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<div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Transfer to 0013H</p>
<p class="PassageSubtitle">✉ Messages Unlocked</p></div>Agent Locke,
Before your transfer to the BI office in Office 0013H is finalized, you are required to complete your last assessment. You proved to have great potential to excel as a field agent. It is the hope of the Board, and myself, that you will far exceed our expectations.
Your record as an archival assistant has been exemplary. We know you will bring the same standard of work to the position of field agent.
You may begin your test whenever you are ready. As a reminder, you are allowed to refresh your memory on the supplemental material before you begin. However, the use of the materials during the test itself is prohibited.
Do not think of this as an exam. The test is meant to assist in solidifying your results in your final agent profile.
Good luck, Agent. We expect great things from you.
Regards,
SA D. Young
[[Supplementals|Supplement Index][$Save_state.VisitedSupplemental = 1]]
[[Begin Test->Test Start]]<div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">January 3rd</p>
<p class="PassageSubtitle">Sunday</p></div>I used to imagine what coming home would be like, back when that was something I wanted. Back when I felt like I had something to prove. Though if you had asked me what that was, I couldn't have told you. Even now, nearly ten years later I didn't have an answer.
The younger me would lie in that shitty little dorm bed every night and imagine rolling into town in some too-expensive car or landing in the field behind Dunnora Mill in a helicopter.
I thought it would be an entry fit for someone coming back in a blaze of glittering glory. I saw it as my revenge on the parents who decided it was easier to send me away than to deal with me themselves.
Those silly over-dramatic dreams eventually turned to dread so deep and dark that I feared acknowledging it entirely. Being stuck there had been a daily reminder of one simple fact: I didn't matter.
I tried to be tough and act like it didn't bother me. I probably fooled a fair share of people, but I could never fully trick myself into buying the same lie.
It was like a monster under the bed that I chose to ignore. If I pretended it wasn't there, then it wouldn't affect me. Right? Except that I couldn't ignore reality. Little by little these things would wear anyone down.
One thing the bitter angry teen me did not imagine was standing behind the neighbors’ hedge eleven years later, watching my childhood home like the creep in some cheap thriller.
I snorted. Now that was an image.
I had considered emailing my parents to let them know that I was coming back to town, but whenever I tried to type the words nothing ever came out. And as tempting as it was to send them a random string of letters and leaving them to figure out what that could mean, I didn’t think it would improve their opinion of me.
//Maybe I should go? It’s late, they’re not expecting me. I should just go.//
I knew better than to expect a warm welcome. I knew better even before dragging myself here. So why did I?
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[Some part of me must still be hoping for something that I may never get.->CH1 01A]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I don't know. I don't know why I thought this was a good idea.->CH1 01B]]</li>
</ol>Here you can find a list of supplementals to assist you in preparation for your final test. Use them at your discretion.
A reminder that all BI files are confidential. Sharing with outside persons is strictly prohibited and can result in your termination.
[[Supplement 00178A->KAS]]
[[Supplement 00178B->Code of Conduct]]
[[Supplement 00178C->Clearance]]
[[Return->Start]]<div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Question 1</p></div>
In your latest evaluation, you showed great promise in a few areas. What would you personally believe is your strongest characteristic?
<ol type="A">
<li>[[I can dish it out as good as I can take it. I thrive in situations that require me to get physical.|Q2][$Main_Character.Athletics += 2]]</li>
<li>[[I'm good with people, figuring out how they tick and how to best interact with them.|Q2][$Main_Character.Charm += 2]]</li>
<li>[[I'm quick on my feet, react to situations quickly and with ease. I thrive in fast paced situations.|Q2][$Main_Character.Finesse += 2]]</li>
<li>[[I have an eye for detail. I naturally observe my surroundings, and make note of things that seem out of place.|Q2][$Main_Character.Perception += 2]]</li>
<li>[[I only take calculated risks. Rushing in to situations without a plan is not my style.|Q2][$Main_Character.Caution += 2]]</li>
</ol>''Kildare Archival System''
KAS has been developed by the Institute in early 1880 and has been in use since. All Institute personnel should have the system memorized.
Due to certain occupational hazards, there may be times where some level of memory loss may be experienced. Unless the loss is deemed too severe to continue work, personnel will be expected to re-familiarize themselves with the appropriate material.
---
''Classification Format''
KAS categories are there to help categorize the following: events, locations, objects, and entities. Each category has its own smaller sub-categories that further define it.
//Primary Category—Object ID//
* Events: classified as Grimalkin Field Anomalies (GFA's).
* Locations: there are two types of locations: 1) Locations that have been altered due to a GFA. They are referred to as Grimalkin Altered Locations (GAL's) 2) Locations that are naturally abundant in paranatural energies and have been around for a long time. They are referred to as Grimalkin Sources (GS's).
* Objects: referred to as Grimalkin Objects (GO).
* Entities: they fall under one of three sub-categories that are defined by their origin.
//Secondary Category—Object Class//
^^Anomaly Level^^
Every altered object falls into one of the anomaly levels. Though it is extremely rare, certain objects have proven that the anomaly level is subject to change.
* GT-7: Objects in this category are non-anomalous.
* GT-6: Objects of this category are non-anomalous. However, they contain traces of GFP that would indicate that they were either exposed to something anomalous or were at some point in time anomalous themselves.
* GT-5: Objects of this category are minimally anomalous.
* GT:4: Objects of this category are mildly anomalous.
* GT-3: Objects of this category are moderately anomalous.
* GT-2: Objects of this category are highly anomalous.
* GT-1: Objects of this category are extremely anomalous.
^^Danger Level ^^
A: Objects in this category are considered to be extremely dangerous.
B: Objects in this category are considered to be moderately dangerous.
C: Objects in this category are considered to be mildly dangerous.
D: Objects in this category are not considered to be dangerous.
^^Hostility Level^^
* Non-Hostile (N)
* Hostile (H)
* Undetermined (U)
Note: Events and non-sentient objects do not get a hostility level assigned to them.
//Unique Identifier//
Each case requires a unique identifier that would set it apart from any other cases of the same type. The basic protocol for assigning the correct ID is the use of the date of either discovery of the object or when the event began. If there is a date that is considered to be more significant, that must be used. After the date, a letter must be used (A, B, C, etc.) to differentiate any possible objects/events that may have the same date attached to it.
//Classification Examples//
Below are some example cases to help agents familiarize themselves with
* [[GFA-3C-19991231D->GFA-3C-19991231D]]
* [[GO-7DN-20031113A->GO-7DN-20031113A]]
* [[NNE-1AH-19010729A->NNE-1AH-19010729A]]
[[Return->Supplement Index]]''Code of Conduct''
^^Area ID: 0013H^^
All personnel must follow the code of conduct as outlined by the Board. Those caught breaking the rules face consequences of varying severity.
01. Do not discuss classified materials with individuals who do not have the appropriate level of clearance.
02. Interoffice communications are to be handled by the Director only.
03. No wristwatches are permitted in any of the BI locations. Pocket watches must be carried in the left pocket only.
04. Sensitive materials are not allowed to be removed from the office unless permitted by the Director.
05. Interaction with the contained is limited to personnel with the appropriate level of clearance.
06. Taco Tuesdays are forbidden unless they occur on the third Tuesday of the month.
07. Bringing personal photographs into the office is strictly forbidden.
08. Any photographs kept in the archive must have a sanctified black fabric square stuck over any visible humanoid faces. A list of appropriate fabric materials can be found in Supplement 00124-B.
09. Personnel are forbidden from standing in front of the mirror in room 19D unless permitted by the Director.
10. The door to the 0013H Archive must remain locked at all times. You may request necessary files and supplemental materials from the Archivist.
11. Do not acknowledge the entity in the corner of the men’s bathroom.
12. Personnel are discouraged from entering the room with the red door in the cafeteria.
13. Any eyes appearing in any books brought into the office must be reported to the Containment Manager.
//''History''//
^^''Updated:'' All entries Archived on 100101^^
^^''Updated:'' 100103, 10 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 100417, 06 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 100923, 37 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 101219, 13 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 111111, 73 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 111213, 103 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 111230, 04 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 120303, 02 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 120709, 08 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 121029, 04 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 130214, 94 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 130616, 83 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 130624, 430 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 130906, 52 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 140410, 01 entry removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 140813, 84 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 150326, 14 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 150402, 02 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 150503, 287 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 150504, 03 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 151228, 11 entries removed^^
[[Return->Supplement Index]]<p class="blurred">^^''Case ID:'' GFA-3C-19991231D^^
^^''Location:'' <span>redacted</span>^^
^^''Recorded On:'' 2000-02-21^^
^^''Clearance Required:'' Red^^
^^''Status:'' Contained^^
^^//Internal Use Only//^^
The small village of <span>redacted</span>, located in the southermost end of <span>redacted</span> began experiencing unexplainable events early in spring of 1991.
