#baronyofthesilverwolf

Madern's first move, after making sure the casserole wasn't burned and tending to some chores, was an internet search on Brrightspark Innovations. It makes no sense not to at least learn what anyone could if they spent ten minutes. He has more details in the folders, but it is best to scope out how social media is reacting to the company.

The casserole was a success! Well, nothing that the Baron would be caught consuming, but Connor, visiting while his Knight is still at Track Camp, gives it a "Definite Four Paws Up!" Unfortunately, he needed two of those 'paws' to stand on, so the resounding endorsement had the pooka boy fall on his butt. Still, no harm done.

When Madern gets a chance to review the paperwork:

Dame Lydia Brightspark, a Sidhe Knight of House Eiluned, owns BrightSpark Innovations. She's sharp and influential, but recent thefts at her tech startup are causing problems she can't handle alone.

The stolen items range from high-tech components to everyday supplies, all crucial for her ongoing projects. The thefts are serious enough to disrupt her business. Security footage shows no break-ins or suspicious activity, so the method of theft is likely sophisticated.

Lydia is frustrated and has asked for help. She's stressed the need for confidentiality and discretion. The objective is to verify her account, figure out what's going on with these thefts, and uncover any hidden motives or issues. Keep the investigation tight and only involve others if absolutely necessary. Discretion is key.

Potential suspects - Here Danica jots notes - A disgruntled employee, or corporate spy, or a business competitor? Further investigation warrented
---

Madern's first step is a smart one—doing a quick internet search on BrightSpark Innovations.

His search pulls up a wealth of information on the company. BrightSpark Innovations is a small but promising tech startup, known for developing smart home systems that combine cutting-edge technology with sleek, user-friendly designs. The company has received positive reviews for its innovative approach and customer service, and it has a growing base of loyal customers.

Lynn Draper, the mortal identity of Dame Lydia Brightspark, is listed as the founder and CEO. Her professional profile highlights her background in tech, with degrees from prestigious universities and a history of working with some big-name companies before she started her own venture. There’s also some mention of her involvement in local tech community events and panels, where she’s respected for her insights and leadership.

Social media mentions are generally positive, with customers praising BrightSpark Innovations for its product reliability and customer support. However, there are a few scattered comments from users experiencing issues with recent orders—some hinting at delays or unfulfilled shipments, possibly linked to the thefts.

Overall, the internet paints a picture of a capable, innovative businesswoman running a successful, if somewhat niche, tech company. No one would suspect that Lynn Draper is anything other than what she appears to be: a driven entrepreneur in the tech industry - no risk of violating the right of ignorance from this corner.

He also notes that the pay Danica jotted down for successful solving of the case - that would go nicely towards the down payment on that camper van he's had an eye on, the one with the for sale sign that has been languishing in a lot for ages.

Nice thing about knowing nockers, you know folks who can fix up almost anything. So yes , that camper van can be salvaged. He was glad Connor enjoyed the food and grinned at the kid. The research ... interesting. Okay. Think who gains? Obviously who ever is stealing gains. BUT... who is she taking business from? he does another search, comparing Bright Spark's services and products against bigger companies in the area. Brightspark's rivals.

This is quite fascinating... if one is interested in the tech industry buzz. Apparently BrightSpark is working on an innovative new 'Smart Home' system!

In searching, Madern discovers that while other companies offer smart home technologies, they lack the advanced features and unique components found at BrightSpark Innovations. It seems that BrightSpark’s technology is highly specialized and sought after.

There are also mentions of recent industry-wide component shortages. A business 'zine with a recent blog post about this has a comment from a competing (mortal) firm, which hints that they might also have seen thefts!

Curiouser and curiousier he thinks and makes a note of the other firm. Frankly, a lot of surveliance tech gives him the creeps and your house WATCHING you seems intrusive, but he bets some nockers (And apparently at least one sidhe) love tinkering with it.He does one last search on this mortal company/rival/fellow victim (Maybe anyway)

Interesting... SmartHome Systems Inc. has reported several incidents of theft and loss of critical components over the past few months. These incidents have been significant enough to disrupt their supply chain and project timelines.

