[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["canal.hjelmdall_mainhub_reached"]]

[Assistant] What a shirt. All other shirts pale in comparison to the muscular man with antlers and immense zweihänders.

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

[Assistant] The antlers on the hood of the man's cloak and his piercing blue eyes are familiar....

[User] "What's the deal with the man on this t-shirt?"

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

[User] "It's the Man from Hjelmdall."

[Assistant] "Walking away from his burning village, yes."

[User] Their matter-of-fact tone belies their surprise at the fact that you didn't recognize the figure in the print.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["canal.hjelmdall_empathy_surprise"]) == false]

[User] "Remind me, who's the Man from Hjelmdall again?"

[Assistant] "The Man from Hjelmdall is the hero of a series of popular books based on a fictional version of Katla, mostly what is nowadays Arda NFD."


[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] There is no way to sway this man in any direction. He is un-suggestable and un-swayable. Just tell the truth.

[Assistant] "I *may have* gone inside and seen a collection of racist mugs."

[User] "Just as I thought. Culturally antiquated mug collection. What a weasel..." He shakes his head. "*Pissing* on Evrart's Rainbow Coalition."

[Assistant] He *was* testing you. And you succeeded.

[User] "Now let's get down to brass tacks. It's time for men like me and you to figure out who's killed who and why." He pretends to roll up his sleeves. "Real police work is gonna start happening now. I promise you, Harry, this is gonna be good."

[Assistant] "How do you know the mercenaries were hired by the shipping company?"

[User] "How do I know? Let me tell you about these people." He slams his fist on the desk. "That's their MO. It's what they do."

[Assistant] "Last winter some poor workers in Terminal E went on a little strike. The company sent in *Sediment* -- a security contractor. The strike was over the workers' right to wear protective footwear, Harry."

[User] "These guys turn up and start beating people. Tell you what, Harry, I wouldn't be surprised if we got the same mercenary company -- after a little *rebranding*. And I'm sure as hell not surprised to see an army of scabs under my gates."

[Assistant] "So you believe the scabs were organized by the security contractor?"


[User] "I'm not even sure the *one bullet* my chamber holds would even prick that hulk."

[Assistant] "But... I was fighting *bad*, unsavoury ideologies. I'm a hero."

[User] "We're not here on some political quest, we're here to solve a crime. Don't make this situation any more volatile than it already is."

[Assistant] "But *he's* the one trying to provoke *me*!"

[User] "And you're just going to *let* him manipulate you like that?" He raises an eyebrow.

[Assistant] "But... I was fighting *bad*, unsavoury ideologies. I'm a hero."

[User] "We're not here on some political quest, we're here to solve a crime. Don't make this situation any more volatile than it already is."

[Assistant] "Okay, I was trying to assert my dominance over him."


[User] You should totally sing karaoke here, the first chance you get. Your emotions need to be expressed. People need to know of your vast, oceanic soul.

[Assistant] My soul's cubic content is obscured by the hangover.

[User] Of course. At this point, precise measurements of your soul can only be performed from the outside. It needs to be heard.

[Assistant] Through a PA system.

[User] By other people.

[Assistant] Whether they like it or not. Ram it up their ears, says your adrenaline gland. Violently express yourself.

[User] What should I sing, when it comes to it?

[Assistant] You should sing the sad small church song from that tape you found. Thought it was obvious...

[User] I was thinking maybe I could sing something happy. Get the crowd going.

[Assistant] No-no, don't sing the happy song, it's stupid. Sing the sad song, it's profound.


[User] Dig deep into your mind to locate the source of *The Expression*.

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

[User] It belongs in The New -- the third decade of the current century. Enough time had passed from the failure of Revolution that, for a fleeting moment, free market economy seemed like the ultimate, uncontested way of life for our species.

[Assistant] Okay...

[User] Things were good. It was *smooth sailing*. People made gold-and-champagne-tinted interiors and façades to suit the times, calling this *The New Style*. But, more importantly -- disco happened.

[Assistant] For Revachol -- your city -- that meant only one thing: Guillaume Le Million!

[User] If it doesn't rhyme, you're not pronouncing it right.

[Assistant] Out of the dazzling swirl of disco music, in an open air *boîte de nuit* somewhere in Revachol West, Guillaume's blond mane appeared on the screen. He sang some bullshit. Then he made *The Expression*.

[User] I guess that's it then. (Conclude.)

[Assistant] It doesn't have to be. You can swoon over Guillaume and his champagne-cork smile whenever you want to... Maybe some of the stardust will return?


[User] "Okay, let's do this." (Climb the monument.)

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (CheckEquippedGroup("gloves")) == false]

[Assistant] The cold metal chills your bare hands. Some part of your brain tells you something is missing...

[User] Chalk powder. Absorbs moisture and keeps your grip firm.

[Assistant] You don't exactly cut a lithesome figure, but after several moments of scrambling you manage to hoist yourself atop the monument.

[User] That performance was, frankly, an embarrassment.

[Assistant] Examine the connections.

[User] The connection itself is nothing more than a little braid of exposed wire wrapped about the hoof of the horse, a copper fetter it cannot slip.

[Assistant] The whole monument is covered in a thin but durable layer of oil and grime. It's obvious no one has cleaned it in years.

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

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


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: IsHourBetween(21, 2)]

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["village.ww_altgreet_nighttime"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["village.has_shack"]) == false]

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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["village.ww_greeting_done"]) == false]

[User] The woman next to a bucket of clothes hums an odd melody. Her eyes are closed.

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

[User] "Welcome to the fishing village." She opens her eyes. "Please lean in closer. I have cataracts."

[Assistant] Then how does she know you're here?


[User] "Titus sent Elizabeth away and said her services were no longer needed."

[Assistant] "Oh yes. She came to see me. Said Titus Hardie is the most stubborn man she's ever met and you..." He shakes his finger at you. "You are on a whole new level of *difficult*."

[User] "Honestly, Harry," he says with a chuckle. "Jamming a wedge between a man and his legal counsel is no small achievement. Sounds like you're handling this like a supercop."

[Assistant] "I needed to talk to Titus man to man and she was getting in the way."

[User] "Oh, I can imagine that. Lizzie is tenacious like a little pitbull. Underneath the law degree and sophistication, she's still a Martinaisian through and through."

[Assistant] "To tell you the truth, I'm actually quite interested to see how this whole thing between you and Titus is gonna play out. You guys really deserve each other."

[User] "Aren't you going to ask me how I got in?"

[Assistant] "Honestly, I didn't want to bring it up, Harry -- I heard you have become Measurehead's race pupil...?"

[User] "I'm not a *race pupil*, I just listened to some of the things he had to say."

[Assistant] "Of course, Harry, of course! You're not some kind of a fantastic racist now. And rest assured, no one's gonna hear about it." He winks at you.


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

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

[User] [Action/Check: Script: SetVariableValue("doomed.radiocomputer_kim_has_seen_it", true) --[[ Variable[ ]]]

[Assistant] Tiles on the cube are still smouldering, casting the framework in a soft glow. Virescent PLAY and PRINT keys shine on the keyboard.

[User] Look inside the compartment.

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

[User] Behind the hatch sits a cube-like crisscross of filaments, smouldering in the dark like fireflies. Silver tape on the side says in a black marker: "THE PRODUCTION SCHEDULE".

[Assistant] Remove THE OFF-SITE COPY.

[User] The filament slides out of its glowing nest.

[Assistant] Insert THE OFF-SITE COPY.


[User] An intricate web of blue lines stretches across the torso of the hanged man, from the right shoulder to the solar plexus. Each time the lines intersect, a small white star is formed in their crossing. Hundreds of fading asterisks riddle his skin; their concentration is highest around his heart.

[Assistant] It still kind of looks like a map of the stars in the night sky, but... something's not right.

[User] Who are you?

[Assistant] Gone.


[User] "Whether you're a family man or not is unimportant right now, officer. We are here for a different reason. In fact, we should probably move on to the murder."

[Assistant] "No, no. Don't interrupt him." He looks the lieutenant with reproach. "Me and Harry are having a moment here. Go on, Harry."

[User] "Do you know where I live?"

[Assistant] "But of course, Harry." He nods. "Your precinct is the 41st and you live in Jamrock. You're a Jamrock boy. A long way from home, but that's okay."

[User] He doesn't really seem to know any more about it.

[Assistant] "Let's talk of other matters for a moment."

[User] "Of course, Harry, of course! Let's not linger on personal details and amnesia. You wanted something from me?"

[Assistant] "Evrart, about the weasel..."

[User] "You fucked up. You waited too long, the weasel came back, and now you can't open the door I asked you to open..." The big man looks you straight in the eye.

[Assistant] "Evrart forgives, Harry." A wide smile crosses his face. "Don't cry, my boy. It's gonna be alright. I'm *still* gonna tell you about the murder. That's just the way I am. Benevolent."


[User] The spread pattern of these bullet holes makes your chest ache. Your breath grows heavier.

[Assistant] Another set of awfully old bullet holes.

[User] "Kim, look... more bullet holes. Someone has been shot here."

[Assistant] The lieutenant inspects the wall, then nods. "Another set of old bullet holes from the Revolution."

[User] "Figured as much." [Discard thought.]

[Assistant] "A history of violence streaking all across Revachol."


[User] What happened here?

[Assistant] This looks so sad...

[User] Put your emotions aside. Try to focus on abstract, impersonal things.

[Assistant] But this reeks of sadness!


[User] "Guess what -- I've come upon something incriminating."

[Assistant] "Incriminating... now that's a big boy word." He puts his beer can down.

[User] "You're involved. Somehow. I just don't have proof -- yet."

[Assistant] "Well..." He picks up his beer can. "Maybe you should just fuck off then?"