Sightings of a group of <span>redacted. redacted</span> began to be reported. At the time, the reports were not investigated as SA <span>redacted</span> made the call that the sightings were not consistent enough with the usual data relating to <span>redacted. redacted</span>.
These sightings remained sparse, though we continued to observe the location and monitoring the situation.
Over the next months, a number of anomalous things began to occur with increasing frequency. The village began to <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance for this. redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance for this. redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance for this</span>.
It wasn't until early on December 31st, 1999 that the <span>redacted. you do not have clearance for this</span> without warning and the hamsters began to <span>redacted redacted</span> until everything in town was painted blue.
A team was sent to handle the situation, however, the <span>redacted</span> had already moved on. Further observation of the area proved that all anomalous activity had ceased with their retreat.
Attempts to locate <span>redacted</span> were made. The report on that can be found in case AE-3CN-19761001A.
</p>
[[Close Report->KAS]]^^''Case ID:'' GO-7DN-20031113A^^
^^''Location:'' Nitra, Slovakia^^
^^''Recorded On:'' 2005-03-10^^
^^''Clearance Required:'' Blue^^
^^''Status:'' Archived^^
^^//Internal Use Only//^^
Case GO-7DN-20031113A was initially reported as a potential GO-4BU. Agent Bellová was sent in to assess the situation. Upon investigation, she discovered that the item in question was an old journal that once belonged to the daughter of a local businessman.
The journal itself did not give off any of the usual readings that can be expected in cases revolving around hauntings. Further investigation revealed that the suspected ghost was nothing more than the young woman's former lover.
The two had been secretly seeing each other, the father found out and forced them apart. He sent the daughter away to a convent where she contracted pneumonia and died shortly thereafter.
The former lover was using the ghost story as a coverup for his revenge.
Although tragic, nothing about the journal is anomalous in nature. After collection, it has been placed in the archive in area 0049B.
[[Close Report->KAS]]<p class="blurred">^^''Case ID:'' NNE-1AH-19010729A^^
^^''Location:'' <span>[redacted]</span>^^
^^''Recorded On:'' 1901-11-27^^
^^''Clearance Required:'' Black^^
^^''Status:'' DO NOT APPROACH^^
^^//Internal Use Only//^^
This entity was first encountered in a remote area in <span>redacted</span>. It inhabited a sizable meadow in the <span>redacted</span> forest.
The entity was widely known by the locals in the surrounding villages as some sort of forest deity. The villagers were interviewed, though most refused to speak of the entity. Only three of the villagers provided useful insight into this "Green King". All materials from the interviews have been <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance</span>.
Agents <span>redacted</span> and <span>redacted</span> were sent in to investigate the entity. The initial observations revealed that it spent most of the time in a dormant state, confirming what <span>redacted</span> mentioned in one of her interviews. It laid on what appeared to be a bed of moss and twisted branches.
The entity itself appears to be humanoid, taking on the appearance of a young adult male in his early 20s. It is approximately 210cm in height. Though it appears to have a slim build, the entity has greater than average physical capabilities. It has shown to have <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance. Hey, you shouldn't be reading this! But nice try checking the source code you tech-savvy person you. redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance</span>. Because of this, attempts to contain it have been unsuccessful.
Both agents that were initially sent to investigate, as well as numerous agents sent in after that, have been <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance</span> by the entity. Following the events, they have been declared deceased to spare their families from seeing them in that state.
All those affected by the entity are to be kept at <span>redacted. redacted</span>.
Constant surveillance of the entity is required. However, agents are not to approach it or interact with it in any way unless directed otherwise.
</p>
[[Close Report->KAS]]You have one unread email.
[[Read Now ✉->Start][$Save_state.VisitedStart = 1]]A stab of something hot and fierce struck me in the center of my chest, burning through me until I was hollow inside. It has been eleven years since they shipped me off and I still hoped for something.
I would never pretend that I was some saint of a kid or act like there was no reason they decided to do what they did.
But they never even cared to check in with me. They made me someone else's problem and never bothered to do much else.
Why //was// I here?
I sighed. It was a mistake to come here.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I'm leaving.->CH1 02]]</li>
</ol>Whatever my reasons were, this was not a good place for me to visit. I knew I wasn't ready to see my parents. And as much as I wanted to see my brother, I guessed that the reunion wouldn't go too well.
//Would mom and dad even let me anywhere near him? Who knows what they told him about me.//
//Did he even remember me? He was only six when I was sent off...//
As much as I wanted to rush over there and bang on the door, demanding they let me see my little brother... the thought of doing that froze me in place. I couldn't deny that the possibility of what I was so afraid of being real was far too high to ignore.
Standing here, hiding behind the bushes was not going to get me anywhere.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I need to re-think things and mentally prepare myself before going ahead with this.->CH1 02]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[There are things I need to do, and then there’s this… I’m leaving before anyone finds me in the bushes.->CH1 02]]</li>
</ol><br><br><div class="PassageHeader"><img src= "https://i.ibb.co/VQzCnB0/i-Piccy-img1.png" class="PassageImage"><p class="PassageSubtitle">Test Complete. Agent Profile Unlocked.</p></div>Your answers have been submitted and assessment is complete. You may now view your information in the archive server.
Your transfer documents have been sent through. You will be expected to arrive at side 0013H on January 4th. Report to the introductory meeting with Director Harvey at 09:00.
[[Complete Transfer->Chapter 1]]<div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Question 2</p></div>
You have been sent to investigate a potential GAL-3C case in an abandoned orphanage. You find that there is nothing anomalous. The supposed specters are nothing more than bored teenagers that wanted to cause some chaos.
You mark the case as a GAL-7D, as is protocol. What do you do about the teenagers?
<ol type="A">
<li>[[Although it may be pointless, I warn them against continuing their actions.|Q3][$Main_Character.Empathy += 1]]</li>
<li>[[Report them to the proper authorities. There is no need for these kids to be causing a panic and endangering themselves or others.|Q3][$Main_Character.Empathy -= 1]]</li>
<li>[[Nothing. This is no longer any of my business and they are free to do as they like.|Q3][$Main_Character.Empathy += 0]]</li>
</ol><div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Question 3</p></div>
While out in the field you encounter an unidentified class GT-3 entity that is acting visibly hostile.
You move into position to get a better look at the entity and you are able to determine the following things about it:
The entity is largely corporeal. Every 72 seconds it shifts into a non-corporeal state where it becomes translucent. The entity is canine in appearance, although you do not recognize it to be any particular breed.
It is approximately 140cm in height when on all fours. On the entity's front paws it appears to have thick 10cm long claws.
The entity does not immediately see you, all its attention is on an older couple sitting together on the riverbank. You have the advantage here.
You call for the containment unit. But the entity appears to be restless. What do you do?
<ol type="A">
<li>[[I grab the entity's attention. I make it focus on me and get it to run after me so that I can lead it to a more remote location, away from any civilians.|Q4][$Main_Character.Athletics += 1]]</li>
<li>[[I create a distraction without revealing myself to the entity. I make it look for something where I'm not. |Q4][$Main_Character.Finesse += 1]]</li>
</ol><div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Question 4</p></div>
You have been hearing rumors of an unusual creature with "glowing red eyes" skulking around in your neighborhood at night. The rumors offer you some clues to which areas the entity may frequent, but nothing on what may help you identify it.
The case may be nothing at all, but you know the Blackthorn Institute needs to know about it. What do you do?
<ol type="A">
<li>[[I report it to my office and request equipment to set up remote observation in the areas where it has the most reported sightings. Then I wait and watch. |Q5][$Main_Character.Caution += 1]]</li>
<li>[[I want to have something more concrete before reporting this. I set out to investigate on foot, visiting all possible locations where the entity may appear.|Q5][$Main_Character.Caution -= 1]]</li>
</ol><div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Question 5</p></div>
You have been given the task of interviewing a group of people pulled from a GFA-3A. They have been examined and cleared of any contaminants. Your job is to question them to gain more insight into how the GFA functions and what are its effects.
What do you do?
<ol type="A">
<li>[[I sit them down individually and make sure they feel comfortable before asking questions. I don't push them for immediate answers and take my time with each subject. I assure them that they are safe and that we will do our best to deal with the anomaly. I want to make sure they know they are in a safe space and that we need their help.|Q6][$Main_Character.Charm += 1]]</li>
<li>[[The situation is urgent and dangerous and I know we require answers before something worse happens. I make sure to be thorough in my line of questioning, getting all the details necessary. The sooner we have the information, the sooner we might figure out how to deal with the anomaly and avoid further contamination.|Q6][$Main_Character.Charm -= 1]]</li>
</ol><div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Question 6</p></div>
You are out at lunch in one of your favorite places. You order your usual and wait.
It should be a busy time for any establishment, you don't see a lot of people around. The usual music you're used to hearing in the background is replaced by the sound of a soulful violin played by a petite woman in the far corner. Though it's beautiful, it doesn't sound completely in tune.