Madern realizes that Danica may not have had this info because Lydia came to the Sargeant as a fae contact. not specifically for police help as the mortal company may have.

In response to the thefts, this competitor has publicly discussed upgrading their security measures. Maybe as a deterrent to the would-be thiefs, or maybe to retain customer faith (who trusts a security co that gets robbed?)

There is a quote from a staff member of SmartHome -

"We've got the situation well under control. Our security systems are robust, and we're taking every precaution to address the thefts we've experienced. If you have any concerns, rest assured that our team, including myself, is on top of it and ensuring that our systems remain secure and effective." - Chief Security Officer Amanda Blake

He scratches his chin and makes a note for the files of the mortal side of things in case Danica gets this handed back to her. SHe would have found it on her own, he is sure, if this were her case. But it would save her time. While tempted to keep going down the internet hole and check out Blake, he waits on that for now, and puts away the laptop. Time to go Brightspark and see what the actual location is like.

Onward!

When Madern arrives at BrightSpark Innovations, he’s greeted by a modern, open-concept office space that reflects the company’s cutting-edge tech focus. The room is bright and airy, with large windows letting in natural light. Sleek, minimalist furniture, workstations are set up with high-end computers, large monitors, and a mix of technical gadgets and prototypes scattered about. The hardware here makes his own laptop he was just using feel like an obsolete brick.

The walls are adorned with tech posters, inspirational quotes, and a few awards and certificates. A central reception area with a glass desk and comfortable seating welcomes visitors. The space is neat but shows signs of recent disruption—papers and files are strewn about, and a few empty coffee cups and crumpled take-out containers hint at long hours and stress.

(Is he visiting during business hours, or at the end of the day when employees have likely gone home?)

Business hours. Dressed in a tee shirt and jeans, hair under a gray plain baseball hat . Sometimes not standing out is the way to go.

As he approaches the entrance, a sleek, wall-mounted security camera swivels to focus on him, its lens capturing his image. A small, discreet speaker embedded near the door emits a pleasant chime, and a warm, computerized voice says, "BING-BONG! Welcome to BrightSpark Innovations. How can we Brighten your day?"

The image capture doesn't worry him as much as it should. Cameras might take photos but mortals see what they expect.

At least most do.

"Hey, just window shopping I guess?" He answers with a shrug

Then if he starts to lose interest he adds "I also have an aunt. Great aunt really. SHe's getting older, having trouble with stairs and such so I was thinking maybe some AI assitant might be helpful for her around the house, but I'm not sure about it" cautious customer time

There is a soft whirring sound, and then the camera turns, aperture zooming as if to focus on him. It responds in the same warm, computerized, "Kithain detected. Welcome to Dame Brightspark's Demesne. Please hold for manual response."

A moment later, a human voice comes on. "Come around to the back entrance, please!"

"Sure" he says. It detects Kithains? Well, makes sense. His friend made something that tracks Spriggan

And he goes around back

Madern makes his way to the back entrance. Te building is modern, with sleek glass windows and an impressive facade. This entry is more descrete, leading to a private area of the office.

The door to the back entrance is a glass sliding door, which opens automatically as Madern approaches. He can catch a glimpse of the front side of the office - a sleek, modern design with a minimalist aesthetic. The space is well-lit and open, featuring large glass windows that let in natural light, the brightness of these competing with the light from high-tech displays.

Inside, the back office area is more casual compared to the front. A sidhe, who he can only assume is Dame Lydia, is waiting for him just inside. Standing tall with a poised demeanor, the Dame has a refined, classic beauty with dark eyes and auburn hair. Her features are sharp and well-defined, with piercing eyes that seem to take in everything around her. She’s dressed professionally but with a hint of relaxed elegance, indicative of her position and role. There is a bit of a rumple to her clothing, and as they step inside, he is lead to an office. Another camera like the one that greeted him at the door is clipped to her desk, and it turns to 'look' at him as he comes in, with a soft whirrrr.

"You must be Madern. Or do you prefer 'Ed'? I was told to expect you."

