryle is something stronger than friendship. Perhaps it's love — I find myself longing for a romance in which I am quite thoroughly toyed with, like a felt mouse at the mercy of a particularly mischievous cat. I admit I indulge in daydreams of sharing her bed and all the charged devotion that would involve.

Perhaps you'll be invited to the wedding. Or perhaps we'll do the sensible thing and elope. Who can say?

I'd send you off with an advisory or two but I know how much you love your journeys of discovery.

That's what makes it fun.

And is this before, after, or concurrent with your tryst with Vasile? I could offer access to my complete list of former lovers. It would save you some time tracking them all down.

Vasile is our third, obviously.

He shoulders are broad enough to handle both of you at once. Is that a no on the list? Because I could provide it alphabetically or chronologically, it's no bother for me.