Besides you, there are five other patrons there: a young couple sitting together in a corner booth, a big trucker sitting by one of the large windows, a middle-aged woman who's been hiding behind a newspaper this entire time, and a goth kid who seemed to be cosplaying as Van Helsing.
The couple's meal sits half-eaten and largely forgotten on the table between them. You haven't seen them take their eyes off of each other in over ten minutes.
The trucker was there before you walked in. You haven't seen him get up even once, nor have you seen him look at the menu. Nothing about him strikes you as particularly memorable, and you wouldn't have paid him any mind if this wasn't the eleventh time you've noticed him glancing at you.
You can't tell much about the middle-aged woman, aside from the fact that she's engrossed in her paper. Another thing you notice that her dark graying hair is pulled up into a messy bun, secured by what seems to be an old chicken bone.
The Van Helsing wannabe seems fidgety. You've seen them pat their left jacket pocket at least five times since you started to pay attention. They keep looking around, not making eye contact with anybody.
Your eyes eventually land on the waiter. You spot her examining two cups. She sniffed one and put another to her ear with the look of utmost concentration. Was she trying to listen to it like it was a seashell?
While you can't be completely sure without further investigation, there is someone here who isn't who they should be. But who is it? Who is not what they seem?
<ol type="A">
<li> [[The trucker. |Q7][$Main_Character.Perception -= 1]]</li>
<li> [[The waiter. |Q7][$Main_Character.Perception += 1]]</li>
<li> [[The couple.|Q7][$Main_Character.Perception -= 1]]</li>
<li> [[The violinist. |Q7][$Main_Character.Perception -= 1]]</li>
<li> [[The goth Van Helsing.|Q7][$Main_Character.Perception -= 1]]</li>
<li> [[The woman with the newspaper.|Q7][$Main_Character.Perception += 1]]</li>
</ol><div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Question 7</p></div>
If you were being honest, what would you say is something you could improve in?
<ol type="A">
<li> [[I know I could do better in my interactions with other people.|Q8][$Main_Character.Charm += 1]]</li>
<li> [[I know I could be better at paying attention to my surroundings.|Q8][$Main_Character.Perception += 1]]</li>
<li> [[I know I could be a little more sensitive to certain things.|Q8][$Main_Character.Empathy += 1]]</li>
<li> [[I know I could get a little better about my physical fitness.|Q8][$Main_Character.Athletics += 1]]</li>
<li> [[I know I could be a little better about thinking before I act.|Q8][$Main_Character.Caution += 1]]</li>
<li> [[I know I'm not as dextrous as I could be.|Q8][$Main_Character.Finesse += 1]]</li>
</ol>As nice as it would be to simply have my parents believe that I’m a better person than what they knew, I wasn’t going to hold my breath. Darkness grew darker around me, the cold creeping in to bite off my exposed hands. The longer I stayed in place the more likely it was that I’d freeze.
I looked down at my feet and heaved a sigh. My suitcase had somehow found its way half-lodged underneath the hedge.
“Great, just what I need,” I muttered under my breath. Bending down, I grabbed onto the side of the suitcase to pull it free. My hands burned with an icy viciousness, making me wince.
A screeching creak shattered the silence of the night. My heart jumped to my throat—I knew that sound. That damned back door gave me away when I was trying to sneak back into the house so many times.
I crouched down before any other thought could come and looked through the scraggly hedge. Even though it had been over a decade since I last saw my parents, the figure that appeared through the back door was instantly recognizable.
//Dad…//
He looked the same, almost. His hair had a lot more grey than I remembered and the beard was new. But it was unmistakably my dad.
I held my breath and watched him waddle over to the bins with a heavy-looking trash bag in each hand.
//Are those…?//
I leaned closer to the hedge, the sharp smell of winter and pine overpowered anything else and squinted to get a better look. My dad was wearing the same old slippers “I” got him for Christmas when I was twelve. I couldn’t believe he still had those.
He hoisted the trash bags into the bin and turned to go back inside. One, two, three steps, then he stopped and looked back over his shoulder. Right back to where I was.
//Shit.//
“Hello?” He called out. “Anyone there?”
//Did I make a noise?//
All I could hear was my heart drumming away in my ears as he got closer.
“Hello?” He called out again, stopping a mere few steps away from the hedge.
My thoughts turned to any possible explanation I could give as to why I’d been hiding like this. How would I convince him that I wasn’t planning to brick the windows, or key the car, or…whatever other nefarious thing I might get accused of.
A soft meow from above me made his head snap up to follow the noise. He stiffened, the corners of his mouth awkwardly turning up into what was supposed to be a smile.
“Oh, Loarn, it’s you. I didn’t realize you’d be back so early,” he said. “What a... lovely surprise. I hope everything went well on your little holiday.”
If I didn’t know any better, I might have said that seeing my dad talk to a cat-like this was kind of funny. Silly even. But I did know better. Loarn wasn’t just any old cat. Loarn was very special, though no one would ever say that out loud.
In Hazelwood, it was safer to pretend.
Loarn meowed softly in response.
“Good, good,” dad nodded. “Your fur is looking particularly soft. That vacation did wonders for you.”
An appreciative meow followed. Dad smiled and nodded to Loarn, “I hear the wife calling me, so I really should head back inside. It was nice seeing you again. Have a lovely day, Loarn.”
He didn’t wait for a response before power-walking back into the house. The door creaked behind him as he closed it shut.
I let out the breath I’d been holding.
//I need to get out of here now before he decides it’s time to have a longer chat with Loarn.//
As if he heard my thoughts, the cat meowed. I looked up at him sitting atop the hedge as I tried to pull my suitcase free. He stared down at me with his unnaturally bright blue eyes and meowed again.
I took that to mean, “You’re welcome, you ridiculous human.”
“Thank you, Loarn,” I murmured with what I hoped was the appropriate level of reverence. The cat did not respond, staring at me instead with unblinking eyes.
Loarn was waiting.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[Compliment him. I need to compliment him. ->CH1 02A]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I should say that I missed him.|CH1 02B][$Reputation.Hazelwood += 2]]</li>
</ol><<set $Main_Character to { Athletics : 4, Charm : 4, Finesse : 4, Perception : 4, Caution : 4, Empathy : 4, Willpower : 10 }>>
<<set $Reputation to { Hazelwood: 24, Dwyn: 38, Kit: 20, John: 50, Family: 26 }>>
<<set $Save_state to { VisitedSupplemental : 0, VisitedTestEnd : 0, VisitedStart : 0, MetDwyn : 0, MetKit : 0, MetJohn : 0, MetTheLockes : 0}>>
<<set $Emails to { UnreadMessages : 0, Tiffany : 0, TiffanyUnread : 0 }>>
<<set $Choice to {CH103A1 : 0, CH103A2 : 0, CH103A3 : 0, CH103B1: 0, CH103B2: 0 }>>
<<set $CaseFile to {Case1 : 0 }>>
<<cacheaudio "New_Message" "mp3|https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kL5b5w19OZlh8HU04qupVc3pdWblfyUy/view?usp=sharing">>
<<masteraudio volume 0.05>><img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/435791248348020749/854036001873199114/blackthorn_institute_1.png" width="100%" height="100%">^^by House Miroe^^[<<if $Save_state.VisitedTestEnd == 1>>
[[Profile|Profile]]
<</if>>
<<if $Save_state.VisitedSupplemental == 1>>
[[Field Guide|Field Guide]]
<</if>>
<<if $Save_state.VisitedStart == 1>>
<<if $Emails.UnreadMessages == 1>>
[[Unread Message|Messages]]
<<elseif $Emails.UnreadMessages >= 2>>
[[Unread Messages|Messages]]
<<else>>
[[Messages|Messages]]
<</if>>
<</if>><div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Agent Profile</p></div>
<div class="wrapper"><div id="left-profile"><p class="ProfileTitle">Personal Stats</p>
^^''Agent ID:'' 04378^^
^^''Clearance Level:'' Blue^^
^^''Agent Stationed:'' Area 0013H^^
Willpower
<progress @value="$Main_Character.Willpower" max="20"></progress>
Athletics
<progress @value="$Main_Character.Athletics" max="20"></progress>
Finesse
<progress @value="$Main_Character.Finesse" max="20"></progress>
Charm
<progress @value="$Main_Character.Charm" max="20"></progress>
Perception
<progress @value="$Main_Character.Perception" max="20"></progress>
Caution
<progress @value="$Main_Character.Caution" max="20"></progress></div><div class="right-profile"><p class="ProfileTitle">Reputation</p>
Hazelwood
<progress @value="$Reputation.Hazelwood" max="100"></progress>
<<if $Save_state.MetDwyn == 1>>Dwyn
<progress @value="$Reputation.Dwyn" max="100"></progress>
<</if>>
<<if $Save_state.MetKit == 1>>Kit
<progress @value="$Reputation.Kit" max="100"></progress>
<</if>>
<<if $Save_state.MetJohn == 1>>John
<progress @value="$Reputation.John" max="100"></progress>
<</if>>
<<if $Save_state.MetTheLockes == 1>>The Locke's
<progress @value="$Reputation.Family" max="100"></progress>
<</if>>
</div></div>
[[Return|$return]]^^''Agent ID:'' 04378^^
^^''Agent Rank:'' Junior Field Agent^^
^^''Clearance:'' Blue^^
* [[Code of Conduct, area 0013H->CoC 0013H]]
* [[Clearance->FG Clearance]]
* [[Kildare Archival System->Archival System]]
* [[Casefiles->Casefiles]]
[[Return|$return]]Thank you for your answers, Agent. Submit to complete the evaluation.
