The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Spring)
Chapter 33 – Redneck Raid / Shadows of Springtime [Part 3]
(Still) Wednesday, the 24th of Spring, 2017
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[Active Quest]
[GTAZ Mission: Misty Weather (Part 4.333)]
So, you saved Cinderella and her nephew, it's time to help them get the means to leave this town for good.
Objectives: Go with Cinderella to [?].
Ensure the collection of her and her nephew's important documents.
Steal at least 5 'assets' from the dead Marty
Secure means to get them out of the country.
Ensure Cinderella and Morton leave alive.
Bonus Objective: Steal all of Marty's 'assets'.
Destroy the major meth lab in [?].
Requirements: Has to be completed tonight. [Cinderella is required to come with you and has to survive the entire mission.]
Quest Reward: 50000 Gold, Red County Gang weakened, +Respect with Triads, +Karma, ?
Bonus Objectives Reward: Red County Gang crippled, Further Story Divergence, ?
Time was put into preparations. Taeko called a team meeting with the rest of his gang (save Aleida and Daya), as he wanted all hands-on deck for planning out this operation. Velma had come through on getting him armed to the teeth. Taeko got ammo and a few new weapons along with upgrades thanks to Xander. The [Urban Recon Rifle]'s bonuses basically made it perfect for warfare in the streets, but not so much in the mines. Made the other rifles redundant. Each of his friends were able to contribute. Maru got him healing items. Abigail had brought items from Myth…a dozen [Life Elixirs]. Taeko fluffed his [Nergal Suit] and readied his trio of blades. Tonight, the Shadow Yakuza strikes.
Ultimately, the plan came out to a small fleet. Maria had shown initiative by stealing an ambulance.
"No one has a reason to shoot up an ambulance. Plus, I jacked it from a private ambulance company. Those dickheads think this unit is treating Purple Dragons." Maria said.
"You really want to prove your usefulness." Taeko said before smiling. "Because you gave me an idea. Maru, you can operate an ambulance?"
"Taeko, I can, but you don't want me to drive into…"
"No, I want you on standby. You'll follow but not engage. You can aid by collecting the injured on our end. You just need someone to back you up." Taeko remarked.
"We may have an easier time." Cinderella said getting off her phone. "Seems the twins were playing dirty and so was my ex-husband. I got off the phone with a friend and she's got pull with a high-ranking member of the gang. She's his girlfriend and she's convinced him not to come back with his boys to Red County for the night. I bet you're thinking how."
"Poon?" Abigail joked.
"No, she's Laotian. Larry would easily been an underboss if Marty wasn't a racist sack of shit. Helps that unlike Pennsatucky, he can actually lead. Frankly, he's more than glad to stay out of it and enjoy the free vacation in San Paradiso." Cinderella said as Taeko smirked. "He's even calling those friendly with him in Red County to book it. With Marty dead, that means leadership falls to Tiffany."
"And she can't lead for shit." Gloria surmised.
"Ok, I want to keep the strike team concise. Considering we know how armed they are, we're going with our heavy hitters. Abigail, Sebastian, and Ling. I want you three with me." Taeko commanded.
"I want to come." Max said bravely. "I might be small, but considering my appearance…I'd blend in."
"Yo, if you need someone to go with Maru. I can do it. I got decent training in first aid, and Diablo can work the wheel." Bianca said as Maru cracked her a smirk.
"Perfect, all we need is some scrubs for you all to wear and we're golden." Taeko said as a text came on his phone. "Cars are here. Ok, go time."
"Um, boss? What about me?" Chloe asked nervously.
"You're staying with Velma. Assist her." Taeko affirmed.
"And try not to screw that up." Max said sharply. "Now's not the time for weed."
"Now now, I'm sure Chloe won't bungle this." Taeko said assuring Chloe.
He really did not have that much faith in her, but whatever kept Chloe willing to come in for getting Max back he'd do. The strike team came down to two sides. Taeko lead his with Abigail, Ling, Sebastian, Cinderella. Gloria led hers with Maria, Charlotte, and Max. Penny opted to remain behind with Shane to hold the fort. Flaca and Martiza were tasked to protect Xander in case. The Triads had delivered three [Patriots] and Mei was among them with slicked hair and a suit.
"I'll be riding on your little attack, ninja boy." Mei said. "I like your style, and you need back up."
Taeko did not protest this and thanked the group for the delivery. The last triad came with wheels for Taeko, a sleek black [Banshee] with a hard top and limo tinted windows.
"Damn, I didn't think Woozie would go all out for me." Taeko said.
"Don't worry about, we have our sources. The car's been given standard upgrades and the communication line is set." The triad member said giving Taeko the key. "Woozie sends best wishes."
"Let him know that I'll have 10% in cash profits sent to him through Mei to pay back for the cars." Taeko said as the triad member bowed.
Thankfully, one came in a van to ferry the members back to their turf leaving the Shadow Yakuza to get into action. Mei was already in her own Patriot and Cinderella got in Taeko's Banshee. Ling came with her own car, a brand-new [Sabre Turbo]. Gloria got in a Patriot with Maria while Max got in the other with Charlotte. Ling had gotten Sebastian a motorcycle to ride, a [Revenant]. Abigail got a Patriot all to herself. Taeko revved the engine, and they took off for war. On the way there, Cinderella showed her skill in strategizing.