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["yard.hanged_spoke_to_the_corpse"]  or  (Variable["whirling.hardie_postviscal_scan"]  and  Variable["yard.sense_viscal_greeting_done"])  or  Variable["cargo.containeryard_finish_the_pile_of_belts_thought"]  or  Variable["yard.hanged_rope_airlifting_carfo"]  or  Variable["yard.hanged_rope_industrial_strength"]  or  Variable["cargo.evrart_hardieboys_did_the_merco_in"]]

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

[User] "What are you doing, officer?" He lowers his voice. "We had enough questions to keep this going."

[Assistant] You should have kept pushing if you had something.

[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] 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] "See anything interesting?"

[Assistant] "Possibly."

[User] The lieutenant nods.

[Assistant] Move the board aside.

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

[Assistant] What's in here?

[User] Nothing particular catches your eye. Looks like more reeds. There might be something hidden inside the sand, though.

[Assistant] Something bad. Someone's night thoughts. A last resort. A bad idea.

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

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


[User] What's in the north?

[Assistant] An abandoned church that's being turned into a dance club. Four youths are hard at work there, making it ever harder core.

[User] And further north?

[Assistant] A serpentine strip of land weaving its way into the Martinaise inlet. Unfortunates on the run -- from the law, from themselves -- sometimes hide out on nearby islets. Little dots in the ocean that are occasionally submerged when the tide is high and the weather foul.

[User] And on the islets?

[Assistant] The remains of a camp on a jagged piece of rock -- a tent, old dishes and cutlery. Long since abandoned. A hermit crab scuttles among the debris, looking for a new shell.

[User] Further out, the lights burn bright on Résurrection; way beyond Martinaise -- a popular spa destination for ample-bodied Ozonne kids with equally ample pockets.

[Assistant] And on the islets?

[User] The remains of a camp on a jagged piece of rock -- a tent, old dishes and cutlery. Long since abandoned. A hermit crab scuttles among the debris, looking for a new shell.

[Assistant] Further out, the lights burn bright on Résurrection; way beyond Martinaise -- a popular spa destination for ample-bodied Ozonne kids with equally ample pockets.

[User] And on the islets?

[Assistant] The remains of a camp on a jagged piece of rock -- a tent, old dishes and cutlery. Long since abandoned. A hermit crab scuttles among the debris, looking for a new shell.


[User] A threat? Retaliate immediately. You'll see -- they'll fall over like bitch-leaves. These boys ain't got the *cojones*.

[Assistant] "I just wanted to talk about music and now there's a conflict all of the sudden... it's too much." (Nervously shake your head.)

[User] "Uh... that's right," the young man says, looking unsure of himself. "You... you should back off and let silence rule supreme."

[Assistant] What is wrong with you? Now you're just empowering these punks.

[User] "This is ridiculous." The lieutenant gives you an irritated glance. "Boys, do you know why the gang is called SKULLS?"

[Assistant] "Yeah -- the skull symbolizes the embrace of death and nothingness, present in all of us, the vehicle of our future operations. Death and nothingness."

[User] "They're called SKULLS because when you're shot dead in the middle of the street, the skull is the only part the stray dogs won't eat."

[Assistant] Just trust me and follow my lead.

[User] "So, boys, wanna feed the dogs?"

[Assistant] No reply. The blond rebel scratches his chin, deliberately not focusing his gaze on anything. He looks very uncomfortable.

[User] The other one shuffles uncomfortably, nevertheless continuing to steal glances at the lieutenant's motor carriage.

[Assistant] Scared little bitches...

[User] "Why aren't there more SKULLS in Martinaise?"

[Assistant] "The Union does their share of policing in Martinaise, at least where gangs are concerned," the lieutenant replies instead. "That's why there isn't much organized crime around here."

[User] Apart from the Union themselves of course.

[Assistant] "Don't you worry about that. We're gonna make up for the deficit."


[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] Maybe the assailant climbed the comms tower, took the shot there?

[User] The salty water has corroded the ladder to nothing but two thin orange rails. In addition, there is no stable nest up there. It would have been useless.

[Assistant] It does look *extremely* rickety. And wouldn't help much either.

[User] Maybe the assailant climbed the comms tower, took the shot there?

[Assistant] The salty water has corroded the ladder to nothing but two thin orange rails. In addition, there is no stable nest up there. It would have been useless.


[User] "Gary, do you know how to turn back time?"

[Assistant] "Do I know how to turn back time...?" He gives you a sideways glance. "Is that a trick question?"

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

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

[User] "Are you *still* pursuing this?" The lieutenant gives you a tired look.

[Assistant] "No...?"

[User] "No?" he asks, surprised. "Because I could've sworn that's what you're doing right now."

[Assistant] "It *will* make sense, I promise."

[User] "Fine." He opens his notebook and starts leafing through the pages. "Just make it quick. We need to get back to our case."

[Assistant] "Make what quick?" He shrugs. "You're asking me about time travel. Is this some kind of a trick?"

[User] "I'm all out of tricks, Gary. Tell me what you know."

[Assistant] "Phew..." He scratches his head. "I don't know what to tell you. I mean of course there are *theories* out there..."


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

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

[User] "Hello, I'm Neha." A bird-like woman sits on a throne of tools, with emerald light shining through her hair.

[Assistant] "Did you try knocking on my window? I must have missed you, I've been listening to my *milieus*." She taps on her headphones.

[User] "So, what kind of die are you looking for?"

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

[User] She's got a direct view to the backyard. You should interrogate her about the lynching.

[Assistant] "Never mind, I'll be back later." [Leave.]


[User] "How did you know we were coming?"

[Assistant] "I heard you in the passages. And I've been preparing for quite a while."

[User] "Okay... then I have other questions..."

[Assistant] "Yeah? What?"

[User] "If you didn't kill him... why hide?"

[Assistant] "I saw *you* roll into town. I wasn't about to stick around for questioning by a goddamn La Puta Madre agent."

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

[Assistant] So this is what she was scared to tell Titus. *This cop, this cop...*

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

[Assistant] A fear fills you. A bad kind of fear. Of *yourself*.

[User] "What do you mean... La Puta Madre agent?"

[Assistant] "Yes -- you." She looks at you quizzically. "Everyone says you're his peone. His 'Human Can Opener.'"

[User] Through the sudden sharp pain in your head, you hear the lieutenant mumble something to himself.

[Assistant] "Fucking hell" and "Why me?" you hear through the white noise.


[User] They really have an interesting set up here. Like kids preparing for a school science fair. It's pretty neat.

[Assistant] I hope I did stuff like this when I was a kid.

[User] I'm sure you did. You have an exploratory, creative streak -- just like them.

[Assistant] "Hey Andre, what's all this?" (Continue.)

[User] "This? Oh, we're trying to see if we can come up with some cool new special effects to add to the visual aspect of our club experience..." He gestures toward the set-up proudly.

[Assistant] "We tinker with things. Art, music... chemistry."

[User] "I'm not sure I'm buying what you're selling. What kind of effects?"

[Assistant] "Some chemicals when mixed can, you know, change colour, or sort of -- blow up..."

[User] "BLOW UP! BLOW UP!" The young man with the large head pumps his fist in the air.

[Assistant] "Not, like, you know, in a dangerous way," he throws Egg Head an uneasy glance, "or, well, we're not going to do it in a dangerous way."

[User] "Besides, did you know that *smell experiences* are all the rage now at the most forward-thinking venues?"

[Assistant] "Very big in *art circles*." She looks up for a moment.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["canal.light_paid_shares"]]

[Assistant] It's the 700 reál modified street light you traded for shares.

[User] Read the sign.

[Assistant] It reads: 'SOLD TO THE DISCO COP FOR SHARES IN M-K MERCURY GROUP.' The words are written with an even kerning in bold, precise letters.

[User] Looks surprisingly official for a small-time trader. Some of your big-biz flair must be rubbing off on him.

[Assistant] Look at the light in your life.

[User] The pole has been carefully cut, the wiring redone and attached to a standard indoor plug. The light buzzes faintly but persistently.

[Assistant] She's going to *love* it.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["canal.light_inland_she"]) == false]

[Assistant] See you later, sunshine. [Leave.]


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

[Assistant] The tent is just tarpaulin fabric covering a pile of stuff. The flap is open. Inside, three young men are listening to some new form of music. It's like nothing you've ever heard. One of them looks at you.

[User] "C'mon! Get in and close the flap behind you! The warm stuff is getting out!"

[Assistant] It's safe to assume this is their leader. Or at least he thinks he is.

[User] Squeeze in.

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

[User] "Sorry." He points his thumb at the lieutenant. "We barely have room for one."

[Assistant] "You go ahead, I'm too old for this..."

[User] I'm actually not, he thinks. I just dislike delinquents.

[Assistant] "I'm sure you will feel right at home. I'll keep watch." He gestures for you to squeeze in.


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

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

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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()  and  Variable["whirling.lena_intro_greeting_kim_first"]]

[User] "Hello again, sweetie. I see you've met up with your colleague." She looks at the lieutenant.

[Assistant] The lieutenant nods politely.

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

[Assistant] Wait, who's *sweetie*?

[User] She is appraising you scientifically, the way she would an exceptional zoological specimen. It's not *like that*.

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


[User] The graffito has been painted over the traces of the fight that took place here. It smells of blood and heavy fuel oil.

[Assistant] This was Cindy the SKULL.

[User] Looks like Cindy the SKULL has been here.

[Assistant] The red-dyed fuel oil glistens. This was painted very recently.

[User] The Return...

[Assistant] Fresh blood. The return to her side.


[User] "Quite the business venture you've set up here."

[Assistant] "Oh..." He gets a proud gleam in his eyes. "The system's been good to old Rosemary here and I'm milkin' 'er like a bitch goat in the backyard."

[User] "What do you mean?"

[Assistant] "You see, friend," he raises his index finger, "man makes his own luck -- and I made mine real good. Got my hands on three bottles of *liqueur exquise*, sold two to the fellows around here and *immediately* invested the profit."