[[Submit|Test End][$Save_state.VisitedTestEnd = 1]]''Clearance Levels''
Clearance comes in a few levels. All personnel in the Blackthorn Institute have a clearance level assigned to them.
Level 1—//Black//: Highest level of clearance available. Personnel with this clearance level can view and work on cases of all levels.
Level 2—//Red//: Personnel of this clearance level can work with cases up to GT-3 level.
Level 3—//Blue//: Personnel of this clearance level can work with cases up to GT-5 level.
Level 4—//Green//: Personnel of this level do not have access to any of the cases.
[[Return->Supplement Index]]*****************Below is an example to get blurred text*****************
<p class="blurred"> Test <span>Test</span> Test </p>
*************************************************************************
*************** Below is greater than or equal to ************
<<if $Main_Character.Perception >= 6>>
* [[A thing.->CH1 01A
<</if>>
*************** Below is less than or equal to ************
<<if $Main_Character.Perception <= 5>>
* [[A thing->CH1 01B
<</if>>
*************************************************************************
Setting multiple variables in a setter link:
[[Begin Test->Test Start][$Emails.Tiffany = 1; $Emails.Unread += 1]]
*************************************************************************
☾ Link
<<set $Save_state.MetDwyn to 1>>
<<set $Emails.Tiffany = 1>>
************************************************************************
<<audio "New_Message" play>> <div class="PassageHeader"><p class="PassageHeaderTitle">Messages</p></div>
<table style="width:100%" class="EmailMessages">
<tr>
<th>From</th>
<th>Subject</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SA D. Young</td>
<td><<link "Transfer to 0013H">>
<<script>>
Dialog.setup("Transfer to 0013H");
Dialog.wiki("Agent Locke,<br><br>Before your transfer to the BI office in Office 0013H is finalized, you are required to complete your last assessment. You have proven to have great potential to excel as a field agent. It is the hope of the Board, and myself, that you will far exceed our expectations.<br><br>Your record as an archival assitant has been exemplary. We know you will bring the same standard of work to the position of field agent.<br><br>You may begin your test whenever you are ready. As a reminder, you are allowed to refresh your memory on the supplemental material before you begin. However, the use of the materials during the test itself is prohibited.<br><br>Do not think of this as an exam. The test is meant to assist in solidifying your results in your final agent profile.<br><br>Good luck, Agent. We expect great things from you.<br><br>Regards,<br>SA D. Young");
Dialog.open();
<</script>>
<</link>></td>
</tr>
<<if $Emails.Tiffany == 1>><tr class="TiffanyFirstMessage">
<td>Tiffany</td>
<td><<link "I hate glitter.">>
<<script>>
Dialog.setup("I hate glitter.");
Dialog.wiki("I hate glitter with a burning passion. Fuck Night.");
Dialog.open();
<</script>><<set $Emails.TiffanyUnread = 1>>
<</link>></td>
</tr><</if>>
</table>
<<if $Emails.TiffanyUnread == 0>>
<style>
.TiffanyFirstMessage {
font-weight: 900;
}
</style>
<</if>> <<set $Emails.UnreadMessages to 0>>
[[Return|$return]]''Code of Conduct''
^^Area ID: 0013H^^
All personnel must follow the code of conduct as outlined by the Board. Those caught breaking the rules face consequences of varying severity.
01. Do not discuss classified materials with individuals who do not have the appropriate level of clearance.
02. Interoffice communications are to be handled by the Director only.
03. No wristwatches are permitted in any of the BI locations. Pocket watches must be carried in the left pocket only.
04. Sensitive materials are not allowed to be removed from the office unless permitted by the Director.
05. Interaction with the contained is limited to personnel with the appropriate level of clearance.
06. Taco Tuesdays are forbidden unless they occur on the third Tuesday of the month.
07. Bringing personal photographs into the office is strictly forbidden.
08. Any photographs kept in the archive must have a sanctified black fabric square stuck over any visible humanoid faces. A list of appropriate fabric materials can be found in Supplement 00124-B.
09. Personnel are forbidden from standing in front of the mirror in room 19D unless permitted by the Director.
10. The door to the 0013H Archive must remain locked at all times. You may request necessary files and supplemental materials from the Archivist.
11. Do not acknowledge the entity in the corner of the men’s bathroom.
12. Personnel are discouraged from entering the room with the red door in the cafeteria.
13. Any eyes appearing in any books brought into the office must be reported to the Containment Manager.
//''History''//
^^''Updated:'' All entries Archived on 100101^^
^^''Updated:'' 100103, 10 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 100417, 06 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 100923, 37 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 101219, 13 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 111111, 73 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 111213, 103 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 111230, 04 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 120303, 02 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 120709, 08 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 121029, 04 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 130214, 94 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 130616, 83 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 130624, 430 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 130906, 52 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 140410, 01 entry removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 140813, 84 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 150326, 14 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 150402, 02 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 150503, 287 entries removed^^
^^''Updated:'' 150504, 03 entries added^^
^^''Updated:'' 151228, 11 entries removed^^
[[Return->Field Guide]]''Clearance Levels''
Clearance comes in a few levels. All personnel in the Blackthorn Institute have a clearance level assigned to them.
Level 1—//Black//: Highest level of clearance available. Personnel with this clearance level can view and work on cases of all levels.
Level 2—//Red//: Personnel of this clearance level can work with cases up to GT-3 level.
Level 3—//Blue//: Personnel of this clearance level can work with cases up to GT-5 level.
Level 4—//Green//: Personnel of this level do not have access to any of the cases.
[[Return->Field Guide]]''Kildare Archival System''
KAS has been developed by the Institute in early 1880 and has been in use since. All Institute personnel should have the system memorized.
Due to certain occupational hazards, there may be times where some level of memory loss may be experienced. Unless the loss is deemed too severe to continue work, personnel will be expected to re-familiarize themselves with the appropriate material.
---
''Classification Format''
KAS categories are there to help categorize the following: events, locations, objects, and entities. Each category has its own smaller sub-categories that further define it.
//Primary Category—Object ID//
* Events: classified as Grimalkin Field Anomalies (GFA's).
* Locations: there are two types of locations: 1) Locations that have been altered due to a GFA. They are referred to as Grimalkin Altered Locations (GAL's) 2) Locations that are naturally abundant in paranatural energies and have been around for a long time. They are referred to as Grimalkin Sources (GS's).
* Objects: referred to as Grimalkin Objects (GO).
* Entities: they fall under one of three sub-categories that are defined by their origin.
//Secondary Category—Object Class//
^^Anomaly Level^^
Every altered object falls into one of the anomaly levels. Though it is extremely rare, certain objects have proven that the anomaly level is subject to change.
* GT-7: Objects in this category are non-anomalous.
* GT-6: Objects of this category are non-anomalous. However, they contain traces of GFP that would indicate that they were either exposed to something anomalous or were at some point in time anomalous themselves.
* GT-5: Objects of this category are minimally anomalous.
* GT:4: Objects of this category are mildly anomalous.
* GT-3: Objects of this category are moderately anomalous.
* GT-2: Objects of this category are highly anomalous.
* GT-1: Objects of this category are extremely anomalous.
^^Danger Level ^^
A: Objects in this category are considered to be extremely dangerous.
B: Objects in this category are considered to be moderately dangerous.
C: Objects in this category are considered to be mildly dangerous.
D: Objects in this category are not considered to be dangerous.
^^Hostility Level^^
* Non-Hostile (N)
* Hostile (H)
* Undetermined (U)
Note: Events and non-sentient objects do not get a hostility level assigned to them.
//Unique Identifier//
Each case requires a unique identifier that would set it apart from any other cases of the same type. The basic protocol for assigning the correct ID is the use of the date of either discovery of the object or when the event began. If there is a date that is considered to be more significant, that must be used. After the date, a letter must be used (A, B, C, etc.) to differentiate any possible objects/events that may have the same date attached to it.