"Ok, if you want to cripple the meth lab in Redberry Farms, the best way to do so is a distraction that will force people to leave it underdefended." Cinderella said astutely. "Right now, a good chunk of RC gangsters still fighting it out with the police and other gangs in the city. Which means there's going to be police in RC cutting off areas to the public and locking it down."
"Should we be concerned?" Abigail asked.
"No, police in RC dirty. They practically are Red County gang members, just with a badge." Mei said.
"So basically, we can kill the cops." Ling remarked.
"Best road to get into Red County is the same highway near the Deviant's Dome. We'll go straight into Grapeseed. I don't know why Marty changed the name…Palomino Creek was nice." Cinderella said. "He has a safehouse there, and we'll be able to attack the town there as the only police department with major firepower is Dillimore."
Taeko and his crew speed down that highway for Grapeseed. Coming closer, they saw a police blockade with several RC gang members there for the assist. The senior yakuza member steered off-road behind some trees as she got out of her car to climb onto the roof with a [Heavy Sniper].
"Wait, I got an idea. Before you all attack, let me come up with Taeko." Cinderella said as Taeko nodded.
He drove the car back on the road and up to the barricade. Cinderella lowered her window to stick her head out.
"Let us pass, Junior." Cinderella said glaring at the deputy.
"But Daddy said…"
"Might I remind you that it is important you ensure the wife of your boss is escort in? I could have been followed and you're risking my…"
She was cut off by a bullet tearing through one gang member's head. Taeko gunned it to around the blockade as the cops and rednecks were focused on finding the sniper. Abigail barreled her [Patriot] in mowing out rednecks and wrecking their trucks. Sebastian raced by opening fire with an [SMG] on the stragglers. Junior reached his walkie-talkie to call for backup. Only for Ling to run him over.
"Fern Ridge will be unguarded. What you need to do is have the ways out of town secured." Cinderella said as Taeko internally checked his radar.
"Ok. G, I need you to go up on White Blvd. There's a bunch coming down to defend the town, and I need you all on it to keep them pinned while Cin and I go on ahead to Fern Ridge. Sebastian, when I go out on the Country Connector, you and Ling lock it down." Taeko said over the communication line before driving out of town to the west for the Ridge.
He drove up on that dirt road before getting up to the cabin on the hill. There was about a classic [Buffalo] parked next to it with off-road tires. The two got out of the car and went up to the cabin. Cinderella wanted to kick the door open, but Taeko just used a finger beam to destroy the top lock before opening it. Cinderella pointed at the safe asking if he could open it. [Gunshin] pretty much let him cleave open the safe door. She immediately got out the papers with her and her nephew's important documents.
[Quest task completed!]
"Ok, I got them. As promised, everything else is yours. Under the bed has a briefcase, in the closet has a safe, and that cabinet has a gun safe." Cinderella said as Taeko got to raiding.
"You should arm yourself." Taeko suggested before tossing her the key to the [Buffalo]. "And hold this in case."
In the briefcase he found property deeds, two of them for a safehouse in Grapeseed and one in Dillimore. He also found a key to an apartment in Redberry. In the closet safe was three dozen [Gold Bars] and 400,000 Gold which he took. The gun safe had a variety of guns, a redneck's arsenal. [Knives], [Pistols], several [Body Armors], [Micro SMGs], [SMGs], [Assault Rifles], [Assault Shotguns], [Molotov Cocktails], a [Flamethrower], and a damn [Minigun].
The [Minigun], four of the many [Knives], and the [Flamethrower] went into his [Inventory] before he called up Maru who was not too far away.
"Good, have Diablo drive up the dirt road. I got something for you to deliver to our allies aside from medical help." Taeko said confidently before hanging up. "Cinderella, grab a gun. I…"
"I get it. I hoped never to get blood on my hands, but…I let all this happen. Indirectly, they're already stained." Cinderella said taking a few of them for herself. "Besides, I have my nephew wanting me back alive."
Diablo, Bianca, and Maru arrived as Taeko walked up to the car door.
"All right, I found a cache of weaponry. Take what you need to defend yourselves and take the extra with you." Taeko said as Cinderella slipped on [Body Armor]. "Bianca, let Gloria know that the ambulance has an armory."
Bianca said as Diablo looked over at his boss.
"Boss, Gloria just texted me. They got Grapeseed cleared of those willing to fight." Diablo said as Taeko nodded.
"Go tend to the injured." Taeko said before getting in his car.
Cinderella got in the Buffalo as Taeko got on the line.
"Status report." Taeko stated.
"This is Abigail, I'm good. Managing to net myself a nice profit off of the fallen. I don't have to hand in a percentage, right?" Abigail asked.
"No, consider any cash and weapons you get off them yours." Taeko mused.
"This is Sebastian. I'm low on ammo." Sebastian remarked.
"Maru and company on the way with some and more weapons."
"This is Gloria, we have this place on lock." Gloria remarked. "But we're going to get moving. We have to assume a call was made for backup."