[User] "Bought cigarettes, bought beer, even bought a bit of speed. And look at me now... I got everyone on my hook." He spreads his arms and smiles a crooked toothless smile.

[Assistant] The hook -- where is it? I can't see it.

[User] "I'm already hooking for Cuno... I think."

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

[User] "Good, good, good," he repeats, nodding enthusiastically. "So you want this shit or not?"

[Assistant] "Why does the bottle of spirits cost 300 reál?"

[User] "See, friend..." He brings out a one-litre bottle with blue-ish liquid. The mouth is corked shut. "It's *real* valuable. Worth every reál, if you catch my drift. Got it from a bit of a business venture..."

[Assistant] "I'll just have the spirits and not the story today, thank you."


[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) == false]

[User] The handle is loose from violent, fruitless yanking. Paint at the door's bottom is chipped from kicking. People have tried often, and apparently without success, to enter.

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


[User] Now! Now you will *finally* get to know who you are!

[Assistant] "Wait. I have a *few* questions before we go. About who I am."

[User] The man looks westward, impatiently.

[Assistant] Jingling his car keys in his pocket.

[User] "Lieutenant Kitsuragi -- what will you do now?"

[Assistant] "Well -- first I will go back to my station and write the most detailed report anyone has ever seen. It will have to be good to cover all this. Then I will have a serious talk with my captain."

[User] "About what?"

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

[User] "Detective, we just stopped a small-scale war. Something is happening to Revachol." He takes a look around -- into the deepening shadows of the streets -- then pulls up his collar.

[Assistant] "I don't know what, yet -- but it's going to be a hard spring for the RCM. We need to get ready. Infiltrate. Investigate."

[User] Distant traffic. A scrap of newspaper drifts by, carried by the wind.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["village.posse_kim_shivers"]) == false]

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

[Assistant] Le Retour...


[User] This isn't just glass -- these are old computation components.

[Assistant] These are computer components?

[User] Yes. Filament memories. From the time when wires were cast in glass; slides with an inlaid nervous system.

[Assistant] "So this is all that remains of Feld R&D?"

[User] He nods. "The rest of the building seems to have been picked clean."

[Assistant] "Could this be part of the Feld Playback Experiment?"

[User] "These? No. These are old filament memories. I hope you're not expecting to find that device here -- you will be disappointed."

[Assistant] All you will find here is pain.

[User] "So this is all that remains of Feld R&D?"

[Assistant] He nods. "The rest of the building seems to have been picked clean."


[User] You see a colourful primer. The title reads: "A Primer for Small Kids."

[Assistant] Flip through the pages.

[User] It's exactly like a primer -- a word on every page relating to a letter of the alphabet.

[Assistant] I'm not sure what you're planning to get from this. It's meant for babies. Literal babies.


[User] "So I talked to Klaasje about the tape."

[Assistant] "And?"

[User] He tenses immediately. Chest tightens. Jaw sets. Ready for another blow.

[Assistant] "And nothing. She stands by what she said."

[User] "That fucking fucker..." He stares at his beer for two seconds -- intently -- then turns to you. "You're the worst cop in Revachol! I gave you *gold* on that tape."

[Assistant] That 'fucker' wasn't aimed at you. It was at *her*.

[User] You smell weakness. He's getting tired of the game he's been playing.

[Assistant] You caught him off balance. Push and he will give way.

[User] "It was dark stuff, but it didn't prove anything. And it didn't change her mind."

[Assistant] "Dark?! Dark is when you start a goddamn death-rock band! He said he'd rape her!" He shakes his head in disbelief.

[User] Sounds like he wanted it to change her mind about the hanged man. This is definitely personal.

[Assistant] "What did she have to say then? Fine by her?! This is what people are *supposed* to be like? Fucking whoopty doo!"

[User] "If anything, she seemed turned on by the whole doorgunning thing."

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


[User] "What else did Ruby tell you -- about me?"

[Assistant] "She said you have a funny taste in clothes." He scoffs. "And that you won't *stop*."

[User] Never -- not until the case is solved. And then the next case. And the next...

[Assistant] "She's right. I won't."

[User] "Not until you *have* something on her. She said she's heard of you from Jamrock. That you're a human can-opener. That you play suspects against each other. Open them up, like cans."

[Assistant] And then when they're all empty, just move on. Unto the next can. Don't look back -- unless there was something you *missed*.

[User] "Fucking hell..." The tattooed man shakes his head. "Titus, did he just..."

[Assistant] "...open Angus up like a can? Yes, he did." He nods. "Now, we can whine about it, whack him, or we can go on with our lives. I'm having a 'go on with our lives' kind of day, Al. How about you?"

[User] It's not an actual question.

[Assistant] Silence. He nods.

[User] "Anything else? *Anything*?"

[Assistant] "Yeah, there was something else. She wouldn't tell me though. I could see she wanted to. It was *burning* on her lips: 'This cop, Titus, this cop, he...' But she was too scared."

[User] Scared? You should be too. A strange fear creeps over you, a metallic taste in your mouth. Change the subject.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["cargo.evrart_anything_I_can_do_to_help"]) == false]


[User] This book is written by an angry humanitarian sciences doctor from the La Cherte University in Sur-La-Clef, a Dr. Benoit Mejean. He does not like Sur-La-Clef, La Cherte -- or in fact even the University he teaches in -- but what he likes even less is...

[Assistant] It's capitalism, isn't it?

[User] Capitalism.

[Assistant] Can't stand the shadow of it. This book promises to *really* get into everything that's wrong with capitalism -- to do so once and for all in an *exhaustive* and *final* manner.


[User] "We ask you one more time. Are you prepared to accept your responsibility?"

[Assistant] This is it, there's no turning back, no more pussyfooting about. You have to choose, once and for all.

[User] "Yes, I accept. Now, let's get me out of here."

[Assistant] "Acknowledged. Laurel has initiated the extraction procedure. Stand by..."


[User] In your hands you hold 'Sixteen Days of Coldest April', by Yekartina Dahl. The cover image shows a row of concrete apartments, above which span a black-and-white rainbow.

[Assistant] Feels heavy.

[User] Indeed. The book is *unusually* heavy in your hands, as though the cover were lined with lead...

[Assistant] They *would* do that in Graad.

[User] How long is this book, anyway?

[Assistant] You flip through the book. The pages are thinner than you realized, and the type quite small and tightly set. It's nearly 600 pages long.

[User] Real art is dense and difficult. If it didn't feel like you had to wrestle a suicidal bear to get through it, you weren't really reading.

[Assistant] Look at the back cover.

[User] The back cover is dominated by a black-and-white photograph of the author...

[Assistant] What does she look like?

[User] She can't be much older than her mid-30s in this photograph, and yet from this cover the eyes of a sad, old woman stare back at you.

[Assistant] Look at the back cover.


[User] A brisk coastal wind still howls against the window of the shack. Occasionally the waves crawl in under the foundation, producing a low hum...

[Assistant] Listen.

[User] The room feels muffled, like you pulled your hat over your ears. Outside, it is cold and windy, but you're inside, and it feels safe and warm.

[Assistant] WHAT IS THIS PLACE TO YOU?

[User] It's free. That's good enough. I could live here.

[Assistant] Waves crash unto the beach, drowning the reeds. Far to the south a congregation gathers to a soup kitchen in a shelter for the homeless. An old woman gives out knitted scarves for free.

[User] This could have been you. This could still be you. A down-on-his-luck nobody, trying to survive.

[Assistant] "This feels like a cozy hideout."

[User] "Mhm..." The lieutenant looks around.

[Assistant] No, wait, I changed my mind, I want to choose again.

[User] There is no going back.

[Assistant] Outside, the howl of the wind has picked up. The waves crash against the stilts again. It's as if you think the thought, but in someone else's voice...


[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] "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] Who is Kras Mazov?

[Assistant] Situated between a poster of a white star and a photo of revolutionaries posing with their guns... This can't be a coincidence. There can be only one explanation.

[User] Kras Mazov is a *communard*.

[Assistant] Yes, 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] "Yes?"

[Assistant] "That's it for now." [Leave.]

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

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.look_into_church_spooks_done"] == false]

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


[User] "Agent... Is La Puta Madre some kind of travel agency?"

[Assistant] "Yeah, they love sending people to faraway places..."

[User] "I'm sure I'm supposed to know... but I lost my memory recently."

[Assistant] "Yeah, sure."

[User] She doesn't believe you.

[Assistant] "I'm sure La Puta Madre himself will explain it all to you soon enough."

[User] A man in a white suit walks through a garden coaxed from soil that had once been covered in asphalt -- a city block closed off from the rest of the city by dark buildings.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["boardwalk.ruby_la_puta_esprit"]) == false]

[User] "Okay, other questions."

[Assistant] "Yeah. Other questions."

[User] Destroy the machine.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["boardwalk.ruby_red_check_pain"]) == false]

[User] The violent white noise becomes even more overwhelming closer to the Compressor. Feels like your brain is swelling up in your skull.

[Assistant] Squirm in pain.


[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"]]

[Assistant] "Hello, dear. It's good to see a familiar face." The elderly woman smiles up at you hopefully.

[User] "About your pin..."

[Assistant] "I hope you were able to pawn that old trinket!" She smiles up at you earnestly.

[User] "I decided not to pawn it. You should have it back." (Give her the pin.)

[Assistant] "Aw, thank you, dear. I confess -- I am glad to see it again."


[User] "This isn't going very well."

[Assistant] "How did you hope it would go?"

[User] "Honestly, I was expecting you to use your *unorthodox technique* to keep her off-balance -- and you know... *not* volunteer us to be her henchmen."

[Assistant] "Oh, so we're henchmen now?"

[User] "This woman is running circles around us. She might have known about your *misplaced badge* all along -- or she's simply an adept improviser. Either way, we've played straight into her hands."

[Assistant] He doesn't let it show, but there is a limit to how much the consequences of your unprofessional behaviour can cost the investigation.

