A Faultline in the Sands of Time

Summary

• Minor Story Arc
• Agent G (Faultline)
• 20 - 24

Temporary Powers

Arachnos Disguise
Toggle: Arachnos Disguise

Steal stolen Arachnos codes

We must know how much Arachnos has learned before we even know where to being, so your first mission will be intelligence gathering. The Sky Raiders have recently captured several Arachnos codes. They've hidden the codes on several laptops while they attempt to crack them. For security, they've stashed this operation in our own back yard, thinking that we don't know about ti, so they can use us for protection. Since you are not a known Longbow agent, you could break up their operation and still leave them thinking that Longbow doesn't know what they were up to.

The codes will allow us to carry out your next mission. How you wish to engage the Sky Raiders is completely up to you. I'm only interested in the codes, not the Sky Raiders themselves.

The Sky Raiders have some guts, setting up shop this close to Longbow.

Objective: You found some of the codes

Arachnos Codes

Arachnos changes the codes needed to access their bases and computers frequently. Fortunately, these codes should still be good for a little while.

Mission Complete: You got the Arachnos codes.

Excellent work. With this information, we can prepare the next phase of the operation. It is vitally important that we learn how close Arachnos is to finding the PsychoChronoMetron. Personally, I'm worried that they may be much closer to finding it than we think.

You've done will. I think we'll be able to work together.

Infiltrate Arachnos base

With the codes you recovered from the Sky Raiders, we can now access the Arachnos network. There should be a great deal of information there that could tell us just how close Arachnos is to finding the PsychoChronoMetron. However, to do that, you'll need to enter an Arachnos base and access their computers from the inside.

This mission is going to send you deep into the Arachnos-controlled areas of Faultline. You'll need to use the stolen codes you obtained to infiltrate their base, and ascertain just how much information Arachnos has recovered about the PsychoChronoMetron, or PCM device. Actual contact with the enemy is not necessary, but could sow some confusion in their ranks, so it's a viable option. Fortunately, we have some equipment to issue you for this task. We recently captured several Arachnos uniforms with their identity transponders intact. They'll only work for about an hour, but that should be enough.

Agent G gives you the codes and your disguise.

Arachnos Codes

These codes should allow you to access the Arachnos computer system at their Faultline support base.

Arachnos Disguise
Toggle: Arachnos Disguise

So this is what it looks like inside an Arachnos base? Creepy.

Objective: You found something

Arbiter's Orders

You found this document on the Arachnos network you infiltrated. It looks like direct orders to Arbiter Sands from Lord Recluse himself!

'Arbiter Sands
I have read your report about the Faultline Incident. Your unusual interpretation of events intrigues me, particularly in light of your evidence. I have spoken with Arbiter Daos concerning your past performance, and based on his recommendation, I have personally approved your operation in Paragon City. If you are correct about this 'PsychoChronoMetron,' then I must have it for the greater glory of Arachnos. I have authorized all of the assets you have requested to carry out this operation successfully. Do not fail me, Sands, or your punishment will be... harsh.
Lord Recluse'

Objective: You found something

Raider Relationships

You found this document on the Arachnos network you infiltrated. It appears to be a tactical analysis of the current conflict between Arachnos and the Sky Raiders:

'...at this point, the forward base had only recently been established, so most troop strength was assigned to transporting goods. It was during the first attempt to establish a mid-range base between our forward and support base that the first real Sky Raider attacks occurred. In retrospect, their previous attacks must have been meant to probe our defenses, and now that they knew how carefully we must shepherd our resources, the constant raids began in earnest. To this date our forward base still has no connection to our support base, while the Sky Raiders have been making a fortune selling our weapons and supplies on the Paragon City black market.'

Objective: The fighting may have triggered an alarm!

Objective: You found something

Nocturne's Notes

You found this document on the Arachnos network you infiltrated. It appears to be an undeleted journal file from Nocturne, the Night Widow:

'I never would have come if I'd known Sands was in charge here, but this may be my chance. Many of the troops here are unsure of his leadership, though none dare speak against an Arbiter. If this gizmo he's after is real, then it would be a shame to actually let him have it. Not when I can think of some much better uses for it...'