[[Return->Field Guide]]<p class="blurred">^^''Case ID:'' GFA-3C-19991231D^^
^^''Location:'' <span>redacted</span>^^
^^''Recorded On:'' 2000-02-21^^
^^''Clearance Required:'' Red^^
^^''Status:'' Contained^^
^^//Internal Use Only//^^
The small village of <span>redacted</span>, located in the southermost end of <span>redacted</span> began experiencing unexplainable events early in spring of 1991.
Sightings of a group of <span>redacted. redacted</span> began to be reported. At the time, the reports were not investigated as SA <span>redacted</span> made the call that the sightings were not consistent enough with the usual data relating to <span>redacted. redacted</span>.
These sightings remained sparse, though we continued to observe the location and monitoring the situation.
Over the next months, a number of anomalous things began to occur with increasing frequency. The village began to <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance for this. redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance for this. redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance for this</span>.
It wasn't until early on December 31st, 1999 that the <span>redacted. you do not have clearance for this</span> without warning and the hamsters began to <span>redacted redacted</span> until everything in town was painted blue.
A team was sent to handle the situation, however, the <span>redacted</span> had already moved on. Further observation of the area proved that all anomalous activity had ceased with their retreat.
Attempts to locate <span>redacted</span> were made. The report on that can be found in case AE-3CN-19761001A.
</p>
[[Close Report->Casefiles]]^^''Case ID:'' GO-7DN-20031113A^^
^^''Location:'' Nitra, Slovakia^^
^^''Recorded On:'' 2005-03-10^^
^^''Clearance Required:'' Blue^^
^^''Status:'' Archived^^
^^//Internal Use Only//^^
Case GO-7DN-20031113A was initially reported as a potential GO-4BU. Agent Bellová was sent in to assess the situation. Upon investigation, she discovered that the item in question was an old journal that once belonged to the daughter of a local businessman.
The journal itself did not give off any of the usual readings that can be expected in cases revolving around hauntings. Further investigation revealed that the suspected ghost was nothing more than the young woman's former lover.
The two had been secretly seeing each other, the father found out and forced them apart. He sent the daughter away to a convent where she contracted pneumonia and died shortly thereafter.
The former lover was using the ghost story as a cover-up for his revenge.
Although tragic, nothing about the journal is anomalous in nature. After collection, it has been placed in the archive in area 0049B.
[[Close Report->Casefiles]]<p class="blurred">^^''Case ID:'' NNE-1AH-19010729A^^
^^''Location:'' <span>[redacted]</span>^^
^^''Recorded On:'' 1901-11-27^^
^^''Clearance Required:'' Black^^
^^''Status:'' DO NOT APPROACH^^
^^//Internal Use Only//^^
This entity was first encountered in a remote area in <span>redacted</span>. It inhabited a sizable meadow in the <span>redacted</span> forest.
The entity was widely known by the locals in the surrounding villages as some sort of forest deity. The villagers were interviewed, though most refused to speak of the entity. Only three of the villagers provided useful insight into this "Green King". All materials from the interviews have been <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance</span>.
Agents <span>redacted</span> and <span>redacted</span> were sent in to investigate the entity. The initial observations revealed that it spent most of the time in a dormant state, confirming what <span>redacted</span> mentioned in one of her interviews. It laid on what appeared to be a bed of moss and twisted branches.
The entity itself appears to be humanoid, taking on the appearance of a young adult male in his early 20s. It is approximately 210cm in height. Though it appears to have a slim build, the entity has greater than average physical capabilities. It has shown to have <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance. Hey, you shouldn't be reading this! But nice try checking the source code you tech-savvy person you. redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance</span>. Because of this, attempts to contain it have been unsuccessful.
Both agents that were initially sent to investigate, as well as numerous agents sent in after that, have been <span>redacted. you do not have the right level of clearance</span> by the entity. Following the events, they have been declared deceased to spare their families from seeing them in that state.
All those affected by the entity are to be kept at <span>redacted. redacted</span>.
Constant surveillance of the entity is required. However, agents are not to approach it or interact with it in any way unless directed otherwise.
</p>
[[Close Report->Casefiles]]''Available Casefiles''
Casefiles may be viewed by personnel with appropriate permissions and clearance levels. All files are to be redacted as needed.
^^''Warning:'' Attempts to get past redactions without the correct clearance level will result in permanent blindness.^^
⌘ [[GFA-3C-19991231D->GFA-3C-19991231D-2]]
⌘ [[GO-7DN-20031113A->GO-7DN-20031113A-2]]
⌘ [[NNE-1AH-19010729A->NNE-1AH-19010729A-2]]
<<if $CaseFile.Case1 >= 1>>⌘ [[NNE-2AU-19730314->NNE-2AU-19730314]]<</if>>
[[Return->Field Guide]]The cat loved compliments. He loved being praised. As far as I’m aware, the last time someone forgot to praise him was the last time they had any hair.
“Have I ever mentioned how lovely your eyes look under the moonlight?” I asked. "The moonlight makes them look extra bright and beautiful.”
Loarn stayed still, staring at me as if trying to decide whether my compliment was acceptable.
<<if $Main_Character.Caution >=6>>I was tempted to copy my dad and simply turn tail and run. But Loarn might not appreciate a second person pulling that on him. Instead,<</if>> I waited.
Loarn blinked at me slowly and I felt something bump against my leg. I looked down to find my suitcase right next to me, perfectly pristine as if it hadn’t been stuck in the hedge moments before.
“Thank you, Loarn,” I smiled up at the cat and grabbed onto the handle. “You’re wonderful. Maybe next time I see you, I’ll have some treats for you.”
I waved to the cat and turned to leave, eager to get away before some other disaster happened.
//As if this hasn’t been a disastrous night already…//
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[This was a waste of time, I should have just gone straight to my new apartment. ->CH1 03]]</li>
</ol>The further away I got from the house, the lighter I felt. A weight rolled off of me, leaving behind only a faint weariness that clung to me like a well-worn coat, and the gnawing hunger.
“Right, food,” I sighed. “That’s a thing I need.”
I took in the sights as I walked down the main road. It was amazing how much had changed in eleven years. And how little looked different all at the same time. The cute little storefronts were nothing new, though some of the names were.
My eyes caught on the familiar old sign on the other side of the square.
//The King-Otter.//
To the surprise of no one, the oldest pub in town was still open. More than anything, I would have been surprised if //that// was the thing that changed after my exile. It was older than most of Hazelwood, after all.
//Did the Douglas family still own it?//
My thoughts turned to an old friend, my partner-in-crime, my best friend… though, I don’t know if I could call him that anymore. I hadn’t been able to say goodbye to anyone. For years I wasn’t allowed to contact anyone that wasn’t approved and Dwyn happened to be seen as a bad influence on such a virtuous young lady such as myself.
I snorted. That was all bullshit, of course. It was all about control for those old nuns. And I guess it worked, because I never did contact Dwyn, not even after I got my freedom.
I gripped the suitcase handle tighter. Something twisted painfully in my chest, like barbed wire wrapping around my heart and squeezing.
//Dwyn…//
I had no idea if he was still in town. I had no idea what he looked like now.
//Do you still remember me?//
He might not even want to talk to me. I knew that. I knew that he might not even want to be called a friend anymore.
//Fuck it. Better to find out now than later.//
I made a sharp turn, making my way past the old brass fountain to the homey-looking pub. Soft warm light streamed out from the stained glass windows at the front, welcoming all those who might think to enter.
Warmth rushed out as I pushed the door open, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.
Though it was late, there were still a few people around here and there, taking up the tables with quiet conversations or solitary contemplations. As I entered, everyone turned to look at me.
I could see the wheels turning in at least a few heads and that could only mean that tomorrow’s hot topic would be the exile returning. I ignored all of them and looked around for an empty seat.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[The empty corner booth all the way in the back looked nice.->CH1 03A]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[If everyone’s going to stare I might as well sit at the bar.->CH1 03B]]</li>
</ol>I needed to say something before I ended up spontaneously bald like Ms. Kingsley in first grade. When people say kids can be mean… kids can be //really// fucking mean.
“It’s really good to see you again, Loarn,” I said. “It’s been so long. I missed you.”
Did I actually miss the cat? Maybe. I did, a little bit at least. All Loarn really wanted was people to be nice to him, it’s what made him happy.
“It’s nice to see you again,” I admitted.
Loarn trilled happily and moved closer. He was a large cat, larger than some dogs, yet his weight didn’t seem to affect the hedge whatsoever. At his expectant look, I reached out to scratch him behind the ear. His happy purr made me grin.
“Missed me too, huh?” I whispered. “I make sure I have some treats on me next time.”
He meowed softly as I pulled away. I couldn’t resist giving him another little scratch, “I have to go, but I’m sure I’ll see you some other time.”
Loarn blinked at me slowly and I felt something bump against my leg. I looked down to find my suitcase right next to me, perfectly pristine as if it hadn’t been stuck in the hedge moments before.
“Thank you, Loarn,” I smiled up at the cat and grabbed onto the handle.
