[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["gates.mhead_fight_success"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["gates.mhead_fight_failure"]  or  Variable["gates.mhead_fight_failed_mid_success"]) == false]

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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["gates.scableader_greeting_done"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["gates.scableader_mid_greet_exit"]]

[Assistant] "RIGHT TO WORK!!" the man chants, then turns to you. "Back again, eh? Here to show the militia's support for our cause?"

[User] "I don't *think* I've chosen any sides yet."

[Assistant] "Might be time. Don't let the fat bastards tread on you. Cops tend to side with the higher-ups, but you're essentially still *workers*."

[User] "I don't trust cops, but... I can see you understand the --" He raises his voice and chants: "RIGHT TO WORK! RIGHT TO WORK!"

[Assistant] "What kind of a cause are we talking about?"


[User] "So you deliver things. What kinds of things?"

[Assistant] "Oh, I don't know the contents, officer. Part of my job is discretion."

[User] He's trying too hard to seem untroubled by your question. The rigidity in his posture gives him away.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["coast.gary_courier_comp_lying"]]

[User] "Oh, I guess that's okay then." (Conclude.)

[Assistant] He smiles broadly.

[User] "What do you do, then? If not cryptozoology?"

[Assistant] "Oh, this and that." He grins.

[User] "Sounds intriguing."

[Assistant] "Sometimes."

[User] See? He's being evasive. Shake him up, show him who's boss.

[Assistant] Let it go.

[User] "Okay, I work as a special courier." He smiles. "You know, urgent deliveries, overnight deliveries, deliveries to out-of-the-way locations."

[Assistant] "So you deliver things. What kinds of things?"


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

[Assistant] What *is* this?

[User] What it says on the can, Harry. Answer the question.

[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 was left.

[Assistant] That's right, funky-baby, and you just stood there. One hand on the bottle and the other on your dick -- watching her go. Let it all be dragged away from you.

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

[Assistant] I don't want to come back.

[User] They were only cramping your *descent into the abyss*. Now they're gone. Three times gone and never coming back -- all of it. You failed. You failed me.

[Assistant] You failed Elysium.

[User] What is Elysium?

[Assistant] Everything. The pale and the isolas -- on the surface -- the outer magnetosphere... Burning, furious truth, eight thousand years of written history.


[User] "Oh, that's very nice. I haven't gotten around to her yet -- I'm very, very busy, you see." He adjusts a button on his sleeve. "I hope you're getting along."

[Assistant] "One thing I wanna make very clear, Harry, is that this is not some kind of Union *versus* Corporation situation. Everyone is just pals here."

[User] "Just pals?"

[Assistant] "We're all trying to do what's best for Martinaise." His smile widens. "Don't feel like you can't cooperate with her, because you and I are such good friends and I helped you find your lost gun. I'm not a jealous guy."

[User] Whoa... that's so nice of him. Suspiciously nice.

[Assistant] "I told Joyce that I met you."


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

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

[User] "Don't call Abigail." The drunk man looks at you with his sad, swollen eyes.

[Assistant] "Have you seen any women around here lately?"

[User] "Abigail?" His voice perks up, then trails into a string of random babbling. "Abigail, where are you?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["village.abigail_drunk_counter"] >= 5]

[User] "Don'... don'..." the man stammers, "don't call..." Slowly, his head nods off to the side and he passes out, tongue dangling from his mouth.

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


[User] A sulphur-crested cockatoo sits on the cover, its beak slightly open. It looks as if the bird is calling out the book title: "From A to Zrieek! A Guide To A Well-Behaved Cockatoo."

[Assistant] Flip through the pages.

[User] Turns out that there are so many different cockatoo species, and they all have behavioural problems.

[Assistant] You don't have behavioural problems. That's garbage. You're cool.

[User] Flip through the pages.

[Assistant] Turns out that there are so many different cockatoo species, and they all have behavioural problems.

[User] You don't have behavioural problems. That's garbage. You're cool.

[Assistant] [Leave.]


[User] A rusting control panel with several knobs. Two buttons, marked *Marche* and *Arrêt*, are faded with use. It seems to control the large crane above -- a container is attached to its hook block.

[Assistant] *Marche* -- On. *Arrêt* -- Off.

[User] Press *Arrêt*.

[Assistant] The crane stands tall: proud, erect and *still*.

[User] Press *Marche*.

[Assistant] No screech of metal when you push the button this time. Only silence, as the crane remains in its state of dormancy.


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

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

[User] This medicine cabinet is stocked with drugs, plus an old toothbrush, and...

[Assistant] "There's quite the collection in here."

[User] "Anything of note?" he asks in a lowered voice.

[Assistant] Look at the toothbrush.

[User] It's been used. Quite a lot.

[Assistant] But not for scrubbing blood off tiles -- or anything else interesting, it seems.

[User] It's clean of chemical odours too. Just some dried toothpaste on the handle.

[Assistant] This toothbrush belongs to someone who doesn't give a damn about her teeth.


[User] "How so?"

[Assistant] "I'm pretty sure you can pick up some odds and ends to sell here." He nods toward a table of knick-knacks. "The owner seems to have *eclectic* taste."

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

[Assistant] "Mhm. I plan to *enterprise* my way out of this jam. I have a vision."


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

[Assistant] Look at the clipboard.

[User] It's made of dark blue plastic hard enough to beat someone to submission with. The edges are rounded, however. The U4-sized board feels thick and heavy in your hand. Light shimmers on its wet surface. On the back you see the embossed letters: RCM.

[Assistant] What did you say the colour was?

[User] Blue.

[Assistant] The blue heart. Don't look into it.

[User] Shake the ledger.

[Assistant] Something rattles inside, ever so lightly. Is there... a hidden compartment?

[User] And something small inside? Light?  Made of paper or cardboard? Or dried flowers perhaps?

[Assistant] Permeables. It's not hidden per se, the compartment is made for permeable materials that would get damaged if something happened to it.

[User] Peek inside.

[Assistant] The plastic shimmers like lapis lazuli, but it is not see-through. You cannot see to its centre...

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

[Assistant] There's something there. A rectangular shape, like a card. Or a postcard...


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

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

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

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

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

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (CheckItem("prybar")  or  CheckItem("kvalsund_multitool")) == false]

[Assistant] But you don't *have* a prybar. The lieutenant would, but he drove away with it in his toolbox.

[User] Smash the window in with the prybar.

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


[User] So this is where they brought faulty pinball machines to fix them up -- a long time ago. Everything is covered with dust now...

[Assistant] "Doesn't look like that pinball machine will ever get fixed."

[User] "At some point -- twenty years ago? Fifteen maybe. Before pinball went out of vogue."

[Assistant] "This used to be a... pinball workshop."

[User] Yes. Martinaise North 22 used to be a pinball arcade.

[Assistant] A creak, some dust falls off a shelf.


[User] "I wanna talk about the hanging again."

[Assistant] "Again? Someone ask the guy for an autograph -- you cops are his biggest fans."

[User] A burst of laughter in the room; the little guy is the loudest. "Good one, Titus!" he fawns.

[Assistant] "Why don't I just arrest you?" (Step closer to Titus.)

[User] "Yeah, lawman." He takes a step closer as well, fixing his ball cap. "Why *don't* you?"

[Assistant] It's almost an anthropological sight: watching him try to assert dominance over you.

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

[Assistant] Weren't you warned to *not* go down this path?! And yet you *still* go and do it...

[User] Just because you *can* doesn't mean you *have to* say everything that comes to mind. Back out before the situation escalates.

[Assistant] "Not in the *arresting mood*?" His mean little eyes come alive with hatred.

[User] A fearful readiness, like an electrical charge, raises hairs in the room.

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

[User] The little rat-faced man reaches into his sleeve... there's a *knife* in there! Some of the others reach for their belts.

[Assistant] Wait, why are they reaching for their belts?


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

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

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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["ice.noid_pre_pre_greeting_done"]]

[User] "So you had a talk with Andre, and now you want to discuss things with Noid?" He's stooped over his toolbox as usual, shuffling bolts around angrily.

[Assistant] "That's fine, man. But I've gotta warn you -- our sines are still off. It will take some time for me to get my psi on."

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

[Assistant] "What about now? Are the sines all right now?"

[User] "Na... huh. Still strongly out of sync. Stage gamma dis-alignment."

[Assistant] "What?"


[User] You holding it together there, Meltdown Cop?

[Assistant] I'm not. I'm really not.

[User] Do you need to have a cry?

[Assistant] So what if I do?

[User] It's fine. Being a cop is tough. You can't be expected to keep it together *all the time*. Or, in your case, *much of the time*.

[Assistant] Let's just cut straight to the waterworks.

[User] Not just yet! Sure, it feels good to wallow in self-pity... But think of all the other people out there who are suffering -- people whom you could be helping right now.

[Assistant] As you will. Let the tears flow.

[User] The lieutenant politely averts his eyes as two rivulets form on your cheeks.

[Assistant] Doesn't that feel better, Meltdown Cop?

[User] But haven't I just embarrassed myself?

[Assistant] What? No, of course not. Probably no one even *noticed* your little *episode* just now...


[User] You holding it together there, Meltdown Cop?

[Assistant] What? (Sniffle.) Of course I am.

[User] Do you need to have a cry?

[Assistant] So what if I do?

[User] It's fine. Being a cop is tough. You can't be expected to keep it together *all the time*. Or, in your case, *much of the time*.

[Assistant] But why am I like this?

[User] Maybe it's your weak spine?

[Assistant] No, my spine is tough as rebar.

[User] Your spine is pretty flimsy. It's like those foam swords that children play with.

[Assistant] The sooner you accept what you are, the better.

[User] Let's just cut straight to the waterworks.