Objective: You found something

Arbiter Report

You found this document on the Arachnos network you infiltrated. This one looks like a progress report and seems to be very important:

'My Lord Recluse -
We have narrowed the final resting place of the PsychoChronoMetron, and are investigating 3 possible sites. I expect to have the device in hand and back on Grandville shortly. Attached are operational requirements in material and personnel.
Arbiter Sands'

There's some operational plans attached to this. With the right knowledge and information, it might be enough to track down the 3 possible sites for the PCM.

Mission Complete: You have found all the relevant information.

Worst Case Scenario Briefing

This document lays out, in grisly detail, the likely scenarios that could arise should Arachnos recover the PsychoChronoMetron. The starting scenarios are chilling enough, with Lord Recluse altering the time-line to re-unite Arachnos and the Council into one super-organization. Or more simply, altering the history of any hero sent against them to turn them into villains. That reason alone has prevented Longbow from bringing in any of the Freedom Phalanx. As you move into the next tier of scenarios, things become absolutely mind-bending: Changing the outcome of the Rikti War so that the alien invaders end up allied to Lord Recluse; altering history to use Nemesis as a weapon back in the 1860's to destabilize America; altering key elements to put nearly every villain group in Recluse's thrall. But the easiest and most likely scenario is also one of the grimmest: Recluse could alter time to make Statesman himself a sleeper agent, ready to betray the trust of the world at exactly the right moment. Unthinkable as it is, you remember the fate of William 'Faultline' Temblor, and imagine what destruction could be wrought.

This is excellent information, but it looks like we may already be too late. According to Arbiter Sands reports, they've narrowed the PCM's final location down to 3 sites. We cannot allow them to recover that device. I've been cleared to present you with a report containing a variety of worst-case scenarios should Arachnos receive that device. Study it. I want you to know what we could be fighting against. While you do that, I will have this analyzed. Hopefully, it will help us find those 3 sites.

Investigate excavation sites

We have located out the 3 sites where Arachnos believes the PsychoChronoMetron may have come to rest. All three sites are close to the forward Arachnos base, and each site is already being excavated. We may be out of time. I need you to investigate those locations, and if necessary, that base.

The PCM might have ended up anywhere during the chaos of the Faultline Incident. It seems too coincidental that it would end up so close to Arachnos. Confidentially, I almost hope that they've fooled us, and this is a ploy to see how much we know. But I don't think that's likely. Concern yourself with investigating those bases, and if necessary, the Arachnos Forward base. Neutralize all Arachnos troops within each dig to disrupt any further excavations, but if it comes to it you'll only need to confirm the presence or absence of the PCM at the forward base.

This might be the world's last chance.

Objective: It's already been searched, there's nothing here.

Costume shreds

In the excavation here, beneath the rubble, there was the tattered shreds of a costume, one you recognize as that of PsiCurse, the creator of the PsychoChronoMetron. The device itself is gone, though from the careful excavation markings around it, it wasn't destroyed smashed or melted. It was taken by Arachnos.

Mission Complete: Arachnos has the PCM! But there might still be time...

The codes you got from the Sky Raiders still work. But is it too late?

Objective: The vault is empty, save for a note.

A note in a vault

This vault was supposed to hold the PsychoChronoMetron, but instead, had only this note:

'Nocturne,
Have some sense, my dear. I learned a long time before never to trust a Night Widow. I will take the PsychoChronoMetron to Lord Recluse personally. No hard feelings, I hope.
Arbiter Sands'

As you read it, the truth sinks in: Arbiter Sands already has the PCM, and he's going to take it to Recluse!

Mission Complete: You were too late. Arbiter Sands has outmanouvred everyone.

Well...

I know this looks bad, but it's not over yet. I've been in communications with two other agents, code-named Indigo and Crimson. They believe that Sands has not yet left Paragon City. There may still be time to stop him before he can deliver the PCM to his masters.

Draw out Nocturne

I have a plan. Arbiter Sands is still in Faultline, probably trying to avoid detection until he can escape to the Rogue Isles. The PsychoChronoMetron requires psychic powers to activate, and Arbiter Sands has none. However, he does have a rival who has access to psychic powers, is antagonistic to Sands, and may know how and when he plans to escape Paragon City: Nocturne, the Night Window. The plan is to lure Nocturne into a trap, and get the information from her.

