[User] "René... I need to go back in time. Can you help me?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[User] "What?!" The old soldier scowls at you, unamused.

[Assistant] He thinks you're playing a joke on him.

[User] "Now, now..." His partner raises both hands in a calming gesture. "I'm sure the officer means it figuratively. Like a forensic technique or something, right?"

[Assistant] "No, I literally need to go back in time. For Revachol."

[User] "*Bon sang*, son. You must have a loose screw up there or something." He taps on his temple. "Sounds like you really mean it."

[Assistant] "Alright, I will entertain this... *fantasy*, if you tell me, what interest does an RCM officer have in... 'time travel'?"

[User] "Oh, you're in for a treat, officer. Seeing the playful side of old René is about as rare as a red rainbow."

[Assistant] Not actually *that* rare. It's just that red, or monochrome, rainbows usually occur at sunrise or sunset, when blue and green wavelengths are scattered before reaching water droplets. Fewer eyes to see them then.

[User] "I'm not sure, to be honest. Just going with the flow."

[Assistant] "Exactly what history needs." He spits on the ground between the two of you. "More drifters, confused wanderers, weightless men..."

[User] There's so much bitterness in his voice it barely even registers as sarcasm.

[Assistant] "I can't help you officer," he says coldly. "There are no second chances in life. We don't deserve them. This is the world we shaped -- a reflection of what we are. Wasted, ugly, and numb."


[User] "Of course, let us dispatch with the formalities, you call me Evrart, I call you Harry!"

[Assistant] "Is that my name?"

[User] For a fraction of a second the big man looks at you inquisitively. "Experiencing partial amnesia, are we, Harry?"

[Assistant] It might be a good idea to hide your confusion, see what his game is first.

[User] "Nah, my memory is fine -- I'm just testing you."

[Assistant] "I'm very glad to hear it. Some of my associates here in Martinaise told me you had trouble remembering things -- I am relieved they were mistaken."

[User] "I'm sure you had some concerns you thought I might be able to address." He pauses to look at a brown folder on his desk. "And you were probably right."

[Assistant] The huge block letters on the folder read "HARRIER DU BOIS". There's something in small writing just above that...

[User] "Revachol Citizens Militia."

[Assistant] "I see you have gotten hold of some of our old documents." The lieutenant turns to Evrart. "They should have been destroyed some time ago."

[User] "Mr. Kitsuragi..." He leaves the rest of this sentence hanging in the air and lets his smug smile deliver the rest of the message.

[Assistant] "Don't you worry, I've got plenty on you too, my rigid friend."


[User] A small mountain of colourful board game boxes. There are numerous types of games for all ages. A lot of shelf space seems to be taken up by Wirrâl-related merchandise.

[Assistant] "I want to buy the *Wirrâl* game."

[User] "If you say so." She gives you a curious glance. "But you better stay away from those immoral occult rituals."

[Assistant] You've acquired an interactable item. Investigate this item further by going to the INTERACT tab in your INVENTORY.

[User] Look through the pile of Wirrâl-related items.

[Assistant] An endless variety of sourcebooks, lorebooks, and codices litter the table. The top-most book is titled "Welkin Compendium, Second Edition."

[User] There's also a large hardbound tome with intricate cover art: "The Hunters of Katuak: Boreal Creature Compendium," and a pick-your-path adventure gamebook titled "Tales of Wirrâl: Cavern of Velkraag."

[Assistant] Books in a *board game* section? Who wants to read books!?

[User] Hm, maybe I'm not into all this binoclard stuff.

[Assistant] A towering mountain of colourful board game boxes and Wirrâl codices.


[User] "There's an old catatonic lady in the old fish market, on the other side of the bay. She needs help."

[Assistant] The big man laughs, nearly spitting out his beer. "What's that, copper? You want us to help little old ladies now?"

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[Assistant] "If you wanna be the local law enforcement, these kind of things fall on your shoulders."

[User] "Yeah, yeah. We'll send someone out. Who is -- wait... It's *The Pigs*, isn't it?"

[Assistant] "Yup. Her."

[User] He pushes up his cap. "God, poor lady. Don't worry. We'll handle this. I think she's got some family in Couron or something... Bastards left her alone when she got sick, we've been getting complaints."

[Assistant] "Hey," Eugene interjects. "Wasn't Evrart's B Team looking for her the other day? They said something about her... I dunno, finding something?"

[User] "Yeah, I think you're right, Gene." Titus gives him a beer salute and turns to you. "She have something of yours, pig?"

[Assistant] Whatever you do, do not admit to these punks you lost your gun. You will suffer if you do.

[User] "She had my gun."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.hardies_pigs_authority"]]

[User] You absolute fool.

[Assistant] "You're fucking with me." The big man slams his beer onto the table. "Your gun! She had your fucking gun!"


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_full_story_hub_reached"]) == false]

[Assistant] "I understand." She puts her coffee mug on the table.

[User] Just like that. No resistance -- her shoulders are slouched, her feet long and straight.

[Assistant] "Chill. I'm the cool cop, remember?"

[User] She cracks a weary smile. "I'm sorry for wasting your time. I should have known you'd... that you'd find out."

[Assistant] This is good. Clear the air first -- between you two -- then move on to questions.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_rhet_penitent"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_time_for_questions_route"]) == false]

[Assistant] "Why *did* you waste our time then?"

[User] "Because of the Hardies -- I couldn't just dispense with them, they were only trying to help me." She looks at her feet. "Out of the shit I'd gotten into."

[Assistant] Is she implying the Hardie boys are THE LAW?!


[User] "My *style*? What about it?"

[Assistant] "For starters, you're wearing *the exact same* outfit I first met you in..." He holds his nose.

[User] "Have you even *smelled* that jacket? It's like some wretched night-wandering creature died in it."

[Assistant] You have developed a bit of a *rind* over the past few days.

[User] The lieutenant's right. You're the acrid sweet smell of decay that makes people evacuate the room.

[Assistant] "It's disco, Kim."

[User] "If by 'disco' you mean 'ungainly and sad,' then yes, it's *extremely* disco."

[Assistant] "You know the expression 'The clothes make the man'? The right outfit, in the right situation, can make all the difference in the world."

[User] "I'm not taking 'style' tips from someone who dresses like a mega-binoclard."

[Assistant] "Yes. And this 'mega-binoclard' knows how to sew a lapel and center a back vent." The lieutenant raises one eyebrow at you.

[User] That's why his clothes fit so well...

[Assistant] "So if you want to wake up next to anyone other than *Commodore Red*, you might do well to take notes."


[User] "And now if you'll just connect that here..."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()]

[User] "It's done. I believe we're ready." The lieutenant wipes his brow.

[Assistant] "We're ready to try, at least. Please, put on these headphones, there should be two extra sets. I've configured the channels so that only your microphone is set to broadcast, officer. We'll all be able to listen, but anyone we reach will only hear *your* voice."

[User] "You will need to transmit your connection request while I attempt to locate the warship's public frequency. You will likely encounter some interference, but it's important to keep transmitting your request until you're acknowledged. Ready?"

[Assistant] "Not yet."

[User] "Too late. I've begun transmitting..."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["auto.is_snowing"]]

[Assistant] A soft rustling. The snow seems to have gotten between your ears somehow...

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["jam.warship_shivers_snow"]]

[Assistant] Where's the sound coming from?

[User] Every lightswitch, every motor carriage, every doorbell, tea kettle, and radio in Martinaise, all mingled with electrical interference caused by scattered thunderstorms over Ozonne.

[Assistant] "Officer? Are you in order? We're waiting for you to start..."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["doomed.doorbell_know_revachol_ice_city"]]

[Assistant] They don't want to talk to you.

[User] "ARTEMITEP's Boxing for Young Athletes & Gym."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["doomed.doorbell_punched_the_doorbell"]) == false]

[User] All you hear is static, but no one answers the call.

[Assistant] "24h Window."

[User] You ring the doorbell, but nothing happens.

[Assistant] Try again, you didn't press it hard enough.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["doomed.doorbell_interfacing_press_again_24h_window"]) == false]

[Assistant] "ARTEMITEP's Boxing for Young Athletes & Gym."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.abandoned_cabin_accessed"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.abandoned_greeting_done"]) == false]

[User] This green FALN A-Z 'Contemporain' is parked in the shadow of the ruins looming overhead. It's seen better days.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["jam.jammystery_ladydriver_cabin_located_tommy"]]

[Assistant] This is the one the man pointed to. His friend's lorry.

[User] Try the door handle.

[Assistant] The door is locked. The handle looks shiny, like it's recently replaced.

[User] There's no picking this lock. The owner has put special care into it. It's a recessed design.

[Assistant] Try to peek in the window.


[User] "If you'll please carry that amplifier and cables, officer. We have quite a lot to carry..."

[Assistant]
[Action/Check: Script: PassTime();
PassTime();
PassTime();
PassTime()]

[User] "And now if you'll just connect that here..."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()]

[User] "It's done. I believe we're ready." The lieutenant wipes his brow.

[Assistant] "We're ready to try, at least. Please, put on these headphones, there should be two extra sets. I've configured the channels so that only your microphone is set to broadcast, officer. We'll all be able to listen, but anyone we reach will only hear *your* voice."

[User] "You will need to transmit your connection request while I attempt to locate the warship's public frequency. You will likely encounter some interference, but it's important to keep transmitting your request until you're acknowledged. Ready?"

[Assistant] "Yes."

[User] "Good. Beginning transmission."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["auto.is_snowing"]) == false]

[Assistant] A soft rustling. Between your ears, a winterscape with fast falling snow...

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.warship_shivers_snow"]) == false]

[Assistant] "Go ahead, officer."


[User] "Been waitin' for you to fucking man up." He nods at the building behind him. "In there is Cuno's violent dad. On steroids. Cuno's dad does steroids *and* speed. If you can take him, you can have half the speed."

[Assistant] "How much material are we talking about?"

[User] "Like half." He says very confidently.

[Assistant] "Half of what?"

[User] "A baggie... but like in this vial."

[Assistant] That's half a *gram*, sir.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["yard.cuno_yard_viscal_half_a_gram"]) == false]

[Assistant] "I've made up my mind, Cuno. And this is what's going to happen..." (Conclude.)

[User] "Okay, Cuno's listening?"

[Assistant] "I'm not going in there."

[User] "Cuno sees you're too pussy to face Cuno's dad. It's okay. Come back when your balls are big-time."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]


[User] "Shoot that shit at Cuno, piggonaut."

[Assistant] "I want to buy the FALN pants after all."

[User] "Here, pig. We FALN now. Performance buddies." Cuno unzips his jacket again and pulls the pants out of the plastic wrapping.

[Assistant] "Cuno can already see you soaring through the air like a fucking eagle." He looks at you with pride. "Pig's in Cuno's debt now. Money-debt."