"Actually, Ernie is fine" He says amused at the Ed possilbity "Or Madern, I'm flexible. How formal do you want me to be, Dame?"

It is hard not to admire the sidhe lady. She's breath taking, but fortunately working in the hold with more than one sidhe at least has taught him not to be a jackass about it.

Lydia offers a faint smile, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Ernie it is, then. I appreciate flexibility, but formality has its place. You can call me Lydia while we’re working. I trust Danica briefed you on the situation?"

The camera on her desk continues to track Madern as he settles in, giving the room an almost sentient feel. The office itself is well-organized, with a blend of cutting-edge technology and touches of old-world elegance—likely a nod to Lydia's Sidhe heritage. There's a palpable tension in the air, not just from the technology humming softly in the background, but from Lydia herself. She seems poised, but there’s an undercurrent of frustration that’s evident even in her controlled demeanor.

"The basics, really. I don't mind a refresher. Sometimes folks miss things the first time" he says "But I do know you've had a lot of thefts lately. And it is hurting your shipments and business period. Your security seems scary tight right now, was it like this before the thefts?"

Lydia nods slightly, considering his question. "Yes, the security was always good, but it wasn’t as intense as it is now. After the thefts started, I had to tighten things up considerably. We've lost key components, and each time it happens, it’s like the items just vanish into thin air. No forced entry, no signs of tampering. It’s frustrating, to say the least."

She sighs, her gaze momentarily drifting to the security camera - there's a hint of a fond smile that breaks her tension for a moment before she continues. "I've had to implement additional measures, and while ARTEMIS helps, even she can't seem to pinpoint how they're getting in. That’s why I need someone with a fresh perspective to figure out what’s really going on."

"Artemis is your smart house program? Or .. someone else?" He asks

Lydia’s smile widens slightly. “ARTEMIS is my smart home system, yes, but she’s more than just a program. She’s a chimerical construct with some intelligence and personality of her own. She helps with everything from security to managing the more mundane aspects of my work here.”

She gestures to the camera, which pivots slightly as if acknowledging the conversation. “She’s quite perceptive, but even she’s been stumped by these thefts. It’s as if the items just disappear without a trace, no matter how closely she monitors things.”

The camera head nods, "Advanced Real-Time Environmental Monitoring and Integrated Security." The chimera chirps in the same pleasant femme robotic tone that greeted him at the door.

"Nice to meet you, Artemis" He smiles. Howeer, he puts her on the list of possible suspects. He's played Portal AND seen 2001: A space oddyssey

Lydia says of ARTEMIS, "She’s my truest companion, my greatest creation, and my most puzzling mystery."

"So!" She claps her hands together in abrupt change of subject, "Where do you want to start?"

"Well, at first I thought I'd start with Ex Employees that might hold a grudge. I have second thoughts about that though as another company is also apparently experiencing loss. And your company is pretty new. But if anyone fits the type t hat you recall I'd like to hear of him or her?"

Lydia considers Madern's question carefully. "We’ve had a few employees leave, but none under suspicious circumstances. Most left on good terms, and their departures weren’t connected to any of the areas impacted by the thefts.

If you want to review personel files, you can, and I can answer questions If you have specific names or individuals in mind, But based on what I know, I wouldn’t expect any of them to be involved in these thefts."

"Fair, what was the first theft? On or off the record?" he asks "And when exactly did you notice it?"

Lydia replies, “The first theft happened about three months ago. It was a crucial circuit board for one of our prototypes. We didn’t realize it was missing until we tried to perform a routine check and found it gone. It took us a few days to confirm it was actually stolen.”

She continues, “The thefts have since become more frequent, targeting various components. We only noticed the pattern when the thefts started happening more often and with such precision. If you need specific dates or additional details, I can provide those as well, or show you the footage.”

"I would like to see the footage" he nods

Lydia gestures towards a nearby workstation. “Of course. ARTEMIS, please pull up the security footage from the past few months, focusing on the times when the thefts occurred.”

The screen on the workstation flickers to life, displaying a series of video feeds. ARTEMIS’s voice, chimes in, “Accessing requested footage. Please select the specific dates and times you’re interested in reviewing.” Lydia enters them in, and shows Madern a set of touch controls - zoom, pause, enhance, etc.