I waved to the cat and turned to leave, eager to get away before some other disaster happened.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[This was a waste of time, I should have just gone straight to my new apartment. ->CH1 03]]</li>
</ol>I considered all the different options, but right now I wanted to be as far away from everyone else and their whispered gossip as I could. I marched straight for the booth at the very end. With a quick kick, I slipped the suitcase under the table and wiggled out of my coat.
I tossed it on the opposite bench and took a seat. I leaned back with a sigh. I felt like I had been opened up and filled with lead. I closed my eyes to rest them for a few moments. The warmth of the pub soothed my frozen body, slowly defrosting me.
//What a long day, ugh. I can’t wait to get into bed.//
I flipped the leather-bound menu to the dinner section, my eyes scanning the long list of options. I grimaced—too many of the dishes were seafood. It was the unfortunate side effect of being in a seaside town.
A tingling sensation tickled the back of my neck. I glanced up over the top of the menu.
<<if $Main_Character.Perception >=6>>My eyes darted around the room, searching for anyone’s eyes focusing on me a little too hard.
There was a pair of fishermen sitting at one of the tables closer to the bar. The younger one of the two kept glancing at me. He leaned in to mention something to his companion, who for his credit, didn’t look at me. I met the younger one’s eyes and he looked away, a bright splotchy red blush covering his cheeks.
The other fisherman laughed and gave him a pat on the arm. The two continued their chat, now without the scattered glances at me. The feeling of being watched remained, however.
A shiver ran down my spine. Whoever or whatever it was, I wasn’t just watched, I was //seen//, I was examined. If I wasn’t so hungry I may have considered leaving.
I looked for another suspect. A few tables down, there was an older woman sitting by herself, enjoying a large mug of what looked like either tea or some very flat beer. She seemed preoccupied with the book in her hand until you looked at her a little more carefully.
The lady was subtle, I had to give her that. I almost missed her keeping a close eye on another patron, a young woman sitting by one of the windows.
When I tried to look at the girl by the window, //really// look at her, my eyes slid off of her.
//Odd…//
I was tempted to push it, to see past whatever was keeping me from seeing what was there. But I also knew that may not be the best idea.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[One more try, then I’ll leave it alone. ->CH1 03A1][$CaseFile.Case1 = 1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[As tempted as I am, I really don’t think it’s a good idea to do that.->CH1 03A2][$Main_Character.Caution +=1]]</li>
</ol>
<</if>><<if $Main_Character.Perception <=5>>My eyes darted around the room, searching for anyone’s eyes focusing on me a little too hard. There were plenty of people around enjoying their Sunday evening, but none of them seemed to be paying me any mind.
There were a few glances here and there, but I couldn’t see anyone actually //watching// me.
//Maybe I’m just being paranoid? I’m too tired and my mind is playing tricks on me, that’s it.//
Despite what I told myself, I knew better. If it wasn’t someone, it may well be something. And that was not a thing I needed to deal with before I even got to the office. I still only had my old archival assistant ID card and that wasn’t going to get me anywhere.
I blew a strand of hair out of my eyes.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I can get myself into trouble another day. For now, I need some good food and then rest.->CH1 04-3A]]</li>
</ol><</if>>I ignored the not-so-subtle looks as wheeled my suitcase over to the far end of the bar. I tucked it in between the wall and the very last stool and sat down.
The bartender was busy with someone on the other end, getting their ear chatted off by an older lady who seemed more than ready to physically pin them down if they tried to escape.
“—and he had the absolute //gall// to call me an old hag!” The woman exclaimed loud enough for me to hear even on the other side of the bar. More than a few people looked her way, which seemed to be enough for her to remember to not be so loud.
I chuckled as I grabbed a menu from off to the side and flipped it open. As I turned the pages, I paused on my least favorite thing: seafood.
The page was staring back at me.
Five eyes of different shapes and sizes were looking right up at me from the page. They blinked—two at first, then the other three.
I stayed completely still, looking at where some text would be if not for the giant red eye.
//Can’t say I missed this particular part of being home…//
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[Act casual. Just act casual. ->CH1 03B1][$Main_Character.Willpower +=1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[To scream, or not to scream? ->CH1 03B2][$Main_Character.Willpower -= 1]]</li>
</ol>I sat up straighter and focused on the girl. As expected, my gaze began to drift away from her. The more I fought against it, the more I struggled to keep looking at her.
I tried to take in any details of her but even when I tried to focus on something small like her shoes, my eyes slid off of her.
I sighed and rubbed my eyes. Pressure was building in my head and though it wasn’t painful, it felt… odd. It was as if someone was reaching into my skull to squeeze my brain like it was a stress ball.
My ears rang something fierce, drowning out all other sounds.
I looked up again, right at the girl and this time I could //see// her.
She was looking right at me.
Though I tried to note her appearance, my thoughts came in blank. I could see her, but I understood that I couldn’t perceive her.
//Kind of reminds me of case NNE-2AU-19730314…I don’t remember all the details, but I think that was similar? I’ll need to check the case file out when I get to work tomorrow.//
The girl smiled at me. Or I thought it was a smile. She made some sort of expression at me. I watched as she stood up and walked towards me.
//Fuck…no…bad, bad…//
I couldn’t breathe. Every breath I took came up empty. I was performing the action of breathing in but it wasn’t working.
The Not-Girl made her way through the various tables dotted around the place. I couldn’t move.
Now that I saw her, I couldn’t stop seeing her. I couldn’t look away. Everything in me screamed to do something, anything. My vision was starting to darken at the edges.
No one was looking at me. Or her. No one was coming to help.
You didn’t help, not really, not in Hazelwood.
''POP!''
The loud noise made everyone turn towards the bar. Even me. I realized it as soon as I recognized the person holding the overflowing bottle of champagne.
“Don’t mind the noise,” Myrrdin Douglas called out to everyone with a cheery grin. He wiped away the excess and poured the champagne into a flute glass. I watched it mix with the orange juice. It was almost as entrancing as…
//Wait…//
I glanced around rapidly, my eyes searching for the Not-Girl that had me trapped in her web. She wasn’t anywhere to be seen.
I slumped down in my chair, the relief washing over me in waves. That was a close one. Too close. How embarrassing would it be if I went missing due to some //thing// the day before I was supposed to finally start work as a field agent.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I shouldn’t have looked… ->CH1 04-3A1][$Choice.CH103A1 = 1]]</li>
</ol>It was tempting. Too tempting. But I wanted to at least make sure I could walk back home relatively safely.
Annoying something that didn’t want to be perceived was probably something that was better saved for when I had some extra protection on me.
I turned away, leaving the girl be, and looked back down at the menu before me.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I better get something before I pass out from hunger. ->CH1 04-3A2]]</li>
</ol><p class="blurred">^^''Case ID:'' NNE-2AU-19730314^^
^^''Location:'' <span>[redacted]</span>^^
^^''Recorded On:'' 1973-03-14^^
^^''Clearance Required:'' Black^^
^^''Status:'' INTERRACTION PROHIBITED^^
^^//Internal Use Only//^^
The entity was first encountered in a small downtown <span>redacted. you do not have the appropriate level of clearance</span> where it was often seen by locals.
The entity makes itself appear as a young person, the gender always seems to vary. They have been noted to always be unremarkable in appearance and any attempts to
When the victim is ensnared the entity proceeds to <span>redacted. you do not have the appropriate level of clearance. redacted. you do not have the appropriate level of clearance. redacted</span>.
Although there have been witnesses to these events, no one intervened. During the interviews, they all shared that they seemed to be unable to fully comprehend what was going on. Even after the fact, none of them have been able to describe the events.
The victims of the entity are <span>redacted. you do not have the appropriate level of clearance</span>. Any later sightings of the victim are to be avoided.
Despite this, the entity is not classified as hostile. We have, as of yet, been unable to determine if it fits within the parameters of a hostile entity as not all attempts at interaction have led to the entity reacting negatively.
Doctor <span>Redacted. Redacted</span> has speculated that this may be due to the entities feeding or breeding habits. The Doctor has failed to prove their theory either way.
''Update:'' on 2003-05-04 the <span>redacted redacted you do not have the appropriate level of access redacted redacted no access please consult your superiors to request access redacted redacted redacted no access please close the case file.</span>
</p>
[[Close Report->Casefiles]]“I know we’re in a seaside town, but must it really be all fish, fish fish,” I mumbled to myself and turned the page, acting as if nothing was wrong. There were no eyes in the menu. Nothing was staring back at me.
I didn’t notice anything strange, not at all.
Three pages down there were nine eyes. I hummed in thought and continued to flip. Two pages down, two more eyes. I nodded as I “read” the various dishes, then continued on.
Nothing was wrong.
Nothing was strange.
Another two pages and I reached what I was looking for all along. There were more eyes than I cared to count, covering most everything.