[Assistant] Not just yet! Sure, it feels good to wallow in self-pity... But think of all the other people out there who are suffering -- people whom you could be helping right now.

[User] (Try to collect yourself.) Right, other people.

[Assistant] Fine, don't cry, keep all those toxins in.


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

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

[User] "So, the ship has sailed... did you see it? I know you did." He leans toward you. "Tell me, what did it look like as it grew smaller and smaller? When that mainsail dropped behind the horizon..."

[Assistant] There's a mean little light in his eyes.

[User] "... did it look like a germ? Did it look like a piece of *bacteria*?"

[Assistant] His tone is totally different now. The jolly man of the people is gone and so is the smile.

[User] His jaw is clenched and his quadruple-chin is quivering with hatred. This is *decades* of hatred speaking right now.

[Assistant] You get a sinking feeling...

[User] Oh my god, you've been played!

[Assistant] "No, it looked like a boat sailing away from the coast. No need to be overly dramatic."

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

[Assistant] "You wanted us to relay all this information to her..." the lieutenant cuts in.


[User] "Yes?"

[Assistant] "I found the victim's clothes in the trash container out back."

[User] "How... strange. *I* certainly didn't put them there."

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

[User] "Yes?"

[Assistant] "By the way, I'm going to sing karaoke here."

[User] "Absolutely out of the question."

[Assistant] You wait and see, cafeteria manager!

[User] Absolutely *in* the question! First we find a *sad* banger, then we sing this place to SHIT.

[Assistant] Your body is ready, sire.

[User] "I've seen something here at the Whirling, Garte. A thing I need to talk about."

[Assistant] He rolls his eyes. "What *thing*?"


[User] The young woman raises a cigarette to her lips.

[Assistant] Her eyes are brown and her face is speckled with birthmarks. She can't be more than 28.

[User] A silver jumpsuit falls off her like scale armour, sparkling. This is the sparkle of too many nights out on the city.

[Assistant] "Ah yes, *officer*... about that."

[User] "Yes, sir?"

[Assistant] "How did you know I'm with the police?"

[User] "Unless you've been feeding us a set of well rehearsed lies, you've been here for three days. On *official police business* no less."

[Assistant] "And what business is that?"

[User] "I couldn't say. In truth... so far, mostly drinking."

[Assistant] You have no doubt about the drinking, but do you strike yourself as a tight-lipped drunk? She must have heard *something*.

[User] Try *The Expression* on her -- let her know you want her. Physically.

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

[User] The words have already left your mouth...

[Assistant] "I want to have fuck with you."


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

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["auto.is_raining"]  and  IsDayFrom(2)]

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

[User] "You're back. Good." She looks at the ripples on the water's surface. "What can I help you with -- not an umbrella, I hope. I don't need one myself, you see..." She pats her wet raincoat.

[Assistant] All around you, rain keeps falling down. On the wooden boards she's standing on, and on the water around you...

[User] "No need. Tell me something."

[Assistant] "Of course."

[User] "Do you know something about these tattoos?" (Show her the photo.)

[Assistant] "That's the man who was killed..." She almost takes the photo -- but then stops. "I'm afraid this is a discussion for once we've cleared the lynching question."


[User] Wow, you work *hard*.

[Assistant] (Discard thought.)

[User] I know you're in a hurry, sir -- off to work really hard, as always -- I just need *one* moment of your time to discuss how hard you hustle.

[Assistant] Oh, yes. You hustle. You're a provider. It's tough out there, but you keep it real and provide...

[User] I guess I do, yeah.

[Assistant] Oh yeah! Like a horse. A work horse. For hard work.

[User] What hard work do I do exactly?

[Assistant] Look at yourself, you're a human pedometer! You must have walked 200,000 steps down cracked asphalt, mosaic, sand, and linoleum after you re-emerged.

[User] That is the sign of a hustler who never gives up. The world is harsh and people are evil -- you didn't make it that way. And you won't let it break you. You *ride*.

[Assistant] Yeah, I ride. A little.

[User] A little? You *make* money. You got gills, baby, got those black papers with the faces of the innocences on them. You bring in the Franconegros and the Solas.

[Assistant] It ain't easy, but you *do* it. Day in and day out. You didn't make the rules but you won't lose! You're a cop and a sprinter and a money printer.

[User] Yeah, and Evrart gave me that fiver."

[Assistant] He did, yes he did. And you took it. Took it and put in in your pocket. Ka-ching, baby doll. Officer Hustle riding shotgun.


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

[Assistant] "Who is your dad, Cuno?"

[User] "Cuno's dad is a fucking monster," he says proudly. "He's the most violent man in Revachol. He doesn't give a shit about a single thing. He drinks too."

[Assistant] Are you sure you can take the most violent man in Revachol? In your condition?

[User] Looks like we're looking at a close-quarters fight in some run-down drug den. Bongs falling, hookers screaming. You should use the environment against him.

[Assistant] You can't afford to take a hit from this guy. I mean, anabolic steroids... *and* speed. You're best off dodging blows, wearing him out until he has a heart attack.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (CheckItem("gun_villiers") or CheckItem("gun_ruby")) == false]

[Assistant] You know how you'd be best off here? With a gun. I'd be the star of the show if you only had a working gun.

[User] Don't expect to talk this one down. There are some situations your mouth can't get you out of.

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

[User] "Who is your dad, Cuno?"

[Assistant] "Cuno's dad is a fucking monster," he says proudly. "He's the most violent man in Revachol. He doesn't give a shit about a single thing. He drinks too."

[User] Are you sure you can take the most violent man in Revachol? In your condition?

[Assistant] Looks like we're looking at a close-quarters fight in some run-down drug den. Bongs falling, hookers screaming. You should use the environment against him.


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

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

[User] "Yo -- Imma stop you right there, fuck-face. It's Cuno-time."

[Assistant] That's it. The cavalry has arrived.

[User] "I did everything I could. The company had hired unvetted..."

[Assistant] "No." He stops you. "You've explained enough, pig. Cuno takes care of this shit now."

[User] There is *no* challenging the fury the kid is about to unleash.

[Assistant] "First of all, yo -- those guys were all f****ts. The guys in the armour? F****ts. The Union guys? F****ts. So yeah --" He stares Vicquemare in the eye. "Suck Cuno's dick. You don't *know* me."

[User] "You don't *know* what happened here. You don't know this shit. Automatic fucking weapons. Urban battleground shit. Battle lines drawn in *blood*. Blood Meridian. You don't *know* this shit."

[Assistant] "Now -- Cuno wasn't there. Right -- you getting this? Cuno was breaking it up with Cuno's main bitch C. Parting-of-the-ways shit. But when Cuno got there -- pig had fucking *cleaned up*. Blood and ruin."

[User] "Smoked all those dinky fuckers. Saved this shit -- Martinaise shit. I see he's mournin' and shit.... His main pig got semi-wasted. Sent to the boo-boo-mobile -- Cuno steps up. Cuno fucking FILLS those shoes. Big boy shoes -- Detective Cuno."

[Assistant] He comes to a sudden, abrupt stop.

[User] "Are you done?"

[Assistant] "Yo, Cuno feels like you weren't really *listening* to Cuno." He drills his left temple with his index finger. "You were hearin' -- but you weren't listenin'. F***y f*g and the armour boys came to Martinaise to fuck shit up."


[User]
"I'm sorry I fucked everyone over.

PS. I didn't kill him.

PPS. Gift upstairs."

[Assistant] Seems she left in a hurry.

[User] "Yeah-yeah." He looks around. "Fugitive on the run shit. Cuno's seen this shit before."

[Assistant] You look at her rough, jagged handwriting on the note. She was in a rush, but not panicked. Deliberate. Focused.

[User] What could this *gift* be?

[Assistant] "I am not drawing my gun... yet. But I don't like 'gifts'."


[User] "Are you a cryptozoologist too?"

[Assistant] "No-no... I help Morell with research sometimes and I've learned some things along the way. But I don't usually go in for picnics like this on my own."

[User] After all this time with Morell, he must have an opinion on cryptids -- this could lead to a good one.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["coast.gary_conceptualization_cryptid_tell_me"]]

[User] "Fascinating. Let's talk about something else."

[Assistant] "Yes, officer?"

[User] "So how about that topping pie?"

[Assistant] "I thought you'd forgotten! I happen to have one on me right now." He smiles broadly as he walks behind the bar and takes a large, flat box out of a black bag. "It should still be warm."

[User] "What's on it?"

[Assistant] "Meatless bacon, avocado, glazed figs, basil, and tiny chunks of pineapple, seasoned with lime zest, freshly ground pepper -- and just a pinch of paprika for the officer!"

[User] "That sounds too fancy for an officer of the law."

[Assistant] "Revachol's protectors ought to enjoy Revachol's best topping pie!" He smiles broadly.


[User] "Did you leave any... flowers for Klaasje on the roof?"

[Assistant] "No, gifts of flowers and candy aren't really my style."

[User] "Okay, so you... didn't leave May bells..." (Conclude.)

[Assistant] "No, I did not."

[User] "You're running... drugs for the Union. I've been through your lorry."

[Assistant] "So, heart-of-gold Tommy fucked me over too..." She shakes her head, slowly. "Never trust a musician."

[User] That really comes as a blow to her.

[Assistant] Maybe twist the knife? Just in case. Make her more desperate.

[User] "Yeah, I made him talk."

[Assistant] "Yeah, that figures." She shrugs. "What now? You're going to arrest me for drug trafficking?"

[User] She's more upset than she lets on.

[Assistant] "This means you're... already a known killer. Because *drugs* kill people!"


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

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

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

[Assistant] "Hello again, officer. How are things?"