[User] Maybe this is all her plan? She might have heard about you.

[Assistant] "Her *proposal* was likely part of her design. This all is."

[User] "Yes. Knowing this does not really change our position, however."

[Assistant] "What do you propose -- that we *don't* investigate the drug trafficking?"

[User] "No. If there is reasonable suspicion, we must investigate. Otherwise she could claim we're siding with the Union. Or that we're on their take. We'd never hear the end of it..."

[Assistant] "What I propose is -- we ask her. Then we investigate. *Briefly*..." He adjusts his glasses. "But do *not* share the outcome of this investigation with her. We tell her it's done and demand for her information on the lynching."


[User] You feel something -- like a swarm of hornets buzzing under your scalp. A strange tingling you can almost *smell*.

[Assistant] "Lieutenant, do you feel something?"

[User] "No. What do you mean?"

[Assistant] "A ghost."

[User] "Hmm..." He looks ahead, beyond the arch. "Either way, we ought to be careful. There were footprints back there. And I'm pretty sure they were fresh."

[Assistant] "I saw them too, in the sand back there. Do you think it's our suspect?"

[User] "Possibly. If she's in here, we need to plan our next step carefully."

[Assistant] "What do you mean?"

[User] He lowers his voice. "Once we detain a credible suspect, who knows what the Union and the Wild Pines will do? We'll set in motion events we have no control over."

[Assistant] You will upset the balance of power in Martinaise. The deadlock between the company and the Union will destabilize.

[User] This part of town is a fine clockwork puzzle. Disturb its peace and it will start breaking down -- uncontrollably.

[Assistant] Keep calm. Go over the whole situation in detail.

[User] "What do you think is waiting for us there?" (Conclude.)

[Assistant] "I think I see a cavern..." The lieutenant's whisper echoes down the tunnel. "Maybe more cellars? I think we've been careful enough -- we still have the element of surprise."


[User] Do you remember the scent of your childhood?

[Assistant] I was born in a hospital where people usually go to die.

[User] You're not kidding anyone, Harry. You don't remember shit. Tell me...

[Assistant] Do you remember your wife's hand on your face?

[User] I left.

[Assistant] Oh no, funky-baby, you *stayed*. It was the rest of it that left. While you just stood there. With one hand on the bottle and the other on your dick -- watching it go.

[User] Tell me, where are your friends? Human beings have friends, Harry-boy. Where the hell are yours?

[Assistant] I can get it all back.

[User] No. It's gone. Three times gone and never coming back. You failed. You failed me.

[Assistant] You failed Elysium.

[User] I can come back from this.

[Assistant] You're not coming back from shit! Thrashing around in that *high-conductivity state* of yours, bumping into things and acting like a *clown*. Who are you kidding?

[User] Help me...

[Assistant] Help you, why? I can't hear you, the rest is just a word-dream. Jumbled up garbage. The pictures are gone, the bed rises to meet you. A thin, sleep-like state. More glass than velvet, *grinding* in your head.


[User] "Believe me, dude, it's better we talk about something else."

[Assistant] "You said eating me? There's nothing eating me."

[User] "C'mon, I can tell." She shakes her head slowly. "But, okay, be a boiadeiro about it if you want to."

[Assistant] "I guess... there is something... that's been making my life hell."

[User] "What is it?" She listens intently.

[Assistant] "I think it's the plight of the working class."

[User] "Oh, really?"

[Assistant] "The golem of capital runs rampant, smashing creator and slave alike. I fear the process is irreversible."

[User] "Wow. Social justice really matters that much to you? That's commendable. It really had you shaken up there... are you *sure* that's it, though?"

[Assistant] "I haven't seen much of this world, but from what I've seen *social justice* is an adolescent term. Sounds almost liberal... what's got me shaken up is the *people's struggle* and it's got me shaken up *bad*."

[User] "Yeah, man, they're pretty bad," she says, without much conviction.

[Assistant] "It makes me sick, thinking about the thousands... millions... billions? How many people are there, actually?"

[User] "Um..."

[Assistant] "How many people are there in the world?"

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

[Assistant] "A city has millions in it, so the world would have a lot more. I think I knew the number once..."


[User] "Did you shoot Lely?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["boardwalk.ruby_didnt_do_it_arguments"]) == false]

[User] "No, I didn't do it. I only helped stage the lynching. Though I doubt that makes much of a difference to *you*."

[Assistant] So she says she didn't do it -- and she doesn't trust you. Is it you specifically or the Citizens Militia that she distrusts?

[User] "Who ratted me out, by the way? Was it Titus? No," she hesitates, "he wouldn't have broken first..."

[Assistant] "When I threatened to arrest her, Klaasje broke... she told me everything."

[User] "Oh." She smiles sadly. "Well, I guess I always knew she was a *survivor* above all else."

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

[User] Say nothing.

[Assistant] "But she couldn't have known I was on the coast. How did you find me?"

[User] "Your first guess wasn't entirely off..."

[Assistant] "Titus and his boys, ma'am. They told us you were on the coast."

[User] Even now, Kim is a paragon of professionalism: he's trying to make a clean cut of telling her she was betrayed.

[Assistant] She pauses, taking it in. "Well, fuck. And those guys *liked* me -- I know it. If this is what happens to people whom people like..."


[User] "A white star." (Point to the star on the label.)

[Assistant] "No." He looks at it. "An *upside down* star."

[User] With its horns in the sky -- the symbol of the Commune.

[Assistant] "Looks old. What's it still doing here?"

[User] "After..." He thinks. "Forty four years? That's not nearly enough time to hide what happened here, officer."

[Assistant] "RCM... It sounds like RCM -- Revachol Citizens Militia."

[User] "It does."

[Assistant] "Why?"

[User] "The RCM *may* descend from the ICM."

[Assistant] "*May*?"

[User] "It's impossible to say." He looks toward the darkened doorway. "It was chaos after the war. The name was good for getting people to join us -- Revachol West was mostly workers and criminals..."

[Assistant] ...nice *political* thoughts rush through your neocortex.


[User] Points are good. Have one, you old dog! Before we all die...

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

[User] "Could it be love that *did him in*?"

[Assistant] "It very well could be, yes."

[User] "What do you mean?"

[Assistant] "What *do* I mean?" She raises an eyebrow. "I have no idea. I don't even know what *you* mean. Love did him in? What does that mean?"

[User] "Okay then. Another question."

[Assistant] "Of course," she says quickly.

[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] Master Investigator! You just can't keep yourself away from locked and hidden places, can you?

[Assistant] What do you mean?

[User] Nothing. Nothing! You're right -- get in there... deep. Invade every personal space, break every lock...

[Assistant] I'm just browsing...


[User] Nope, you don't have any new winning tactics to get the woman to spill the beans about cryptids.

[Assistant] "You don't notice this about me, but actually -- I have lost all memory of the world and myself and I have no idea what I'm doing."

[User] She frowns, looking you over. "Surely things can't be *that* bad?"

[Assistant] You sense that she won't judge you, no matter what you say.

[User] "Yeah, I'm blowing this whole thing out of proportion. Forget I said anything."

[Assistant] She nods, but still looks worried.

[User] "I don't know if you've noticed, but I don't know where I am, or what I'm doing. Or *anything*."

[Assistant] "Yes, officer, you look rather dazed... like a stunned fox. But surely things can't be *that* bad?" Her eyes follow your movements with some concern.


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

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

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

[Assistant] "We're ready to try, at least. Please, put those on. I've configured the channels so that only your microphone is set to broadcast. We'll both 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] "Wait, what if they *never* acknowledge me?"

[User] "Then it will be exactly like every other moment of every other day. I ask again: Are you ready?"

[Assistant] "Yes."

[User] "Good. Beginning transmission."

[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"]) == false]

[Assistant] "Go ahead, officer."


[User] There! On that balcony. Do you see it? It's an artist!

[Assistant] A strong aura of *originality* surrounds the girl in question.

[User] Quick, kill it with fire before it organises a *happening*!

[Assistant] Yes, I can sense the *originality*...

[User] Seems to be one of those conceptual types... not good. If we proceed cautiously we might get something tangible out of her.

[Assistant] Alright, I'm listening. What's the plan?

[User] Artistos are known to *repel* wealth. It bounces off their skin like rubber. The moment a reasonable business proposal enters their periphery, they go and get 'political'.

[Assistant] Nonsense, no one 'repels wealth', the businessmen just don't know how to entice them.


[User] By the way, where *is* home? The address is coming up blank and this place sure isn't it...

[Assistant] I have no idea.

[User] But you've been at this hostel-cafeteria for only three nights. Where were you before? You had to be somewhere.

[Assistant] Up on Marvel Hill.

[User] Why did you say that?

[Assistant] "Lieutenant Kitsuragi, do you know a place called Marvel Hill?"

[User] "No..." He thinks for a moment. "But isn't that an expression, not a place?"

[Assistant] "An expression?"

[User] "A saying. Up on Marvel Hill -- a great, high place. One that is impossible to climb back to."

[Assistant] That doesn't sound like somewhere you can stay if you run out of money.

[User] I'll live in a dumpster, I don't care. Fuck everything. Hobocop.

[Assistant] Entertain the thought when you get the time. Maybe being a hobo *and* a cop has its advantages?


[User] "My financial situation is none of your business."

[Assistant] "It's not my intention to make it my business, just to move this investigation forward."

[User] He is mildly offended that his display of camaraderie went wrong -- though it doesn't show in his posture.

[Assistant] "I'm pretty sure you can pick up some odds and ends to sell here. Take a look around." He nods toward a table heaped with knick-knacks. "The owner has eclectic taste."

[User] Eclectic taste? This shop is full of *stolen* goods -- a blight on the community!

[Assistant] "*Or* we could shut this place down? The stuff is clearly stolen."

[User] "On the contrary -- we should do our part to *support* the local economy."