We know that Arbiter Sands and the Night Widow Nocturne are enemies. From what we know of the internal structure of Arachnos, this isn't an uncommon situation, and we can turn it to our advantage. I will plant false information that Longbow has potential blackmail material against Sands hidden in our base in the dam. If she takes the bait, we catch her and find out about Arbiter Sands most likely escape routes and times. Your job is to catch her in the dam. It's a long shot, but it's all we have.

I'd recommend you get any allies with you into the computer room before springing the trap. Being separated would be very bad when Arachnos arrives.

It's all quiet now, but once the trap is sprung, the fireworks will begin.

Objective: The trap is set!

Objective: You have defeated Nocturne the Night Widow!

Night Widow Nocturne [Arch-Villain] The Nightwidows serve Arachnos as elite assassins and spies. It is whispered among their murderous ranks that a Nightwidow code-named Arachnos has ever produced. No living soul knows any details of her history, just rumours of her ruthlessness and tales of her many victims. Some suspect that her only weakness might be her arrogant pride, but none have survived to exploit it.

Mission Complete: You sprung the trap and defeated Nocturne the Night Widow!

You've done excellent work today, Red Tomax. Nocturne is on her way to Ziggursky, but I learned what we needed to know from her. I told her Sands sold her out to us to keep her from screwing with his plans, and she was more than willing to talk to get back at him. She was able to tell us how and when Sands plans to escape, but she also told us that she gave that information to someone else in an attempt to delay Sands: Captain Castillo, of the Sky Raiders.

That was a difficult operation. I'm glad to see you made it through.

Defeat Captain Castillo

We now know how, when, and where Sands is planning to escape with the PCM, but Nocturne also told Captain Castillo. I don't think Castillo really knows what the PsychoChronoMetron actually does, just that it's valuable. He's certain to try and get it. I think the best option is a pre-emptive strike to stop him.

Taking out Castillo may destabilize the area and allow Arachnos to get entrenched, but we don't have any choice. If the Sky Raiders even have a chance at getting the PCM, it could show up anywhere on the black market. Defeating Castillo now will not only keep him from interfering with the recovery operation, it should also keep the Sky Raiders off our backs until the situation is resolved.

The Sky Raider supply warehouse is remarkably well kept. They're pretty organized, at least.

Objective: You have defeated Captain Castillo!

Objective: You found some information

Castillo's Desk

A quick search through Castillo's desk finds mostly men's fashion magazines, hair-care and personal grooming products, and signed glossy photos of himself; but eventually you find his paperwork. There are numerous memos from between Captain Castillo and Colonel Virgil Duray, the leader of the Sky Raiders, about the status of efforts in Faultline and the battle with Arachnos, as well as several patronizing and inept, though heartfelt, love-letters to Dr. Delilah Stein. But most important, there is the information from Nocturne about Arbiter Sands, confirming the information she gave you. There are also several books written by Dr. Stein on super-human history, none of which have ever been opened.

Captain Castillo [Arch-Villain] The dashing Captain Ernest Castillo has made quite a name for himself, both for his photogenic panache and for his bold criminal exploits. While he cultivates the image of the daring air-pirate and heart-throb, any who've been on the wrong end of his temper know not to underestimate him.

Mission Complete: You have defeated Captain Castillo and found some vital information.

Castillo is in custody, and the information you retrieved confirms what Nocturne told us. It would be better if we could get a third source, but Arachnos has changed their codes, and there's no time. Arbiter Sands is leaving soon. You've got to stop him.

Stop Arbiter Sands and get the PCM

The information Castillo had matches what Nocturne had told us. Arachnos has been bringing men and materials into the city through a series of underground rivers that lead to the ocean using submersibles. Arbiter Sands will attempt to leave the city the same way, but we know where and when. This is our last chance to stop Arachnos. It's a lot to ask of anyone. Can I count on you?

Good. The underground channels depend on the tides, so we have some guarantee for the departure times. This place will be heavily defended. You will need to cut off Arbiter Sands' means of escape by destroying any and all submersibles docked at the base, and then capture Arbiter Sands himself. Sands will have the PsychoChronoMetron on his person.