[User] "Who are you exactly?"

[Assistant] "Me? I'm just a gardener."

[User] She hides it well, but behind the sweat and dirt there is something... else. In her rigid posture.

[Assistant] "There's more to you than that."

[User] "Is there?"

[Assistant] The quickness of the reply certainly does not prove you wrong.

[User] "Yes. What are you doing here?"

[Assistant] "I'm working."


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

[Assistant] Your arm reaches out and your eyes close, as if by their own volition. It's dark all around. You feel cold, slippery flesh -- first with your fingertips, then under the palm of your hand.

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

[Assistant] Suddenly, you recall: Two officers must be present for a field autopsy. You take your hand from the dead man's face and open your eyes. You will still need to come back with the lieutenant.

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

[Assistant] Try to remove the dead man's boots again.

[User] "I thought we decided to leave it to Processing." The lieutenant shakes his head. "Let's not turn this into some kind of circus."

[Assistant] Damn it, this is turning into some sort of mega-puzzle.


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

[Assistant] Only the speakers remain, dusty and forgotten...

[User] "Okay, now let me buy the speakers."

[Assistant] "The junk is yours, officer," the street vendor hands you the speakers. "Happy listening! Try not to hurt your ears with that Samaran garbage."

[User] "Can't I just buy the sad, conquered Samaran speakers?"

[Assistant] "No way, officer, these aren't for sale. They're bad speakers, low-fi socialist junk."

[User] "You're right, I don't have time for junk, I lead a luxury life."

[Assistant] "That's right, officer!" The street vendor flashes you a smile. "You're a high-class policeman who accepts nothing less than the best! Lucky for you, I've got the best on sale!"

[User] Inspect the speakers.

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


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

[Assistant] There's a pile of cheap sunglasses in a small box, a variety of shapes and colours.

[User] "You like sunglasses, officer? I've got the latest styles, right here!" The vendor takes a pair of sunglasses and sticks them under your nose.

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

[User] Stylish shades, huh? They'd be even more stylish if you paid for them with net worth. Go over and ask him.

[Assistant] Try again, maybe you can find *some* interesting sunglasses in the box.

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

[Assistant] Ah, I see... A pair of waterblue shades. The writing on the left temple says: "Sub-Insulindic Rendezvous." The frame appears to be hand-carved out of bone.

[User] "Oh, very interesting choice, officer, very *high-culture*..." For the first time the street vendor's voice trails off, as he watches you inspect the glasses.

[Assistant] Try them on.

[User] This is how a sea monster sees the world. You've become a sea monster -- giant, hidden and... strangely tender at heart. All is blue.

[Assistant] Alright, but these actually make your vision worse. It's like literally being under water.

[User] Yes, but they also make your soul quiver like jello. So deep.

[Assistant] "Wow, officer, you look so cool," the street vendor has picked up his pace again, as you observe the world through deep sea-tinted lenses.


[User] "Yes. Your lost gun." His face turns serious. "My best men are on it. They're turning every stone, searching every playground, asking kids, grandmas, everyone."

[Assistant] "Your gun *will* be found, Harry. Let me assure you of that." He winks at you. "It's just a matter of time and... *effort*."

[User] The only way to find it seems to be working with him. He might even be holding your gun hostage...

[Assistant] "Does this mean if I do things for you I will get my gun back?"

[User] "Damn it, Harry, that's exactly what it means!"

[Assistant] He is not.

[User] "Of course," the lieutenant replies dryly. "I understand. We help you -- you help us."

[Assistant] "I opened the door you asked me. Can we discuss the murder now?"

[User] "I'm very glad to hear that, Harry," he says with a smile. "One question: you didn't actually happen to stumble in and see what's inside the apartment, did you?"

[Assistant] He's trying to figure out if you're lying.


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

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

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

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

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

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

[User] "You're alive and well! Don't keep me waiting now. What's in there?" She's looking for the right expression. "In that dark sarcophagus?"

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["doomed.seen_gym"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_safety_curtains"]  or Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_revachol_ice_city"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_taxidermy"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_windows"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_orlandos"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_skis"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_mannequin_atelier"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_blades"]) == false]

[User] "Hold on, I actually haven't done anything yet. I just wanted to ask a few questions."

[Assistant] "Oh." Her disappointment is obvious. "What about?"


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

[Assistant] The once-bright mural towers above you, saying "FELD ELECTRICAL R&D."

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

[Assistant] Listen to the wind again.

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

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

[User] For what? God? God is very, very silent. Too silent. Even the wind seems tired...

[Assistant] Listen to the wind.


[User] "Officer." The woman nods to you, still smoking her cigarette.

[Assistant] "*Officer*? Am I military personnel?"

[User] "Uh... no." She seems perplexed by your question.

[Assistant] There's only one solution to this. You're a businessman.

[User] "Wait, I know! I'm a businessman. *Chief executive officer*, right?"

[Assistant] The young woman shakes her head slowly.

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["reputation.superstar_cop"] >=1]

[Assistant] *Officer* could be an artistic statement. You're already prone to those.

[User] "'Officer' is my stage name, right? I can see myself as a middling disco artist called 'The Officer.'"

[Assistant] "No..." She looks you in the eye. "You're a *police* officer, sir."

[User] "God damn right, I'm a policeman! And don't you forget it!"

[Assistant] "Okay, cool. I won't."

[User] She means it. She wouldn't defy authority, however sweaty and bloated it may look.

[Assistant] "Good. Now, how did you know I was a police officer?"


[User] "Have you been talking to other police officers?"

[Assistant] "Me? Yes, at some point, I'm sure I have. There was this one rather, uh," he stops, smiling at the reminiscence, "*memorable instance* when I had a chance to meet the head of Dominion Police of Königstein."

[User] "And, as you know, they have this very distinctive dress uniform with scarlet breeches and little cylindrical fur caps, I think these are called..." You daze off, as Trant tells you about the peculiarities of mounted police forces in central Occident.

[Assistant] Wait, what was it that you wanted to ask...?

[User] "Do you have any advice on how to climb that ladder?" (Point to the one next to the mural.)

[Assistant] "How to climb that ladder, you say?" He turns around, eyeing the bleak metal bars next to the giant mural. "I do know that the Lomanthangs used *sticks* to climb battlements, there's even a special technique for that."

[User] "Can you teach me? Do you have the sticks with you?"

[Assistant] "No-no," he says, immediately backing off, "I'm just speculating *theoretically* here... Of course, there's also the method ancient Iilmaraans used to get into the huts of their enemies."

[User] "Yes, but we're not really dealing with *huts* here, are we?" (Look at the building.)

[Assistant] "From an evolutionary point of view you could see this building as a logical conclusion to the more traditional *hut*."

[User] "You know this is not what I meant."

[Assistant] "In this case I suggest looking into the Seolite *invisibles* class. The word refers to their remarkable ability to traverse any environment in the most efficient way possible. There's this excellent investigative piece of journalism by..."

[User] "I don't have time to read any papers. Don't you have any *practical* advice?"

[Assistant] "Yes, I have!" His face lights up with excitement, bringing out the subtle laugh lines in the corner of his eyes. "There was this one time where I..."


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

[Assistant] "Hey, Sylvie, it's the police again."

[User] "Oh, great." She doesn't sound thrilled. "What else do you need, detective?"

[Assistant] "Was it you who called the police?"

[User] "No, not me."

[Assistant] "Do you know who made that call?"

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

[Assistant] "No..." You can hear her regaining control in the background. "I honestly don't know."

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

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


[User] "It's just a failed business. The only question is -- what the hell were they making?"

[Assistant] "Yes, that *is* the question..." The lieutenant takes a step back, steepling his hands.

[User] Like he's ready to lay out a fine theory, crafted together like a puzzle box.

[Assistant] "It looks like one of those popular pen-and-paper role-playing games -- only these people were trying to *automate* it. Make it work on *radiocomputers*."

[User] Utter madness, he thinks -- as a compliment.

[Assistant] "Has anyone ever done this before?"

[User] "Not to my knowledge. They make automated games in Graad, Messina, Königstein... You know, places with industry."

[Assistant] *Not* in Revachol West, among the ruins.

[User] "But I don't think *anyone* has attempted to create an *interisolary* game before. We just don't have the technology."

[Assistant] "Has anyone ever done this before?"

[User] "Not to my knowledge. They make automated games in Graad, Messina, Königstein... You know, places with industry."

[Assistant] *Not* in Revachol West, among the ruins.


[User] Machine's keyboard is still illuminated, revealing virescent PLAY and PRINT buttons.

[Assistant] Read the printout.

[User] The first entry, made on the 4th February '51 by an unknown author, is short and concise:

[Assistant] "Arrived at the church. The door was boarded up, so I used a crowbar to get inside. Looks like the place has been deserted. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I'll ask around. Need to figure out how to get the electricity in."

[User] The lieutenant leans closer, scouring the printout over your shoulder. Just as you finish reading he looks up, muttering under his breath:

[Assistant] "Fourth of February? That's over a month ago... Whoever set up those machines has been here for quite a while."

[User] "Do you think this log might be connected to the case?"

[Assistant] "Our case? No, I don't think so. It must be some local..." his eyes wander to the various machines around him, "*eccentric*."

[User] Read the second entry.

[Assistant] "6th FEB, '51: Had a little chat with the local fishermen. Said I shouldn't go near that place, that the church was *spooky* and ridden with *narcotics*. It's a little spooky, alright. Still haven't figured out the electricity."


[User] Put 10 cents in and dial the long phone number one more time.

[Assistant] You dial the number again -- as you've done many times. You remember it well now: 001 -- 41 -- 44 -- 47 -- 11 -- 17 -- 361 -- 451 -- 67 -- 451 -- 451.