[User] Money-debt doesn't mean anything. He's just saying words. You're not in his debt.

[Assistant] "Cuno, I need a fridge to stash the body."

[User] "For the fuck-gimp? Good thing you asked The Cunmeister." He nods, trying to look older. "Cuno knows a fridge, perfect for freezing f****ts."

[Assistant] "Really? I don't believe it."

[User] "Cuno knows all kinds of shit. Cuno gets *around*."

[Assistant] "Where can I find this perfect fridge, then?"

[User] "Baconman's in a rush. But what's in it for the Cuno?" He crosses his arms. "What's the return on Cuno's investment?"

[Assistant] Don't fuck it up, you *need* a fridge.

[User] Now is the time to be humble. Say the *sir* thing.

[Assistant] "Fine, Cuno... *Don't* help me then." (Back off.)


[User] "What with?" She tries hard to focus on the book stand.

[Assistant] What *with*? A lot of things! For example, people tend to go *missing*.

[User] This citizen thinks she can do without your assistance? Don't buy it. They all need help.

[Assistant] Help her by... carrying things? Uhm... maybe she needs a weightlifter? Maybe she needs you to *fight* her husband? No, that's not it...

[User] "Protect and serve, madam! I found your husband."

[Assistant] "God damn it, I already told you -- my husband isn't missing!" She crosses her arms.

[User] "Well, I found him nevertheless. I'm that good."

[Assistant] "Very well, then. Where is he?" She's getting impatient, her hands now picking on a random book cover.

[User] "Our hammer toting comrade was at the bottom of those stairs."

[Assistant] "Excuse me?!" She blinks. "I don't follow."

[User] There's something else hiding in her voice though -- a trace of worry.

[Assistant] "I found a working class drunk and I thought he might be yours."

[User] "Right, 'cause working class women come with alcoholic husbands." She glances over your shoulder towards the drunk. "You know what?"

[Assistant] Remember, about that *what* -- never-ever say *what*.

[User] "Something bad I guess? I'm sorry, I say stupid things sometimes, I didn't mean to annoy."

[Assistant] "You were right. I do have an alcoholic husband. Although not that one."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["village.rosemary_made_it_to_main_hub"]) == false]

[Assistant] "Good to see you, friend! Do I have *deals* set up for you, buddy-boy!" He spreads his arms as if wanting to embrace you.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["coast.idiot_teq_story_end_reach"]]

[Assistant] "I'm a police officer, not your 'friend'."

[User] "So whadda'ya want?" He tilts his head. "I got smokes. They're cheap. Very cheap. I got pilsner. Great deal. You won't get a better deal on that piss... Spirits I can let go for 300 reál. I also have speed. And by *speed* I mean amphetamine."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"]  and  CheckEquipped("neck_tie")  and  Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"] == false) == false]

[User] "Here's the money for a pilsner."

[Assistant] "Bottoms up, captain!" He hands you an ugly brown bottle.

[User] "Sell me some speed."

[Assistant] "Here you go, friend." He hands you a tiny bottle with a straw. The powder looks clotted and quite mouldy.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.kimintro_done"]) == false]

[Assistant] A bespectacled man in an orange bomber jacket is tapping his foot on the floor. Looks like he's waiting for someone -- you.

[User] As you approach, he narrows his eyes and extends his hand in greeting.

[Assistant] If an assault were launched on this building right now -- if the windows came crashing down and the whole world descended upon you -- this man would hurl himself in death's way to save you. You are sure of this -- but why?

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: CheckItem("jacket_suede")]

[Assistant] On the sleeve of his bomber jacket -- as well as on its back -- are the same enigmatic white rectangles as on your blazer.

[User] Hold on, who is he to me?

[Assistant] He is your half-brother.

[User] Don't shake his hand.

[Assistant] "Hello, I'm Kim Kitsuragi." He looks unfazed. "Lieutenant, Precinct 57. You must be from the 41st..."

[User] It's barely noticeable, but he might be *a bit* annoyed at your rudeness. Then he lets it go -- more important matters need tending to.

[Assistant] You realize he is waiting for your name.


[User] You see rows of toy soldiers guarding the rest of the trinkets displayed on the table: some on horseback, others in rags, others yet in bright blue uniforms. All are stern and unyielding in their duty.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["canal.roy_inland_buy_done"]]

[User] Inspect the figurines in rags.

[Assistant] This set of soldiers isn't meant to look impressive. A few have rifles, but most of them carry pistols -- some even shovels and tall sticks.

[User] (Point at the figurines in rags.) "Are these even soldiers?"

[Assistant] "You're probably talking about the revolutionaries, yes?" the man behind the glass answers. "Yes -- they are soldiers. Revolutionary soldiers."

[User] "I think their poverty has been exaggerated for effect. When you place them next to the royalists, it doesn't seem like they could possibly win."

[Assistant] "The contrast is meant to be disheartening. As it ought to be."

[User] "I don't like either set very much, to be honest, but there are many parents among my customers."

[Assistant] He seems to have his own take on the conflict played out in perpetuity by these toys. Might be interesting to find out what it is...

[User] Inspect the figurines in rags.

[Assistant] This set of soldiers isn't meant to look impressive. A few have rifles, but most of them carry pistols -- some even shovels and tall sticks.

[User] (Point at the figurines in rags.) "Are these even soldiers?"

[Assistant] "You're probably talking about the revolutionaries, yes?" the man behind the glass answers. "Yes -- they are soldiers. Revolutionary soldiers."


[User] "These men, they didn't do it!"

[Assistant] "Yeah? Who did then?"

[User] You should implicate *yourself*. Throw yourself onto the embrasure, chest first!

[Assistant] (Point to yourself) "It was me."

[User] "No, wait!" The lieutenant winces and quickly turns to the mercenary leader. "He didn't."

[Assistant] He is tense, like a steel spring under full load.

[User] "I did it because I'm a delusional washout cop who thinks he's a superstar. I just *do* shit."

[Assistant] "You think this is *funny*?" There's a dangerous gleam in his eye. "What if I just shot one of your pals here for fun, huh?"

[User] "How about the kipt?" He points his gun at Elizabeth. "That'd be fucking *funny*..."

[Assistant] "Listen, please!" She raises both hands. "This cop and this drumhead court martial won't decide who..."

[User] He's gonna do it, he's gonna shoot her!

[Assistant] Say nothing. Just stand there.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["plaza.tribunal_you_think_this_is_funny"] == true]

[Assistant] He pulls the trigger. A plume of smoke erupts from the muzzle.

[User] The shot rings in your ears -- a low tinny ring. Then the Hardie boys yell something...

[Assistant] "I'm okay... I'm okay..." The woman staggers backward, crouches, then grabs her left side. Her white shirt soaks a blood red around her abdomen and she gasps for air.


[User] "For the fuck-gimp? Good thing you asked The Cunmeister." He nods, trying to look older. "Cuno knows a fridge, perfect for freezing f****ts."

[Assistant] "I thought you would! Where is it?"

[User] "Baconman's in a rush. But what's in it for the Cuno?" He crosses his arms. "What's the return on Cuno's investment?"

[Assistant] Don't fuck it up, you *need* a fridge.

[User] Now is the time to be humble. Say the *sir* thing.

[Assistant] Convince *the Cuno* to spill the beans.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["yard.cuno_fridge_red_check"]) == false]

[Assistant] Cuno's a poor kid from a poor neighbourhood. Say your job is on the line. He'll sympathize.

[User] "Kid, this is *serious*. My job is on the line. If I don't get this sorted, I might actually get fired..."

[Assistant] "The fuck are you doing right now?" He looks at you suspiciously. "The fuck is this shit?!"

[User] Don't pay attention to him. Just keep telling your sad story.

[Assistant] "I've lost almost everything, Cuno. My memory, my money, even my name... I *can't* lose my job too! Please, PLEASE help me..."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[Assistant] "Cuno's never seen anything so lame..." he says mostly to himself. "Listen, pig... If you were Cuno, the fuck would you care?"


[User] "I noticed your room is close to mine. I have a personal question."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_sunday_night_story_interupted"]) == false]

[User] "Yes, you're just one room away." She pours herself more coffee. "Very personal."

[Assistant] Good. Yes. This means she could have heard something. Like what you were doing before you blacked out.

[User] "That's all. Just wanted to establish that."

[Assistant] "Funky."

[User] "Nice room you've got here."

[Assistant] "Yeah, it's pretty *De Luxe*."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.sense_klaasje_laundry_sad_inland"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_suggestion_phrase_cleverly"]) == false]

[User] No one likes to talk about their dirty laundry and their empty bottles. Maybe if you phrase it emotionally...

[Assistant] "That door there..." (Point to it.) "Did you know it leads to a downstairs *elevator*?"


[User] "But my shit already *is* together!"

[Assistant] "No, it's not officer."

[User] Say nothing -- just nod.

[Assistant] "We should go talk to the locals, find something else to do while the wind changes. It's pretty bad right now."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["tc.turn_off_tutorial_node"]) == false]

[Assistant] You've gained a Thought! When this dialogue is over, go to your THOUGHT CABINET and INTERNALIZE it for special bonuses and effects.

[User] "Give it half an hour, get yourself together, then come back and have another go."

[Assistant] Let go of your nose without throwing up.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["yard.hanged_endurance_didnt_vomit"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: CheckItem("ammonia_ampoule")]


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.report_to_cryptozoologists_1"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["coast.morell_greeting_done"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["coast.morell_midgreet_leave"]) == false]

[Assistant] "Here we go. Nice and easy. No way out, little guys, not out of this jam..."

[User] There's a cylinder on the ground in which the man is arranging some netting. It looks like some kind of trap. He notices you.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[User] "Who's there? Oh, the police. Hello, officer."

[Assistant] His self-conscious enthusiasm renders his movements ungainly. He looks like your understanding of a scientist.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["coast.gary_hello"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.locate_morell"]]

[User] "You must be Morell, the cryptozoologist?"

[Assistant] "To what do I owe the pleasure?"


[User] Why does art inspire you so much?

[Assistant] It does, yes -- but what *is* art?

[User] Excellent question. Art is a diverse range of visual, literary, auditory, and performative creativity! It's an expression of imagination and technical skill. Additionally, it's history, criticism and pure enjoyment...

[Assistant] In short, art is the highest form of human communication -- representation, narrative, emotion and agency intertwined.

[User] Would I fit into the art world? I mean...

[Assistant] Have you looked in the mirror lately? You have the exact features of a savage art critic, with that beard and those clothes! Dishevelled and *prophetic*. Perhaps you should try to critique architecture too!

[User] Hold on, is architecture also art?

