The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Summer)
Chapter 35: Staunton Strut
Monday, the 8th of Summer, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
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Taeko woke up to Maru sleeping in his bed with him as he woke up.
"Five more minutes…" Maru groaned.
"Maru, you came home late." Taeko said gently.
"Busy." She mumbled before slipping back into sleep.
He simply carried her to her room to sleep before going to the kitchen to get some breakfast. Elly May had it already cooked so he simply ate as Abigail joined him.
"Well my parents are back so we can go to Yelenhelm." Abigail said excitedly. "But we should take some more of the mines first."
"Agreed. We can go to the mines…say evening time." Taeko said. "6:30 sounds good?"
"I can work with that. We had a busy day…" Abigail said. "But I can't help but wonder if there's something I can do to help before I help my parents."
"Well, you could take Tom and Logan for a walk." Taeko suggested before finishing his breakfast. "Either way, I'll check on today's haul."
Today's haul consisted of twenty-four [Hot Peppers], twelve [Blueberries], six [Tea Leaves], ten [Pineapples], two [Mangoes], fifteen bunches of [Grapes], fifteen bunches of [Strawberries], two [Ancient Fruits], ten helpings of [Hops], a [Yam], twenty [Peaches], eight [Tomatoes], twenty [Oranges], twenty-one jars of [Poppy Honey], fifty-four jars of [Sunflower Honey], six jars of [Summer Spangle Honey], a dozen [Large Eggs] (both brown and white), fourteen jugs of [Large Milk], and ten jugs of [Large Goat Milk].
The tapped stuff was already stored away. He had plenty of [Maple Syrup] than he really needed. He stored away everything but the lone [Yam] to keep on hand and the jars of [Sunflower Honey] to toss into the [Selling Bin]. He went straight to the community center to add an [Eggplant] and a [Yam] to the [Fall Crops Bundle]. It hit him how close he was to completing the bundles overall. Just a few more days. He absentmindedly ate the other [Eggplant] as he left.
He sauntered into town to see Pam's new home was finally complete. He admired Robin's handiwork, but decided to leave without visiting Pam. Taeko went back home to check his mail and found the check from Red County's shops.
BUZZ! BUZZ!
Taeko looked at his phone to see a text from Vernal to see her at the usual place. He returned home going to get out of his pajamas and shower. Taeko settled on wearing a simple black tank top under a gray flight jacket, black leather pants, black biker boots, his usual fingerless gloves, a gold Cuban chain, and a pair of green rimmed aviators. He was off to Yelenhelm after using Pamela's [Fast Travel] to get straight to the park. He went to the bathrooms.
[Staunton Saga - A Lack of Arms]
"I'm in the stall. Sorry…I'm not exactly feeling 100% now…ugh." Vernal said as her stomach grumbled. "Fucking dollar store burrito."
"Ok, what do you want?" Taeko asked.
"I have a couple concerns about the Chief of Police…Makima Kusunoki. She was supposed to actually greet you given you're basically in charge of Beatitudo and as a Marquess now…you're essentially her boss now."
"What can you tell me about her?" Taeko asked with a bit of concern.
"She's a control freak, and before you came along…she practically controlled Beatitudo. Now that I think about it, I don't think she realized what you've been up to…or that you've shoved out several gangs. But that doesn't matter…I got an old friend, we used to work in a PMC together briefly. Some hoods from Burnside came and roughed her up yesterday. I think they were on Makima's orders…but I can't prove it." Vernal said. "I promised him I'd get her backup. Head down to Rockford. Tyler will be waiting."
"Aight, I'm on it." Taeko said before he left.
Worry was on Vernal's face considering Makima. If anything, Vernal wondered if Taeko was crazy about all the luck. Makima had basically seen Taeko as a nobody, a placeholder. If anything after meeting Taeko himself and talking to his cohorts, Makima couldn't be more wrong.
"I don't even think she realizes he got promoted…not that noble news is big here." Vernal said to herself.
She had to play smart as she didn't want Makima onto her…or Taeko. While Vernal was contemplating, Taeko had gone to his hidden apartment for his [Sanchez] to head out while wearing his motorcycle helmet. What surprised him wasn't the army surplus place, but who was running it. Tyler Cutebiker. Ironically, he would fit as an elf and looked a bit capable even with the bandages on his face.
"Vernal phoned ahead, said you were capable. Still, I can't believe she left me without proper cover again! Well, four arms are better than two, so grab whatever you need. Those hoods will be here any minute!" Tyler said as Taeko looked around.
He managed to get some ammo before his map alerted him they were coming.
"Looks like they're here…I'll give them a warm welcome." Taeko said getting back on the helmet.