[User] Calling...

[Assistant] Calling...

[User] Calling...

[Assistant] Calling...

[User] Calling...

[Assistant] Calling...

[User] And calling -- for who knows how long. But no one answers. You need to insert more money to call again.

[Assistant] Put 10 cents in and dial a random number: 005-24-03-155.

[User] Calling...

[Assistant] Still calling...

[User] This feels wrong. Should you be doing this?

[Assistant] End of tone. Someone picks up.

[User] "Pierre? Is that you, Pierre?" The voice is female and sounds about a hundred years old.

[Assistant] Say you're not Pierre... that seems like a better idea. (You don't know why.)


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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["apt.student_main_hub_reached"]) == false]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["apt.student_left_pre_main_hub"]]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: CheckEquipped("jacket_interisolar_white")  and   Variable["apt.student_jacket_discussed"] == false]

[User] "You know," the young man looks up at you as you enter, "if you wanted to borrow my jacket, you could've just *asked*..."

[Assistant] It looks better on you, anyway. He never had the shoulders for it.

[User] "But no matter. What's on your mind?"

[Assistant] Convince them you belong in the reading group.


[User] This passport, issued by the Sovereign Republic of Oranje -- is issued to a black haired woman called Katarzine Alasije.

[Assistant] Klaasje's hidden documents -- from the empty buoy.

[User] She said the false passport would be for *Annouk Meijer-Smit*...

[Assistant] "It says -- Katarzine Alasije."

[User] He opens his notes. "She said it would be for *Annouk Meijer-Smit*. Annouk -- Meijer -- Smit."

[Assistant] Katarzine Alasije was supposed to be her *real* name. Where *Klaasje* comes from, remember? God dammit!


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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["cargo.evrart_altgreet_joyce_is_gone"]]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["cargo.evrart_main_hub_reached"]) == false]

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["cargo.evrart_left_the_conversation_before_reaching_main_hub"]) == false]

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

[User] Before you is a walrus of a man seated behind a large desk. He looks up from his work, not the least bit surprised to see you...

[Assistant] With great effort, he straightens himself up in his chair, yet says nothing. He simply stares at you.

[User] With a mixture of expectation and impatience, well bottled.

[Assistant] A typical power play. Wait for him to speak first -- show him you've got a backbone.


[User] An old call box with a matrix of push buttons lists all the companies in the East Delta Commerce Centre.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"]]

[User] East Delta Commerce Centre? This must be the name of the Doomed Commercial Area!

[Assistant] "Fortress Accident SCA."

[User] Silence. No one's home at Fortress Accident.

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

[User] "Andro-Orlando Hair SCA."

[Assistant] You ring the doorbell, but no one answers.

[User] What an ominous name for a hair salon... Doesn't bode well for anyone's hair.

[Assistant] Just seeing the words "Andro-Orlando" gets your hackles up. It's very existence is a *threat* to your masculinity, to say nothing of your hair.


[User] She's black.

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

[User] So what? I'm also black.

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

[User] What if I told you there's a *mirror* on your bathroom wall, upstairs? You *may* want to take a look.

[Assistant] "Evrart confirmed, he sent you to spy on us."

[User] "Is that so?" Her face remains expressionless as she shrugs. "I don't know anything about that. Must be a misunderstanding."

[Assistant] She's a pro. Nothing short of coming face to face with the fatman himself would make her admit it right now.

[User] "The body is gone."

[Assistant] "Like gone-gone?" The girl repeats, her face beaming with appreciation.

[User] "It was sent to processing in the morgue."

[Assistant] "I'm glad to hear that." A quick smile. "Thank you, officer. Looks like I'll get mint in the ground by April."


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

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

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

[Assistant] Your heartbeat quickens, palms go sweaty... The siren of amphetamine is singing you her song.


[User] You look down at the white ceramic sabatons hugging your arches and calves, surprised at how well they fit.

[Assistant] Your movements cause tiny little clicks, like dice rolling somewhere far away, as the plates reorient to your motions.

[User] Decked out in future-armour. Like a cop ought to be.

[Assistant] The hardened vitreous enamel, at once sleek and light, adds a glow to your cheeks and a spring to your step. Just imagine what a full suit of this stuff could do for you!

[User] You really do feel more confident. Invulnerability does that. Even partial invulnerability.

[Assistant] This is the long sought after *enemy technology*. I can't just enjoy it -- I must *study* it.


[User] Like a deftly cast fishing net, sleep pulls you out of the world and into its dark shore. The rough mesh chafes, then, tightening around you, it digs into your brain.

[Assistant] Dark shore, my ass. I know what this is.

[User] How've things been going for you out there? Helped anyone lately? Saved anyone lately? *Murdered* anyone lately?

[Assistant] This bastard isn't even listening to you!

[User] Because, you know, you *are* a murderer. A disco music listening psycho-killer who offs poor people -- and then *forgets* about it.

[Assistant] I don't care. That doesn't scare me.

[User] Hear that? You were *naive* to think he's afraid of his bloodied hands, soul brother. Oh no, I see inside his amygdala and his hippocampus. The thing he's *really* scared of...

[Assistant] ...is much, *much* worse than that.

[User] Why are you doing this? I just want to sleep. I can almost see the dark.

[Assistant] We're trying to help you. All these processes -- these tortures, voices and tremors -- are all just *distractions*. Flares and countermeasures. To keep you from the *last dream*. The worst of them all.

[User] The... last dream?

[Assistant] The last dream will be total annihilation. Cinders peeling off the fuselage. We won't be there to help you anymore, Harry. We will be dormant. You will be naked and alone.

[User] And the air will smell of apricots...

[Assistant] Of hell and ancient sadness, brother. Ten thousand years later -- in front of the video rental. There is a warm breath on your face again. Everything is *okay* again.


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["cargo.mrlb_has_left"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["cargo.container_hub_reach"]]

[User] You're back before the cargo container. Its draw has not lessened since you were last here. If anything, it seems to have grown slightly.

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()  or  Variable["cargo.container_flattered"]]

[User] Knock on the door.

[Assistant] No reply.

[User] The knock produces a hollow ring of metal. Doesn't sound like there's anything inside the container.

[Assistant] Open the door.

[User] You attempt to turn the handle, to no avail. The doors seem to be mechanically locked.

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


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

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

[User] Move the board aside.

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

[User] Search through the sand and sawdust.

[Assistant] You stick your hand in and start combing through the sand. Dry, not like outside. Fine dust... and then -- something hard, wrapped in paper.

[User] What is it?

[Assistant] A small cylindrical object. You pull it out -- a bullet.


[User] "So, the death notification..." the lieutenant says as soon as you've left the apartment.

[Assistant] He's avoiding your gaze. This is the time to say how sorry you are about how things went.

[User] "There's nothing to discuss, let's move on." [Leave.]

[Assistant] "Well, I'll call the station when we're done with the day and inform them about the identity of the deceased."

[User] "But yes, that's on me. Let's get on with the murder investigation."

[Assistant] You look south, over the crumbling balustrade. There -- 1.2 kilometres away -- a piece of broken stone cuts into the sky. A tomb. On it, a mural that used to say: tomorrow is just a whisper away. You cannot *really* see the Feld building from here, but somehow you feel like you should return to it.


[User] Look around.

[Assistant] Behind you, the ruins of a residential building rise over the reeds, shielding them from the wind. The reeds rustle confidentially.

[User] When this district was booming, the reeds were kept at bay. Nothing obscured the freshly painted façades, nowhere for drunks and adventurous teenagers to hide. Now only the wind blows...

[Assistant] Reach for the trap.


[User] These boots were probably left on the corpse because they were impossible to pull off while it was hanging. They're not exactly pleasant to look at right now, much less smell.

[Assistant] Even less pleasant now that you know the name of the man pieces of whose flesh are still stuck to the insides of the boots.

[User] Isn't there a saying about walking in another man's shoes?

[Assistant] You've seen too much to be that naive, even if you don't remember it. You'll never know what it was like to be him.

[User] Isn't there a saying about walking in another man's shoes?

[Assistant] You've seen too much to be that naive, even if you don't remember it. You'll never know what it was like to be him.

[User] Isn't there a saying about walking in another man's shoes?

[Assistant] You've seen too much to be that naive, even if you don't remember it. You'll never know what it was like to be him.


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

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

[User] The small wrinkled woman does not greet you. She nods along to something on her radio. A photograph is clutched in her hands and there is a warm smile on her face.

[Assistant] The photo -- an *ambrotype* from the turn of the century. As golden as her smile.

[User] It's the warmth of a winter night's fire. Maybe she could give you comfort and shelter? Some cigarettes and food money? Maybe she's your...

[Assistant] Snap your fingers in front of her face.

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

[Assistant] "Where am I? Who are you?" Like a magician recalling a subject from hypnosis, you've jolted her back to reality.

[User] The smile on her face has disappeared, replaced by the wary aspect of a cornered beast.

[Assistant] "Are you alright, ma'am? You were out."

[User] "Never mind," she sighs. "I remember now. I'm still stuck in that traffic jam. In the *Fifties*," she adds with contempt.

[Assistant] "Wait, what's so bad about the Fifties?"

[User] "The men have small jaws and everything is made out of plastic. Why do you need plastic?" she scoffs. "When you can make the world out of amber?"

[Assistant] "Where else would you be then?"


[User] Large letters on the front form a title: "Wirrâl." The colourful box is illustrated with bucolic vistas. The cover art also features odd-looking humanoids, some short, some taller, some with pointy ears, others with ephemeral wings.

[Assistant] Examine the box.

[User] Text underneath the title, in smaller typeface, reads: "Third Edition, Mega-Setting Supplements Module." The side panel adds: "A sword and sorcery adventure board game. With new maps and miniatures."