"Then we go for Dillimore. Montgomery is basically the hub for businesses under Marty's rule. His safehouse in Dillimore will basically let you easily take over the businesses. More than likely, they'll be guarding that house." Cinderella said starting her up. "We can leave Grapeseed's house for last."
"You heard her, let's move people!" Taeko said driving off with Cinderella following.
Over at the town itself, the road to town on the way was blocked off which the 'police' ready to put anything that came up on the road full of lead.
"I haven't heard from Junior…" Officer Justice growl. "That sunbyatch better not be…"
"He's dead! Grapeseed just been attacked!" A RCG member said coming out of his truck.
"Which gang think they got the balls?"
"That's the thing. They did not say who they were…all we know they ain't Purple Dragon, Sauseus, or Triads." The gang member said. "Vigilantes?"
"Well, this isn't no superhero show!" Officer Justice said before radioing in for all hands-on deck.
"Sir, are you sure? What about the meth lab? Penn want it defended at all costs!"
"Don't be stupid. They have to pass through us first, they want a direct attack…we'll give them one."
Max turned off the police radio she jacked off the bodies and called it in.
"Max, you're proving yourself. That's good, so while they think we'll go for a direct attack. We'll go around and raid the station and the house." Taeko said with a wicked grin.
The RCG expected the cityslickers unwilling to use dirt roads or go off-road. Their first mistake was making assuming as the Shadow Yakuza drove around Dillimore to get to the other side. In hiding, a short walk from town, Taeko left his car to get in Cinderella's.
"Stay put for now. I want to raid the house first before we attack the station." Taeko mused as everyone nodded.
"Wait, I want to come as backup. Considering I can blend in." Max said tossing Charlotte the police radio. "Do they expect a skinny white girl to be a Yakuza member?"
She unzipped her backpack to reveal several [Pipe Bombs] and [Sticky Bombs].
"What I'm suggesting is that I go in alone to the station, plant these and blow them up." Max said as Taeko looked impressed.
"I'm impressed with the enthusiasm, but it would be better if you didn't. These jokers need to think we're not here. Blowing up the station would blow that." Taeko said as Mei came up.
"But if I go with this in a matter of sneaking, we can take out the cops at the station and steal what's valuable under their nose." Mei said.
Taeko gave Mei the go ahead before leaving with Cinderella. Mei took to her Patriot with Max and Charlotte in the car as well. Mei pulled up close enough to the station to eye it up to look for ways in and out. She circled it.
"No cameras on outside. Best case, none inside." Mei said before stopping the car and turning to Max. "Go in and ask for the bathroom. Look around and check for camera and number of guys."
Max nodded as she got out and put up her hood. She walked up to the station and entered. Max looked around at the station as it led onto a corridor leading to other rooms. The reception area on the right and she went up to see a bored looking officer reading a magazine at the desk.
"Excuse me, could you point me to a restroom?" Max asked.
Not even looking at Max, the officer pointed in a direction and Max walked off. The place looked empty as Max just explored the floor before finding the bathroom. She had an idea…and dropped a grenade in the toilet. Max came back looking fearful asking if the cop left a grenade in the toilet.
"I swear to god, I'm going to kill Leroy for doing that shit." The officer said tossing down his magazine to come out. "He can't have people shitting on a grenade."
While the officer ranted and moved for the toilet, Max stuck a sticky bomb on his belt. Max waited as the cop went in the bathroom and promptly was blown up. She got on her phone calling Charlotte to let her know she cleared the way to which the other two women came in. Mei led the charge with a pair of SMGs.
"Two floors. One above and one below. We take upper floor first." Mei said as they went upstairs.
Upstairs was met with gunfire. Mei was making the most shots, and Max admitted to herself that she honestly made Chloe look like a chump with her skills. Charlotte used her assault rifle to empty into two others.
"Not bad, kid." Mei complimented.
An officer was getting out of a room with a duffel bag to have guns aimed on him.
"I'm only going to ask once, where is you evidence locker and your armory?" Max said only for the cop to tell her. "Huh, I didn't expect to…"
"If you managed to get up here, clearly everyone is either dead or fled. I don't know if you're government agents or some gang with more firepower than us, and I don't car. I'm taking what cash I stole and getting out of here." The former officer said removing his badge and tossing them the keys. "What you want is all on the first floor."
The officer left them behind as Max, Mei, and Charlotte got to collect ammo and cash off of the fallen. Charlotte ironically found the 'tips' far more plentiful, and she felt she was doing some good in getting rid of some bent cops. Worse kind of criminal there barring certain others, she thought. Max snook down to the first floor which also held cells. The evidence locker was not even guarded, and Mei opened the door to see two passed out officers clearly clocked out on drugs.
"This shit is why Triad don't sell drugs." Mei said seeing the cocaine on the goons' faces.
Charlotte and Max, however, were more interested in the motherlode of loot. So much cash, drugs, and heavy weaponry. However, there was a staff that got Mei's attention. Charlotte was not a staff expert, but the way Mei ignored the money for it got her attention.
"What's so special this thing?" Charlotte asked.