[Assistant] Of course not, it's autism. Box-drawing. Masturbation with a ruler and a sextant or whatever they use. You should demean and criticize the genteel institution of architecture. While extolling the virtues of the *pure* arts.

[User] I guess I *have* been feeling critical lately.

[Assistant] Yes! You seek substance. No vapid representations and reproductions of social mores, as made manifest in stuffy biennials, we're talking real *living art* here. Become the Art Cop. Half art critic -- half cop.

[User] Wait, but don't I have to be 100% cop -- to get the case finished and all that?

[Assistant] Quit being so indecisive. What are you going for here? Some kind of indecisive and *camp* aesthetic now? Strike a bold shape here. Go art or go home.

[User] No. I cannot risk another copo-diversion at this point. Go away! (Opt out.)

[Assistant] Bravo! Continue, then, in the mediocre and vulgar epigones of the world. So what if everything is incomprehensibly shit and you can see it. Take no responsibility.


[User] Is there something here that would indicate a sniper used this place as a nest for taking the shot? Just some urban detritus, a bottle and a dilapidated old comms tower.

[Assistant] The wind picks up. Fine sea foam lashes your face. It feels like needles. You can take it -- just raise your collar, detective.

[User] In the distance you can hear the breakers roar.

[Assistant] "I don't see it, officer. I don't see a person take a shot here and hit something there..." He looks east, over the coast. "In the Whirling-in-Rags."

[User] Look over the water -- to the Whirling-in-Rags.

[Assistant] There, 1.2 kilometres over the cold water of the bay, blue from the distance and the air, you see the smallest rectangle, barely visible.


[User] "I heard him and I'm on it. "

[Assistant] "10-4, affirmative. Officer is in pursuit of his firearm." There's static.

[User] "Oh god, I..." The man is fighting back tears.

[Assistant] "Officer, do you need further assistance? Over."

[User] "I am in dire need of financial assistance."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.report_badge_done"]]

[User] "10-4, I hear you. I don't have the authority to grant your request, but...."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: DayCount() > 2]

[User] "Do you need anything else? Over."

[Assistant] "I have successfully located my 9mm Villiers pistol. It's on me now and I won't lose it again."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["jam.siileng_clothes_hub_reached"]]

[Assistant] "You keep coming back. That's good, officer! Keep browsing those clothes, keep saving that economy!"

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["jam.siileng_asked_pay_net_worth"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.siileng_rhetoric_why_eco_needs_saving"]) == false]

[User] Save the economy? That sounds off.

[Assistant] "I want to buy those itchy pants."

[User] "You won't regret it, officer!" The street vendor smiles broadly.

[Assistant] [Leave for now.]


[User] The fan is spinning.

[Assistant] Grab the tie.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.fan_caught_the_tie"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsHourBetween(0, 21)  and  DayCount() == 1]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.fan_heart_damage"]]

[Assistant] Oh no, it's happening again. You didn't catch it and now there's numbness in your left arm, plus half your chest.

[User] You can take this one too. Just breathe in slowly.

[Assistant] Grab your arm.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.fan_pain_threshold_heart"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.ceiling_fan_heartattack_felt"]]

[User] It's even worse this time. Maybe you should stop trying to catch the tie?

[Assistant] Still happening. Definitely worse than the last time.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["church.ravers_inside_church"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["ice.andre_volition_exit_used"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["ice.andre_greeting_done"]) == false]

[Assistant] You see a youngish man bleaching the tips of his hair with a toothbrush. He puts the toothbrush down and extends his hand in greeting.

[User] "Hello, I'm Andre. It's a pleasure to meet you."

[Assistant] There is definitely something futuristic about his hair, aggressively so. You get the sense that *this* is what the future will look like...

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["ice.andre_conceptualized_hair"]]

[Assistant] Imbecilic. Yes, should the future ever come, it will look deeply imbecilic. Like this guy.

[User] Don't shake it.

[Assistant] "This is my posse: Noid..." He pauses with his hand still hanging in the air.

[User] The young man with earrings looks at you suspiciously.

[Assistant] "...and Egg Head."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.viquemare_esprit_wc_firefighters"]) == false]

[Assistant] There's something that binds you to him. Some kind of an outfit maybe...? A uniform!

[User] A firefighters uniform?

[Assistant] Exactomundo!

[User] "I'm going to ask you straight: are you or have you ever been a firefighter?"

[Assistant] "Well that depends," the man with sunglasses says tilting his head. "Define *fire*."

[User] "Stop it, Jean..." she says quietly and turns to you. "No, he has never been a firefighter. No one here is a firefighter."

[Assistant] "*Now* will you answer some questions for me?"

[User] "No," he says calmly, then just keeps staring at you.

[Assistant] "Why not?"

[User] "Cause it's not my job. Why don't you go and fucking do yours and solve this damn hanging?"

[Assistant] "Let's talk about something else then."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"]  and   Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] == false]

[Assistant] "We're inside the chimney of an old central furnace. It's strange, I know." She looks at the ruddy bricks that make up the walls -- even though they've been repainted there are still signs of coal-black soot here and there.

[User] "But when I arrived here, all the other rooms were taken, so I had to build myself a makeshift home. Besides, I don't really have to pay any rent here, so that's a plus."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.find_the_witch"]) == false]

[User] Does it mean she's *unlawfully* occupying a part of the house? Shameful!

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()]

[User] "Creative." The lieutenant looks around the spacious room, its ceiling fading into shadows above.

[Assistant] When she arrived here, there was no room anywhere else... She must've known the other businesses.

[User] "Hey, where are we anyway? What is this place?" (Look around the room.)

[Assistant] "We're inside the chimney of an old central furnace. It's strange, I know." She looks at the ruddy bricks that make up the walls -- even though they've been repainted there are still signs of coal-black soot here and there.

[User] "But when I arrived here, all the other rooms were taken, so I had to build myself a makeshift home. Besides, I don't really have to pay any rent here, so that's a plus."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.find_the_witch"]) == false]


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.abandoned_cabin_accessed"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.abandoned_greeting_done"]) == false]

[User] This green FALN A-Z 'Contemporain' is parked in the shadow of the ruins looming overhead. It's seen better days.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.jammystery_ladydriver_cabin_located_tommy"]) == false]

[Assistant] This is the one he pointed to. The green lorry...

[User] Try the door handle.

[Assistant] The door is locked. The handle looks shiny, like it's recently replaced.

[User] There's no picking this lock. The owner has put special care into it. It's a recessed design.

[Assistant] How am I going to get this open?


[User] "It will take just a moment, officer..."

[Assistant] Her voices fades out into the familiar radio static.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.call_station_lazareth_done"]) == false]

[Assistant] You hear a man clearing his throat briskly, then an answer: "Gottlieb. What'd ya want?"

[User] He's carelessly chewing on a piece of hard candy.

[Assistant] "Just a routine check-up."

[User] "Oh," the man is unpleasantly surprised. "It's you."

[Assistant] Was that a snarl or a suppressed groan? No love for you here.

[User] "I've been shot..."

[Assistant] "Ah, it's you. Walking, talking, though?"

[User] "Yes, but..."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["plaza.kineema_gottlieb_call_counter"] >= 2  and  Variable["plaza.kineema_gottlieb_drinking_2"] == false) == false]


[User] The Ledger of (Oblivion Induced) Mental Health is just as shabby as the Damaged Ledger was: a bunch of sodden papers sags from the clipboard in your hand.

[Assistant] Can I read the case files now?

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["inventory.ledger_logic_white_system_for_reading_case_files"]]

[Assistant] Yes! You can piece them together using the alphanumeric code on the margin. It always begins with HDB41, then date of initialization and time of arrival on the scene. Followed by the title. For example: HDB41120117:00 (THE NEXT WORLD MURAL).

[User] How long does it take to read a case?

[Assistant] It takes about half an hour to piece one together, using the system you've devised. Where do you want to start?

[User] THE UNSOLVABLE CASE

[Assistant] AKA LESLIE & BURKE, AKA THE PUBLIC INDECENCY DRUNK & THE PROPERTY DAMAGE DRUNK is a *cursed* case. It has been passed from unsuspecting officer to unsuspecting officer for ten years. On January 29, THE UNSOLVABLE CASE made its way to you. Why you accepted it is unclear. Every officer and indeed most civilians in Jamrock know it's UNSOLVABLE.

[User] You were so drunk you didn't remember what it was when you signed on. That, or you were high.

[Assistant] Leslie will always take his pants off when he's drunk. Burke will always trash everything. It's just what they do. It is their nature -- you cannot change the nature of a man. And you can't lock them away, because public indecency and small-scale property damage are not punishable by incarceration.

[User] The only way for Leslie to stop displaying his genitals, and for Burke to stop attacking things, would be for them to *stop drinking alcohol*. Which in their forties, or fifties -- it's hard to tell because of their distorted features -- is a medical improbability.

[Assistant] Couldn't we just keep them off the streets?

[User] You would think that, but you're wrong. Where's the fun in exposing your genitals, or breaking stuff in your own home? No, Leslie and Burke are on the corner of Main Street and Perdition, because that's where the *action* is.

[Assistant] Can you keep *yourself* off the streets?

[User] Proceed.

[Assistant] Threatening, fines, dragging them to the station, locking them up in the hell holes they live in, locking them up in the station, hypnotherapy -- even trying to get a local gang of *zemlyakis* to take them out (the zemlyakis gave them ethanol so Burke and Leslie would expose and rampage even harder) -- you tried it all. And still the complaints wouldn't stop. As they hadn't stopped for *ten years*.


[User] The shelves are littered with romantic tales from across time and space.

[Assistant] "Storekeep, what's on this shelf?"

[User] "Oh, such wonderful, beautiful stories. Stories of love!" She sighs wistfully. "You should definitely buy these."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["doomed.book_wc_trigger_bad_romance"]]

[User] "To be honest, I'm looking for something more *real*."

[Assistant] "No-no, sir, you don't want that. That's not proper romance... romance is about overcoming adversity and finding that *single millionaire* who wants to take care of you until the end of days."

[User] "Storekeep, what's on this shelf?"

[Assistant] "Oh, such wonderful, beautiful stories. Stories of love!" She sighs wistfully. "You should definitely buy these."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["doomed.book_wc_trigger_bad_romance"]]

[Assistant] "To be honest, I'm looking for something more *real*."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["doomed.barbell_main_hub_reached"]) == false]

[Assistant] A barbell lies on the floor. The colour has worn off its weight plates.

[User] It's 60 kg. Your triceps hum at the sight of these weights. Show the world what kind of beast it's dealing with. Lift them.

[Assistant] There are no collars on the barbell. This is a safety hazard.

[User] Why does it feel so familiar?

[Assistant] "Look, Kim, it's a trap. There are no collars on the barbell."

[User] "You're right, the weights may fall off. Better not touch it then."

