Still no answers have been uncovered regarding the blackout, yet increasingly strange phenomena continue to emerge across the city.

What was once observed only within the blackout quadrant has now begun appearing throughout Erebus. Citizens have reported random pockets of distorted gravity forming in otherwise quiet or abandoned locations; old warehouses, empty apartment blocks, disused buildings, and even secluded parks. 

These anomalies are unpredictable and short-lived. Some vanish in only a few seconds, while the longest observed pocket has persisted for nearly an hour before collapsing on its own. The shifts in gravity are currently minor, slightly stronger or weaker than normal, but there's fear that the instability could escalate in strength. The Knights have begun quarantining locations where the pockets appear. Their concern is not the present strength of the distortions, but the possibility that they may grow more volatile with time. 

Erebus City Services has also issued a public advisory urging parents not to allow children to play within these anomalies, despite the novelty they present. Some areas appear to experience recurring gravitational disturbances, though no clear pattern has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, limited progress has been made within the blackout zone itself. Engineers have begun restoring small pockets of power using newly installed above-ground cabling. The process has taken considerable time due to the volatile conditions within the quadrant, but approximately 10% of the area now has power restored. These cables have been encased in a highly durable protective coating designed to prevent easy sabotage.

City Services has informed former residents of the blackout zone that they may begin returning to their properties, though officials warn that conditions remain dangerous. With most of the quadrant still offline and unstable, large portions of the district remain a warzone for breakers.

Prompts;

The choices made and the simple act of participating in these prompts will directly impact the next installment of the story.

✦ Blood Moon Gang has successfully reclaimed their garage from Redline thanks to the combined efforts of recruits Marta and Jade. No BMG members were absorbed into the rival gang. However, their second-in-command was captured by a bounty hunter. There is no word yet on when-- or if-- he will return, nor who might take his place in the meantime. With the group in disarray, members may need to reorganize and find leadership among themselves before things fall apart. One question remains unanswered: where is the leader of BMG?

✦ Law Enforcement units have been assigned to assist with the blackout zone's re-cabling efforts. Their orders are to protect the electrical engineers restoring power to the quadrant. Progress is slow and expected to take a very long time.

✦ Scientists and online armchair researchers alike are calling for public documentation of the strange gravity pockets. Almost nothing is known about their origins, and officials have released no information. Rumors suggest that research contracts may soon be offered to those willing to study the anomalies directly. Will you get involved?

✦ If you happen to have access to a fleet of surveillance drones formerly owned by North Star, you may be uniquely positioned to help or exploit the situation. Some of the recurring anomaly locations could benefit from constant monitoring, and you may discover something before anyone else does. The government is watching these areas closely, but they are not sharing what they find. If you uncover something… Will you release the information? Or keep it to yourself?

🔗 ▷ Zero 7 - In The Waiting Line ♬