Given there was only one way to get into the place, Taeko ambushed them with his [AR-50]'s grenade launcher, blowing up one of their vans. However, Taeko realized the fight wasn't going to be easy when he saw Purple Nines came both well-armed and with body armor.
"Either they stole it or they bought it off the cops…" Taeko thought, diving for cover from shotgun, SMG, and Ak fire. "
It had been a while, but he got out the [Magnetic Field Generator Mk.2] generating an energy bubble around himself only to see grenades rolling down. With telekinesis, he 'threw' them into the air to explode, using the cover to come out and throw several Molotovs. Flames would get into the vans they were using as bulletproof shields before exploding one by one. He wasted no time firing, making sure to aim for the head when he could. However, he ended up getting hit by minigun fire that shredded his shield and some of his health before he got to cover.
[Current HP: 3024/3524]
"Ok, those bullets were laced." Taeko grumbled before stuffing a [Maple Bar] and a [Triple Shot Espresso].
He could hear the mook trying to reload, and Taeko took the chance to run out. He beaned her in the face with a bottle of his wine before using two Molotovs to light her ablaze. The smell of Azorium in the air as Taeko fired out the rest of his bombs through his [AR-50] leaving nothing but scorch marks and smoke.
"Holy shit, you're worth your weight and thensome." Tyler said, sniping the last mook in the head. "If you need any firepower, just drop by and take what you need from the lockers. Leave the cash under the bench. Now get outta here, I'll handle the cops.
Taeko's last objective was to clear the area and he took off on his [Sanchez]. The cops that were coming had missed him. Tyler groused to see who it was coming down from the cop car. A rather chubby dark skinned drow of average height was medium-length golden blonde hair, with the top being tied into a ponytail that sticks up at the top of her head. She wore a fancy blue sports coat to benefit her blouse, matching tie, blue slacks, and heels.
"I'm surprised you're ali-" She caught herself before saying that she was glad to see that an innocent wasn't hurt.
Tyler didn't buy it as he knew who Dijonay Jones was…far from being an honest cop. He knew the only reason she wasn't going to arrest him was because it was a clear case of self-defense. Tyler walked back to his business, not surprised at all. He was basically dealing with one of Makima's personal cronies. He knew now that Makima had him in her sights.
[Mission Complete! +10,000 Gold, +Access to Tyler's Army Surplus]
Taeko smirked at the notification as he left Rockford…decided to take a break at his hidden apartment for a bit. Dijonay would return to the Staunton Island Police Headquarters, a luxurious high rise that could be said to be the headquarters for all of the police of Beatitudo. Of course, she was greeted with respect being a captain. One of Makima's Elite, who had their own meeting room and wing to do business. On her way, she'd run into her fellow captain, Vicky Flannigan. In comparison, it was night and day. Vicky was far paler with dark pastel red hair that was tied to a lone ponytail, pink eyes, pink lipstick, and a shapely but fit body befitting someone who came from a military family.
The two disliked each other immensely for several reasons but before they could argue…they were interrupted by the muscle of the group. She was a tall, tan skinned woman with sharp features and short dark green partially spiked hair, beige eyes and tattoos on her nose and forehead. Deputy Chief Johanna towered over the two and didn't look pleased.
"Come." She said as they followed behind her.
"Remind me why Tad Strange was chosen over me being commander?" Dijonay sniped.
"Because he's not a chunky slob." Johanna said dryly. "Because he's competent at the job…and while he's a little boring…he can do the job and not be caught scarfing donuts all the time."
To the group, Tad looked generic as they came when it came to elven men, only with dark hair instead of blonde. Ironically, his milquetoast vibe actually made him appealing given he was rather approachable. Something that kept attention off Makima and Assistant Chief Mirage herself. Dijonay would never admit it, but she was jealous of both of their looks.
Mirage was nothing short of a model being a tall, slim, tan-skinned elf with mid-length platinum-blonde hair that has bangs swept to the left side, and has green eyes. Makima's average build and mere marginally above average height didn't offset her look. She had long light red kept in a loose braid with bangs reaching just past her eyebrows and two longer side bangs that framed her face. Her eyes were a piercing yellow.
"Dijonay, what happened with Cutebiker?" Makima asked as Dijonay gulped.
"He managed to fend them off. Maybe he had help…he has an association with Vernal Springs." Dijonay said.
Her tried and true tactic in saving herself, throwing others under the bus. Ironically, it was one of the few times it was justified. Vernal would enter the room with a bag of pastries and a tray of coffee.
"Tad, I got that stuff you asked for." Vernal said.