[Assistant] ...we shouldn't disrupt the way things are done here, he thinks. And have little power to do so anyway.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.inspect_traps_2_done"]]

[Assistant] "Hello, sweetie. How are you?" She sounds tired.

[User] Dark circles around her eyes. She's absolutely exhausted.

[Assistant] She asked about you because she's afraid to hear about the traps. But that's what she really wants news of.

[User] "I restocked the empty trap... Where's Morell?"

[Assistant] "Thank you for doing that, dear." She manages a smile for you.

[User] Her smile is weary. Her earlier ebullience has left her.

[Assistant] "Morell still isn't feeling well. I convinced him to stay at Gary's to get some rest." She looks down at her hands. "I'm afraid the cold has really gotten to him."

[User] "He gives up and *I'm* running around?"

[Assistant] "I'm sorry, dear. It was me -- I made him go home. He gets *so* stubborn about these things -- luckily his cough kept him from arguing with me."

[User] Her voice is shaky. What is going on here?

[Assistant] "So... who's going to check the traps?"

[User] "Morell will eventually. Or we'll talk Gary into going back out, perhaps..."

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


[User] "Oh, of course. That's your main thing here. That's *why* you're in Martinaise." He nods. "I know everything that goes on around here and I would *love* to discuss it with you."

[Assistant] "I mean, it's no secret that the lynching is connected to the strike -- so much to talk about! Honestly, it's been weighing on me so heavily. I understand -- you need to *interview* me..."

[User] Say nothing.

[Assistant] "...but there's a *thing* that's been keeping me up at night. I *want* to talk about the hanging. I mean... if we could just calmly talk, exchange information, we could blow this thing wide open!"

[User] "Yes, let's blow it open."

[Assistant] "But I *can't* think straight with this thing weighing on me..." He slaps himself on the forehead. "You're a police officer, aren't you? I have a crazy idea. You guys are basically door-opening machines. Incredibly talented at opening doors."

[User] "I've opened a few doors in my life."

[Assistant] "And I'm sure you're gonna open this one with flying colours, Harry." He chuckles. "This really is very simple and there's nothing shady about it."

[User] An excellent opportunity presents itself, sire! You could win the trust of the arch-liar, pretend to play into his hand -- then, should you wish, bend his efforts towards your own!

[Assistant] Does this jiggling ooze think he's going to *use* you? He's got another thing coming. Play his game, son, with your eyes peeled. He's going to slip up, and when he does -- you're going to come out on top.


[User] "You know, Contact Mike doesn't *just beat people up*. Contact Mike is a role model."

[Assistant] "Um..."

[User] An entire *litany* spews forth!

[Assistant] "On second thought, screw Contact Mike. He's not a champion -- you are! Look at you here in front of a saggy tent, picking your nose to drug-addict music. The world of sports is in awe of your faith and dedication."

[User] "Man, you are one weird cop."

[Assistant] "I'd say I'm just about normal. Now about that mic -- Not Mike. Mic."

[User] "You do understand it all just sounds like Mike to me, right?"

[Assistant] "Where did you get the mic from?"

[User] "Same place I got the recorder from. The Paliseum."

[Assistant] "Tell me more about the microphone."

[User] "Sure."

[Assistant] "How does that thing work?"


[User] "Yeah, the Kingdom of Cuno, the fuck do you want with it?"

[Assistant] "The dead man's clothes were in the trash container." (Point to the container.) "How did they get there?"

[User] "Yeah, Cuno doesn't know shit about that. That shit is *beneath* Cuno."

[Assistant] "Right. About something else, then..."

[User] "Shoot that shit at Cuno, dumpster diver."

[Assistant] "That ladder yours?"

[User] "No, it's not fucking Cuno's, it's ancient -- look at it."

[Assistant] An evil squeak comes from behind the fence. "He thinks you're fucking four, Cuno! He says you climb the ladder up to your *magic tree house*!"

[User] "Get the fuck out of here, pig! Cuno doesn't have a magic tree house!"

[Assistant] "That ladder yours?"

[User] "No, it's not fucking Cuno's, it's ancient -- look at it."

[Assistant] An evil squeak comes from behind the fence. "He thinks you're fucking four, Cuno! He says you climb the ladder up to your *magic tree house*!"


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

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

[User] "Good. Now, give me a hand with these amplifiers. Leave the cables. I don't feel like making two trips..."

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

[User] [Action/Check: Script: SetVariableValue("character.committee_of_la_responsabilite", true) --[[ Variable[ ]]]

[Assistant] "Well, this was an *interesting collaboration*."

[User] "What do you think? Could I make it as a radio engineer?"

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

[User] "Perhaps. You're certainly resourceful. That is a good trait in an engineer..."

[Assistant] "In any event, just leave that equipment here. I'll put it away later. If you'd like, you can take one of the extra headsets. I don't need so many spares."


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

[Assistant] "2. Internal examination -- where were we?"

[User] "Respiratory system," he pries the corpse's mouth back open. "Put it down as -- oral cavity shows no lesions, mouth swollen, haemorrhaging present in mucous of the lips and mouth."

[Assistant] Look deeper inside.

[User] It's hard. You taste stomach acid in the back of your throat. A contraction -- your throat pumps a little something from your stomach and into your mouth. You're forced to swallow, just to keep looking...

[Assistant] Inside you see darkness. Just a mess of meat and darkness.

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

[Assistant] Mute silence as always.

[User] "Haemorrhaging present in mucous," the lieutenant repeats impatiently. He lets go of the jaws. The mouth snaps shut before you.

[Assistant] Look deeper inside.

[User] It's hard. You taste stomach acid in the back of your throat. A contraction -- your throat pumps a little something from your stomach and into your mouth. You're forced to swallow, just to keep looking...

[Assistant] Inside you see darkness. Just a mess of meat and darkness.


[User] "Huh?" He leans closer with a strange expression on his face.

[Assistant] Now that you say them, the words feel like tin, heavy, they're coming from the bottom of you. You've said them half a thousand times...

[User] (Say:) "You will be taken to the nearest precinct holding area for preliminary investigation."

[Assistant] "But..." His eyes fill with sudden terror: "You said I would be taken to the, uhm, the..."

[User] The sum of all the erratic, involuntary movements and mood swings he's been exhibiting...

[Assistant] The wind picks up. The silence on the water is broken, little shivers of waves appear...


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

[Assistant] The 'Suzerainty' box is heavy and slightly awkward in your hands. You give it a light shake, and feel the pieces shift around inside.

[User] "Hey, Kim, wanna play?"

[Assistant] The lieutenant looks over the rulebook before he sees something that makes his eyes go wide...

[User] "Holy shit, the average playing time for this game is one to *six* hours..."

[Assistant] "I'm not sure we can afford to set aside *that* kind of time for a *game*."

[User] So he says, but his gaze lingers a moment longer on the rulebook than is strictly necessary. He could *make* time, if he really wanted to.

[Assistant] [Put the game away.]


[User] René told you his war story, now impress him with *your* heroics.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["plaza.rene_hero_Story_rc"]]

[User] Go long, go deep, go unconventional!

[Assistant] I'd rather just ask him some questions.

[User] Of course, it's your call. But he would have been *really* impressed.

[Assistant] "Was there anything else, officer?" he asks impatiently. Looks like they both want to continue the game.

[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] 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"]]

[Assistant] As you focus on the overwhelming mass of colourful novels, a discrepancy catches your eye -- one of the books is not like the others.

[User] A grey book has lost itself between all the romance. The title reads: 'Sixteen Days of Coldest April.'

[Assistant] Turn away, this is a bad idea.

[User] Why is it out of place?

[Assistant] Someone thought this was a romance story, but it's actually a thoroughly excruciating work of psychological realism.

[User] Help, I don't want to do this...

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

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

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


[User] Wow, so someone's been a little... *boring*?

[Assistant] What?

[User] Yes, my *standard* liege. Someone's seen all sorts of wild ideas pop off and thought -- 'I'll take the *boring* one. The regular, please. The brown.'

[Assistant] "Kim. Am I boring?"

[User] "You?" He looks at you. "I wouldn't worry about that."

[Assistant] See? You're so *regular* and vinyl-brown, he doesn't even want to talk to you about it.

[User] I like brown.

[Assistant] Of course you do. And maybe some black shoes or a pristine white shirt to go with that. It's official: My lord's *copotype* is Regular Cop. I'll let everyone know. I'll send out a telefax.

[User] Why not. Send out the telefax then. I'm not ashamed. (Opt in.)

[Assistant] Done and done. No actual *communiques* will be sent, of course. That would be too dramatic.


[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] "So what about all these 'Wirrâl' things?"

[User] "Lousy auras there!" She shudders. "No, *role-playing games* are popular among those types... you know, who're into those kinds of things. Personally, I don't like it. Not at all!"

[Assistant] "I've heard they turn people into occult-enthusiasts. That they have rituals, where they try to summon entities. Highly immoral stuff... You can still buy them, though." She looks at the table, crossing her arms.

[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] Anything that really catches my eye?

[Assistant] There's a box that says: "Wirrâl. Third Edition Mega-Setting Supplements Module". The side panel notes: "A *fantastique* adventure board game. New maps and miniatures!" A sticker on it displays -- 25 reál.

[User] That price *is* steep, but then it's a Third Edition Mega-Setting Supplement, so it makes sense.

[Assistant] Nonsense for anemic binoclards!


[User] A phone book lies open on the table, covering a stack of utility bills. Right next to it, in plain sight, sits a small bottle of amphetamine, conveniently equipped with a straw.

[Assistant] Score! It's right there, baby. Today's your lucky day.

[User] You could slip the bottle right into your pocket -- the lieutenant wouldn't even notice...

[Assistant] "Lieutenant, I've located psychoactive substances on this table."

[User] "Good, confiscate it."

[Assistant] The minuscule amount of amphetamine doesn't interest the lieutenant in the slightest. He listens instead to something in the other room.

[User] Take the speed from the table.

