Resurrection
For the third time in a week, Gillian was meeting with Old Copperhead. At least, that's what she called him. She (correctly) assumed that the totem was of alien origin, but its purpose was a mystery even to her. As far as she knew, Old Copperhead was only good for talking to in order to get some advice.
Sadly, just like the last two visits, the totem could not give Gillian the advice she needed. It was time for more drastic measures.
Most Sims thought that death was a final fate. The end. Gillian knew that to be false, for she had read the wise words of a mysterious sage known as Metro. He had revolutionized the concept of using the rare dish of Ambrosia to grant immortality. In the months that followed this discovery, Gillian came across the writings of another great sage known only as Pam, who also claimed that Ambrosia could bring ghosts from the afterlife back to, well, life. Gillian found the whole idea interesting, but only now had she really considered duplicating their discoveries.
If she could find the books, of course. Gillian had misplaced them some years ago, not really thinking that they might come in handy. Now, of course, she was kicking herself. If she had just kept a hold on those books, she would be fine. But no! She had to go and lose them, and now she had to find them all over again. Easier said than done.
The store owner was understandably baffled by Gillian's request for, "books about Ambrosia, immortality, and the resurrection of ghosts." Can't blame him, really.
Having hit a dead end with the ordinary consignment store, Gillian was forced to turn to more... unconventional stores.
At this point, Gillian was faced with two options. She could start scanning the bookshelves for signs of the book she was looking for, but something was calling out. A strange, unexplainable urge to examine the store's furniture. One item in particular.
Not five minutes later, Gillian was passed out in the rocking chair. The lure was simply too strong to resist. Unfortunately, even the bliss of the rocking chair would have to end eventually, and soon Gillian was searching the shop for her book.
It was not long before Gillian came across her beloved book. Here, in this book, was the secret to bringing Thor back. She eagerly began reading, but her excitement quickly faded to disappointment. The process of cooking Ambrosia was far more complex than Gillian could've imagined. There were so many things involved, and she had no idea where to start. She was considering her options when her phone rang.
Valerie: Meet me at the coffeehouse. It's about the resurrection.
Gillian: Well, that was strange. Might as well go see her, though. Maybe there'll be fish.
Valerie was not a patient woman, even less so when her contacts were late. She had been told that Gillian Flynn was somewhat unreliable, but even she couldn't get away with tardiness.
Gillian: Sorry I'm late. I saw the cutest little butterfly, and I knew it had to be mine.
Valerie: Of course, of course. Please have a seat.
Valerie: My client knows all about Thor and his unfortunate death. She also knows that you understand the occult better than perhaps anyone else. She would like to propose a partnership.
Gillian: And who is this mysterious client of yours? She's not one of those alpacas, I hope! So full of themselves! Just because they can spit farther than llamas doesn't mean they get to act all high and mighty!
Valerie: No, nothing like that. I believe you've met my client before. Does the name Ronin mean anything to you?
Gillian: Oh, you work for Ronin? I saw her at Thor's funeral. She seemed like a nice girl. What's her interest in Thor? He's not exactly a Grade-A seagull, if you catch my meaning.
Valerie: I don't, I'm afraid. I think you'll find that Ms. Ronin is just as concerned with Mr. Drake's death as you are. She believes that a partnership would serve to benefit both of you. Now, I understand that you have found the book?
Gillian: Well, yes, but it's not much help. All this stuff about gardening and fishing and BlackOps. What
is a BlackOp, anyway? Why not a RedOp, or even a BlueOp?
Valerie: That's where Ms. Ronin comes in.
Valerie: She has found a way to circumvent the metaphysical requirements for Ambrosia - friends, BlackOps, real estate, and whatnot - with alchemical potions. Unfortunately, she did not the physical ingredients for the recipe, and she could not replicate those with her potions. If you would be willing to acquire those materials, as well as a talented chef to cook it, she will provide the potions. Combined, it will be possible to bring Mr. Drake back from the brink of death itself. What do you say?
Gillian: If she's really sure it'll work, I guess I'm in.
Valerie: Excellent! I'll make a call to Ms. Ronin as soon as you leave to confirm the good news! Have a good day, Ms. Flynn. Keep an eye out for those ingredients!
As Gillian left the coffeehouse, she was thrilled to have a partner to help with Thor. She hoped that this employee would put in a good word for Ronin. Curiously, though Gillian didn't discover this until later, Valerie did not put in any word for Ronin. Despite her promise, Valerie did not call Ronin at all.