"It is a legendary weapon, one of the Fangs of the Dragon. Your boss has Gunshin, the Sword of War. This one is Inazuma, a sansetsukon that commands lighting from above." Mei said seriously. "This staff is worth far more than money."
Max was skeptical until Mei demonstrated it's over by vaporizing a massive hole in wall leading to outside.
"So, out of morbid curiosity, what can Gunshin do?" Max said fearful.
"Shoots fire." Mei said as Charlotte called in to Taeko.
After a quick call, a giddy Charlotte got off the phone.
"The boss said we can have as much as we can carry. And for Mei to take the money promised to the Triad in the pile. He's on the way over to get the rest." Charlotte said as she liberated a duffel bag full of drugs in favor of the money.
Max made sure to secure 30k for herself and Mei had two duffel bags stuffed with cash before Taeko arrived from the safehouse he went to raid. He had found 300,000 gold among other things of value, but his jaw fell when he came up to the hole in the wall. The Game counted up how much. 4 million gold, nearly 100 bags of [Cocaine], and 100 [Gold Bars].
"Cinderella, go back to the car. Mei, Max, and Charlotte, raid the armory and make sure there's no one else in the building. I'll deal with all this." Taeko said as they left. "And in the [Inventory] you go."
He gleefully returned to the car as Max called for instructions to which the boss had a few. Kill the power and slash the tires of any police cars there. By the time, a cop decided to head to the station to check on things…the station was out of power, the cars were ruined, and the coked-out cops were waking up to penises drawn on their faces.
"Well, we could go back to Buford and tell them we screwed up…or we get the hell out of here. Make it look we tried to whoever did this." The cokehead suggested. "I got a bit of money stashed. We go to Gran Paradiso and hide."
The other two agreed knowing if the money was taken, the gang was a sinking ship. All this bought the Shadow Yakuza more time as they were on their way to Redberry.
"Not much in guards. How long until they're on red alert?" Taeko said back in his car.
"Not much longer. Plan?" Mei asked.
"I need to raid the apartment." Taeko remarked. "I'll go in alone. Everyone else ready for our party at the farm."
Taeko drove in following the mini-map to the complex. He got out to see the complex was deserted. He sensed no one around the complex either.
"Wow, so these dumbasses left no one to guard their boss's apartment…or do they even he had one here?" Taeko said to himself before opening the door and going in.
Much to his dismay, it seemed the apartment was more of a crash pad not really having anything of value. He left calling to his friends and was on way back to the car only to see two Red County Gang goons eyeing his car and on the phone.
"Yeah boss, it's a black Banshee parked right in front of the complex." The first goon said. "The same one Cinderella was riding in in Grapeseed. The driver? Windows were tinted…nobody saw who driving."
CLICK!
The two looked to see Taeko aiming at them with the [Minigun] before the bullets were the last thing they heard. He put the gun away bitter that Pennsatucky was not there and he promptly crushed the phone under his heel before getting in the car.
"Shit!" Taeko snarled starting the car to get on the line. "We've commencing the attack, NOW."
He drove off.
"Cover blown?" Mei asked.
"Yes, two fucks discovered my car. I killed them but their phone caught the sound of gunfire. Worse case is they think Cinderella's turned traitor." Taeko said racing down the street.
"Good thing we disabled their stronghold meaning we have to worry about less guys coming to aid." Abigail remarked.
"There's still the officers we left behind." Ling remarked.
"We'll deal with them soon enough!" Taeko said as they were arriving at Redberry Acres.
As they arrive, Pennsatucky had already flew the coop in her car expecting that her people could handle them. She and her trusted friends would wait it outside of Red County, she thought. Taeko wasted no time making his presence known by using the [Rocket Launcher] to blow open the doors to the farmhouse as his team opened fire. Ultimately, Buford's pulling of the forces made this a bit less difficult than it should be. Taeko fired more rockets blowing up vehicles and parts of the building. Abigail channeled her more destructive spells before Taeko gave the order for them all to stop.
"I'm going in on my own." Taeko said.
"I'm coming with you." Cinderella said cocking her [Carbine Rifle]. "No ifs, ands, or buts."
"Looks like Buford found out about the station." Max roared.
"Go and deal with them!" Taeko said as his forces made a move on. "Cindy, let's end this!"
Using their cars to bash through the barriers, the two hopped on guns drawn.
"You damn negro! You won't take our meth!"
"I'm half black, you bigoted shit!" Taeko said firing a shotgun round into the redneck.
Cinderella put her practice with firearms to good use taking out as many as he could. Using his [Magnetic Field Generator Mk.2], he formed an energy field on Cinderella. He ended getting shot with a few rounds but swapped to the [Minigun] using to wipe out all he saw. CLICK!
"Shit." Taeko said realizing he was out of bullets. "Of course, it's out."
"HA! You're…"
So, he hurled the gun at the last guy, the overheating and heavy gun. He sensed no one else and asked Cinderella of where the money was hidden. She led her to the vault to which she opened.
"Huh, I was expecting more money. It's just 400,000. That's enough to fund a meth lab?" Taeko asked.
"No, it looks like someone's been skimming funds." Cinderella said as Taeko sensed more incoming. "Taeko?"
