Mean Streets - The Tough Times of Darrin McCoy

[Grognardsw]

"Yes, Agent Watson told me some about this cult," says Mr. Coue. "I am going to tap your inner consciousness now. Think back to that last memory...now break through it, reach in, swim to the bottom of your memory if you will..."

Archer, deep under the hypnosis, attempts this vague instruction. He is not consciously aware if he succeeds.

Then...

"Very good Mr. Archer. Now during that, I discovered an innate mental block, something your own mind erected as a defensive measure against an overwhelming situation. It was during your trip to Mt. Latmos in Turkey. Tell me about that, and in particular any difficult or tramatic occurence."

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

The hypnotized detective slurred, "No," and began to snap out of it.

[Grognardsw]

"No you say? I understand your reluctance, but to overcome the wall that blocks a clear mind and sound head we must confront our memories. Embrace them and in turn learn the truth."

[Inferno]

Sam Archer growled distantly, "...No, doc... tell me what Levoui did to me... that's all, dammit."

[Grognardsw]

"Go deeper Mr. Archer..."

"Be reassured, I have not detected tampering from The woman. But there is turbulence in your central id. You yourself are shielding it."

"I will bring you deeper..."

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

Archer wakes up. "...I... said... no, damn you."

The gruff gumshoe shakes it off and demands, "This is only about Levoui. Nothing else. I don't need my damn head shrunk. Now what did they do to me while I was unconscious? What the hell did you find out?!"

Archer tried to hold his blond hatchet head in both hands and couldn't.

[Grognardsw]

I'm not sure Archer would have this forceful will power under hypnosis. But roll a 1d100 to see degree.

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

1. All hard boiled detectives and irishmen hate psychoanalysis. Archer is both.
2. The hypnotist is here to ONLY find out what happened to Archer while held captive by Levoui and the cult, not go on a fishing expedition into his damn past.
3. The hypnotist seems to require Archer's complicity, requesting that he "go deeper" and "embrace them." Archer won't comply to these requests.
4. He's already been physically violated this week. He's not going to stand for mental violation.

Resist: [1d100] = 27

If Archer can, he'll sock this bastard in the jaw, growling, "I said, get the hell out of my goddamn head!"

Fist: (70%): [1d100] = 62 Damage: [2d4] = 4

[Grognardsw]

"I can see you are agitated and resistant Mr. Archer. You have a deep-rooted denial enmeshed in your id, which is best treated. But for now..." Mr. Cuoe claps three times and the private eye comes out of the hypnosis.

"Yes, Agent Watson told me some about this cult," says Mr. Coue. "I am going to tap your inner consciousness now. Think back to that last memory...now break through it, reach in, swim to the bottom of your memory if you will..."

Archer, deep under the hypnosis, attempts this vague instruction. He is not consciously aware if he succeeds.

"Now Mr. Archer, thank you for cooperating. I was able to determine that during the period of unconsciousness in the warehouse, between your last memory prior and first memory post, there were no other mesmeric interferences with your mind. The intervening time period was short, your bodily condition dire, and there were no hypnotic inducements while you were awake. That last point is also true during your conscious time in the warehouse. I believe you can be confident in your sole control of your conscious mind."

"That said, there was something several months ago that you have repressed to a remarkable degree. I'm not sure if you suspect, perhaps have vague dreams or fears? Anyway, I would advise you treat that for your longer term mental health."

"I will make my report to Agent Watson. I wish you luck in your continued investigations."

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

"Well that's a relief," grumbled Archer sarcastically.
"Have Watson call me. I'll need catching up.
"...And I want to see McCoy."

More painkillers, and booze if he can get it, for the convalescing cripple.

[Grognardsw]

Later that day Agent Watson calls.

"Glad to learn your mind is your own," he says, and listens to what Archer has to say.

"McCoy is being held town jail, and under guard."

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

Later that day Agent Watson calls.
"Glad to learn your mind is your own,"

"As much as any man," Archer said wryly.
"I'm busting out of stir. I need an update on the investigation. What's your New York team uncovered? And when can I interrogate McCoy?"