[Assistant] "What kind of a bastard would just remove the collars? It should be a felony."

[User] "It would be a violation of EPIS safety regulations if the gym was still operating. But it isn't. No one's supposed to come here anymore."

[Assistant] Is this familiar because I'm a weightlifter?

[User] No, it's not that... It's the stale smell of rubber, the squeaky sound of sneakers, your bruised knee against the mat. And a whistle... then the feeling is gone.

[Assistant] It's just a memory.


[User] In your hand, you hold four-fifths of "Dick Mullen and the Mistaken Identity."

[Assistant] Examine the cover.

[User] The cover features a pastiche of different scenes. In the foreground, a man in a dark overcoat clutches a pistol to his chest. Rising up behind him are two silhouettes wrapped in a passionate embrace.

[Assistant] The tagline reads: "Detective Dick Mullen must prove his innocence after an old friend is murdered -- by someone who looks just like Dick Mullen!" That seems to sum up the premise nicely.

[User] Needless to say, it violates nearly every RCM regulation for a detective to investigate a murder in which he is a suspect.

[Assistant] "Are you really reading that, detective?"

[User] "I'm just skimming it."

[Assistant] "That's probably for the best. Those books aren't exactly famed for their tight plotting."

[User] It's much more about the dark and deadly atmossssphere.

[Assistant] Start reading.


[User] The pockets of these new jeans are perfect for sticking your hand into. Makes you look cool, calm, and collected. As your hand enters the pocket, your fingers brush against something... soft, yet crinkly.

[Assistant] Take the item out.

[User] Hey! It's a chewing gum wrapper. It reminds you of the fruity juice of apricots. You should inspect it closer if you have time. Something about the wrapper's texture is familiar...

[Assistant] *Not* familiar in a good way, you might say. There's pain in there somewhere...


[User] "Them fucking..." He looks at the charred wood. "I didn't like that."

[Assistant] "Okay then."

[User] *Splat*, a bloody spitball lands on the firewood.

[Assistant] Assess his body language.

[User] What strikes you about this gaunt man is not the stomach pain, or the cough, or the malnutrition. For a man who's spent 44 years hidden in the urban wild...

[Assistant] He is surprisingly okay.

[User] Indeed. He speaks fluidly, his movements are rapid, if erratic. His voice, despite the cough, is there. It is capable of expressing complicated ideas. Above all, he seems *animated*.

[Assistant] Animated? By what?

[User] It's a mystery. This animation comes at a cost too: erratic hand gestures, thought processes cut off like threads, as he just stares at the logs or the reeds. He also suffers mood swings, bubbling to the surface, unconstrained by his nervous system.

[Assistant] Great leaps of emotion: from anger to grief, despair...


[User] A shabby door hangs oddly on its hinges, secured to the doorframe with a safety chain. An unpaid energy bill is attached, threatening to cut off the electricity. It's addressed to Mr. Uuno de Ruyter.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.get_drugs_from_cunos_apartment"] == true  and  Variable["TASK.get_drugs_from_cunos_apartment_done"] == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["apt.cuno_door_main_hub_reached"] == true]

[Assistant] Knock lightly.

[User] No response.

[Assistant] The apartment numbers have fallen off the door, leaving the panel with a sticky '1'-shaped shadow and a marker-drawn '2'.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["yard.cuno_told_violent_dad_has_drugs_home_address"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: CheckEquipped("chaincutters")]

[User] Good thing you already have the chaincutters in your hand! Nothing left to do now but *snip-snip*!

[Assistant] Knock lightly.


[User] A cockatoo is a parrot with an erectile crest, found on the Semenine islands and in southern Face-à-la-Mer. Known for their intelligence and general precociousness, cockatoos are popular birds in aviculture; however, they often exhibit various behavioural issues.

[Assistant] Okay. What more?

[User] This book talks about the delicate nature of 'toos, as well as introducing some of the most popular species among the bird enthusiasts: the funeral cockatoo, the Major Majestic cockatoo, and the most common bang-bang cockatoo. It's colourfully illustrated.

[Assistant] Read about the most common bang-bang cockatoo.

[User] Despite its *banging* name, the bang-bang cockatoo is actually the shyest of the species. Common in almost all Semenese forests, as well as zoos and homes all over the world, its plumage is mainly grey and white. The Semenese name *bang-bang* is thought to be of onomatopoeic origins.

[Assistant] The *bang* is for all the scary things in the world... that may happen at any time.


[User] Bent metal, broken glass... your path lies strewn with the broken forms of everyday objects...

[Assistant] You are *The Destroyer*, the bane of inanimate matter.

[User] No, I'm just a disempowered individual trying to take my disempowerment out on everyday objects.

[Assistant] Look! There's a discarded milk carton on the floor. Why don't you destroy that, too?

[User] Good idea. Fuck you, milk carton, this is all *your* fault!

[Assistant] Kudos.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.klaasje_full_story_hub_reached"]]

[Assistant] "Okay." She puts her coffee mug on the table.

[User] "What happened here -- the night he died?"

[Assistant] "We were there." She points to the window -- the silhouette of the bed is visible. "Together. In bed, I mean."

[User] "Tell me *exactly* what happened."

[Assistant] "Okay..." She takes a deep breath. "He was in a kneeling position, he had just entered me. I was on my back, looking at him. I heard the window behind me shatter and I turned to look -- there was a hole in the glass..."

[User] "I turned back to him." She breathes out. A moment's silence. "His eyes were looking through me and his mouth was open, dumb... I could see... I could..."

[Assistant] A great pain moves through her, a dark and indefinite wave. She continues in spite of it.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_painthresh_despite_pain"]) == false]

[Assistant] Her chest rises and falls with each word. She keeps herself together, and says it...

[User] "I knew he was dead. Before he fell down on top of me."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["yard.hanged_empathy_pleasure"]) == false]


[User] Kim also tries *not* to look at the pile of tape viscera on the carpet. Or the weird suitcase on the hat rack. Or the potted plant dying in the corner. But it's all just too morbid to ignore.

[Assistant] The man is finding it hard not to trip on the tape -- and not to send any of the bottles rolling across the floor...

[User] ...where unidentifiable sludge makes it hard for him to breathe. Smells of vomit in here.

[Assistant] "This is where *the magic* happens."

[User] "And by that you mean crimes against humanity?"

[Assistant] "I defied bourgeoisie morality in here. Defied it *hard*."


[User] Do you *feel* that?

[Assistant] Yes.

[User] Of course you do. You don't even know *what* it is you're feeling, but you can feel it. That's the mark of a true *Remote Viewer*...

[Assistant] The time has come to *connect* to RVD HQ. By establishing a connection you'll have proved yourself worthy as a Remote Viewer...

[User] Close your eyes.

[Assistant] "Everything alright, detective?"

[User] "Yeah, just resting my eyes." [Discard thought.]

[Assistant] "It is rather late." The lieutenant looks down at his wristwatch.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["yard.sense_viscal_greeting_done"]) == false]

[Assistant] "No-no-no," Titus points at himself, "Eyes here! You got business with my boys, you got business with me."

[User] He understood what you were trying to do. Taking inventory of them.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.hardies_logic_understandig_taking_inventory"]]

[User] Now watch the other guys fuck it up by falling out of line.

[Assistant] "Yeah, you fuck with the Hardie boys, you fuck with Titus Hardie!" shouts the scrawny rat-faced man, two teeth missing in the front.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.hardies_suggestion_now_watch_others_fuck_it_up"]]

[Assistant] Yes, falling out of line to *please* him! This is the best kind. And now this guy is going to...

[User] "Relax, Dennis, no one is fucking you yet," says the forty-something man from the corner, with a plectrum hanging from his neck.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.hardies_suggestion_now_watch_others_fuck_it_up"]) == false]

[User] "Yeah, Dennis, calm down," a blond man in his thirties agrees. "No one's fucking you, you stupid fuck."

[Assistant] "Let Dennis enjoy his fucking, man. We don't mind." You notice gang tattoos; the man must be either Mesque or Saramirizian.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.hardies_suggestion_now_watch_others_fuck_it_up"]) == false]

[Assistant] "Yeah." The fat guy in the middle lets out a little chuckle. "You're not even being fucked, Dennis."


[User] The shelves are littered with romantic tales from across time and space.

[Assistant] Does anything more real, more *you* stand out?

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["doomed.book_whitech_pain_threshold_romance"]) == false]

[Assistant] You focus on the overwhelming mass of colourful novels to find anything of note, but it only ends up with your eyes aching from the strain.

[User] Look through the display of books.

[Assistant] You see a foamy mass of pinks and reds... colourful covers filled with risqué imagery. These books are most oft adorned by women in skimpy clothes, thighs revealed... a few roses and sometimes even some pistols.

[User] They also tend to feature chisel-jawed men in dark suits. It's all such... glitzy garbage.

[Assistant] Is there anything here that calls out to me?

[User] Being a rough, *hard-boiled* detective, you can only be pleased by something more real, more *authentic*.

[Assistant] [Leave.]


[User] "Just plug that in there, would you?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[User] "Got it. Are we ready?"

[Assistant] "Yeah, as ready as we're going to be." He cracks his neck before putting on a pair of headphones. "Grab one of these can sets. I've got it rigged so that we can both listen, but only your cop-talk will broadcast..."

[User] "No idea what we're gonna hear when I turn this thing on, so be prepared for *anything*. Trick is to keep transmitting your request until the Big Bad acknowledges you. You got that?"

[Assistant] "Wait, what if they *never* acknowledge me?"

[User] "Honestly, that might be for the best. Like I said, the sines coming off this whole project are seriously uncharted..."

[Assistant] "Don't know how much juice we've got, so we better get to it. You ready?"

[User] "Hold on, I need a minute."

[Assistant] "No time. We're live in two... one..."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["auto.is_snowing"]]

[User] A soft rustling. The snow seems to have gotten between your ears somehow...

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.warship_shivers_snow"]) == false]


[User] "Unfortunately, I don't." He shrugs. "Unlike most of the locals, I have no qualms about assisting law enforcement, but this affair has passed me by completely."

[Assistant] "And... most of the locals?"

[User] "In Martinaise, the Union is the law, so can you really blame them?"

[Assistant] "But you don't have a problem with cops?"

[User] "*Cop* is a pejorative term. I don't have a problem with policemen. On the contrary, I admire the effort to bring order to our streets."

[Assistant] He doesn't know about the crime. Your time is better spent discussing *politics*.

[User] "What about policewomen?"

[Assistant] "I'm confident they are indispensable in regard to all the paperwork and other administrative duties."

[User] "You better not be implying that women are unfit for fieldwork..."

[Assistant] "I am merely stating that Nature, in her infinite wisdom, has made men more fit to perform certain... more challenging tasks than women."