"I don't think she was involved. She had requested the food run to cover for another officer." Tad said taking the food because paying her.
Makima's eyes were on Vernal. The detective stiffened as the chief approached her.
"Detective Springs, you wouldn't have happened to tip Cutebiker off would you?" Makima asked sternly.
"No, of course not." Vernal said defensively.
"So your phone records won't reveal you to be a liar?" Makima said sternly.
"It won't." Vernal said. "Now can I go please?"
"Dismissed." Makima said as Vernal left.
She turned to Dijonay.
"Keep an eye on her." Makima said.
~MoS:SY1~
A pleased Chi-Chi was in the shower after a romp Taeko to relax him. He was getting dressed before he got a phone call, one from Vernal. Answering it had automatically started his next mission.
[Staunton Saga - Set Up for a Snitch]
"Yeah, Makima's onto me…I'm risking it even calling you." Vernal said.
"Actually my cell phone can't be tracked unless I let out a beacon. It can't be tapped either." Taeko said.
"Oh! That's a relief. Look, I'm being tailed by one of her cronies. Lt. Dijonay Jones." Vernal grumbled.
Taeko balked at the idea of someone like her being a cop, but he realized she would easily be a chink in Makima's armor. So he
"Ok, calm down. Makima's corrupt, so she has to have a group of cronies. Tell me about them…as I come to you." Taeko said before leaving.
He drove off leaving in his [Shotaro].
"Makima's cronies is a bit of an understatement. Mirage is her Assistant Chief, she's not as sadistic as Makima. She's far more pragmatic and not one to get innocents murked if they don't need to be. Deputy Chief Johanna is their muscle. Tad's the commander. He's basic, but good at the job. The two lieutenants at the bottom of the group are Vicky Flannigan and Dijonay Jones. Vicky's sociopathic but less functioning."
"Functioning? Explain." Taeko asked.
"You'd never know she was a monster. The only reason I know is because I saw the real Makima. Vicky can act nice, but her nice act only works on morons. Most could tell she's faking being nice. Makima's considered a darling by the public and her fellow cops. The few cops who do know the real Makima are either dead, no longer cops, or like me…under the radar…until now. The only reason Vicky's not being fired for the shit she should be fired for is because of Makima. Makima's controlled, disciplined, and efficient. She's the chief for a reason. The other lieutenant…is…shit…following me." Vernal remarked, noticing Dijonay's car.
"I got an idea." Taeko said, looking at his next objective. "Lead her out of Staunton to Harwood in Portland. Namely near the tunnel for the abandoned railway."
Taeko would get to Portland first, stashing away his bike and using a [Mafia Sentinel] to get there via the abandoned tunnel. He was glad no homeless people were in the way as he stopped before getting to the other side. He lay wait in the dark as he could Vernal and Dijonay's car come up.
Vernal got out of the car to be confronted by Dijonay who was quick to have a gun in her face.
"Sorry detective, but you got answers to give." Dijonay said.
"I don't answer to you, you slob." Vernal said.
"She answers to me." Taeko said coming out of the dark tunnel.
He could see it, the color melted off Dijonay as the smug look in Vernal's face confirmed it.
"I think I'll be going now. I'm sure you and Marquess of Shadows have a lot to talk about." Vernal said, getting back in her car before driving off.
Dijonay had only seen him in a newspaper…to her, he was bigger in person. He offered her, far more than Makima could as she was only an inch or two taller.
"Mr. Maelstrom, I-"
"I know Makima's dirty, and quite frankly, she's an issue I need to have dealt with. But I have one question, why hasn't she even come after me?" He asked.
"Permission to be blunt, sir?" Dijonay asked as he granted it. "It's because your human…she didn't see you as a problem. She saw you as a novelty…Tad had offered to see if he could build a profile on you, but she told him not to waste time. Looking at you and this now…probably not the best idea."
"Oh definitely." Taeko said. "She probably would have gotten to me sooner if she had bothered."
"Wait, Marquess? I thought you were a Viscount." Dijonay said.
"I got promoted quite recently." Taeko said. "An announcement of it was in the news that day, I think. But that's not important. The issue of Makima is. I know you're in her circle."
"As a grunt…I'm not even privy to all the details." Dijonay said with a desparte smile on her face. "Look, Mr. Maelstrom…I don't want to go to jail…and I think I can offer a few things."
"Tempting. But you're also going to aid in dealing with Makima by being my inside woman into her group." Taeko said. "Any plans, any updates, I want to know."
"And what do I get out of it?" Dijonay said before catching herself. "I mean aside from jail…a girl needs cash to live after all. And if I'm helping you, I can't help Makima."