"We need to go!" Taeko said taking the cash into his [Inventory]. "Get to the car. I'm going to plant some bombs."
The two ran out as slapped all his [Sticky Bombs] on electrical outlets, equipment, and on the emergency doors. He spilled out his [Grenades] before getting one [Molotov Cocktail]. He revved his car up and toss the bottle out of the window as him and Cinderella drove away from a massive explosion.
"What's the status?" Taeko asked getting on the side.
"Holy shit, Taeko! I could see that cloud from all the way here. Most of those Red gangsters and cops bolted the moment they heard the meth lab was attacked and the rest left when it exploded.
"Good, you guys start clearing out back to base. Cinderella will join you…I'm finishing this one solo." Taeko said before eating a [Purple Mushroom] to heal.
"Roger." Maru remarked. "We're using the road into the next county over before swinging into Zuzu."
Taeko relayed that to Cinderella who went ahead as Taeko sped over to the road where the last of the faction was coming. They came to a stop as Buford came out. The cop was about to speak only to get a knife thrown into his shoulder.
"I don't know how you expect to win where we're all armed." Buford said tearing the blade out. "What do you got?"
[Rocket Launcher] got them to scramble like roaches. The ones too slow got blown up with their police cars.
"Damn it, that was my last rocket." Taeko said as it vanished from his [Inventory].
He used [Flashbangs] to mask himself in the darkness to slash through rednecks with his swords. He was surprised to see Buford draw a saber.
"You killed my son!" He roared as they clashed swords.
"Actually, I did not." Taeko said as they crossed swords. "Not bad for a redneck."
"Not bad for a hood rat!" Buford said as they jumped back from an exploding car.
"Hood rat? I never even lived in the hood my whole life…and you're living in the rural boonies." Taeko said fluffing his suit.
CLICK! The two cocked to someone with a [Automatic 9mm] out and aimed, someone the two recognized for different reason.
"Meg! Shoot this asshole!" Buford wheezed.
"Ironic…" Taeko thought using [Observe]. "A mirror counterpart…no Stewie or Brian. Oh well…"
Megan looked at the two and asked a simple question.
"How much would I get paid to shoot the other?"
"How much do you get paid regularly?" Taeko asked.
"Zilch. My bastard of a father milks me for ideas to be the made man he doesn't deserve to be and holds onto my money." Megan said.
"It's for the good of the gang, woman. Now shoot him." Buford roared.
"Well, seeing that he's about to die, I did have a hand in most the leaders dying. So…how about I get rid of your father and 50,000 Gold?" Taeko offered.
BLAM! Buford's brains were all over the pavement.
"Actually, you already did that." Megan said pointing out her father's corpse.
Taeko paid her from his own money, and the two put away their weapons. She did ask him why.
"Can't say, Megan. If it helps, the Shadow Yakuza saw fit to get rid of a problematic gang." Taeko said going to his car.
"Wait, Yakuza? But you're…I guess I'm assuming your half-Asian." Megan said awkwardly.
"Yeah, I am. But you don't have to be Japanese to join. Look, here's some free advice. This gang is history…soon to probably be under new and better leadership from the outside. Of course, you could always leave Red County…nothing to hold you back." Taeko said before driving away.
Megan thought on it as she climbed on her [Sanchez] driving in the other direction. She needed to make it look like she fought, at least. It was a quiet and fast drive back to Grapeseed to get into the house. He found a dozen [Gold Bars] and a few important documents. Taeko had left Red County feeling on top of things as he called Velma.
"V, give me a status. I'm on my way back." Taeko mused.
"Cinderella and Morton are readying to get on the night train to Gran Fiero, they want to pick up something there before they fly out from that. Other than that, we're waiting for you. Mission accomplished?" Velma mused back.
"Mission accomplished." Taeko said.
[Quest Complete]
[GTAZ Mission: Misty Weather (Part 4.333)]
So, you saved Cinderella and her nephew, it's time to help them get the means to leave this town for good.
Objectives: Go with Cinderella to [Red County]. -Complete-
Ensure the collection of her and her nephew's important documents. -Completed-
Steal at least 5 'assets' from the dead Marty -Completed-
Secure means to get them out of the country. -Completed-
Ensure Cinderella and Morton leave alive. -Completed-
Bonus Objective: Steal all of Marty's 'assets'. -Completed-
Destroy the major meth lab in [Redberry Acres]. -Completed-
Requirements: Has to be completed tonight. [Cinderella is required to come with you and has to survive the entire mission.]
Quest Reward: 50000 Gold, Red County Gang weakened, +Respect with Triads, +Karma, Marty's Safehouses and Assets are now yours
Bonus Objectives Reward: Red County Gang crippled, Further Story Divergence, [Shadow Yakuza can take over Red County after completion of the Misty Weather arc]
"Even got my 50k back." Taeko said.
"Good work on getting the RCG crippled." Kyu said telepathically. "Don't worry about the damages, I'll deal with that."
Taeko nodded. He arrived back at the Bluffs to park the car in headquarters' garage before going in to see his crew had prepared a [Pizza] party. He handed off the important documents, flash drive, and so on to Velma to handle before adding in another task. Then came the dividing of the money.