[Assistant] You pocket the bottle as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


[User] "I thought about it and you know what? I can pay 3 reál for the spirits."

[Assistant] "Finally came to your senses, huh, buddy-boy? Ain't nobody else gonna give you a price like that." The man starts laughing to himself. "Had to let life squeeze you to get that, huh?"

[User] "Yes, yes. Life, squeezing, spirits. Let's just make a deal already."

[Assistant] "Sure-sure, friend. People are just so impatient these days. So, that'll be 3 reál from your pocket to mine. And at this price you're practically robbing me."

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

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

[User] "Why does the bottle of spirits cost 300 reál?"

[Assistant] "See, friend..." He brings out a one-litre bottle with blue-ish liquid. The mouth is corked shut. "It's *real* valuable. Worth every reál, if you catch my drift. Got it from a bit of a business venture..."

[User] Nod -- let him speak.

[Assistant] "You know, it's funny, actually..." He bursts out laughing, then takes three gulps of his pilsner and stares at you intently.

[User] He's finding it difficult to focus his watery gaze.

[Assistant] "What is?"

[User] "What?"

[Assistant] Keep him talking.


[User] "Fine. 20 reál for the night."

[Assistant] He sighs so much he seems to deflate. He slams the key before you. "The room is yours for the night. Don't forget you'll need *another* 20 reál tomorrow."

[User] "Garte, I saw another *thing* at the Whirling..."

[Assistant] "Another thing -- great. I love those."

[User] "I saw a sign that said the mess hall is reserved for the Union."

[Assistant] "Yes -- not the whole damn Union, thank god. Just the nastiest and *loudest* faction." He tosses his head in disdain.

[User] "They come here in the evenings. Dumb, unruly types. Think they're Big Shit. But they're good customers -- they place big orders, and always pay *on time*."

[Assistant] He hates the Union, but grudgingly recognizes its power over him -- so he's directing his frustration at you instead. Retaliate!

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

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

[User] "Garte, what if I told I got into the back room? Behind the blue door in the kitchen."

[Assistant] "Oh? Okay. Well." He controls his excitement well. "I did hear you make noise back there. So -- good for you."


[User] Mm, these are some wonderfully regular pants. Not too tight, not too loose -- moderate in every sense. You'll blend right in at some pleasant dinner party.

[Assistant] I like regular, normal things.

[User] Mhm, I know you do. These interisolary pants are like wearing a perfect *compromise* in your nether regions. No one will call the Moralintern on you like this, that's for sure.

[Assistant] You're a little more moralist now, buddy. A little more *normal*. Even if you didn't want to be.


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

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

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

[Assistant] "You're back. Good." She takes a sip from her silvery thermal cup. "What can I help you with -- at this late hour?"

[User] "It's night. Don't you ever sleep?"

[Assistant] "Matter of fact, I don't." She takes another sip.

[User] "Why is that?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["pier.joyce_kim_medical_condition"]  or  Variable["pier.joyce_amnesia_known"]]

[User] "I have a medical condition of my own -- nothing unusual, though. I'm *old* you see."

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


[User] You see the shape of a prepubescent boy in FALN pants. It turns double -- then triple -- from the pain. He says:

[Assistant] "Coinslot's dead."

[User] You can barely hear him, the pain is so bad.

[Assistant] Say nothing.

[User] "Just kidding, piggo," he chuckles. "The boo-boo wagon took the binoclard away. He's probably gonna live."

[Assistant] "The what? Where did they take him?"

[User] "To the hospital, fucktard. Try to keep up with Cuno." He glares at you with something akin to respect...

[Assistant] Thank god, okay, he's alive.

[User] "They say you shot that fucker in the face. That's fucking cool to Cuno." He looks down. "So I thought I'd stick around."

[Assistant] "Go away, Cuno... Let me die in peace."


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

[Assistant] Behind the pipe -- the maintenance door, rusted shut and half-sunken in sand.

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

[Assistant] This isn't gonna work without the lieutenant here. What if you *do* find a way in and it's a *trap*? Kitsuragi needs to be here, covering you.

[User] Try to pull the door apart.

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

[User] The metal doors are heavy, and very awkward to open on your own, but you just manage to slide them open wide enough for you to slide yourself between them...

[Assistant] "Good work." The lieutenant nods toward the impenetrable darkness inside. "Shall we?"


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["boardwalk.ladder_hub_reached"]) == false]

[Assistant] A rusty ladder leads to the rooftop. Some of the rungs are missing.

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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["boardwalk.ladder_climbing_vs_teleport"]) == false]

[User] You shouldn't attempt to climb this ladder without the lieutenant here. What if you fall and need to be rushed to the hospital?

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

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

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

[User] "Teleportation *is* a thing. Just needs a bit of concentration..."

[Assistant] "Okay, let's say teleportation is a thing. Wouldn't you need some kind of... scientific apparatus to create a teleportation field? You can't just do it without apparatus."

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsHourBetween(8,19)  and  Variable["TASK.locate_ruby_on_the_coast_done"] == false) == false]

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


[User] "Okay."

[Assistant] "Tell me about Noid."

[User] "He's a Faubourger I guess, like the rest of us. Okay, maybe not Egg, I don't know about him, but Noid and the rest are from Faubourg, making the pilgrimage up north to visit The Paliseum."

[Assistant] "He's real hard core about the lifestyle."

[User] "What is this pilgrimage you're talking about?"

[Assistant] "It's just something poor Faubourg kids do every spring, to pass the time. We walk the entire length of Boogie Street, up to Jamrock. Or as much as possible."

[User] "Why wouldn't it be?"

[Assistant] "I don't know man, have you *been* down Boogie Street? It's a little bewildering."

[User] "Oh, I'm sorry... have I not told you I'm a raging alcoholic who recently drank himself into an oblivion so deep he can't even remember what sounds like the biggest street in the city?"

[Assistant] "Uh... no?"

[User] "Well, I am."

[Assistant] "Okay, then you should go and take a look, I guess. Boogie Street is cool. It's got a lot of immigrants and all kinds of different people."

[User] "I might just do that if I make it there alive."

[Assistant] "Yeah," she says, then opens her mouth like she's about to add something, but doesn't.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsTHCPresent("radical_feminist_agenda")) == false]

[Assistant] It's all very organic -- her mannerisms, her movements. If she's acting, she's quite gifted.

[User] By *they* she means the Hardie boys.

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

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

[Assistant] "You were asked to say you were assaulted? By the Hardie boys?"

[User] "Not explicitly, but I understood what they meant. It wouldn't hurt to spice things up a bit -- some assault and battery, *sexual* assault maybe. It was clear the latter would be *spicier*."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (IsTHCPresent("radical_feminist_agenda")) == false]


[User] "Do you have an... alibi? For when Lely was shot?"

[Assistant] "Man, I was with the boys the whole night. I hope they at least bothered to impress *that* upon you."

[User] "There were... ten minutes they couldn't account for."

[Assistant] "You mean, the length of a toilet break? That wouldn't even have been enough time."

[User] "Hold on, *no one* takes a fifteen-minute leak."

[Assistant] "Look, fuck you, man. I might have also stopped by the bar."

[User] She speaketh truth.

[Assistant] "Our investigation..." (wince from the pain) "has shown that fifteen minutes was *just* enough time to commit the murder."

[User] "Wow, now I'm curious. Please, explain."

[Assistant] "Okay then... I have other questions for you."

[User] "I'm listening."

[Assistant] "Do you have an... alibi? For when Lely was shot?"


[User] "I'm more interested in *why* you're so fixated on this idea in the first place."

[Assistant] "I think I just need a break from our main case for a bit."

[User] "I certainly understand the impulse, but this is our job, detective. Our whole *raison d'être*. At some point, we'll need to return to it."

[Assistant] "Do you think we'll actually be able to reach the Coalition with this?"

[User] "I wouldn't like to guess. Your performance so far doesn't exactly inspire confidence, but all sorts of things are possible..."

[Assistant] "*You* could reach the Coalition and have your talk about *la responsabilité*... *I* could grow 10 centimetres and become a flanker for the Stormers."

[User] Examine the transceiver.

[Assistant] There's nothing obviously remarkable about it. It's about the size of a common pasta box, with knobs of molded plastic. What else is there to say?

[User] If this transceiver were a person, it would be an accountant at a large logistics firm. Perfectly competent, but unexceptional.

[Assistant] Examine the transceiver.


[User] "Shitload, pig, what's your question?"

[Assistant] "Don't tell the pig shit, Cuno!"

[User] This is where you *quickly* ask him questions. Real cop-questions. Like a cop.

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

[User] (Whisper.)  "Kim, help me out here. What do we want to know?"

[Assistant] "If I were to want to waste my time -- which I do not -- I would ask them who he is, how he got there, and the *usual*."

[User] The usual being "have you seen anything out of the ordinary" or "have you seen anything suspicious"?

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

[User] "Where's the rest of his armour?"

[Assistant] "Cuno doesn't give a shit about the armour."

[User] "Okay, another question then."

[Assistant] "Shoot that shit at Cuno."


[User] "You're no fun, Lieutenant Killjoy."

[Assistant] He scans your face as though searching for clues. "I did not know murder investigations are supposed to be *fun*."

[User] "Now, gentlemen, no need to squabble." She turns to you. "I wouldn't be of much use to you anyway, sweetie."

[Assistant] "You're probably right."

[User] "I really would like to help out, but I don't want to slow you down. If it weren't for all the stairs and potholes in Martinaise, I'd join you for sure!" She looks out the window wistfully.

[Assistant] "About your pin..."

[User] "I hope you were able to pawn that old trinket!" She smiles up at you earnestly.

[Assistant] "I got 3.20 for it. You should have it." (Give her the money.)

[User] "Oh, that's very thoughtful of you. Are you sure you don't need the money? Okay, then. Thank you."

[Assistant] She really would have rather had the pin back, but she doesn't want to make you feel bad.