He knew she was just saying it to gain, but he was more than willing to take advantage if it meant an edge against Makima. He ultimately was given a choice by the game to intimidate or give in to Dijonay's whim. So he opted for the second knowing while she didn't deserve the money…she'd fall for the honey.
He coughed up fifty Gs in gold, something she eyed with hunger. He smirked as she took it.
"I don't think I need to remind you of the consequence of failing to deliver." Taeko said as she nodded. "Now there's someone I need you to look into. Tamako Kaneko."
"The prude? She's shown up at the station, always complaining about stupid shit. But she's been talking to Makima…always in her office away from prying eyes. She's been the reason we've been looking out for some bitch she was dealt with, Odalia Delite." Dijonay said before Taeko got her the collar. "Whoa!"
"Listen carefully, you're going to let Makima know that Vernal isn't an issue and keep the heat off her. Understood?" Taeko said as she nodded.
He let her go.
"You can go." Taeko said as Dijonay had left.
[Mission Complete! +25,000 Gold]
"Half my money, back…great." Taeko said to himself sarcastically as Vernal called him.
He answered to hear her ask about how it was worth.
"I paid her. I know I could have just intimidated her but I wanted to appeal to her greed." Taeko remarked.
"I get it. I still wish you hit the fat bitch, but oh well. I got the heat off of me and Makima's none the wiser. Either way, I talked to Minish and Rosaria…they got an idea on how we can take advantage of this. But I do get some advice concerning Odalia…you should get her out Beatitudo. Either to the other parts of Yelenhelm or the mainland…the further out of reach she is…the better for her. I have a feeling that efforts are going to ramp up."
Vernal hung up and he went immediately to go talk to Odalia.
"But I can't just leave, it would be cowardly." Odalia insisted.
"Look, I hate to say it, but it's not considering Kaneko is using her money to bribe the cops, especially Makima." Taeko said as Odalia went pale. "I hate the fact that everyone didn't think to tell me about her. And I'm thinking that's why the Succios dipped."
"Fuck! I should have figured she'd get her involved. Chief Makima's basically the one taxing the gangs." Odalia said as there was a knock at the door. "Shit…"
Taeko looked out a nearby window to see it was the police. He immediately had Odalia hide in the hidden room before going to the door to answer. When he had heard Vicky, he didn't expect to be the one from Fairly Odd Parents, but at this point, he realized Yelenhelm was basically a crossover island. He would say she's far more attractive here than she was on the show. She shoved past him calling out for Laozu.
"Ahem, I…"
"Would you kindly fuck off or maybe be useful and get Laozu. It's time for the tax."
"He left the country." Taeko said plainly.
"What?! He can't just leave!" Vicky snarled as she got out her phone.
She called him and to Taeko's surprise, he answered.
"Laozu, you sneaky fuck. Where are you?" Vicky snarled.
"Oh my god, you haven't realized I left? Oh this is rich…well, I'm on my honeymoon. Someplace far away and out of your reach. And you and your boss can't do this…I left my former home and businesses in the hands of someone you can't bully." Laozu said smugly. "And considering what I hear, he's always dealt with most of Portland's gangs."
"And who the fuck is-"
Taeko snatched Vicky's cell phone from her to put it on speaker.
"Hey Laozu." Taeko said.
"Taeko! Or should I call you, Marquis Maelstrom?" Laozu said as Vicky's eyes went wide. "You heard everything?"
"Enough. I think Vicky was going to apologize for the rudeness." Taeko said. "Laozu, enjoy your time. I suggest you block this number."
He hung the phone up looking down at Vicky. Despite her shapelier appearance, she was still rather short at 5'3" to have Vicky realize she let him shove her.
"Badge number." Taeko said darkly. "I want your badge number and the name of your supervisor. Unless you think you can intimidate me."
Vicky tried, but an uppercut that sent up flying off the stairs and into the hood of her police car made her immediately regret trying. He simply used her phone to get Makima's number using the house phone to call her.
"Chief Makima, speaking."
"Hello, this is Taeko Maelstrom. Marquess of Shadows, and I want to register a complaint about one of your officers. Vicky Flannigan. Yes, it's serious…serious enough I might have to consider calling the royal guard."
"Mr. Maelstrom, that won't be needed. I am sure this can be dealt with by outside interference. Where did this take place?" She asked before he gave the address. "I'll be on my way to attend to this matter personally."
She hung up to see that Cassidee arrived.
"Shit, I was too late to warn-"
"Don't worry about the bitch. I need you to take Delite out of here and to the farm. Have her stay with the Pop Pack…she needs a place off grid." Taeko said in a whisper to her.