[User] "Remaining headstrong, making tough decisions on the spot, or even tackling physical obstacles are a few examples of such *challenges*."

[Assistant] "Tell me something you are really good at and I'll find a woman who's better."

[User] "I don't want to get into this argument with a police officer," he replies calmly. "Let's just say that in the last eighty-two years I have repeatedly seen my beliefs confirmed in full."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["XP.gaston_told_technically_jeanmarie_still_engaged_to_both_rene_and_hjim"]]


[User] Convince Titus he is being manipulated.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.hardie_rhetoric_wc"]]

[User] Convince *Titus?* he's being manipulated? You should know by now -- Titus Hardie will never falter.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.hardie_drama_rc_success_they_lie"]) == false]

[User] "That's it then. Case closed." (Look around.) "I'm going home."

[Assistant] "Huh?" He looks surprised.

[User] You caught the leader off guard. Now strike.

[Assistant] "Really. I'm gonna start typing up my report. It's gonna say: in Martinaise they just kill you because they don't *like* you..."

[User] "Yeah, let them know!" The little guy slams his fist on the table. "We'll kill you dead."

[Assistant] "...because they *like* killing."

[User] "Yeah, we liked it. It was fun, wasn't it guys?" He looks around. "We had a great time."

[Assistant] "It wasn't for your fucking entertainment, Dennis. She..." He gets a hold of himself.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[Assistant] "They just hang you, like in the dark ages -- make a display of your corpse."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["boardwalk.ladder_hub_reached"]]

[Assistant] The rusty ladder leads to the rooftop.

[User] "What if I don't climb? What if I just... *teleport*?"

[Assistant] "Teleportation is not a thing." The lieutenant stares at you, stone-faced.

[User] Even if it isn't -- no one told you.

[Assistant] "It won't hurt to try."

[User] "Oh yes. It could hurt. A lot."

[Assistant] He is restraining himself from using a parental tone with you right now.

[User] Teleport to the roof.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["boardwalk.feld_ladder_savoir_wc"]]

[User] All you need to do is close your eyes and concentrate. Darkness *enfolds* you. You can *feel* the distance between the bench and the first rung of the ladder. All you need to is...

[Assistant] Do it.


[User] "Now that Kim isn't here -- let's talk about Sunday night."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_sunday_night_story_interupted"]) == false]

[User] "Ah yes." She pours herself some more coffee. "The night before I saw you in the hallway -- and reminded you you're a police officer."

[Assistant] The date of your re-entry into the fossil record.

[User] "Did you... hear something? Sunday night -- from my room?" (Move on.)

[Assistant] "There was the usual ruckus," she nods. "Loud disco music."

[User] "Did I have any visitors?"

[Assistant] "I can't say -- probably not. Sounded like you were flying solo."

[User] "You mentioned loud disco music?"

[Assistant] "Oh yes, various artists. Ostentatious Orchestrations prime among them." She arches her eyebrow, waiting for it to connect with you.

[User] Oh, *that*. Yeah, whooh... the less said about OO, the better.

[Assistant] "OO were *huge* where I come from. I was very young then, of course. Like seven. 'Life gets haaard!'" she says, half-singing. "'But we go ooooooon!'"

[User] Then, doesn't life get hard *because* we go on?

[Assistant] "It mostly just gets hard, doesn't it?"

[User] "It would appear so. At around two o'clock the disco stopped and there was a change of pace."

[Assistant] "What happened?"


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["church.stained_greeting_done"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["church.stained_midgreet_quick_exit"]) == false]

[User] In white, silver, and apricot faïence, the young mother of humanism stands above you. A crack runs across her body. She is impossibly tall, oval-faced and sad -- a dark and radiant majesty.

[Assistant] This is Her Innocence Dolores Dei.

[User]
Cradled in her arms are a pair of glowing lungs, clearly visible from underneath her flowing dress.

You should kneel.

[Assistant] Leave me alone, woman. [Leave.]


[User] The ageing alcoholic is still there, breathing... The air in the room is stale.

[Assistant] "Kim, is this thing even *alive*?"

[User] "I'm afraid it is. Look, it *moves*." He points to a fleshy lump sticking out from the other end of the blanket. The limb seems to be twitching from time to time.

[Assistant] And look, the other foot is camouflaged by a striped sock bearing the name MAXTOR on the sole. Three toes are poking out of a hole.

[User] A groan rises from the man's throat, dry like a death rattle... He's trying to say something in his sleep.

[Assistant] "Hey, are you really Cuno's father?"


[User] Wait -- take a longer look at yourself and how you're reflected in that slick chemical rainbow. What do you *see*?

[Assistant] Metaphor. It's always metaphor.

[User] Some nasty water?

[Assistant] Exactly! The *blood of industry*. The run off from Coal City, further down the coast.

[User] The engines of fortune once roared here. Great wealth poured into Revachol, the Delta. As did smoke, waste, sickness, life...

[Assistant] What happened?

[User] The engines stopped. The West Revacholian industrial base was dismantled after the war. Now, extinguished coke furnaces dot the landscape. A landscape despoiled by industry.

[Assistant] Filth! This needs environmental action -- now!

[User] There was a serious dereliction of duty in this clean up.

[Assistant] Perhaps you could dedicate your life to cleaning it up. But you're a cop. You must concern yourself with different messes. Even so: it's pretty to think.


[User] [Close the door.]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.search_through_the_locked_cabin_done"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.abandoned_seen_article"] == true  and  Variable["jam.abandoned_seen_posters"] == true  and  Variable["jam.abandoned_seen_radio"] == true  and  Variable["jam.abandoned_seen_pedals"] == true) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (DayCount() == 1) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.inspect_traps_2_done"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.restock_trap_done"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.lena_husband_back"]]

[User] "Oh, hello, sweetie. So nice to see you again."

[Assistant] "Tell me more about this *rare insect* your husband is looking for."

[User] "Oh, sweetie, it's *fascinating*..." She catches herself. "But I shouldn't bore you with entomological minutiae."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()]

[User] The lieutenant gives you a sideways glance.

[Assistant] "No, I want to hear about the insect."


[User] There's no way the perp is in here, officer. Look how scarred the boards are -- all attempts to pry them off have failed.

[Assistant] "Kim, you think she's in there?" (Point at the boarded up building.)

[User] "The suspect? God, I hope not -- I can't see a way in..." He inspects the bars. "Though many have tried."

[Assistant] Can *I* try to get in though?

[User] Not this time. The opposition is insurmountable. But I like the spirit -- have some *points*! It's lonely and cold without points.

[Assistant] And dangerous. Dangerous too.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["village.netpicker_wounds_talked_about"]]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["village.netpicker_asked_skiff_from_her"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: DayCount() > 3]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (DayCount() > 4) == false]

[Assistant] "The waves are beginning to die down... look at those little bastards. Simmer down. Simmer down, bastards."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["village.netpicker_fisherwoman_first"]) == false]

[Assistant] Why does she care about the waves so much?


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["auto.on_cindy_balcony"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["pier.cindy_main_hub_reached"]]

[User] "Hello again, officers. Have you come to admire my mural?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["pier.cindy_concept_rc_succeeded_failed"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["pier.cindy_percept_fuel"]]

[Assistant] (Attempt to establish contact.) "Hey, sister. Let's talk *politics* for a minute."

[User] "And what do *you* know about politics?" She squints at you suspiciously.

[Assistant] "I'm searching for a bunch of *mole people*."

[User] "Pigs and moles, eh? Sounds like something out of a children's fairy story."

[Assistant] "I guess it does sound a little childish when you say it like that."

[User] "Yes, it really does..."

[Assistant] "Whatever. I know someone who's into some pretty underground stuff. You're looking for Steban."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["plaza.tribunal_made_it_to_pre_hub"]) == false]

[Assistant] "I'm all out of shits to give, loincloth." There's a feverish gleam in his eyes. "Welcome to the fucking reckoning."

[User] "Put your damn gun down." Titus remains calm. "People are gonna get hurt. We need to talk this through, alright?"

[Assistant] "SHUT UP!!! You're not gonna talk yourself out of this, loincloth-shit fuck!"

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["tc.scab_leader_is_a_merc"]]

[Assistant] This is the mercenary at the gates! His chest rises and falls under the ceramic breastplate. His fingers reach for the butt of his sidearm.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["plaza.tribunal_perc_reaction"]]

[Assistant] There's something very wrong with him.

[User] Say nothing.

[Assistant] "This is a misunderstanding. Nothing irreversible has happened yet. You can just return to your unit and forget all about this."

[User] "The kipt is merciful. Willing to spare us if we just forget about our murdered and humiliated commander." Her tone is frighteningly emotionless. "I think we should just kill everyone, Korty."

[Assistant] "You're all drunk, come to your senses!" She sounds very sure of herself. "You won't gun down seven people in the middle of the street. This isn't a frontier town or a jungle outpost."

[User] "Easy, Lizzie..." His voice is almost gentle. "Let me handle it. I know guys like this. I'm sure we can come to a peaceful agreement. Ain't that right, fellas?"

[Assistant] He is facing overwhelmingly superior firepower -- and he knows it.


[User] A moment passes. The lieutenant glances at the sports watch on his wrist.

[Assistant] "Uhm. I want to talk about *you*."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.kim_main_about_hub_reached"]) == false]

[Assistant] "*Me*?"

[User] "Yes, you."

[Assistant] "I don't see how *my* life is pertinent to the investigation."

[User] "You're right. What's there to know about a lame binoclard?"

[Assistant] "Binoclard? Is that how they do things over at the 41st? No wonder your clearance rate is so low."

[User] "I found out what the *pale* is while you were gone."

[Assistant] "Wonderful." He does not seem surprised. "What is your takeaway?"

[User] "It seems unreal."

[Assistant] "It *all* seems unreal, detective. In actuality, the pale is no more unreal than, say, water. Or death. Or that we're stuck behind our eyes, between our own ears, talking..." He looks around, pensive suddenly.


[User] Is that the phasmid? It looks like the phasmid, leaning against the wall...

[Assistant] Wait, what if this is the fishing rod situation all over again?

[User] Leap toward the phasmid and clasp it in your hands!

[Assistant] It's not the phasmid... It's not even organic -- it's a fire iron. How disappointing!

[User] Of course that wasn't the phasmid. It's way too big.

[Assistant] Don't be too hard on yourself. You couldn't have known that for sure. And, besides, finding this phasmid is your special destiny -- you can feel it!


[User] The skiff floats on the calm mirror of the sea -- its two seats are empty.

[Assistant] Once you get in, that's it -- one pull of the starter handle and you're off into the bay. A strange trepidation comes over you: are you sure you want to go *now*?

[User] Have you made all the necessary preparations? Closed all your accounts?