[Assistant] Enough inspecting.

[User] A colourful box with the title "Wirrâl" in bold letters. It's a board game.

[Assistant] Put the box away.


[User] "Have you looked for her?"

[Assistant] "A little -- on the coast."

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

[Assistant] "Where have you looked for her?"

[User] "More precisely? On the *coast*. Past the water lock." He nods southwest. "She's not here, so I'm thinking she's there."

[Assistant] *Who's* doing this looking? They're all here.

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

[Assistant] No.

[User] Sure. It was someone else. It appears we have a *ninth* Hardie boy.

[Assistant] "What was she scared of?"

[User] "I told you -- you."

[Assistant] "Me, personally?"

[User] "Yes -- you, the cop with the sideburns and the disco clothes."

[Assistant] And a hole in his heart. That first.


[User] Damn, that felt *good*. Your heart's pounding nicely. You should tell people to fuck off more often.

[Assistant] No, you shouldn't. You're an officer of the law.

[User] "Kim, I think I should tell people to fuck off more often. It felt really good."

[Assistant] "Not as a general rule, but that one was justified. Better to get the lay of the land before telling people to fuck off."

[User] That means you should do it whenever you feel like someone's disrespecting your authority.

[Assistant] Fuck yeah, motherfuckers!

[User] That's the spirit!

[Assistant] Never forget: The whole world's a wooden house and you're a god damn flamethrower.


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

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

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

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

[User] "Good morning to you, officer!"

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

[User] "What's with the lever that does nothing?" (Point at the control panel next to him.)

[Assistant] "It's supposed to operate the water lock, but as noted... it's all junk right now. Disabled because of the blockage."

[User] "Why is it disabled?"

[Assistant] "Safety measure. Turns out the panel needs a special key to be re-activated. Wouldn't want anyone moving the water lock with debris still in the channel."


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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["cargo.evrart_altgreet_joyce_is_gone"]]

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["cargo.evrart_main_hub_reached"]) == false]

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["cargo.evrart_left_the_conversation_before_reaching_main_hub"]]

[Assistant] "Mr. Du Bois! I hope time is on your side this time... Please, take a seat!" He gestures to the *miniscule* folding chair opposite his huge desk.

[User] "Actually, I'm in a bit of a hurry right now." [Leave.]

[Assistant] "Have a good day, Mr. Du Bois, I'm sure I'll be seeing you around." He waves and returns to typing.


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

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

[User] The woman still has her eyes fixed on the photograph in her hands. In the background, the radio plays.

[Assistant] Snap your fingers in front of her face.

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

[Assistant] "Where am I? Who are you?" Like a magician recalling a subject from hypnosis, you've jolted her back to reality.

[User] The smile on her face has disappeared, replaced by the wary aspect of a cornered beast.

[Assistant] "Me? I am the law around here."

[User] "Then I don't suppose you could tell me where we are, lawman?"

[Assistant] "Never mind," she sighs. "I remember now. I'm still stuck in that traffic jam. In the *Fifties*," she adds with contempt.

[User] "*When* else would you be then?"

[Assistant] "Back in Mesque during the time of the Revolution." The smile returns to her face. "The sidewalks and cafes are filled with young people... I was on my way to see a new boiadeiro picture starring Gabriel Buenguerro."


[User] An old call box with a matrix of push buttons lists all the companies in the East Delta Commerce Centre.

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

[User] "REVACHOL ICE CITY."

[Assistant] Silence. No one answers the doorbell.

[User] "24h Window."

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

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

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["doomed.doorbell_interfacing_press_again_24h_window"]]

[User] Press again.

[Assistant] This time a pleasant female voice answers: "Thank you for calling 24h Window Company. This is an automated message. Are you experiencing a window-related emergency? During non-business-hours, please call 0-0-7-2-5-4-7-7-6-5-1. The streets are mean, but we're *always* there for you."


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

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

[User] "Don't call Abigail," grumbles an unshaven man with a ruddy nose. He narrows his eyes at you as if in recognition, then turns his head away.

[Assistant] The noxious odour emanating from the drunken man is strong and familiar.

[User] "Don't ya call her, ya hear. Don't call Abigail..."

[Assistant] "This is making me uncomfortable." [Leave.]


[User] The door is closed.

[Assistant] Try the handle.

[User] This door can only be opened with a key or from the inside.

[Assistant] As you hold the metal you sense the warmth left there by her hand.

[User] Knock again, much harder.

[Assistant] Still nothing.

[User] The lieutenant gives you a quick glance.

[Assistant] He doesn't like where this is going.


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

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

[User] "The company hired unvetted mercenaries. It was their fault. I did all I could."

[Assistant] "You went in drunk and got people killed." He shakes his head. "Why are you even *here* -- after Kitsuragi got shot? What else could you possibly fuck up?"

[User] Stop taking this abuse. YOU. SOLVED. THE. CASE.

[Assistant] "I solved the case. A straggler from the Revolution shot the merc. He was hiding for *fifty* years on that island before I found him."

[User] "A straggler? From the *Revolution?*" He sounds incredulous.

[Assistant] "It's wild. But I have a confession *and* a murder weapon. He's on the island now -- waiting for arrest."

[User] "You just left him on the island -- unguarded?"

[Assistant] There is a *perfect* explanation for that!

[User] Don't tell him about the phasmid. He *will not* believe it. IT. DIDN'T. HAPPEN.

[Assistant] "I don't know. What I *do* know is -- there was no giant stick insect on the island. That would be insane."


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

[Assistant] A thin man is smoking below an exhaust hood, occasionally sipping from his mug. This must be the Whirling's cook.

[User] As you step in, he nods towards the table and says something in a completely foreign language. The only words you can make out are 'gorący' and 'kubek'.

[Assistant] It must be his name. Gorący, Gorący Kubek... Sounds representative.

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

[Assistant] "Ah, Gorący! I have some questions to ask!"

[User] The man puts his cup down and replies something, his left hand drawing arcs in the air.

[Assistant] "You wouldn't mind if I were to boil some boots here, would you?"

[User] The man takes another drag of his cigarette and shakes his head, smiling widely. It's not clear whether he understood your question.

[Assistant] It doesn't matter -- you're a police officer, you can do anything you want.

[User] You can always talk your way out if things go sour.

[Assistant] "By the way, we speak Revacholian in Revachol." (Get your Revacholian Nationhood on.)


[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["seafort.books_hub_reached"]]

[Assistant] Softcovers, serialized *fantastique* and detective stories, 'Animal Adventures', a magazine for electrical engineering, and an international thriller. Also: light erotica and some historical novels from the century past.

[User] "Critical theory books... What do you think this means?"

[Assistant] "Cuno doesn't give a shit. Cuno's not hooked on the book. Tryna get me hooked on it, teachers and shit..."

[User] This means we have a critical theory loving vagrant here... interesting.

[Assistant] Does anything stand out as unusual?

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["seafort.books_concept_white_succeeded"]) == false]

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: (Variable["seafort.books_concept_failed_once"]) == false]

[User] Not that you can tell. This is a digest of someone who's dead bored. Most of it is for entertainment purposes, fittingly right next to the *radiola* on the floor.

[Assistant] Okay.

[User] You do feel there's something you're not *getting* here, though. Oh well.

[Assistant] Hmm... the print in some of these is pretty small though. This person has good eyesight.


[User] He eyes you sceptically. "All right -- what cryptids, precisely? I usually discuss these things with *specialists*, so I don't know what..."

[Assistant] *...we would have to discuss?* he wants to say, but decides against it.

[User] "Which cryptid did you *almost* catch? You said before, that you almost caught one."

[Assistant] "A willow person. It's a long story, one non-specialists would find rather dull."

[User] Willow people? Not at *all*.

[Assistant] "Let's talk about a different cryptid."

[User] "Honestly, I doubt you'd find any of it comprehensible."

[Assistant] "Just tell me about a cool cryptid. Any cryptid."

[User] "No offence, officer, but I'm not much of a *pedagogue* -- I don't know what I would've done if Lena hadn't persuaded me to go back to field research. You should ask her, if you want interesting stories."

[Assistant] "Me -- I'm not a people person, unless you haven't noticed. And I don't make a good lecturer. My strength lies in field work and *persistence*." He brushes an errant strand of hair from his eye.


[User] Hear that? Magnesium. That's what you're lacking. The lack of magnesium has you slouched.

[Assistant] The magnesium levels in your blood are dangerously low. It's about the low magnesium levels and *not* the high alcohol levels.

[User] So there's a lack of magnesium in me?

[Assistant] Yes, and it's critical. Look at yourself. You're practically devolving into a fish due to the lack of magnesium in you bloodstream.

[User] I need to Mag it up?

[Assistant] You need to get *SO* magged up! You've probably had two heart attacks and a minor stroke already... and the only prescription is insane amounts of magnesium.

[User] One stroke? Don't be so modest. He's having one right now.

[Assistant] I need is to stop thinking about this. [Discard thought.]


[User] "I wanted to ask you about this tent full of equipment."

[Assistant] "Yes? What?"

[User] "I see you brought your own water."

[Assistant] "Yeah, yeah! Good to have, bitch to carry. When I first scouted the place I did some reconnaissance. I'm not sure the church even has running water."

[User] "About another thing..."

[Assistant] "Yes? What?"

[User] "I see you brought your own water."

[Assistant] "Yeah, yeah! Good to have, bitch to carry. When I first scouted the place I did some reconnaissance. I'm not sure the church even has running water."

[User] "And it's distilled too."

[Assistant] "Oh?" He doesn't know what to say.

[User] "It's the one they sell at the fuel station."