[Grognardsw]

Agent Mulder fills in Archer on the New York investigations.

"In Brooklyn, Agent Mulder reported the investigators are canvasing Chertovski's known locations and researching background before meeting him. The man seems far from a recluse and puts forth a reputable, if not eccentric, front. Connections have been made between businessman James Ford and the cult, most likely in a financing capacity. They are running down that lead. They are also following up on a book dealer in Manhattan who was in correspondence with Carcosa." (You can read the Undertows of Disbelief thread for more information.)

"You can interrogate McCoy as soon as you feel up to visiting the prison."

Archer realizes he'll need another few days of rest before hitting the streets. That afternoon he recives a phone call from his museum associate client.

"We're shocked and sorry for your injuries in the investigation. We appreciate your efforts and hope you can continue when you feel up to it. Our members who have recovered their artifacts from your efforts are most happy and appreciative. We all agree that the effort to stop this thieving ring altogether should continue, especially in light of its involvement in a larger criminal operation."

[Inferno]

(You can read the Undertows of Disbelief thread for more information.)

Thanks. This will take a while. I'm barely able to keep up with the threads I'm in.

James Ford. Is that the guy who financed the Expedition to Mt. Latmos? Or the realtor whose had correspondence with Carcosa? Or one of Archer's clients? Or all of the above???

[Grognardsw]

(You can read the Undertows of Disbelief thread for more information.)

Thanks. This will take a while. I'm barely able to keep up with the threads I'm in.

James Ford. Is that the guy who financed the Expedition to Mt. Latmos? Or the realtor whose had correspondence with Carcosa? Or one of Archer's clients? Or all of the above???

Ford is a businessman and the financier of the Expedition. There was also a letter from him to Carcosa.

viewtopic.php?p=206575#p206575
Xaqloui translations:
…
- Letters to/from James Ford, president, The Explorers Club, New York. References investment of time and money in unspecified endeavors. Purchases of real estate in New York. Majority interest holdings in entertainment businesses. Xaqloui: "Our network of clubs is growing. Closed on majority ownership of Voodoo Harry's in New Orleans and Cactus Club in Phoenix."

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

Archer realizes he'll need another few days of rest before hitting the streets. That afternoon he recives a phone call from his museum associate client.
"We're shocked and sorry for your injuries in the investigation. We appreciate your efforts and hope you can continue when you feel up to it. Our members who have recovered their artifacts from your efforts are most happy and appreciative. We all agree that the effort to stop this thieving ring altogether should continue, especially in light of its involvement in a larger criminal operation."

Archer says flatly, "Yeah. It's a tough break. I appreciate your appreciation, and I'm glad you're still interested in getting to the bottom of it all. Now that I see what we're up against, I'm afraid my rate will have to double. Hazard pay. I'm sure you understand."

[Grognardsw]

"Of course, Mr. Archer, the Consortium would be happy to offer hazard pay given the nature of this work," answers the museum association director.

Over the next few days Archer practices his prosthetic hand, trying the different attachments.



Later that week, with attachment case, pain killers, and a schedule for twice-a-week physical rehab, Archer exits the hospital. (At 8 HP.)

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

"Of course, Mr. Archer, the Consortium would be happy to offer hazard pay given the nature of this work," answers the museum association director.

"That's swell," said Archer.
"Say, I've been meaning to ask you. Is James Ford on the Consortium?" he added innocently.

[Grognardsw]

"James Ford? No, though the name rings a bell," answers the director. "He may be on the board of one of our member museums. I can look into that. Should I be concerned?"

[Inferno]

Sam Archer, private eye:

"Concerned? No. Why should you be? I'd appreciate you looking into it, thanks."

Archer hung up checked out of the hospital. He went to a speakeasy and had a few stiff belts and half a pack of cigarettes.



Then he called Watson at the BOI from a payphone. "It's Archer. I'm out. What did you learn from McCoy since he's been in captivity, and when can I see him?"