Deep in the earth, the sinister presence of Arachnos hides from the eyes of justice, but not from you!

Objective: You have destroyed an Arachnos mini-sub!

Objective: You defeated Arbiter Sands and recovered the PsychoChronoMetron!

The PsychoChronoMetron

Though dented and battered, this is it: The PsychoChronoMetron, a device capable of altering reality by transforming psychic energy into temporal energy and editing history itself. It boggles the mind to think of all the harm that this one little device could do.

Arbiter Sands [Arch-Villain] Arbiter Sands is considered a somewhat unconventional member of the Arachnos Arbiter Corps. Though still completely dedicated to the will of Lord Recluse, Sands is known for using unusual and effective tactics. His status as an Arbiter makers him untouchable within Arachnos, for to harm an Arbiter is to attack the will of Lord Recluse himself..

Mission Complete: You destroyed the sub base and recovered the PsychoChronoMetron!

So, this is it? Incredible. We both know what it can do. It has to be destroyed, and in a manner that prevents it from ever being built again. That means using the PsychoChronoMetron against itself, to edit its own history, and maybe even some of the laws of reality. Turning Faultline into a villain is trivial compared to this. To overcome the backlash, you'd need someone with more psychic power than Sister Psyche. Someone with the psychic power on the order of the Clockwork King...

Or Penelope Yin.

Destroy the PsychoChronoMetron!

The PsychoChronoMetron must be destroyed, permanently. The only way to do it is by having an immensely powerful psychic use the PCM on itself, so that it can't work again. To do that, you'll need to contact one of the most powerful, albeit untrained, psychics on Earth: Penelope Yin. However, this will not be easy for 3 reasons: Arbiter Sands, Nocturne the Night Widow, and Captain Castillo all escaped custody during their transfer to Ziggursky Penitentiary. I fear they're going to try and intercept you. Tell me when you're ready and I'll have a chopper waiting to take you to Yin's market to meet with Penelope. And be careful. You might want to get more help, if you haven't already.

Secure Penelope Yin, give her the PCM, and tell her to order it never to work again. She should be able to take care of the rest. If you encounter Arbiter Sands, Nocturne the Night Widow, or Captain Castillo, don't concern yourself with them. In fact, you may be able to get them to eliminate each other, considering their history. Getting the PCM to Penelope is your only objective. If you stay on-track, it may only take you minutes. Good Luck.

The PsychoChronoMetron is waiting for you in the helicopter.

They're all here, and they've got Penelope! But they don't look happy to see each other...

	Arbiter Sands [Arch-Villain] Arbiter Sands is considered a somewhat unconventional member of the Arachnos Arbiter Corps. Though still completely dedicated to the will of Lord Recluse, Sands is known for using unusual and effective tactics. His status as an Arbiter makers him untouchable within Arachnos, for to harm an Arbiter is to attack the will of Lord Recluse himself..
	Captain Castillo [Arch-Villain] The dashing Captain Ernest Castillo has made quite a name for himself, both for his photogenic panache and for his bold criminal exploits. While he cultivates the image of the daring air-pirate and heart-throb, any who've been on the wrong end of his temper know not to underestimate him.
	Night Widow Nocturne [Arch-Villain] The Nightwidows serve Arachnos as elite assassins and spies. It is whispered among their murderous ranks that a Nightwidow code-named Arachnos has ever produced. No living soul knows any details of her history, just rumours of her ruthlessness and tales of her many victims. Some suspect that her only weakness might be her arrogant pride, but none have survived to exploit it.

Mission Complete: The PsychoChronoMetron is destroyed!

It's over. The PsychoChronoMetron is destroyed, and can never be rebuilt. Sands, Nocturne, and Castillo are all back in custody. We won't be able to hide Penelope Yin's powers anymore, so we're arranging some tutoring from Sister Psyche, Aurora Borealis, and others for her. Arachnos and the Sky Raiders still have their bases here, but I feel confident Longbow and the PPD will be able to contain them.

You saved the world today. And maybe reality itself. That's something to think about.

As for me, after all this reality-bending stuff, I think I'm going to go to Yin's Market for a shave-ice. He does them Hawaiian style, my favorite way.