[Assistant] It's like he's lying to you, my liege. But he's slippery enough that there's nothing for you to grab hold of.


[User] Look under the boxes of carton.

[Assistant] You see: milk, an egg-rest with one broken egg in it, some pasta wrapper... Picking up the soggy packages somehow feels familiar.

[User] You've done this before. The movements are recorded in your elbows, the methodology in your fingers... you're used to this.

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

[User] Dive further...

[Assistant] A box falls into pieces in your hands: Batiste *Soleil* cereal. There are plastic pasta packages below, and *Turbo* noodles. Nothing of note, however.

[User] Time for bed. Crawl inside...

[Assistant] The smell of rotten food rises up at you as you climb inside the trash container.

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

[Assistant] No! Not like this! (Crawl out of the trash.)

[User] You crawl out of the trash container. The lid clangs shut. The fresh air rushes into your lungs, but does not clear them of the garbage stink.

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


[User] "How does the *bullet* in his head factor into this?"

[Assistant] "Huh?!" A sip of beer makes the surprise go down easier.

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

[Assistant] "Titus has already given you a cause of death. Hanging. Why is it so hard for you to understand?" The question is rhetorical.

[User] She cut in so Titus wouldn't have to answer.

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

[User] "If there's any *post-mortem* trauma, it's your problem. This will not turn into a cross-examination."

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

[User] They'll keep blocking this. Return to this subject later, when they've dropped their guard.

[Assistant] "No more questions."


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

[Assistant] Metaphor. It's always metaphor.

[User] Just me, I guess?

[Assistant] No! For a second, think about something other than yourself -- think about *the blood of industry* here before you. The run off from Coal City, further down the coast.

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

[Assistant] What happened?

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

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

[User] I don't see the problem. Revachol moved on to a service industry. Get with the times, yo.

[Assistant] Right. Here's some advice that's good for business and life: never fight a losing battle. I'm not even going to argue with you.


[User] "Finally. I thought I have to come looking for you. What took you so long?"

[Assistant] "We got into some pretty deep waters there."

[User] "Really? What happened?"

[Assistant] Probably shouldn't have asked you this.

[User] "We became one."

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

[User] "Wasn't that back when you became his 'race pupil'?"

[Assistant] "No. That was different."

[User] "Oh, of course. I didn't realize that." He looks at the lorries down on the street and turns...

[Assistant] "Let's get back to work, detective. I don't like being up here."


[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] "Really? I thought it was going so well."

[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] "I am sorry for putting us in this situation -- I'll handle it."

[User] "I'm sure you will, detective."

[Assistant] "I am sorry for putting us in this situation -- I'll handle it."


[User] "I met her. In the hallway, after I woke up."

[Assistant] "Understood -- you were not in good shape on Monday."

[User] "I met her. In the hallway, after I woke up."

[Assistant] "Understood -- you were not in good shape on Monday."

[User] "I tried to hit on her..."

[Assistant] "Understood." He's stone-faced.

[User] "It went pretty okay, I guess."

[Assistant] "It doesn't matter how it *went* officer -- what else?"

[User] "I tried to hit on her..."

[Assistant] "Understood." He's stone-faced.


[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"]]

[Assistant] "The policeman." She squints at you. "What can our village do for you?"

[User] "I found this jacket, but it's filthy. Could you wash it for me?"

[Assistant] "I *can* wash it for you," she says after looking the jacket over, "but it's going to take about a half an hour. Think you can stay put for that long?"

[User] Hell yeah!

[Assistant] No, we must run around ceaselessly. It would be torture to stay put.


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

[Assistant] "I talked to the gardener. She said not to listen to you."

[User] "Pig..." Cuno slaps his forehead. "Do you have any idea how fucking stupid that sounds."

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

[User] "Cuno gives you hot fucking leads... snitch-bitch style -- and you come back griefin' the Cuno? The fuck out of here!"

[Assistant] "Get the fuck out of here, fatass! Those pants are too small for you!"

[User] The pants are totally okay, don't listen to her, she's trying to give you body image problems.

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

[User] "I talked to Mañana about the armour."

[Assistant] "So?!" He raises his eyebrows, projecting aggressive indifference.

[User] You should thank him.

[Assistant] "He said you're now the king of the entire *Jamrock*?!"


[User] "I need to find a way to turn back time."

[Assistant] [Action/Check: Condition: IsKimHere()  and  Variable["gates.measurhead_disable_kim_react_to_turnbacktime_if_seen_once"] == false]

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

[Assistant] "Goddamnit..." mumbles the lieutenant. "It's becoming a thing now, huh?"

[User] "It's a harmless quirk. Can't you just roll with it?"

[Assistant] "Another one?" The lieutenant lets out a sigh. "Just make it quick please."

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

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

[User] "THAT SURPRISES NO ONE. AND YET YOU *STILL* FEEL ENTITLED TO RETURN TO THE PAST?" The giant locks eyes with you. His face is serious...

[Assistant] "YOU DON'T HAVE IT IN YOU. BE GRATEFUL FOR THAT."

[User] "Wait, what exactly am I lacking?"

[Assistant] "YOUR NEED TO STEER EVERY CONVERSATION TOWARDS YOUR OWN PERSONA IS A SIGN OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM."


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

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

[User] "About time. You grab that amp. Forget the cables. Need to leave some evidence of our antenna to inspire future generations..."

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

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

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

[User] "Alright, cop-man. We've held up more than our share of this collaboration. I hope you *recognise* how much the hardcore underground came through for you."

[Assistant] "If you want to show your appreciation, we could still use your help. Egg is the one to talk to."

[User] "HARD CORE! MUTUAL AID!"

[Assistant] "It's been good working with you... gentlemen."

[User] "No need to fake it, we know you're still a cop at heart..."

[Assistant] "I'll put this tech away later. Think there's an extra can set, in case you want to grab a *souvenir* or something. Don't think anyone will miss it."


[User] "Finally. I thought I have to come looking for you. What took you so long?"

[Assistant] "Time flies when you're in a good company -- how long was I in there?"

[User] "Couple of months, a year maybe?" he replies, glancing at his wrist-watch. "What happened in there?"

[Assistant] His serious, business-like tone doesn't waiver for a second.

[User] "It got very personal and a bit weird."

[Assistant] "Shocking..." He nods, covering his mouth with the back of the hand. "Did you learn how to turn back time?"

[User] Trying to hide a smile.

[Assistant] Was it a mistake leaving him alone with that guy?

[User] "No, but I learned that no matter how though you are, someone's always tougher."

[Assistant] "Him?" The lieutenant's eyes meet yours. He's listening.

[User] (Nod.) "I knocked *him* out, but his father could probably kill me."

[Assistant] "But he's not going to, because this is not a school yard and we are not children." He looks up at the sky...


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

[Assistant] The hawthorn tree on Rue de Saint-Ghislaine. Bronze-coloured ribbons of magnetic tape are caught in its branches, fluttering in the breeze.

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

[Assistant] Just like promised... You've stood here for what seem like aeons, guzzling the sickly fumes of lorries and carriages.

[User] "Piss off, nature!" (Punch the tree.)

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

[User] The hawthorn tree is not an inanimate object, it is a living thing. The thunk against the bark echoes with discontent.

[Assistant] At first the destructive urge felt exhilarating, as if it added something to your persona... but the feeling swiftly receded, leaving you with a sad emptiness.

[User] The gnarled hawthorn tree on Rue de Saint-Ghislaine. A wintry breeze blows by, making the magnetic tape flutter.

[Assistant] Disentangle the tape.


[User] Like a fan of gills the chequered papers dry in your hand. The handwriting is extremely dense, if mostly illegible.

[Assistant] "Kim, my cases appear to employ some kind of... naming convention."

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

[Assistant] "Yes, how very childish of you," he mumbles. "In your -- and my -- defence, almost everyone in the RCM uses the *titular* system. In addition to the official alphanumeric."

[User] "Why is that?"

[Assistant] "It's a holdover from the early days of the RCM -- right after the Revolution, when the organization had little idea how to do things. It persists in an *unofficial* capacity. Officers use these titles to refer to their work among themselves."

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

[Assistant] Don't mention it.

[User] Your secret is safe with the rotten cabbage of papers in your hand. Writing covers almost all the pages.

[Assistant] "Kim, my cases appear to employ some kind of... naming convention."

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

[Assistant] "Yes, how very childish of you," he mumbles. "In your -- and my -- defence, almost everyone in the RCM uses the *titular* system. In addition to the official alphanumeric."


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

[Assistant] You see a set of tyre tracks in the brown slush that covers the plaza mosaic.

[User] Reconstruct the movement.

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

[User] No, these tracks are not interesting at all. Let the street sweeper just sweep them away.

[Assistant] Why am I looking at this?

[User] Cop habit. You look at everything.

[Assistant] This isn't case-related, you think.

[User] Why am I looking at this?

[Assistant] Cop habit. You look at everything.


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

[Assistant] The barbell waits patiently on the floor, like a dog for its master.

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

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

[User] "Actually, I don't really care about safety hazards."

[Assistant] "No one does, until they get smashed under the barbell."

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

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

[User] "Actually, I don't really care about safety hazards."

[Assistant] "No one does, until they get smashed under the barbell."

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

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


[User] "Maybe it's all part of a leadership challenge? Against you, Titus."

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

[User] "There's no fucking leadership challenge, here." A flash of rage; he calms himself. "Get your head out of your ass. This is serious."

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

[User] "When Klaasje came downstairs -- Ruby appeared to *know* that something was wrong."

[Assistant] "Nah, man. That's just Ruby. She's got shit under control," the man explains. "That's her whole thing. That's why she's so good."