"I will not need a cut. Neither does Charlotte and Max given the circumstance." Mei wisely pointed out before leaving with a pizza box. "Good work, kid. You make for a decent leader."
"Ok, I've calculated it. 35% for the boss, 20% to be divided between me and the underbosses, and 10% to all those who actively took part in the mission. The rest is to go to company expenses." Velma said.
Taeko got 1,750,000 Gold gained which was not a bad haul. The underbosses (and Velma) got 216,000 Gold each with Taeko putting that extra 2k for Velma to have. The active combatants (save for Max and Charlotte, included Cinderella) got a cut of 26,000 Gold each. Of course, excluded the rescue team, the lot had money and other things taken from their defeated enemies to add to their hauls. The leftover 2,340,000 was stored away as Velma cited, she had a long night of work on the task and consolidating business.
The party was fun, but it was getting far too late.
"Thanks again for everything. I don't really need the car, so could something drop us to the airport?" Cinderella asked.
"I'll do it." Maria said. "I could use the free sports car."
Taeko shoved the pilfered drugs in the [Safe] along with the [Combat Shotgun] and [Flamethrower]. He soon took his leave along with the others heading for home. Taeko, Abigail, Penny, Maru, Leah, and Shane all stood with wistful looks.
"I can't believe we did it. We took down a gang…our ragtag group." Abigail said before joking. "One hell of a story when we pass the blunt."
"And if I pay my cards right, Red County will be Shadow Yakuza turf." Taeko said high-fiving Shane. "Which means some businesses could expand."
"Honestly, it would be good for the Ranch to expand to RC, but I'd need to hire staff if I want to think about that. Or see if there are people in need of butchery." Shane remarked.
"Even if I wasn't in the fighting, what happened was a rush." Maru admitted. "A shame, Seb ain't here. Thanks for the ride back, Penny."
"Maybe next time, I should take part. You made more money than I make in a season. Leah, in a year. Speaking of…Leah, what are you doing with your cut?" Penny asked.
"Upgrading my home for one. I have been living a bit too spartan…and start putting some towards my business. I even have a name for it now, Sniper Shots." Leah said as everyone talked. "Taeko, what of you?"
"Well, I'll keep using it on funding my business. I've even traded in my [Infiniti G35] for an [Consegetti (Armored)]. We're moving up in the world." Taeko remarked proudly. "Good night, guys."
He headed home with his pets. He tossed 74 of the ill-gotten [Gold Bars] in the selling bin before inside to unload his [Inventory]. He went to the shed to get the goods. The [Mango] and [Banana] wines went into the shed chest, the [Mead] he'd put in the fridge for himself. The products for Chen were packaged and put in the selling bin. He put in the jellies made in the box for Chen. The [Mayo] was put in the selling bin as well. The furnaces were cleared with the bars stored away, and the syrups and honeys were put in the selling bin. He loaded up the [Kegs] (save for Chen's), the [Preserves Jar], and the [Mayo Machine] before lumbering to bed. As Taeko slipped off to slumber, things were going on back in the city.
|Zuzu City|
[With Max]
Max was in a good mood, given the success. She was embarrassed to admit to herself she reveled in the praise from the boss. And then came Chloe wanting to offer her a private celebration at time. A time ago, she would have all down for it, but now…she gave a firm no and went home to her apartment. But then Chloe called…Max reluctantly answered. There was the begging again.
"Please, Max." Chloe pleaded.
"Chloe, why would I come back? Because of what you want? Considering you blew up at me accusing me of sleeping with the boss to get on his good side!" Max snapped. "You know what? Maybe I'll go fuck him because he won't be a selfish asshole like you. It's over!"
She hung up.
[With Gloria and the other Zorras]
"Ok, can we just say that Taeko's a great boss?" Maria said.
"Jesus, you're really kissing his ass." Bianca snarked.
Maria blushed at that mostly Bianca was not too far off.
"Regardless, what are you going to do with your cuts?" Flaca asked.
Gloria rolled her eyes. The Zorras were at Mendoza Bodega helping with a cleanup. She had no intent to tell them. Aleida wanted to use her cut to go shopping, and Daya did not bother to remind her of the debt they owe. Bianca and Diablo were considering going on holiday to Gran Paradiso.
[With Charlotte]
Charlotte was about to go to bed only to check her phone. She had off during the mission and turned it on to a bombardment of missed calls and voicemails…from her mother. This surprised her as…her mother had not called her at all. Had not contacted at all since she was thrown out. Charlotte listened to the voicemails, and she realized why she sounded frantic. Apparently, while she was in Red County, the gang fighting spread across the city. She was worried about her and that surprised Charlotte.
The fact she was pleading for Charlotte to call. Charlotte really was in no mood to call…she was drained. She did text her…before passing out on the bed.
[With the Triads]
At the Triad headquarters, Mei was in an office in a video call with Woozie detailing what happened.
"Excellent, the Red County Gang is functionally crippled. I assume the Shadow Yakuza will move for a takeover. If Taeko does this, he'll step at a formidable company. Given he has the advantage of mostly legal businesses. Red County will need a new police force. We can get a few of our guys in there." Woozie said with a chuckle.