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

[Assistant] Even the lieutenant seems happy with this turn of events.

[User] "Now, what else, sweetie?"

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


[User] Establish authority in their eyes.

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

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

[Assistant] Establish authority, yes! AUTHORITY! Feverish thoughts race through your mind.

[User] "Let's try this again -- Kim, gimme your gun."

[Assistant] "No," he whispers, not even looking at you. "Not going to happen."

[User] "First you tell me someone's been *raped*, and then you don't say *who*. That's bullshit!" (Stomp your feet.)

[Assistant] "Stop shitting your pants. You don't *need* to know, alright? We took care of it."

[User] He repeats: "The *law* handled it, alright?"

[Assistant] "Yeah, aren't you listening? It's done. Finito!"

[User] "You're not the law. I am the law!"

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


[User] "DON'T WORRY, BABE. THIS WON'T TAKE LONG."

[Assistant] "SO... WOMEN, HUH?" The Semenese supraman stretches on the couch like a giant tattooed cat.

[User] His shoulders relax, tension is leaving him.

[Assistant] Strange, he seems different in here. Less 'monolithic' somehow.

[User] The room feels soporific in its silence, dust particles twirling around in the air...

[Assistant] "I like women."

[User] "AND? THAT'S WHAT YOU WANTED TO TALK ABOUT?"

[Assistant] "WHAT IS THIS *REALLY* ABOUT?"

[User] "It's about her." (Nod solemnly.) "Revachol."

[Assistant] "THAT IS A LIE YOU ADMINISTER YOURSELF. LIKE HEART MEDICINE. GO WITHOUT IT ONE DAY AND YOUR HEART WILL STOP."

[User] "MEN ONLY WANT TO REVERSE TIME FOR ONE REASON. THEY *SAY* IT'S ABOUT HONOUR, JUSTICE, REVENGE, REGRET, REDEMPTION, AND A PLETHORA OF FALSE REASONS, BUT FURTHER BACK -- DEEPER IN -- IT IS ALWAYS LOVE THAT DRIVES THEM."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["plaza.rene_its_About_love"]]

[User] René certainly seemed to agree with that.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["plaza.lorryman_fascha_rc_scss"]) == false]


[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"]) == false]

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

[User] An old monument stands in the middle of the traffic island, pointing toward the sea. It looks as if it's been reassembled piece-by-piece, secured and mounted in the air with the aid of numerous ropes and rods.

[Assistant] Who is this?

[User] A silver plaque on the statue's pedestal reads: 'I am Filippe III, the Squanderer, the Greatest of the Filippian Kings of Revachol; Son of Filippe II, the Opulent; Father of Filippe IV, the Insane.'

[Assistant] Not a good track record of mental health in that family.

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

[Assistant] Examine the scaffolding.


[User] You should pick that fat, juicy cigarette butt from the tray, light it up and smoke the living shit out of it!

[Assistant] Am I a smoker?

[User] Who knows what you are? A monster, a murderer, the Gnome of Geroma? You *feel* like a smoker, especially when you look at that juicy, succulent, seductive cigarette stub. Still smouldering deliciously...

[Assistant] But she broke it at the filter. I can't smoke that.

[User] How very astute of you! This renders it ineffectual. You should look for a *whole* cigarette. Or better yet -- an entire pack! Strike that, a CARTON! Make sure they're all healthy and able-bodied, then smoke them all.

[Assistant] Or -- you could *not* do that. No one is making you.

[User] Well... I'll think about it.

[Assistant] Good! *Thinking* about yummy cigarettes in your mouth is the next best thing. Make sure you think about juicy sticks of tobacco *all the time*, though. It doesn't count if it's not all the time.

[User] And when you're done thinking about them, graduate to *getting* them.

[Assistant] Plus, smoking them gives *massive bonuses*.


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

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

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

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

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

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

[User] "I... uh... saw you poking around in lady driver's lorry. She in trouble?"

[Assistant] "Wait -- so you *did* know something about who's smuggling drugs around here?"

[User] "Nah, man, I was telling you the truth. I really didn't think it'd be her. She's okay. Sorta troubled but, still -- a nice person."

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


[User] "Yes?"

[Assistant] "I know you said you'd let me know about the package, but -- what about now?"

[User] "I'm not dignifying that with a response."

[Assistant] Too late. You just did.

[User] "But you just did. Right there."

[Assistant] The man actually remains silent this time. He looks at you expectantly.

[User] "Garte, I need to sing karaoke now."

[Assistant] "No, you *don't*."

[User] He tries not to look at you -- it's dangerous to *acknowledge* the karaoke man.

[Assistant] You need to approach this situation logically. Ask him why he has the PA system installed, if you can't use it.

[User] "Yeah, but..." (Look him in the eye) "Johnny Law is about to tear it up sad-style."

[Assistant] "The Whirling doesn't need more *sad style*. That's one of the styles it can do without right now."


[User] "Man, I just can't get enough of these cryptids."

[Assistant] She grins. "I'm glad you liked them, but I'm not really one to tell you about *all* of them. You should ask my husband if you get the chance. He's the real expert."

[User] "The water lock on the canal is broken, so your husband is probably just stuck on the other side of the coast."

[Assistant] "Oh, my! What happened to the water lock?"

[User] "I broke it. Drove my motor carriage into a billboard above the lock, blocking the gates."

[Assistant] "Oh, sweetie... Well, I'm glad you survived that. And I'm grateful for the information -- it will spare me another sleepless night."

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

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

[User] "You're welcome, ma'am."

[Assistant] "Listen, sweetie. I hate to ask, but if your investigation happens to take you to the other side of the coast, please do keep an eye out for my husband..."

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

[Assistant] This will *surely* lead to a cryptozoological mystery with that *extremely rare insect*...


[User] "That's just it! This isn't like him at all. He always plans his expeditions so carefully..."

[Assistant] A cold breeze hisses through dense thickets of reeds.... Something sweet in it, somnolent. A damp chill goes down your spine. When you look around, you're still in the Whirling-in-Rags.

[User] “But you have more important things to worry about.” She glances out the window toward the bay.

[Assistant] More important than a missing *expedition?* I don't know... expeditions often lead to something interesting.

[User] "You don't notice this about me, but actually -- I have lost all memory of the world and myself and I have no idea what I'm doing."

[Assistant] She frowns, looking you over. "Surely things can't be *that* bad?"

[User] You sense that she won't judge you, no matter what you say.

[Assistant] "Things aren't *bad*. They're catastrophic."

[User] "You know where we *are*, right?"

[Assistant] "We're dead. Haunting each other. We're ghosts."

[User] "Now, now." She tilts her head as she looks up at you with maternal solicitude.

[Assistant] "We are alive -- in a hostel called the Whirling-in-Rags. And the Whirling itself is in the city of Revachol."

[User] "Honestly, I don't really know anything about Revachol."

[Assistant] Her grey eyes widen. "Oh my. How would I even begin to tell you? Revachol is the most beautiful city in the world. We're fortunate to be here, you and I."

[User] "I haven't seen very many other cities personally, but everyone says so. Revachol is a rare jewel. This city used to rule the world... Though it has seen better days." There's a pause as she studies your expression. You must look quite lost.

[Assistant] "Speaking of history -- you know what *year* it is, yes?"


[User] Hey, so we've been monitoring you internally, and now we know your *copotype*.

[Assistant] Wait, there are *copotypes*?

[User] Yes. Guess what's yours?

[Assistant] I was kinda hoping I'm the Apocalypse Cop.

[User] That is only a ludicrous daydream. Guess again. You're the...

[Assistant] I was kinda hoping I'm the Apocalypse Cop.

[User] That is only a ludicrous daydream. Guess again. You're the...

[Assistant] I was kinda hoping I'm the Apocalypse Cop.

[User] That is only a ludicrous daydream. Guess again. You're the...

[Assistant] I was kinda thinking I'm the Regular Cop.


[User] "Oh, I know everything about you, Harry." He taps on the folder in front of him. "I have a big fat folder on you. Very juicy stuff."

[Assistant] "And the word on the street is your memory is a bit... hazy." He looks at you questioningly. "If that's true, maybe I can help you out? Do you a little favour so to speak."

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

[Assistant] "My memory is fine. Don't worry about it."

[User] "So good to hear that, Harry. Apparently my sources were wrong." He pats the brown folder again.

[Assistant] "However if you *would* have a spot of memory trouble -- well, let's just say a fat juicy folder could really fill in the blanks." He winks at you.

[User] Words flow like a river of honey from his lips.

[Assistant] I guess word has already reached him. No matter, no harm done.

[User] It's just a brown folder. You can't make out what's written on it.

[Assistant] "Are you trying to tell me you've gotten hold of some of our documents?" The lieutenant inspects Evrart over his spectacles.


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

[Assistant] "Cuno's Cuno, pig!" The boy points to his chest with both thumbs.

[User] It's always *Cuno*, never *I*. Clearly the kid's using the third-person perspective as a shield.

[Assistant] Cuno... Primal. Violent.

[User] "Interesting... you refer to yourself in the third person to distance yourself from the situation?"

[Assistant] "Cuno doesn't do that *smart* shit." He seems offended. "Don't throw that book shit at Cuno. Cuno knows you're lying."

[User] "Trying to get Cuno hooked on the book..."

[Assistant] The boy knows he has an addictive personality. Admirable insight for his age.

[User] "Watch out, Cuno, he's trying to fiddle you. He's gonna put his HANDS on you!" The *thing* behind the fence starts squealing, shrill and violent like a fire alarm.

[Assistant] "Help! Pigs got Cuno! Help! RAPE!" The sound gets louder as the child shouts at the windows overlooking the yard.

[User] "Help!" The boy joins in. "He's got the Cuno!!! HELP!!!"

[Assistant] Everyone can hear. You need to get the hell out of here before...

[User] Calm down. Anyone watching can see you're doing nothing. Just keep it professional.