[User] "Plus, man, it's like *female intuition* you know. Women talk to women." He peeks at Titus. "Which is sorta why we need someone on the team who they talk to."

[Assistant] Eugene wants a woman on the team so they can do their job. That must be *hard*. Half of Martinaise is female...

[User] "Yes." (Roll your eyes.) "Female intuition. That's what it was. You're right Eugene."

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

[User] "Yeah..." The man seems unsure of himself.

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


[User] Despair creeps into you, getting fat on your weakness. Whatever noble intentions you once had as a police officer -- it's eating them all up now.

[Assistant] There's something else in there. There has to be. But -- it's like reaching your hand into muddy water, fishing around, and coming up with nothing...

[User] You're still coming up with sentences. That's a step up from total annihilation, right?

[Assistant] "I'm done. No one even likes cops."

[User] "Yes, it can be difficult to be on the receiving end of so much distrust and outright hatred," he says with a sad half-smile.

[Assistant] Nothing you can say would make you feel any better now...


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

[Assistant] There's a pile of cheap sunglasses in a small box, a variety of shapes and colours.

[User] "You like sunglasses, officer? I've got the latest styles, right here!" The vendor takes a pair of sunglasses and sticks them under your nose.

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

[User] Stylish shades, huh? They'd be even more stylish if you paid for them with net worth. Go over and ask him.

[Assistant] "I'll take those cool deep blue glasses."

[User] "A man who knows his style," the street vendor nods. "Much respect."

[Assistant] Try again, maybe you can find *some* interesting sunglasses in the box.

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

[Assistant] Ah, I see... A pair of waterblue shades. The writing on the left temple says: "Sub-Insulindic Rendezvous." The frame appears to be hand-carved out of bone.

[User] "Oh, very interesting choice, officer, very *high-culture*..." For the first time the street vendor's voice trails off, as he watches you inspect the glasses.

[Assistant] Try them on.


[User] A lorry stuck in the traffic jam. This big, heavy Graad-made machine is well kept for such an old machine.

[Assistant] Look in the window.

[User] The windows are clear, they've been recently washed. You can see a lorryman's cabin with personal belongings, stickers, insignia...

[Assistant] Fumes of heavy fuel oil waft over you, making your eyes sting. The odour mixes with cigarette residue.

[User] What kind of stickers and insignia?

[Assistant] The driver has adorned his space with a substantial collection of peculiar paraphernalia. Proclamations about *honour*, *strength*, and *purity* are glued to various panels.

[User] A large metal pendant hangs from the rear view mirror. The pendant features a sun crowned with wavy rays.

[Assistant] It is the seal of Royalist-era Revachol.


[User] "Whatever I can help you with. We need to contain the situation."

[Assistant] "What can you tell me about Krenel?"

[User] "Not much. Their public resume is relatively good -- as far as private military contractors go. I believe they were once called... Downwell."

[Assistant] Down a deep, black well.

[User] "They boast a long list of clients: Saint-Batiste, Welchman-Lorentz, Eendracht... A warning sign, however -- the operations concerned all take place in third- or fourth-world countries. Guarding facilities, escort missions, and such."

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

[User] "Okay. Anything else you can tell me?"

[Assistant] "Sadly -- no. Before this happened I had little interest in them. Now that I do -- I don't have the resources." She thinks.

[User] "If you still have access to the ICP's database, you could run a better background check than I ever could. It may take some time, though..." She thinks.

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

[User] The International Collaboration Police (ICP) is charged with coordinating law enforcement activities in complex, multi-national investigations. Their database is the single largest source of information in the world.

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

[User] "Do you know a lot about the inner workings of the RCM and the ICP, ma'am?"

[Assistant] "In my line of work it pays to do your research. I was prepared to deal with the RCM. I did *not* think I would be dealing with a group like *Krenel*."


[User] "That's not why I've come here. I *really* need to turn back time now." (Continue.)

[Assistant] "CLEARLY IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO SHED YOUR NEUROTIC OBSESSION. THIS WAILING FOR THE PAST IS A TASK UNFIT FOR MEN. IT IS BETTER LEFT FOR WIDOWS, MOURNING THEIR HUSBANDS -- AND FOR MENTALLY ILL COMMUNISTS MOURNING THEIR COMMUNE."

[User] "IF YOU WANT ADVICE ON BABES -- OR THE MYSTERIES OF LIFE -- OR EVEN ON REVACHOL -- LOOK FORWARD. TO ESCAPE YOUR DEFEATED STATE YOU NEED TO MOVE FORWARD. ONTO FUTURE VICTORIES."

[Assistant] But isn't he a traditionalist?! Why does he keep talking about future...

[User] "You don't get it. I need to bring disco back -- from the Thirties."

[Assistant] "IT SEEMS TO ME YOU ARE IN NEED OF A WARNING. HERE IT IS: IT IS ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE TO RETURN TO THE PAST. YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE A TICKET TO SEREGLEE ISLAND, THE SOUTHERNMOST OF THE SEMENINE ARCHIPELAGO, ALSO KNOWN AS ILE DU FANTÔME. AND WALK INTO PALE."

[User] "LET IT DITHER AND ROT YOUR MIND. THEN YOU CAN MARINATE FOREVER IN YOUR IRREVERSABLE DEFEAT. WHILE RACE ENEMIES LAUGH AT YOUR MOTIONLESS, GAP-MOUTHED CORPSE."

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

[User] [Action/Check: Condition: Variable["TASK.what_is_pale"]  and  Variable["TASK.ask_paledriver_how_to_turn_back_time_done"] == false]

[Assistant] You still haven't found out about pale, but it certainly doesn't sound inviting...

[User] Where would you even get a ticket? You can't just pack your bags and leave.

[Assistant] Finally -- a chance to connect with the *divine*.

[User] It gets very cold in the office, like in a desert after the nightfall...

[Assistant] "Cool, where do I get the tickets?"

[User] "BEFORE YOU GO LOOKING FOR TICKETS, I SUGGEST YOU SEE WHAT IT DOES TO A MAN. THE GHOUL IS A CRUEL MASTER, BUT IT IS NOT PALE. PALE TAKES YOUR MIND AND REJECTS THE FLESH. IT IS CAPRICIOUS AND TERRIFYING, LIKE A VIRGIN. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR COURAGE BEFORE HER FACE."

[Assistant] "GO HAVE A LOOK," he gestures toward the intersection. "THE WHITE-HAIRED PROTEIN MASS AT THE INTERSECTION. A LORRY DRIVER. IMPOSSIBLE TO MISS HER IF YOU'RE EVEN A HALF-DECENT COP."


[User] In the cabin you see a set of steering levers, a radio on a hook, a pull-out toolbox and the soft glow of the fuel pre-heater gauge.

[Assistant] Pick up the radio.

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

[Assistant] The frequency tableau lights up and a green button labelled PRIMELINE glows like a feline eye... and then you hear something.

[User] The soft purr of electrical kittens -- radio waves cast far and wide over the metropolis. A woman's voice greets you through the static:

[Assistant] "This is Precinct 57! Hello, lieutenant, how may I assist you?"

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

[Assistant] "Hi, Alice, I'm a policeman too. Nice to meet you."

[User] "Who is this?" There's a pause. "My records show this channel is used by Lieutenant Kim Kitsuragi."

[Assistant] "I prefer to be called Tequila Sunset. Kim's my partner. We're solving a case."

[User] "Right... Mr. Sunset." Her voice does not sound friendly. "Do you have permission to call from the lieutenant's vehicle? Where is he?"

[Assistant] "He's resting. It's been rough around here. Listen, I need assistance."


[User] Son, you've really let yourself go -- it's a disgrace. But Coach Physical Instrument is going to get you back in prime condition. Even if it takes a million push-ups!

[Assistant] Coach Physical Instrument? Does that mean you'll call me a maggot and a nancy-boy to motivate me?

[User] Does a master swordsman insult his own blade? No! I'm going to turn you into an athletic bench-mark, you big pussy!

[Assistant] Yes sir! Forge me into organic steel, coach!

[User] It's going to take blood, sweat, piss, and tears, but when I'm done with you, boy, you will be a Master Athlete!

[Assistant] Too much abuse for my taste. I'm more of an intellectual. (Opt out.)


[User] "Is that a cryptid on this pen you gave me?" (Take out the pen she gave you.)

[Assistant] The lieutenant leans in. "Hey, you promised you'd only ask about one cryptid."

[User] "Right, okay, we can move on for now." (It'd be dishonourable to renege on the promise.)

[Assistant] He nods approvingly.

[User] "I ran into your husband on the coast."

[Assistant] "Goodness! How is he? Did he say why he hasn't returned yet?" The old woman clasps her hands together over her blanket.

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

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

[User] "He's fine, ma'am. He couldn't get back earlier because the water lock on the canal was broken. Now he's just finishing up some work..."

[Assistant] "Oh, yes, that's my Morell -- he's bound to catch a cold, staying out there for so long... "


[User] This phrase is meant to be looked at from above.

[Assistant] "What the hell is that?" (Point to the rooftop message.)

[User] The lieutenant cranes his head and mutters: "GO HOME." He pauses. "It's an *aerograffito*. It's meant for the Coalition aerostatics that keep a lookout on the city from the low troposphere."

[Assistant] Silently nod.


[User] The cover of this tattered paperback features the Man from Hjelmdall standing atop a pile of bloody corpses. His two zweihänders are crossed over his massive chest in a dramatic 'x', their blades dripping with gore...

[Assistant] Hell yeah.

[User] Behind him rise the harsh snowcapped peaks of his native Northlands. In bold, red letters, the title "Hjelmdallermann: The Man from Hjelmdall" unfurls like a banner. In the foreground, a nearly nude woman lies spread in supplication, her privates strategically covered by her flowing black hair.