[Assistant] Remember what the Net Picker said: It's a small tank. You won't be going back and forth on this.

[User] Nothing to do here without the lieutenant... You must return here with him.

[Assistant] "This banged up old thing... it's a ROO A72."

[User] "It'll float."

[Assistant] He's too banged up himself -- to talk torque with you.


[User] The ham-sandwich looks fresh and nutritious in you hand, begging to be eaten.

[Assistant] "I cannot be bought!" (Throw the sandwich on the ground.)

[User] The sandwich falls to the ground with a splat, tomatoes and lettuce flying everywhere, mayo spilling out like blood on a crime scene.

[Assistant] You mean semen, right?


[User] "This... *reality*?" She pulls her hood closer around her neck.

[Assistant] Yes, reality is your side-case.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["pier.joyce_drama_realityinvestigation"]]

[Assistant] An *experimental* side-case.

[User] The aim is to gain a deeper understanding.

[Assistant] "I am conducting a personal investigation into the world I find myself in."

[User] "How *truly* curious -- a sort of philosopher-detective!"

[Assistant] Aren't all...

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["pier.joyce_rhet_philosodetective"]) == false]

[Assistant] "I hope my inquiry into the nature of reality will ultimately converge with our murder investigation. They are two halves of the same case."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[Assistant] "A deep synthesis," she nods. "I'll assist you however I can then. Go ahead. Ask."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["auto.inside_shack"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.mirror_secondgreeting_done"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.mirror_first_greeting_done"]]

[Assistant] A mirror hangs on the wall, covered in steam. You cannot see yourself, just the outlines of a man. You have no memory of the face that awaits you there, underneath the soft vapour.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: IsTaskActive("TASK.face_yourself")--[[ Variable[ ]]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.face_yourself_done"]]

[User] Wipe the mirror.

[Assistant] As you slowly reach your hand toward the surface of the mirror...

[User] Abort! You clearly have not thought this through. You won't like what you will see there -- and you will never *un-become* it.

[Assistant] [Better not to know -- Leave.]


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["church.ravers_inside_church"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["ice.noid_church_greeting_done"]) == false]

[User] "You got us in, cop. I can't believe you got us in..." He looks around the hall, examining the carpentry.

[Assistant] With wonder in his sharp eyes.

[User] "Between you and me -- I don't know if you've noticed this about me... I'm a little *suspicious* of authority. But you -- you really came through for the hard core underground."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[User] "My dedication to the hard core underground is tenuous at best. I have questions, however."

[Assistant] "What's on your mind?" He looks up into the darkness under the roof.

[User] "I wanted to talk some more about this place."

[Assistant] "Dead body, spirit entered. What is there to talk of?"


[User] "Klaasje told me some pretty *interesting* things about Ruby."

[Assistant] "Yeah? Like what?"

[User] "Let's not get into it, it's needless sensationalism."

[Assistant] "No-no," he squints at you. "Let's get *into* it -- what did she say?"

[User] "Really, nothing."

[Assistant] "She didn't tell you shit." He shakes his head. "If she did, it was lies."

[User] "Maybe she killed him because she thought it would curry favour with you?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[User] "Whack someone in my district? That doesn't curry much *favour* with Titus Hardie. She *has* to know that..." He rubs his chin and looks out the window.

[Assistant] It's the kind of chin-rubbing men -- often leaders -- do when they think of *punishment*.

[User] "Titus, you have to see it. Things don't add up -- we need to talk to her." (Move on.)

[Assistant] Silence. He looks around the room.


[User] As you look at the floorboards in this corner of the shack, it's clear one of them isn't quite level with the others.

[Assistant] The edge of a floorboard next to it looks scratched.

[User] Move the board aside.

[Assistant] The hollow space underneath the floorboards is dark and damp. You can barely make out the mixture of sand and sawdust below.

[User] Oh, I don't want to stick my hand in there. [Leave.]

[Assistant] You return the board to its original position.


[User] There! Working class drunk! You know what this means, right?

[Assistant] Case solved!

[User] Cracked it. All in a good day's work.

[Assistant] Wait, what did I crack exactly?

[User] What do you mean *what did I crack*? Look at how working class that drunk is!

[Assistant] It's... uhm... some third option?

[User] No. Stop goofing around, recruit!

[Assistant] It's... uhm... some third option?

[User] No. Stop goofing around, recruit!

[Assistant] It's... uhm... some third option?


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.abandoned_cabin_accessed"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["jam.abandoned_greeting_done"]]

[User] This green FALN A-Z 'Contemporain' is parked in the shadow of the ruins looming overhead. It's seen better days.

[Assistant] Try to peek in the window.

[User] The glass on the side windows is tinted and covered with dust. You can barely make out the shape of a seat and two steering levers.

[Assistant] Posters cover the small windows in the back -- you can't make out what's on them.

[User] It feels like you're peeking into someone's home residence. Inside it's private, cozy, warm. Dusty, too.

[Assistant] How am I going to get this open?

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsKimHere()) == false]

[Assistant] With a key -- or a tool. Like, say, a prybar.


[User] "I ran the serial number on his boots. I know his name."

[Assistant] She blows a long column of smoke and watches it disperse overhead. After a moment, she says: "Good for you."

[User] "His name was Ellis. Ellis Kortenaer."

[Assistant] "Hmh..." She doesn't smile. She taps the ash from her cigarette and shrugs. "Sounds oddly feminine..."

[User] "Where is Lelystad? The place, I mean."

[Assistant] "In Oranje, officer. It's a... I think *municipality* is the term? A nowhere-town there."

[User] The Lelystad municipality has few boroughs and even fewer cities -- it's made of agricultural plots near the border of Gottwald. Executive summary: cows, silos, and wheat.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.ask_about_tattoo_done"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_kim_changed_victims_ethnicity"]  or  Variable["XP.determine_victims_ethnicity"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["yard.hanged_racial_prof_not_messinian"]]

[User] "You were right, officer." The lieutenant nods, sportsmanlike. "He *was* Occidental."

[Assistant] (Look at Klaasje.) "You were both from Oranje?"


[User] *Bratan*, now is the time!

[Assistant] Go away necktie. You're just a figment of my imagination.

[User] *Bratan*, don't push me away. I want to be there for you. Also -- how can you be sure *you* are not just a figment of *my* imagination?

[Assistant] Okay, then tell me -- it is time for what?

[User] Oh... you will see. (It feels like the tie is rubbing itself against your chest like a cat in heat.)

[Assistant] First, the spirits -- the blue medicinal spirits. Grab the bottle and uncork it! It is time to unleash the Other-World.

[User] You know what, I'm done with this crazy talking necktie bullshit!

[Assistant] But, *bratan*... no. Please uncork it. I can make it good again.

[User] Slowly uncork the blue medicinal spirit.

[Assistant] The bottle opens with a silent, mysterious hiss. The fumes rising from its mouth are as crisp as the northern winds.

[User] Howling somewhere, lashing the boardwalk with brine and rain -- an ancient warmth crawls under your skin.

[Assistant] Now, *bratan*, take me off.

[User] Take the necktie off.

[Assistant] Your fingers manage to undo the oily knot and the necktie slides off. It looks so frail sitting there in your hand, weighing almost nothing.

[User] Now what?

[Assistant] Now put me in the bottle.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["plaza.kineema_intro_done"]) == false]

[Assistant] Before you stands a motor carriage. The bodywork is covered in blue and white livery bearing the number 57.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: IsTaskActive("TASK.help_kim_with_money_plan")  and  IsKimHere()--[[ Variable[ ]]]

[Assistant] "I have something in the back we could sell so you can pay for your room. Open the suspect transport enclosure."

[User] Those are some fancy words. Most people would just call it *the cage*.

[Assistant] "You mean the cage, right?"

[User] "Yes." He frowns. "I've never liked that crude name. It doesn't do much to improve the RCM's reputation."

[Assistant] Open the door.

[User] The cage at the back of the motor carriage looks rather uncomfortable. Four shiny hubcaps are stacked against the seat. Their silver edges sparkle in the dark.

[Assistant] "I confiscated these four a little while back. We can take them to the pawnshop down by the Martinaise Canal."

[User] "Sorry, I can't take them. It wouldn't be right." (Don't take the spinners.)

[Assistant] "All right, let's *not* take them now, then come back once we realize we have to -- have this conversation *again* and then take them."


[User] "Ah, yes -- back to the *low-down*."

[Assistant] "What is this?" (Spread your hands.)

[User] "A bird?" She tilts her head. "A *sphenicid* -- a flightless bird of the polar regions?"

[Assistant] "Keep guessing."

[User] "Some sort of... krill hunter? No, wait..." Joyce raises her eyebrows. "You're an ancient ruin, a symbol of hubris and decay, half-submerged in some salty sea."

[Assistant] "What -- really?"

[User] "Of course you're not, my dear. I'm just terrible at guessing games."

[Assistant] "Let me ask you something else."

[User] "Of course," she tosses her permanent-waved hair. "Ask me anything."

[Assistant] Ask for Kim to step away while you discuss the pale.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["pier.joyce_volition_white_to_get_kim_to_step_away_pale_succeeded"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["pier.joyce_volition_white_kim_failed_once"]]

[User] Yeah, you still aren't over the fear that something bad might happen. He expressly said you've had enough excitement for today.

[Assistant] "Yes?" She's waiting for another term.


[User] A strange feeling... looking at the water. Maybe you should just wander off into the sea? Leave it all and walk in...

[Assistant] With a bottle in your hand.

[User] Raise your sight.

[Assistant] In the still mirror of the bay you see Martinaise, reflected. Tall edifices of ruins reach into the water, like shimmering towers. And the shacks too. Pine trees and motor lorries, upside down...

[User] Islets and posts like stepping stones lead into the water in front of you. Go. Step in... it's been too long.

[Assistant] But it's cold...

[User] Yes -- cold and still. But love is warm, like the inside of her mouth.

[Assistant] No-no-no-no...

[User] Yes, yes, yes, yes.

[Assistant] No-no, we're not starting with that. Not now. Not this time. This thought is over.

[User] But it's cold...

[Assistant] Yes -- cold and still. But love is warm, like the inside of her mouth.


[User] It's awfully silent again, as if someone turned off the entire world outside those walls. Water inside the bowls stands still.

[Assistant] Measurements have been marked down around the bowls, each chalk-drawn line representing a centimetre on the floor.

[User] Oh boy, this is going to be good.

[Assistant] Move the fourth bowl from the left five centimetres to the right.

[User] Some water spills out of the bowl, wetting the floor.

[Assistant] The lead programmer sends you an encouraging thumbs up from across the hall.

[User] Time to run back! Or maybe walk, this *is* a sacred place after all...

[Assistant] *And* your leg still hurts from the tribunal.

[User] Move the third bowl from the left two centimetres away.