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

[User] "I'm just going to leave." (Conclude the conversation.)

[Assistant] "Yeah, get out of here before the Cuno beats *the shit* out of you."


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

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

[User] "Yeah. It's all set up, man! Can you already imagine a thousand people in here?! Ten thousand?!" He waves his hands in an unbelievably lame, non-hard-core manner.

[Assistant] "Ecstatic vibrations! Totally transcendent! And I've finished setting up the new compressor too!" He looks at the imposing black box in the corner that's churning out the sound.

[User] "Now the only thing left to do is the name of the club. Will you do the honours, detective?"

[Assistant] "Soona, do you have an opinion on this?"

[User] "I don't."

[Assistant] "Good, we have too many opinions anyway."

[User] "Kim, how would you name the club?"

[Assistant] "I wouldn't. I wouldn't build a club and I wouldn't name it either."

[User] "An underground place with no name? Sounds like something the crab-man would say."

[Assistant] "We're not going with anything the crab-man would say."


[User] The air outside is brisk, the lieutenant is silent for a moment. He listens to the traffic hum, then...

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

[User] "Now then... we should talk about the investigation -- but I also feel you're a bit *hazy* on the RCM. Our role here, our rights. Our *jurisdiction* basically." He lights a cigarette.

[Assistant] "So what are our powers exactly? The RCM?"

[User] "They're quite limited, actually -- the power officers of the Revachol Citizens Militia exercise most *frequently* is imposing fines of up to 1000 reál for offences, in accordance with an interdepartmental schedule."

[Assistant] "Okay. What else?" (Continue.)

[User] "We can arrest people, of course, but, rather than bringing someone in directly, it's preferable to serve a *Station Call* slip. It prevents confusion and overcrowding."

[Assistant] "I see. And if someone resists?"

[User] "We are permitted to use whatever force we deem necessary. Even lethal."

[Assistant] "And who makes all these rules?" (Continue.)

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

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


[User] "Gendarmerie! You found me." The young man on the balcony gives you a bright smile, before taking another drag from his cigarette.

[Assistant] His slender figure is backlit by city lights, its distant streets and motorways flashing like diamonds...

[User] It feels like a Friday. He seems to be in a good mood tonight.

[Assistant] And his shirt is still unbuttoned.

[User] "I got your hint. Found the key right under that stone."

[Assistant] "Beautiful," he replies, smiling. As he looks at you, something sparkles in his eyes.

[User] "So tell me, are you here to make things *right* again?"

[Assistant] (Ignore his question.) "I was hoping to talk to a possible witness. Your balcony overlooks the murder scene."

[User] "Then I have some good news for you..." His eyes narrow. A nearby street lamp casts shadows on his chin, drawing out the slender cheekbones.

[Assistant] "My Sunday friend is visiting me tonight. I told him about you and he'd like to say hello. Step in, he's already waiting." He nods towards door #28.


[User] That page-three girl... she must be *the* most beautiful page-three girl ever printed. And look at those freckles! The origin of disco... makes you wanna dive into the boogie, doesn't it? Get closer to disco itself with Miss Page-Three.

[Assistant] L'origine du disco! Such a powerful conceit, and this is what we're going to do with it? The commitment of an act of gross public indecency?

[User] C'mon! Beauty is inviting you on a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage you can make with just your hand.

[Assistant] Hm... How *exactly* can I travel to the origin of disco with Miss Page-Three?

[User] Oh, come on. Don't say you've forgotten *that* as well. You can *feel* what you wanna do. You wanna party, don't you? Party right now with Miss Page-Three. *Unzip* and party.

[Assistant] Hang on. Right now? Unzip?

[User] That's exactly what I mean. Unzip and party down on yourself, my man. No one's watching.

[Assistant] Except Miss Page-Three, of course.

[User] But Kim...

[Assistant] Look at her thighs, *between* her thighs, and... what are you waiting for, man?!

[User] PARTY WITH MISS PAGE-THREE ALL THE WAY TO DISCO ZERO!

[Assistant] Should I invite Kim to travel to the origin disco with me?

[User] Absolutely not.

[Assistant] I don't think so... there's just something uncomfortable about all of this.


[User] The lieutenant's final words are nearly swallowed by the roar of the aerostatic's main rotors...

[Assistant] "Firewalker, this is Coalition Warship Archer. We have been instructed to inform you that the Laurel arrived at your position. Please acknowledge."

[User] No shit! How are they supposed to hear your acknowledgement over the thundering of their own rotors?

[Assistant] "Acknowledged, Archer. This is Firewalker."

[User] "Thank you. The Committee of Responsibility for Revachol has authorised us to offer you an immediate extraction. Do you accept?"

[Assistant] Look around, one last time.

[User] The roundabout, Martinaise North, daytime. Across the plaza, a pair of seagulls fight over the remains of a chicken wing.

[Assistant] It's the same plaza you've been looking at for days. What do you hope to see now that you haven't before?

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

[Assistant] The programmer eyes you curiously. She does not understand why you're hesitating.

[User] Whatever her misgivings about the Coalition, the fact is that you've summoned an aerostatic with your voice. An achievement she never thought she'd witness...

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

[User] But where is your half-brother, the lieutenant? He should be here...

[Assistant] YOU CANNOT LEAVE. SO MUCH HANGS IN THE BALANCE.


[User] A moustachioed and mutton-chopped man, amateurishly depicted, gazes at you with sad eyes. A plaque reads: "K. Mazov." There is a spider web in the lower left corner of the portrait.

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

[User] Kras Mazov (nom de guerre), was an economist and a theoretical historian. He was a leading figure in 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).

[Assistant] "It's Kras Mazov! What a troublemaker he was."

[User] "Yes. Looks like some latter-day radicals were hiding out here. They left a long time ago."

[Assistant] "Could it be connected to the Mazov bust we found in the student's room?"

[User] "Millions of depictions of Mazov have been produced. They're not all connected -- besides, that looked like some student. The youths always go for this kind of stuff..."

[Assistant] "Could it be connected to the Mazov bust we found in the student's room?"

[User] "Millions of depictions of Mazov have been produced. They're not all connected -- besides, that looked like some student. The youths always go for this kind of stuff..."

[Assistant] "A long time ago? How long?"


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

[Assistant] "So..." (Point to your face.) "I shaved."

[User] "Yes, uhm..." The lieutenant stares at your shaven face, his eyes narrowed. "Uhhhh..." he mumbles. "I don't know what to say." He coughs. "Perhaps..."

[Assistant] "I know, I know -- stunning, right?"

[User] "Uhhh..." He scratches his cheek. "I'm really not sure about this turn of events. I may have preferred the mutton chops. They sort of seemed to... cover up the..." He stops.

[Assistant] Damage.

[User] Yeah -- damage. He means damage.

[Assistant] "Either way, good on you." The lieutenant gathers himself. "You were saying...?"

[User] Why did the 41st send me?

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

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

[Assistant] Because you're the best qualified? No, that doesn't seem right...

[User] Dumb brain, I'm good for nothing.

[Assistant] You *look* dumb if you keep the lieutenant waiting for too long.


[User] "It looks like someone was in a real hurry."

[Assistant] "What kind of car do you think it was?"

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["canal.samaran_vis_calc_vehicle"]]

[Assistant] "I think it was a Coupris 40."

[User] He seems impressed. "That's quite likely, from what I can tell."

[Assistant] "I have some ideas about who it might have been."

[User] He raises his eyebrows. "Oh?"

[Assistant] "Actually, never mind, I need more evidence to come up with a list of suspects."

[User] "We're not traffic cops. Should we get back to the murder?"

[Assistant] Try to come up with a convincing explanation for the driver's actions.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["canal.canal_tires_red_check_boolean"]]

[Assistant] Somewhere in the depths of your alcohol-addled soul, you find a few threads that you can weave into a story.


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

[Assistant] A thick layer of coal dust covers the furnace, colouring it pitch-black.

[User] Looks like this furnace has a face and it's a face of agony.

[Assistant] "Those voices I heard... Maybe it's the malignant Entity? Plaisance said it lives in a chimney."

[User] "You're right, the rooms do look like they're connected. But *malignant Entities* don't exist -- at least not the *supra-natural* kind."

[Assistant] Always has to be the sceptic, this man...

[User] Then what was the chatter you heard?

[Assistant] Look inside the furnace.

[User] It's dark and grimy here. In the darkness, you can hear *chatter*. It's coming from above. A voice -- or several voices -- talking to each other, near the smoke chamber upstairs.

[Assistant] The echo is so prominent, it's impossible to discern what the voices are saying. Or what's producing them.

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

[Assistant] "What are you doing?" the lieutenant asks when he sees you climb half-way inside the furnace.


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

[Assistant] "Officer, what was that?"

[User] "What was what?"

[Assistant] "You looked strange when he mentioned the assault victim's name." He looks you in the eye: "Do you know that woman?"

[User] "Yes."

[Assistant] "Is there something I should know before we talk to her?"

[User] Whatever you do, don't say the first thing.

[Assistant] "That's it." [Leave.]


[User] "Do you, uh, want to *talk* about what just happened?"

[Assistant] "What's there to talk about?"

[User] "Normally I'm opposed to discussing one's feelings, especially on-duty, but I think this is an exceptional case..."

[Assistant] "So, what do *you* think happened?"

[User] 'Tis possible thou couldst persuade the lieutenant 'twas all a part of thy 'unorthodox' method. But can thou persuade *thyself*?

[Assistant] "I experienced a minor malfunction. I'm okay now."

[User] "Glad to hear it was 'minor.' Can you go on?"

[Assistant] "The end is near anyway, I might as well see this through..."


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

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

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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["ice.acele_ended_crying_in_front_of_her"]]

[User] "So, like..." The girl on the ice looks up at you. "Seriously, what's eating you, man?"

[Assistant] There is a hint of pity in her eyes.

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

[Assistant] "Actually, that's it for now." [Leave.]