[Assistant] These images speak to something burbling deep within you: The primal struggle of a bunch of violent apes just dukin' it out.

[User] Look at the back cover.

[Assistant] The back blurb reads: "His latest adventure serves as the perfect introduction to the savage *Hjelmdall Saga*! Meet Man from Hjelmdall, his faithful blood-brother Tyrbald, the noble Lord Wrôthgär, and some of their most fearsome foes yet. For the Northlands! For HJELMDALL!"

[User] Below, in smaller font, you see the parenthetical: "(Adapted from: 'Man from Hjelmdall and the Necromancer's Treasure,' 'Man from Hjelmdall: Lord of Wrôthgär,' and 'Man from Hjelmdall: The Curse of Nachtherrer.')"

[Assistant] A brazen attempt to bilk fans for more money by splicing together old stories under a new title.


[User] "Finally. I thought I have to come looking for you. What took you so long?"

[Assistant] "We got into some pretty deep waters there."

[User] "Really? What happened?"

[Assistant] Probably shouldn't have asked you this.

[User] "It was *unbelievably* manly."

[Assistant] "Right..." He nods, covering his mouth with the back of the hand. "Did he teach you a way to turn back time?"

[User] Trying to hide a smile.

[Assistant] Was it a mistake leaving him alone with that guy?

[User] "Not exactly, but I'm going to start building up strategic semen reserves."

[Assistant] "But... why?" He looks completely perplexed for a moment, but quickly gathers himself. "Actually, do me a favour and please don't tell me. Let's just quickly go and that'll be it."


[User] "Mhm!" She stamps her feet, waiting for you to say something.

[Assistant] "What is romance?"

[User] "It's the type of book where there's a rich lady and she has to choose between the good man and the bad man." She smiles at the thought, perhaps imagining herself in that situation.

[Assistant] "Or there could be a story about a poor lady getting a rich man. It's about man and lady business, sir."

[User] "What about when both of the men are bad?"

[Assistant] "These are not very common. You can't have a choice between bad and bad, nobody wants to read a story like that."

[User] "What if it's written really well?"

[Assistant] "Well... maybe then it's fine. Maybe if the lady then decides not to pick either, because she doesn't need a bad man. Yes, that would be interesting!"

[User] "That's enough romance for me. I had other questions."

[Assistant] "Maybe some about other books?" She rubs her chilled nose with her fist.

[User] "What is romance?"

[Assistant] "It's the type of book where there's a rich lady and she has to choose between the good man and the bad man." She smiles at the thought, perhaps imagining herself in that situation.


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

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

[User] "Slipstream SCA."

[Assistant] You hear static from the intercom speaker. It sounds as if someone has picked up the receiver, but isn't saying anything.

[User] You can almost hear them breathe.

[Assistant] Hang up the call.

[User] You press the number sign on the keypad that terminates the call. Twelve name cards on the call box read:

[Assistant] "Main Hall, Building A."

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

[Assistant] An off-key melody starts playing after you ring the doorbell... Then a woman picks up the receiver...

[User] "Cuno! Please stop calling here! Grown-ups don't have time for your stupid games."

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


[User] Ooh, that's the good stuff. THE MOTIVE! There you go, see, this works. DO THE MOTIVE. The pain has dislodged something in your soaked sponge of a brain...

[Assistant] "Okay. Let's back off for a moment. Tell me this..."

[User] "You're lost, droite. You're lost..." He shakes his head, tufts of grey-white hair on his skull and chin...

[Assistant] "Who are you?"

[User] "My name..." He looks across the water, then back at you: "...is Iosef Lilianovich Dros, Political Commissar of the 114th Anti-Aircraft Division of the 4th Army of the Commune of Revachol."

[Assistant] "I am a deserter, a partisan, and a prisoner of war. This is my termless surrender." His eyes turn to the reeds again, dead and dull.

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

[Assistant] There, behind them, across the Delta -- the INSURCOM building. Coalition Government Insulindian Mission Control.


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

[Assistant] A heavy door with a missing handle stands before you, covered in dozens (if not hundreds) of Semenese trinkets and charms. It appears to be locked.

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

[Assistant] Unlock the door with the key.

[User] After exerting some force you manage to turn the key. It's eerily silent. The door slides slightly open, letting a draft of cold air into the room.

[Assistant] You feel the tiny hairs on the back of your neck rise up, as if someone's standing right behind you.

[User] An uneasy knot forms in the pit of your stomach...

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


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

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

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

[Assistant] A question for an answer, huh? The answer must be really obvious.

[User] "Yes, Gary. A trick. Now humour me."

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

[User] The further out, the better.

[Assistant] "What kind of theories are we talking about here?"

[User] "Well, there's a very interesting cryptid known as the Semper Maa. And a certain tribe of ancient kipts who practiced 'digital castigation,' though frankly I don't know how *compelling* you'll find that theory..."

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

[User] "And then you hear rumours..." He flashes a quick side-glance at the lieutenant. "... that the Seolites possess technology that actually lets them move through time like it's a corridor. Back and forth, you see."

[Assistant] The lieutenant stops writing in his notebook for a moment. It's only a fraction of a second, but you catch it.


[User] "About your pin..."

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

[User] "I bought it back. I know it means a lot to you. You should have it." (Give her the pin.)

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

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

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

[User] "Sweetie needs money. Do sweeties get money?"

[Assistant] "Oh sweetie." Her expression becomes very serious. "I heard your conversation with the manager about your... financial troubles. When do you get your next paycheck?"

[User] If she could, this woman would feed and clothe you and every other sad, lost person on this earth.

[Assistant] You've got guns of steel and a chiselled jaw (somewhere under the bloated alcohol layer). Maybe she'd like to sponsor you?


[User] Look around.

[Assistant] The reeds bend forlornly toward the sand. You see slabs of concrete, north. In the east, the city centre hums to you.

[User] The constant, distant song. Louder on this part of the coast. Nearer somehow. And there's that cold again, always the cold...

[Assistant] Look around.

[User] The reeds bend forlornly toward the sand. You see slabs of concrete, north. In the east, the city centre hums to you.

[Assistant] The constant, distant song. Louder on this part of the coast. Nearer somehow. And there's that cold again, always the cold...


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

[Assistant] "Kim, what's Revachol Ice City?"

[User] "No idea," he shrugs. The three-worded business name stands cryptic among the others:

[Assistant] "Andro-Orlando Hair SCA."

[User] You ring the doorbell, but no one answers.

[Assistant] What an ominous name for a hair salon... Doesn't bode well for anyone's hair.

[User] Just seeing the words "Andro-Orlando" gets your hackles up. It's very existence is a *threat* to your masculinity, to say nothing of your hair.

[Assistant] "Slipstream SCA."

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

[Assistant] Whatever she says, it can't hurt you. You're a different person now. Stronger, healthier and...

[User] Alright, maybe not *healthier*, but it's a *bonus* that you've drunk so hard you can't remember any of your past relationships. Oblivion's the ace in your corner.

[Assistant] Call her again. (Press the doorbell to Slipstream SCA.)


[User] "Looks like an undercover counterintelligence programme."

[Assistant] "No, that's not it. *I* think..." The lieutenant takes a step back, steepling his hands.

[User] Like he's ready to lay out a fine theory, crafted together like a puzzle box.

[Assistant] "It looks like one of those popular pen-and-paper role-playing games -- only these people were trying to *automate* it. Make it work on *radiocomputers*."

[User] Utter madness, he thinks -- as a compliment.

[Assistant] "How were they planning to do that?"

[User] "Through call-in stations." He nods at the fireplace. "None of the players have to be physically present... Anyone in the world can participate in the game, as long as they have a two-way radio."

[Assistant] "Then there's the Game Master Frequency that listens in on the smaller call-in stations. I think that was supposed to coordinate the stories. Functioning as a master of ceremonies of sorts."

[User] His fascination has swept aside other concerns for the moment. He's a little *hooked*.

[Assistant] Coordinating so many games would take a whole switchboard of people, possibly divided into sub-frequencies.

[User] "And this was a role-playing game?"

[Assistant] "Indeed. Those *welkins* are a dead giveaway." He points to the chalkboard. "Role-playing people love that stuff. The world looks like a modified version of the Wirrâl boardgame... with heat death thrown in."


[User] "So you *didn't* kill him. He was already dead."

[Assistant] He nods.

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

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

[User] "You hanged the corpse to cover up the real cause of death -- the bullet in his head."

[Assistant] Another nod.

[User] "Why?"

[Assistant] "Cause the girls asked us to. They were in some shit."

[User] Girls plural? There's another girl? Two of them? Take note of this. They'll probably say more about her later.

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

[User] "Did *she* kill him?"

[Assistant] "Cop, I have no idea -- the girl says she didn't..."

[User] He doesn't think she did. Or at least he *hopes* she didn't.

[Assistant] "What happened Sunday night?"


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

[Assistant] A scattering of bullet holes is spread across the cracked wall, reaching from one corner to the other.

[User] Why this many bullet holes?

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

[User] Unable to piece together the *big picture* just now. There's a hole in the hypothesis.

[Assistant] Fine. Okay.

[User] The scattering of bullet holes looks like one giant smiling mouth. Smiling its deadly smile.

[Assistant] Walk away. [Leave.]


[User] "Do you think he did it?"

[Assistant] He nods. "From nothing to this in a day..." A crooked little smile. "This is *good*, we just need a confession first, and then *maybe* a solid motive later."

[User] "Okay, let's do this." (Conclude.)

[Assistant] "Remember," the lieutenant whispers. "He wants to tell us -- but he doesn't want to *help* us. It needs to look like we already have everything."