[Assistant] It moves like a ghost without creating a single trace of sound.


[User] You see the lieutenant's familiar shape in the orange jacket. It turns double -- then triple -- from the pain.

[Assistant] It's nothing. You're alive, that's what matters.

[User] "I'm alive..."

[Assistant] "*Sunrise, parabellum*," the lieutenant says. He's in the middle of a freshly cleaned room, with the fan above his head like a halo. His face is covered in bruises.

[User] "What did you say... sunrise..."

[Assistant] "Sunrise, Parabellum. Sunrise, Prepare-for-War. It's an old revolutionary saying."

[User] Isn't that written on your...

[Assistant] "Is it... war today?"

[User] "The gates of the harbour are boarded up. The streets are a little more empty. Apocalyptic violence is yet to erupt, I am relieved to say." He looks out the window.

[Assistant] "I think we may have held it off -- for now." He unzips his bomber jacket. "Barely."

[User] "Ouch."

[Assistant] "That's right." He nods in agreement. "Ouch, indeed."


[User] Look her in the eye.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_volition_white_check"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.klaasje_volition_white_failed_once"]) == false]

[Assistant] She looks back, time moves slowly. The triangles of her face rearranging into a weary smile...

[User] Don't worry. We will protect you from her beauty. We will *consult* you through the reefs and sounds of her persona.

[Assistant] We will see through deceits. You are shielded. You are wise.

[User] You are advised. There are muscles on long white bones that line her limbs, just below the silver jumpsuit...

[Assistant] Miss Oranje Disco Dancer... You want to put your hand on her back and feel it arch.

[User] Avert your eyes.

[Assistant] The strange moment ends. It was brief, no longer than 2.2 seconds.

[User] "Ruby is definitely not at her old crash pad anymore."

[Assistant] "That doesn't surprise me... She's careful. But -- before you ask -- I really have no clue where she could've gone."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["doomed.dicemaker_main_hub_reached"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["doomed.dicemaker_greeting_done"]]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["doomed.dicemaker_said_did_not_knock_on_her_window"]]

[Assistant] "You're back," the bird-like woman says, looking up from her table. "Did you decide what kind of die you want?"

[User] "You must have me confused with someone else -- I haven't knocked on your window."

[Assistant] "Then how did you get inside? By the south entrance?" She blinks. "You know what, it doesn't even matter. What matters is that you're finally here. Let's talk dice -- did you have something specific in mind?"

[User] "Hold on, what do you mean by *milieus*?"

[Assistant] "Yes, a milieu is like a call-in station. You need a two-way radio to access one. That's why I have these." She pats the headphones on the table.

[User] "Mostly they just teach you to swear in different languages, but some of the stations can be quite interesting. I was so absorbed, I must have missed you knocking."

[Assistant] "Hold on, what do you mean by *milieus*?"


[User] Snow is quietly covering the numerous wine bottles and cigarette butts on the ground. Someone *partied* really, really hard here.

[Assistant] "Did I do this?"

[User] "Well..." The lieutenant looks at you, then the bottles. "Yes. I think we can say with relative confidence that it was you."

[Assistant] "This is really sad. I must have been miserable."


[User] A plaster cast bust depicts a middle-aged man with impressive sideburns. The name on the plinth reads 'Kras Mazov'.

[Assistant] Kras Mazov (nom de guerre), was an economist and theoretical historian. He was a leading figure on the Graad side of the Turn-of-the-Century Revolution, where he headed the Eleven Day Government. Mazov is considered the father of scientific communism (Mazovian thought or Mazovianism).

[User] "Whoever lives here needs to learn how the economy *actually* works." (Stare at the bust.)

[Assistant] The bust doesn't reply. The hallway behind the door is empty; no one heard your words.

[User] "Kras Mazov was a filthy homo-sexual." (Stare at the bust.)

[Assistant] The bust doesn't reply. The hallway behind the door is empty; no one heard your words.

[User] "Father Mazov, the hero of the working class!" (Salute the statue.)

[Assistant] A warm feeling fills you as you look into Mazov's marble eyes. The hallway behind the door is empty; no one else heard your courageous salute.


[User] It's easier, this time, drifting off. Your head has found a comfortable indent in the pillow. Your legs and your torso feel like lead weights sinking to the bottom of the sea, until they're suddenly light...

[Assistant] This respite -- you've earned it, brother. Bask in the darkness. Let it swallow you up and swivel you around while you forget everything you've managed to remember...

[User] Is this the last dream?

[Assistant] No. This is the one before that. We'll just keep cycling it for you, if you don't mind. As long as we can. Spin it like black yarn.

[User] Enjoy it while it lasts.

[Assistant] Thank you, darkness. Thank you.

[User] You're welcome, Harry-boy. You earned it.

[Assistant] (Fall into a deep, uninterrupted sleep.)

[User] After centuries of darkness, the alarm rings -- but what's this? You *actually* feel rested. There's no time to cuddle with your pillow, however, or as much as shiver from the cold. The world awaits.

[Assistant] Go.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.minot_whirling_mainhub_reached"]) == false]

[Assistant] The woman in an RCM patrol officer's uniform winces as she notices you.

[User] "I would really prefer not to talk to you right now..."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["tc.decomptage"]) == false]

[User] A patrol officer is the lowest rank in the RCM, below lieutenant and sergeant.

[Assistant] "Is everything alright? Why don't you want to talk to me?" (Proceed.)

[User] "I don't know..." She's still avoiding your gaze. "I mean, why would I want to talk to you?"

[Assistant] ...after all you've done -- is what her tone implies.

[User] "Why?! I bring word of *the End to come*."

[Assistant] "Of course he does..." The man at the table says to himself.

[User] "Word of the End to come..." She shakes her head, tired.

[Assistant] Then something changes in her. It's pity. Pity comes over her.

[User] "Okay, fine. Let's talk. What did you want?"

[Assistant] Hmm... what does one talk about with a fellow officer?


[User] Is that an Insulindian phasmid? It looks like an Insulindian phasmid. Quick -- catch it before it scuttles away!

[Assistant] "Stop right there!"

[User] You shout at what you thought to be a phasmid, but turns out to be a fishing rod.

[Assistant] "What are you trying to accomplish, Harry?"

[User] "I was just trying to surprise you. To throw you off, you know."

[Assistant] "Well, you certainly succeeded, Harry." He adjust himself in the chair. "You are a very surprising police officer indeed."


[User] Six crumbling petals rest on your palm. They're white, a bell-shaped crown.

[Assistant] "What is this, Kim?"

[User] "This is the Insulindian Lily." The lieutenant corrects his glasses. "Called 'May bells' or 'Lucille's tears' during the Revolution. Girls used to pin these on soldiers before sending them off to battle."

[Assistant] This flower is a spring flower, but it's a bit early for that, isn't it?

[User] "Very well." (Put the flower back in your pocket.)

[Assistant] The petals feel dry and fragile in your hand.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.hardies_inland_black_tree_taps"] == true]

[Assistant] Again you find yourself looking at that big old window...

[User] Squint.

[Assistant] There's a little slide panel up there, to let some air in. No need to open it in spring. It's still too cold outside.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.hardies_inland_black_tree_taps"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["whirling.hardies_viscalc_hedge_to_form"]) == false]

[User] Look out the window.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.unionbox_key_second_whiote_succeeded"]]

[User] There's a yellow ribbon tied to one of the branches -- light yellow, faded with time. A tiny splash of colour in the blackness of the thicket. Hanging from it -- a bronze key.

[Assistant] Someone hid the key in the bush and attached a yellow ribbon to make it easier to find.


[User] Do you *feel* that?

[Assistant] Feel what?

[User] Close your eyes. Reach out with your *feelings*. There's something *para-natural* at play here.

[Assistant] NONSENSE.

[User] You're right. I feel it now.

[Assistant] Of course you do. You don't even know *what* it is you're feeling, but you can feel it. That's the mark of a true *Remote Viewer*...

[User] The time has come to *connect* to RVD HQ. By establishing a connection you'll have proved yourself worthy as a Remote Viewer...

[Assistant] I'm good where I am. [Discard thought.]


[User] "Shoot that shit at Cuno, piggonaut."

[Assistant] "I talked to the gardener. She said not to listen to you."

[User] "Pig..." Cuno slaps his forehead. "Do you have any idea how fucking stupid that sounds."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["yard.cuno_reported_back_on_manana"]) == false]

[User] "Cuno's cruising his bitch on the town and the bitch comes back griefin' to the Cuno? What is up with that?"

[Assistant] "Get the fuck out of here, fatass! Those pants are too small for you!"

[User] The pants are totally okay, don't listen to her, she's trying to give you body image problems.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: HasVolitionDamage()  and  Variable["yard.cuno_gardener_composure"]]

[User] It's totally okay for a man your age to wear pants like that. And you're not fat.

[Assistant] "I know you took the locusts from the traps the cryptozoologists set up."

[User] "Yeah," he says slowly, meeting your gaze with sullen defiance. "Cuno took the bugs. So what?"

[Assistant] So it wasn't the phasmid... a wave of disappointment washes over you.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.hardies_inland_black_tree_taps"] == true]

[Assistant] Again you find yourself looking at that big old window...

[User] Squint.

[Assistant] There's a little slide panel up there, to let some air in. No need to open it in spring. It's still too cold outside.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.hardies_inland_black_tree_taps"]]

[Assistant] You're not so sure about that. Somehow you just *know* -- there's something out there, behind the glass.

[User] "There's something out there."

[Assistant] "Yeah -- your mother."

[User] It's not a very good mother-joke, but the room still laughs. Something about those mother-jokes just *works*.

[Assistant] Squint.


[User] This phrase is meant to be looked at from above.

[Assistant] "What the hell is that?" (Point to the rooftop message.)

[User] The lieutenant cranes his head and mutters: "GO HOME." He pauses. "It's an *aerograffito*. It's meant for the Coalition aerostatics that keep a lookout on the city from the low troposphere."

[Assistant] "What is an aerostatic?"

[User] "An aerostatic is an airship. A hybrid airship, semi-rigid." He points up to a small dot in the cloudline. "*That* is an aerostatic."

[Assistant] "But why are they here?"

[User] "Look," the lieutenant says impatiently. "It's not something that can be explained on the go in couple of sentences. We have more important things to focus on right now, so let's get back to them, alright?"

[Assistant] Silently nod.


[User] Two rusty metal plates that slide apart form a crude door. It's been here under the boardwalk for a while.

[Assistant] Push the doors open.

[User] The doors seem to be on rails, but they've gotten jammed. You grab a side and put some strength into prying it open. With the help of your partner the two metal panels slide open with a *creak*.

[Assistant] "Huh, I hope no one *dangerous* heard that."

[User] "How did you even get there?"