“Aha, so they do have it,” I said with a smile. I could barely read the thing, but I was pretty sure I saw something about chicken…something. I softly closed the menu and pushed it away. Far far away.
“Ready to order?” A familiar voice asked. Warmth flooded me as instant recognition hit me. I looked up to see the owner of the place and the father of my childhood best friend.
“Myrrdin,” I grinned up at him. “Good to see you’re still running the place.”
“Hello, Rowan. Welcome home,” he said, the corners of his lips turning up into a fox-like smile. He didn’t sound the least bit surprised to see me, but from what I remembered of him, he never did. Dwyn and I used to spend so much time trying to figure out if surprising the old man was possible or not.
Our test results leaned heavily towards //no//.
“Thank you,” I nodded. I wanted to ask if Dwyn was around if he would even want to see me, but the words got stuck in my throat. Instead, I glanced at the multi-eyed menu. “It’s a little weird coming back.”
He followed my gaze and chuckled. “Oh, another one?”
I didn’t ask. He reached over, grabbing the offending thing, and tucked it down below into the depths of the bar somewhere.
“Now,” Myrrdin said, turning his attention back to me. “What would you like? It’s on the house. No need to argue, it is.”
I closed my mouth, swallowing down the argument, and smiled. He couldn’t stop me from leaving a //very// big tip, at least.
“Thank you,” I said.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I’ll just have the chicken pot pie with a side of chunky fries. ->CH1 04-3B]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the vegan burger with some curly fries and some extra spicy dip.->CH1 04-3B]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the beef fajita burrito.->CH1 04-3B]]</li>
</ol>I stared down at the mismatched eyes, not blinking, not moving. My whole skull buzzed. The sound getting louder and louder until it felt like something was drilling into my ears.
The eyes, the damned eyes. I forgot they were a thing after my decade’s long experience being eyeless.
A pair of large hands reached out and snapped the menu shut before I could react. I looked up to a very familiar face. Myrrdin, the father of my childhood best friend and the owner of the place smiled down at me, the menu now firmly clutched to his chest.
“We’ll put that away for now,” he said, chuckling softly as if he’d just heard some amusing joke. “It’s good to see you, Rowan.”
“It’s good to be back,” I said, smiling. I couldn’t tell if I meant it or not. It was too early to decide if I was happy about being back in this weird little town or not. Though maybe it didn’t matter how I felt about it, I was here because the Blackthorn Institute wanted me here.
“Hmm,” Myrrdin hummed knowingly as he bent down to stuff the too-many-eyed menu down into the bottom of the bar. “So, what will it be?”
“Pardon?”
“Your order,” he said. “It’s on the house. And no, don’t argue, it is.”
“Well if you insist,” I laughed. He couldn’t stop me from leaving a //very// large tip afterward.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I’ll just have the chicken pot pie with a side of chunky fries. ->CH1 04-3B]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the vegan burger with some curly fries and some extra spicy dip.->CH1 04-3B]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the beef fajita burrito.->CH1 04-3B]]</li>
</ol>“Coming right up,” he nodded. He turned and walked off, tapping the bartender on the shoulder on his way back into the kitchen.
The bartender gave a quick nod to the woman who had been talking their ear off and made a quick escape to my side of the bar.
As they got closer, I was able to get a better look at them. They were tall and lanky, with shoulder-length platinum hair. It was half tied back, revealing dark roots underneath. Their warm honey brown eyes sparkled something inside me.
The bartender paused when they got a good look at my face. Their eyes narrowing briefly though whether it was in recognition or something else, I couldn’t say.
“What will it be?” They asked as they threw a towel over their shoulder and crossed their arms in front of them.
Something nagged at me. The eyes, the voice… it seemed familiar. But why?
//Did we go to school together?//
“I’ll have a chamomile tea,” I said.
//Maybe the swimming team?//
“Alright,” they raised their eyebrow at me. I watched them work as the nagging feeling continued. Their long fingers moved deftly, making me a cup of tea into a delicate saucer decorated with little soft pink and blue flowers.
//No, maybe… oh, whatever. If it’s important I’m sure it’ll come to me.//
They set the cup down in front of me and returned to their business. I didn’t miss the fact that they remained on my side of the bar, far away from the woman that seemed to have had them trapped in a conversation for what had to be a long time.
I took a sip of my tea and sighed softly. The warmth of the tea brought a comfort that I desperately needed today. Nothing was going as I’d imagined it, but I should have expected that.
//Wait…//
My eyes snapped open, my peaceful little moment shattered as it dawned on me. I looked from the bartender to my cup and back.
“//Evans,//” I spat the name out like a curse. It tasted bitter on my tongue. I set the cup down immediately.
//Evans. Kit Evans…//
“So you //do// remember me,” they snorted, glancing at me with a half-smirk on their lips. “And here I thought a lowly peon such as me would be unworthy of taking up any space in Her Majesty’s brain.”
“I see time hasn’t worn down your charm,” I rolled my eyes, the irritation leaking out.
“You know it,” they grinned. Evans glanced down at the cup sitting abandoned at the edge of the bar. “My tea not good enough for you now?”
“It’s…fine,” I said, crossing my arms. “I just can’t trust you not to have poisoned it.”
“Seriously?” They glared at me. “Did you leave your brain behind somewhere? I wouldn’t poison you right where I work.”
“But you //would// poison me,” I said, glaring right back.
“Who knows, you’ll have to wait and find out,” they said, smirking at me. As Evans reached for my cup, I slapped their hand away.
“I’m going to drink it,” I said, bringing it to my lips to make a point. I looked straight into their eyes as I took a sip.
“Fine, whatever,” they rolled their eyes and turned away. “//Enjoy your drink.//”
I glared at their back as they retreated to clean the bar. Evans was one of the last people I expected to see working here. I couldn’t believe that they would think to apply here, much less be hired.
But I could admit that I was //maybe// a little biased in my opinion there. Maybe. In my defense, Evans was unlikely to be any better. And if they were I’d eat fish.
I sipped the tea slowly. Enjoying my moment of relative peace.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[It wasn’t much, but it was nice to finally have some rest. ->CH1 05-2]]</li>
</ol>I slid out of my seat and made my way over to the bar with an order in mind. I could see what I assumed was the bartender at the far end of the bar, though they seemed to be busy with another patron.
Instead, I made a beeline for the man I instantly recognized as Dwyn’s father.
“Myrrdin, it’s nice to see you still running the place,” I said, greeting the man with a smile.
“Oh, Rowan,” Myrrdin said as if he’d been waiting for me all along. “Hazelwood missed you.”
“I doubt that very much, but thank you,” I laughed. I doubted even my own parents missed me.
“//We// missed you,” he said, his voice turning softer.
“Thank you… I missed you guys too,” I said, clearing my throat. I ignored the stinging in my eyes, willing myself not to tear up.
Even when all my old dreams had turned into nightmares, I always held out hope that there would be at least a few who would still remember me. That there would be at least a few who would miss me.
“I’m sure you’re starved,” he said. “So, what will it be?”
“How did you know?” I chuckled. “I’m //famished//.”
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I’ll just have the chicken pot pie with a side of chunky fries. ->CH1 05-1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the vegan burger with some curly fries and some extra spicy dip.->CH1 05-1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the beef fajita burrito.->CH1 05-1]]</li>
</ol>You have reached the current end of the Sea of Graves demo! Thank you for playing, we really hope that you enjoyed it so far.
//Next update coming Soon.//With the Not-Girl nowhere in sight, I looked back at Myrrdin standing behind the bar. He cheerfully handed off a whole platter of mimosas to a younger man.
Whether it was intentional or not, I was sure that it was him who helped me. I wanted to know, but there was always that innate danger in asking things when it came to this place.
Questions could be a dangerous thing in Hazelwood. I slid out of my seat and made my way over to the bar with an order in mind.
“Myrrdin,” I greeted the man with a smile as I approached the bar. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Rowan, welcome home,” he greeted me cheerfully. “I knew you would return.”
“You did?” I blinked. The question fizzled out into nothing as soon as I said it. The only answer I got was his smile. “Thank you. It’s… interesting being back.”
“I can imagine,” he chuckled. “So, what will it be?”
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I’ll just have the chicken pot pie with a side of chunky fries. ->CH1 05-1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the vegan burger with some curly fries and some extra spicy dip.->CH1 05-1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the beef fajita burrito.->CH1 05-1]]</li>
</ol>I slid out of my seat and made my way over to the bar with an order in mind.
I dared chance a glance at the odd girl on my way, but she was nowhere to be seen. And neither was the older woman who had been watching her so attentively.
//Huh…//
I never noticed them leave.
As I approached the bar, Myrrdin turned to face me with a warm smile. “Rowan, welcome home.”
The smile came before I could even think about it. It was nice to hear that from someone who had always been like an uncle to me.
“Thank you,” I said, leaning on the bar. “I…missed you guys.”
“And we missed you,” he said. “It’s been too long.”