Lydia looks at Madern and adds, “Let me know if you need any assistance navigating through the footage or if there are any particular times you want me to highlight.”

She adds, "Do you mind if I work on my project while you review? I'm at a critical phase in development."

" I don't mind" he says to her.

"Then ARTEMIS is at your command." She says, and moves to a side table, pulling out a folding keyboard and starting to type away intently. "Right here if you need me..."

The ChimerAI hums pleasantly. "Playing clip, date July 2nd, 2024, time 12:27pm..." The details are rattled off, and a clip plays. It's midday, and a pizza delivery is happening. The crew sets down their projects and joins each other in the breakroom. Artemis displays several screens - the front door, the break room, and the component lab, with a particular box on the counter.

Seconds tick down, pizza is eaten, the box disappears...

"Will do" he nods. Then tries to ken Artemis

Madern focuses on ARTEMIS, using his kenning to probe its nature. The chimerical AI seems to radiate an aura of glamour, a blend of intricate, shimmering threads of enchantment woven into its programming. ARTEMIS’s presence is both mechanical and magical, an amalgamation of sophisticated technology and faerie artistry. It functions with an almost sentient grace, the magic enhancing its capabilities beyond ordinary tech, making it an intriguing subject for keen eye.

He also notices on the keypad, a blinking cursor next to the manipulation controls. It's labeled "E.M."

He watches the footage, of course. But that E.M' has his attenion.

The next clip is at night, he can tell from the timestamp, no one is present, and it's in black and white with a nightvision filter. Once again, the item disappears from plain view.

A third clip, early in the morning, just after Lydia passes by headed to the coffee pot, the gizmo she had just unpacked vanishes.

A fourth, a janitor has come through, shaking his head at the mess as he picks up discarded coffee mugs and takeout boxes from long strategy sessions, he has just mopped the floor and passed by, this time there is nothing that seems to vanish though!

He looks for signs of editing, jumps to explain the vanishing.

He's no photoshop or video expert, but the clips seem, well, normal! The transitions between scenes are seamless, with no obvious signs of manipulation. The items simply vanish without any visual disturbances or breaks in the recording.

As he checks each clip, the footage appears to be consistent and authentic, leaving no easy explanation for the disappearances. At least, no mundane explanation.

At this point he wonders if flickerflash is possible "Know anyone really good at Wayfare?" He asks

ARTEMIS says, "No record of Wayfare on staff. Request concerns cantrip. Would you like to enable Enigma Mode?"

"What is Enigma mode?" He inquires

ARTEMIS responds in her smooth, robotic tone, "Enigma Mode is an advanced feature designed to detect and visualize subtle, anomalous energy signatures that are typically invisible to conventional surveillance. It is particularly useful for identifying glamour-based activities or other magical phenomena. This mode is activated manually and is not part of the standard security protocol."

ARTEMIS pauses, then adds with a hint of careful clarification, "Enigma Mode reveals glamour-based activity."

He looks at Lydia "You sure this isn't aviolation of Right of ignorance?"

Lydia looks a bit taken aback by the question but quickly recovers. "I assure you, ARTEMIS is programmed to handle only what’s necessary for maintaining security. It won’t breach the Right of Ignorance. But if you have concerns, we can discuss them further. My priority is to resolve these thefts without jeopardizing any fae laws."

"Besides, you still need to be able to see glamour to see it."

Even as ARTEMIS explains EM, she was replaying the clips. There! It's not in focus in the camera feed, because it's not the item being surveilled. But over on one of the desks, there is this cute little snow globe that caught his eye, made his hands twitch a little, he just wants to give it a shake, maybe carry it around for a while. But since he is looking at the desk and not at the shelf, he notices that the snow globe moves as if bumped into - then IT vanishes, a few moments before the circuit connector in this clip vanishes.

"No disrespect to your skill or Artemis, but someone is stealing your tech and we have to consider that she might be on the menu for the thief," He fights the urge to touch the screen where the snow globe was, "Interesting. Did you have any treasures that you knew of in the room?"