[Assistant] "After you *climbed* up to the roof, you mean? There's a maintenance entrance under the boardwalk. It's next to a drain pipe, possibly a storm drain -- it was easy to miss before."

[User] He's quite proud of himself.

[Assistant] "Maintenance entrance? So pedestrian."


[User] "I'm always happy to educate and entertain you, my friend." He takes a sip from his coffee. "So, what's on your mind?"

[Assistant] "How are you going to fund your new independent harbour?"

[User] "Oh, you mean what sort of *goods* are gonna be flowing through? How am I gonna replace all the contacts we'll lose once the poo-poo hits the fan? The clients who'll ditch us? Harry, we've thought of everything."

[Assistant] Clients would take a well-known multinational conglomerate over a local mobster any day.

[User] "You can't possibly hope to continue like you have. Clients will leave en masse."

[Assistant] "Sure, some will go, but mark my words: the company will be *unpleasantly* surprised to see how many of them stay loyal to Martinaise. And to the new, competitive contracts we can offer."

[User] "With renewed zeal sparked by communal ownership, the men will be shipping those containers double time. You'll be surprised to see how fast things go without parasites latching on. We'll have our hands free to pursue bold, exotic new revenue streams."

[Assistant] "What kinds of bold, new exotic revenue streams are we talking about?"

[User] "Haven't you seen the crates outside, Harry? There's all sorts of fun stuff inside them!" He pushes up his glasses as he laughs. "I mean, heck -- this one has you, me, and my novelty swordfish clock!"

[Assistant] Did he just deflate slightly? Was there something he wanted you to ask about? Maybe you should come back if you learn something relevant and ask again.

[User] You should definitely come back here and ask again if you learn more about the Union's dealings. There's something he's not telling you.

[Assistant] "The signatures I got -- I know you plan to force them out with the construction noise."


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.klaasje_volition_white_check"]]

[Assistant] Soft, light brown eyes look back at you, directly into the space behind your eye sockets. You see the smoke rise from between her painted red lips. She's beautiful...

[User] I have bad news for you.

[Assistant] What?

[User] You know these guys?

[Assistant] Who, me?

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["whirling.klaasje_volrapids_first_succeeded"]]

[Assistant] Yes, you. He's talking about you, you boring stiff.

[User] You too.

[Assistant] Me? What did I do? I'm merely a master thespian...

[User] These guys are compromised. She's got them singing along to her tune. The little bleeps and bloops you trust for info -- you can't trust them anymore.

[Assistant] What?

[User] Believe it.

[Assistant] I've been talking to myself long enough. Let's get back to it.


[User] All around you, rain falls on the great city of Revachol. Rain drips from the eaves and floods the gutters, washing the filth away.

[Assistant] The spring thaw must be here. The snow is melting...

[User] What am I doing?

[Assistant] Looking up at the sky, cold water dripping from your hair.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"]  and  Variable["TASK.check_back_on_renovation_later"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.horseback_monument_scaffolding"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["apt.student_posters_okay"]]

[Assistant] An old monument stands in the middle of the traffic island, pointing toward the sea. It's been covered in posters with radical slogans like 'NO KINGS, NO BOSSES' and 'AGAIN, AND ONCE MORE AFTER THAT!'

[User] At the bottom of the posters, in smaller lettering, are details about meeting at a local coffeehouse.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["jam.monument_posters_kim_comment"]]

[User] Reflect on the re-conceptualization.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reflection_done"]) == false]


[User] "A tragicomedy..." He shakes to life. "Druggies, prostitutes and rentiers."

[Assistant] A strange little engine seems to fire up in him again. It straightens his back.

[User] The familiar *put put put* of hatred.

[Assistant] Detest pushes the cobwebs out of his eyes, pushes the melancholy aside. He relishes it.

[User] "Yeah, wait. We have more serious things to discuss."

[Assistant] "Imbeciles..." The old man in the dirty tracksuit trousers stares at you, panting from hatred. A gust of wind blows in from the sea, bending the reeds behind him...

[User] "Those words: 'the future teaches you...'"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["village.skiff_said_boombox_to_kim"]) == false]

[User] "Real music. It's La Revacholière, you shit-licking boujee dog. *Chanson de soldat* of the black-and-whites."

[Assistant] Marching song...

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["seafort.deserter_ency_marching_song"]) == false]

[Assistant] You need to address that remark.


[User] "Big surprise." The lieutenant grins mirthlessly. "Anyway -- one down, three to go."

[Assistant] "It'll be in the next one. *Surely*."

[User] "Surely," he repeats and looks at the sea, then at you putting the trap back on the ground. "Anyway, the air is nice and fresh here..."

[Assistant] Look around.

[User] Behind you, the ruins of a residential building rise over the reeds, shielding them from the wind. The reeds rustle confidentially.

[Assistant] When this district was booming, the reeds were kept at bay. Nothing obscured the freshly painted façades, nowhere for drunks and adventurous teenagers to hide. Now only the wind blows...


[User] So this is where they brought faulty pinball machines to fix them up -- a long time ago. Everything is covered with dust now...

[Assistant] "This used to be a... pinball workshop."

[User] "Looks like it. I'm guessing Martinaise North 22 used to be a pinball arcade before it became a hostel. There are machines left over..." He taps his foot.

[Assistant] A creak, some dust falls off a shelf.

[User] And it has been forgotten. Now, there is only one working machine in the main hall -- the rest is lost to dust.

[Assistant] Remember the *Dicemaker*?! Then that means...


[User] "Truth is, I don't really know. None of us do. I don't even know how many there are... all we've seen are glimpses."

[Assistant] Glimpses? Who are these people, secret agents? Stealth operatives?

[User] "Better safe than sorry. Anything more you can tell me?"

[Assistant] "Yes," he leans in for emphasis, "there's also *the machinery*..."

[User] This machinery is of the deeply mystical variety.

[Assistant] "When I first scouted the place, back in February, it was abandoned. Empty. Took some time getting the crew together, so about two weeks ago we came here hoping to set the stuff up. Suddenly there are all these strange *machines* lying around in there."

[User] "One of them has wires running into bowls of water. Wires. Into *water*. Never seen anything like it."

[Assistant] "Andre, tell him about the feeling!"

[User] "Oh, and it felt like there was some *thing* in there with us, watching us from the dark..."

[Assistant] "No! The other one."

[User] "Uhm, which other one? I'm not as in tune with my emotions as you are, Egg."

[Assistant] "Felt like silence! Awful silence..."

[User] For this man even regular silence is awful enough. But that was... something greater.

[Assistant] "But you haven't physically *seen* anyone?"

[User] "Not exactly. We've just seen someone who we think is a woman go in and out of the church. A couple of times. And we felt someone... or some *thing*... eyeing us inside. But... that's kinda it."

[Assistant] "Can you tell me more about this machinery?"


[User] "What?" The big man looks at you surprised.

[Assistant] "The brew! The shady, shady brew."

[User] "Oh, how could I forget your little side-project! Well done, Harry. Well done! Don't even tell me what it was. But good job! I love it when workers take the initiative like this."

[Assistant] So do I. That's one tasty brew, you should drink some right now if you can!

[User] "It turns out the strikers are being served an alcoholic brew. I made it even stronger."

[Assistant] "I don't know what that means, Harry. But I love it!" He chuckles. "I love your initiative! Knowing you're out there keeping things running lets me focus on the big picture stuff."

[User] "Don't even tell me what was going on. Alcoholic brew, stronger, stopped it, strike. I'm just gonna let you surprise me, Harry."

[Assistant] "I opened the door you asked me. Can we discuss the murder now?"

[User] "I'm very glad to hear that, Harry," he says with a smile. "One question: you didn't actually happen to stumble in and see what's inside the apartment, did you?"

[Assistant] He's trying to figure out if you're lying.


[User] Heavy wooden doors more than twice your height stand shut in front of you. The rectangular, sea-worn ornamentation appears in stark contrast to the padlock carelessly drilled into the wood.

[Assistant] Inspect the staple.

[User] The padlock passes through a staple that's been hastily attached to the wood. Closer inspection reveals that one of the screws is not a screw at all, but a nail. The work has been done recently and is unprofessional, to say the least.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (CheckItem("key_church_door")) == false]

[User] Should you want to get through, it might be easier to just pry the whole thing off.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["church.churchdoor_have_crowbar_idea"]) == false]

[User] Look at the sticker.

[Assistant] You see a yellow circle with two X's and a big curve below them that looks like a mouth. You're pretty sure you haven't seen it before, but what the symbol depicts is clear enough: a smiling dead guy. The curve makes it smile and the X's make it dead.

[User] There is something blindingly *modern* about this symbol. Its modernness puts to shame everything you've seen before.

[Assistant] "Have you seen this symbol before?" (Point to it.)

[User] He takes off his glasses and uses a blue handkerchief to thoroughly wipe them clean before inspecting the sticker. Then he looks up, pauses, and replies...

[Assistant] "No."


[User] "Something with the Union boss..." (Punch yourself in the head.)

[Assistant] "Officer!" The lieutenant watches you beat yourself in the head -- to make a connection in the murder case.

[User] He quickly realises what is happening.

[Assistant] "Mr. Dros, about this deal you made." He turns to him. "With Edgar. The death of the Krenel mercenary was only *coincidentally* beneficial to the Claires. But..." He leans closer.

[User] "What about the *other* people you've killed for them?"

[Assistant] "Other people?"

[User] "Like -- the previous forewoman of the Union."

[Assistant] That's it! That's what you weren't connecting yourself...

[User] "I didn't fight forty years to end up an informant for the international regime." He wags a finger at the lieutenant. "What happened happened."

[Assistant] Still dumb, your eyes are transfixed on his digit. It's yellow with nicotine...

[User] Before, when you asked him about the Union he said it was a *disappointment*. They promised him something. Political.

[Assistant] You are *THE LAW*. He must divulge the information!


[User] There's some tare, an empty cigarette package, and a crumpled kebab wrapper in the trash bin.

[Assistant] Examine the tare.

[User] Two empty bottles of 'Touloula' vodka and a can of black 'Potent Porter' is all you find.

[Assistant] No. There's more in there. 'Livis' strawberry liquor, plus some pilsner bottles too. Better not pick them up, they seem unhygienic.

[User] "A tragedy..." The lieutenant looks in the can, eyes watering from the smell.

[Assistant] He shakes his head with genuine sadness.

[User] Examine the tare.

[Assistant] Two empty bottles of 'Touloula' vodka and a can of black 'Potent Porter' is all you find.

[User] No. There's more in there. 'Livis' strawberry liquor, plus some pilsner bottles too. Better not pick them up, they seem unhygienic.

[Assistant] "A tragedy..." The lieutenant looks in the can, eyes watering from the smell.