"If anything, the timing is good. Summer is racing season and the gang brawling goes down for the time being." Mei said twirling her staff.
"Quite, he'll have to get rid of the twins and consolidate Red County. With him in Red County, we got a buffer zone, and the Triad can move to on ridding the Sauseubeam." Woozie said excitedly.
"How was business in the home country?" She asked.
"Well, aside from our government being the nightmare that it is, just fine. If anything, it'll make what I will bring for him from home a matter of breaking even." Woozie said with a chuckle. "And I'll let you keep the staff."
"Not like you were going to take it from me." Mei sniped. "Mei out."
[With the Mazodu Twins]
To say Ryan was pissed was the understatement of the season, but him punching his twin hard enough to leave a clear bruise on her jaw made it clear he was angry. She asked what that was for.
"Your plan to screw the RCG over backfired!" Ryan roared.
"So, Marty's dead. So is his family…our girl can take over." Myne said rubbing her face.
"No, numbnuts. Cinderella is alive and she helped lead a gang to attack Red County. Most, if not, all the captains, and people worth a shit are dead! The meth lab is a smoking wreck, and their forces were not only crippled, but robbed of every cent!" Ryan listed. "And our girl on the inside was calling for help…from her motel room in Gran Fiero!"
Myne's face lost all smugness as she went ghost white.
"And with the fighting in the city didn't help…especially with the matter that you tipped off the police and the other major gangs in the city about the deal!" Ryan bellowed. "Your arrogance cost us our ally and the money we sank into it!"
"I didn't tell the Triads…or that new Yakuza group…or…that wannabe Brotherhood of Evil Mutants groups." Myne remarked.
"Wait, there's a Yakuza now?" Ryan said missing the last one.
"Yeah, a small group…more like a vigilante group. They have a few scraps with other gangs but zzkeep to their turf. They're mostly warring with Sauseubeam. No drug running like the Triads, more into protection and street racing. I considered offering an alliance, but I decided against it." Myne said. "Leader's a monster hunter apparently."
Ryan punched her again.
"We could have had that for a powerful ally, you brain-dead moron! We can't even go after them after what happened! No gang is going to want to go near us and we're probably going to get investigated by the police!" Ryan screamed in panic.
"Oh please, the cops will just investigate them to see if it was them who gave the rumors." Myne retorted regained her smugness.
"Two simple issues with logic. How would either one known about the deal? The Yakuza is too green to get information and we've never had a Triad customer. The other people who know the intimates were you and me." Ryan said flustered. "I had a golden goose of a plan and your hastiness ruined it!"
Ryan left the room thinking of that call and the mention of the Yakuza had an idea. The walls were closing in. He did not want to die…and he realized it was time to cut his losses. He called up a friend to confirm something…and when he got it, he went for his [SNS Pistol].
"Hey Myne, I want to just say I'm sorry and…" Ryan said.
"And wha-"
He shot her in the throat.
"…that I wash my hands of you." Ryan said before finishing her off.
He promptly shoved her body in a cooler before filling it with ice. He had also begun to pack his bags…he had a few jobs to give come tomorrow.
[STATS]
Taeko Kiba Maelstrom
Occupation: Farmer/Oyabun
Age: 20 years
HP: 970/970
Energy: 900/900
Overall Level: Planter
Farming Skill Level: 6
Mining Skill Level: 5
Foraging Skill Level: 10
Fishing Skill Level: 6
Combat Skill Level: 10
Gold: 4071749
Taeko is a former employee of the corrupt Joja Corporation. Screwing it over, he got away with it free to chase his dreams and ambitions. An anti-hero and a roughneck, he's shown the town he's no pushover. Running Shadow Farm, the ronin is thrusted into plenty of strange happenings within the valley. Pushing ahead, he's formed the mysterious syndicate, Stardew Shadows, to further his business with his own gang of yakuza. Among his favorite foods are pepperoni pizza and pancakes. His favorite gifts tend to center around gaming, manga, and combat. His least favorite food is sea cucumber as he can only tolerate it in Lucky Lunches as he recently discovered.
[Taeko's Perks]
The Gamer's Mind – Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through. Allows peaceful state of Mind. Immunity to Psychological Mass Effect and Hypnotism.
The Gamer's Body – Grants the user a body to live life like a video game, Immunity to Physical Damage, but not the pain. Sleeping in a bed fully restores HP/Energy, Sleeping in a tent restores HP/Energy by 75% of total amount, and sleeping on an improvised surface (a couch, the ground) restores HP/Energy by 50% of maximum amount.
Made of Iron – You can survive your HP going down to zero, and you only need four hours and ten minutes of sleep to function perfectly. (Downside, you have to bed before 2 A.M. or else you pass out.)
Fighter – All attacks deal 10% more damage. (+15 HP) (Augmented by Anasatsuken fighting style)
Brute – Damage is increased by 15% (Frozen until further noticed)
Gatherer - Chance for double harvest of foraged items. (20% chance of double harvest)
Botanist - Foraged items are always highest quality. (All foragables found will be of iridum quality.)
Geologist - Chance for gems to appear in pairs. (50% chance per Node. Also applies to geodes spawned from breaking rocks.)