She immediately made sure of it as Vicky was still out cold. Odalia would be escorted out before Makima would arrive. He could complement her choice in cars, a rather expensive red and silver Vapid [FMJ]. Taeko was surprised with Makima's appearance. She did not appear intimidating on the offset. Average build, a little above average height, easy on the eyes. She looked gentle and fit the voice. Frankly if he wasn't told or he didn't have [Observe], he admitted to himself he probably would have told of Makima as someone with a cruel bone in her body. She wore a white long-sleeved shirt, a holster, a black tie, black pants and brown shoes.
"Firstly, allow me to apologize for not introducing myself to you upon receiving your title, Count Maelstrom. I am Makima Kusunoki, Chief of Police in Beatitudo." Makima said with a humble bow.
"Lord. Actually. I got promoted to Marquess." Taeko said as Makima blinked as Vicky woke up rubbing her sore jaw. "But I'm complaining about that officer who had the nerve to cause a disturbance, break into my home without a warrant, assault me, and try to extort me."
Makima was taking in his appearance carefully. She did not expect him to be so big. Makima wasn't one to like being towered over unless she could control them. However, she noticed he was eyeing her…not to check her out…but rather warily.
"My apologies. That behavior is unacceptable…" Makima said as Vicky stiffened. "I noticed this house belonged to another."
"He moved. Left the country, and now I own the house." Taeko said as Makima raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me for a second to my lieutenant in private." Makima said before going down the stairs to Vicky.
"Vicky." Makima said in a sterner voice that got Vicky to shiver. "How did you let Laozu leave the country without me knowing?"
"I was on vacation for a week." Vicky said defensively. "Howzer was supposed to handle it…and she's dead. Apparently she got wiped out with the Diablos."
"What about the small triad pocket and the Corellis?" Makima said.
"Gutted. I think Laozu must have had all his enemies wiped out before leaving it to him." Vicky said.
"The clever bastard." Makima said before thinking. "Ok, I can't bribe him with money. I can't even have Vicky apologize because she can't sound apologetic at all. I couldn't even offer Vicky up for a sexual favor, not with what she's done to local prostitutes that I had to cover up."
She turned to Vicky who could tell Makima was very displeased about this whole incident.
"I'm going to deal with apologizing to Taeko. As for you, you're on desk duty for the rest of the season." Makima said coldly. "And you're doing it with your pay docked. And if I find you're in Portland at any point, I'll have you busted down to be a traffic cop. Understood?"
Vicky nodded as she was told to leave. Vicky grumbled, her mind forgetting that Taeko had tossed her into her police as she left. Makima would go up the stairs to return to Taeko.
"Allow me to assure you that you won't see Vicky in Portland again. I'll see to it that she'll be disciplined for it, I just want to ask if we can keep it off the books." Makima said, holding his hand. "I'd be more than willing to show my appreciation for it."
He caught on to that.
"Makima, I couldn't. You haven't wronged me at all." Taeko said, pretending to be bashful. "It would be impolite."
"But I insist…we don't exactly have a lot of men around. And I want you to feel as welcome as possible." Makima said kindly, taking his arm.
"It is tempting…but I couldn't." Taeko said. "I can't just have you throw yourself at me to protect some chump who probably won't appreciate it.."
She figured a sexual favor would entice him, on the other hand, she'd give to it that he was being completely respectful about this. Taeko inwardly snickered at the fact she thought she could throw herself at him thinking he'd bite. There were a lot of elves available to him, but she didn't need to know that. Makima was attractive, certainly up there, but he wasn't taking any chances with any DNA ending up in her hands. Makima sighed before giving him her number before leaving, insisting he called if he needed anything. As she called up Vicky before telling her she was being demoted.
He slumped on the steps, sitting on them to take a sigh of relief only to get a call from Dijonay.
"Taeko, you the man!" Dijonay said excitedly.
"For what?" He asked.
"You got Vicky demoted…which means I got a pay raise. You clearly set this up for me." Dijonay said as Taeko did not refute that. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to hold my end of the bargain."
She ended the call.
"I need a break." Taeko said.
[GAME PAUSED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO QUICK SAVE?]
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[GAME QUICKSAVED! Hurry back.]
(A/N: And here's the Makima Squad. I actually had to be pretty careful with how I wrote Makima, keeping her controlled personality. Although, I don't think I write her as evil as I initially had it in mind, which looking back is probably for the better. Dijonay was easy to write, and easy to manipulate. Choosing characters for scumbag cops was actually pretty difficult as I had to pick characters that while capable of evil, weren't ambitious enough to question Makima's leadership. But the Staunton story continues.)