Fisher – Fish are worth 25% more.
Tiller – Crops worth 10% more.
Matters of the Mind - Gamer's Mind has expanded your mind to where you can perform new feats. (Access to learning telekinetic abilities)
Friend to all Children - You are considered a great person for kids to look up to. (This perk can have children more likely to trust you and see you as a role model. It can attract "MILF"s and make it easier to befriend motherly people.)
Fruitful Multiplying - Leah lends you support! Forage finding are doubled when you forage, and the growth of fruit trees are halved (V-Card Boost Doubles the multiplier).
Booze Boss - Pam lends you support! You have the ultimate tolerance. No Tipsy effect from drinking liquor. Any liquor you make is automatically silver quality. Double all sales of liquor.
Creative Craftsman - Maru lends you support! Crafting objects will now only require half the materials, and time needed to create or gather artisan products (kegs, cheese press, tappers, etc.) will be cut by 69%. (Lol!– Kyu) Tappers and Bee Houses now only need one day and will produce three a day.
Swordman's Soul - Abigail lends you support! It is now easier to learn and teach sword techniques via observation or getting lessons. Regular attacks using a sword will not take up energy, and energy sword attacks' cost is halved.
Dwarfish Dialogue – You can now speak and understand Dwarfish languages. For convenience, you'll automatically be able to swap in and out of doing so on a dime.
[Items Equipped]
[No change]
[Relationships]
[No significant changes.]
[Status of the Farmland]
[Column 1]
Row 1) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 2) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 3) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 4) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 5) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 6) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 7) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 8) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 9) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 10) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 11) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 12) Coffee Bean (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 3/10) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
[Column 2]
Row 4) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 8/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 5) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 9/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 6) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 9/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 7) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 8/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 8) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 8/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 9) Beans (Basic Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 25/10) (Will Produce More Every 3 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 10) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 8/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 11) *Beans (Basic Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 23/10) (Will Produce More Every 3 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 12) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 8/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
[Column 3]
Row 1) Beans (Basic Retaining Soil) (Days in the Soil: 23/10) (Will Produce More Every 3 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 2) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 14/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 3) Beans (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 22/9) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days after it's Fully Grown)
Row 4) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 14/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 5) *Beans (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 23/9) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 6) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 15/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 7) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 12/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 8) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 14/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
Row 9) Ancient Fruit (Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 8/25) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown)
[Column 4]
Row 6) *Ancient Fruit (Basic Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 43/28) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown) *T*
Row 7) *Ancient Fruit (Basic Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 43/28) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown) *T*
Row 8) *Ancient Fruit (Basic Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 43/28) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown) *T*
Row 9) *Ancient Fruit (Basic Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 43/28) (Will Produce More Every 7 Days after its Fully Grown) *T*
[Column 5]
Row 1) *Coffee Bean (Deluxe Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 7/7) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 2) *Coffee Bean (Deluxe Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 7/7) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 3) *Coffee Bean (Deluxe Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 7/7) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 4) *Coffee Bean (Deluxe Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 7/7) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
Row 5) *Coffee Bean (Deluxe Speed-Gro) (Days in the Soil: 7/7) (Will Produce More Every 2 Days)
[Column 6]
Row 4) Tap Sapling (Days in the Soil: 6/20, Will Produce Every Day After Fully Grown)
Row 5) Tap Sapling (Days in the Soil: 6/20, Will Produce Every Day After Fully Grown)
Row 6) Spring Seeds (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 6/7)
Row 7) Spring Seeds (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 6/7)
Row 8) Spring Seeds (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 6/7)
Row 9) Spring Seeds (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 6/7)
Row 10) Spring Seeds (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 6/7)
Row 11) Spring Seeds (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 6/7)
Row 12) Spring Seeds (Quality Fertilizer) (Days in the Soil: 6/7)
[Flower Box]
Slot 1) Blue Jazz (Days in the Soil: 7/7)
Slot 2) Blue Jazz (Days in the Soil: 7/7)
Slot 3) Blue Jazz (Days in the Soil: 7/7)
Slot 4) Blue Jazz (Days in the Soil: 7/7)
(Day 24 Total Profits: 87,961 Gold + (Gold Gained from Bus Profits: 500) = 88,461 Gold)
(Shadow Farm's Total Profits (This adds all the money made by the end of each day): 1,651,257 Gold)
[Status of the Pets – No change, so skip]
[SAVING GAME]
….
[GAME SAVED!]
(A/N: And we end Day 24's three parter. Myne dying is a bit of an interesting case, as depending on how bad the Red County fallout would have been…would have her fate altered. If all the assets were not stolen, Myne would have called Taeko with the job to get them. Taeko would have done so, but betrayed Myne citing that another group paid him double for the same time. He would betray her citing payback for the drug deal and kill her…which would lead to Ryan's death. Now with the divergence comes with an option to decide to whether to spare or kill Ryan. What should Taeko do? A little tidbit, I'm changing a detail about Diablo, a tiny detail to at least make him more sympathetic and now make him less of a demon magnet.)
(Remastered A/N: I forgot that I had Myne here. I think I did her far better in TWG, because realistically she'd make for a terrible gang boss.)