“Yeah…” I nodded. There was a lot to say, yet I couldn’t bring myself to actually talk about it. The very thought of that //school// turned my stomach. “I was hoping you still served dinner.”
“For you? Of course, we do,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “What will it be?”
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I’ll just have the chicken pot pie with a side of chunky fries. ->CH1 05-1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the vegan burger with some curly fries and some extra spicy dip.->CH1 05-1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I’ll have the beef fajita burrito.->CH1 05-1]]</li>
</ol>"Coming right up," he said. "I'll have someone bring it to your table."
"Thank you," I nodded, turning to leave.
"And for the drink?" He asked, stopping me in my tracks. I looked back at him over my shoulder.
"Just some chamomile tea," I said.
Myrrdin gave me a little nod and wandered off, humming some vaguely familiar tune. The man hadn’t changed a bit, which, in this case, wasn’t a bad thing. I chuckled quietly and made my way back to my seat.
As I sat down I realized that the feeling of being watched was gone. Whether that meant whoever was watching me got bored or simply left didn’t really matter. What did matter was that I could finally relax. I leaned back against my seat and closed my eyes.
I don’t know how long I stayed there like that, but after a while, I could hear footsteps approaching and the sound of something being set down on the table in front of me.
“Are you seriously //sleeping// in here?” They said, scoffing at me. “This isn’t a hotel, you know?”
The corner of my eye twitched. I knew that voice. I opened my eyes to look at exactly who I guessed it was. They looked different than I last saw them, the platinum hair was definitely new. But this was still the same Kit Evans that I knew and hated.
“Oh, it’s //you//,” I scowled. “I didn’t know they hired people with such poor customer service skills here.”
“I’m a delight to everyone,” they said. “You’re just a special case.”
“Gee, thanks, I feel like the luckiest person alive,” I said flatly. “Thank you for your wonderful service.”
We remained still, both watching the other, waiting for something, anything. The old me might have kicked Evans to encourage them to go away. The urge to kick them was there, but I wasn’t planning on following through. Though knowing them, they’d be making me reconsider that sooner or later.
“Why //are// you back?” They asked, head tilted to the side, their face unreadable. Their tone turned uncharacteristically neutral. Seeing Evans like that threw me off and all I could do was blink. My irritation with them fizzled away into nothing.
“I…came back for work,” I answered, surprising even myself that I’d tell Kit Evans anything personal, as vague as this was.
“Hmm,” Evans shook their head and turned around. “Watch your back, Locke.”
As they walked off without another word, I was left to sit in a cloud of confusion. What was that supposed to mean? Was that a threat or a warning? I couldn’t tell.
There were plenty of things to watch out for, but I knew that. Warning me of the perfectly normal things that happened in Hazelwood would be pointless so…what was it? Why say that?
“Weird,” I muttered. I grabbed my cup of tea and took a slow sip. The warmth was a welcome distraction from the confused thoughts. Maybe that was their plan all along, say something like that to keep me thinking about it for a month or two.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[Evans is probably just trying to mess with me. ->CH1 05-1A]]</li>
</ol>I watched the other patrons over my cup of tea. I watched as they slowly trickled out until there were only about five others left.
“I heard you, I’m going,” someone grumbled from somewhere behind the bar. I turned back to see a man walk out from the kitchens with my order in hand. His eyes met mine and he froze, looking at me like he just saw a ghost.
He was taller, a lot taller than I remembered and his hair was much less of a dry bleached mess than it used to be, but it was unmistakably Dwyn. Evans looked different too, different enough that I didn’t recognize them immediately.
Dwyn walked to me, setting the plate down in front of me. Neither one of us spoke, not for a while. I didn’t know where to begin. Sorry I disappeared? Sorry my parents essentially had me kidnapped and locked up into what might have been called a very fancy prison?
Sorry I never reached out after I was free.
“Now I know why the old man was so insistent that I bring the order out myself,” he said with a quiet chuckle. His voice sounded different, more mature than I remembered.
“He always was up to something,” I said, smiling up at him.
“Yeah…” Dwyn said, trailing off.
A heavy silence hung between us. A million little things came to mind, a million stories, both big and small.
“It’s nice to see you again,” he said.
I held back a wince. It was such a distant thing to say. Like we hadn’t been best friends. Like we hadn’t known each other’s deepest secrets once upon a time.
It was us against the world. Used to be. There wasn’t much of an “us” anymore.
“Yeah, it’s been… too long,” I nodded.
A long silence followed.
“I’ll leave you to your dinner,” he said. “Enjoy.”
That stung, but I couldn’t bring myself to blame him. Even if that may have made things easier.
Dwyn gave me a little salute and headed back toward the kitchens. I watched him go, feeling the weight of eleven years apart pushing down on me.
“I hope we can still be friends,” I whispered.
When he disappeared out of sight, I turned to my meal. My plans to eat it slowly and savor the food went down the drain the moment I took my first bite. I devoured it all as if I hadn’t eaten in a whole week.
I didn’t care if anyone saw. I cleaned my plate and slipped a twenty under it. I slipped my coat on and got the suitcase out from under the table. There were only three other patrons around by now and no one paid me any attention.
Evans was the only one left behind the bar. They didn’t bother hiding the fact that they were watching me get ready to leave.
//Eager to see me get out of here, I’m sure.//
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I flipped Evans on the way out, just for old times sake. ->CH1 06][$Reputation.Kit -=1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I gave Evans a stiff nod on my way out. ->CH1 06][$Reputation.Kit +=1]]</li>
</ol>I followed the map that I printed out for myself before I got onto the bus to Hazelwood. The town was still familiar to me, but it helped to have something a little more solid to help keep me from wandering down some street I shouldn’t be on.
Even the early January chill wasn’t helping stave off the exhaustion that decided to make itself known. I yawned and looked around trying to figure out which turn I should take.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a dark shape hiding away in between two of the buildings. My first instinct was to turn and look to see what it was, but I stomped down on that quick.
“So tired,” I yawned and walked on. I could hear some not quite footsteps following behind me. I kept my pace steady as I casually reached into my coat pocket and dug around, feeling for a glass vial.
I grabbed onto a cold iron coffin nail.
//Nope.//
Digging around some more, I grabbed onto the spool of thread.
//Nope, not that.//
I felt something glass, but as I grabbed it I realized it was the glass eye.
//Definitely not that either.//
Finally, I found the vial buried deep underneath all the other trinkets. I uncorked it and stopped in my tracks.
The not-footsteps got closer and closer and closer until I could feel the presence of something. I poured some salt into my hand and waited. Just a little more. Just a few more steps.
When I could hear the thing breathing—if you could call it that—I turned around and threw the salt at it. The shadowy blob of a person let out an inhuman screech as the salt touched it. Its dark form cracked, light spilled out from inside of it, shattering it into nothing.
I closed my eyes just in time to avoid getting blinded. When I opened them again, the thing was gone.
I sighed and corked up the salt bottle, and stuffed it back into my pocket. Grabbing my suitcase, I returned to my walk.
Actually finding the building wasn’t hard after that. Luckily, no one was around to see me try and open the wrong door.
My apartment was on the fifth floor. And I cursed whoever decided to give me this particular place with each step I had to take to get up there. I didn’t bother to turn on the lights once I got inside.
I hung my coat up, leaving my suitcase by the door which I almost forgot to lock. Dragging myself to what would be my bedroom, I flopped down onto the bed face first.
I didn’t want to move for the next twenty years. I let out a long breath and relaxed, allowing the exhaustion to finally take me.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[... ->CH1 X]]</li>
</ol>“Ugh, no, I’m not going to think about that,” I said, determined to not let myself fall into their little trap.
“Think about what?”
I jumped, my hold on the teacup loosening. I scrambled to catch it before it fell and though I caught it, the tea splashed onto my hands and down on the table.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” he laughed. “Let me clean that up.”
I looked up at the villain who startled me, half-expecting it to be Evans returning to cause chaos. Evans it was not.
“Dwyn?” I whispered.
“That’s me,” he said, a little half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He set my order down on the table, out of the way of the puddle of tea, and grabbed the rag that had been hanging on one of his belt loops. I watched him as he wiped the table down.
“It’s been too long,” I said quietly.
“Yeah,” he said, his eyes briefly “Yeah, it has.”
I didn’t know what to say. Dwyn acted so casual, so //normal//, yet there was this heaviness between us. I couldn’t blame him, not after I’d disappeared with no warning. I couldn’t say that it wasn’t my fault, because it was my fault too, in some way. If I hadn’t been such a terror of a teen then maybe my parents wouldn’t have felt the need to send me off.
“It’s nice to see you again, Ro,” he said as he stood up straight. He tucked the rag back into his belt loop. “Maybe I’ll see you around some other time.”
“You will,” I nodded. And maybe next time I’ll know what to say. Maybe next time it won’t feel so weird and strained.
“Enjoy your dinner,” he smiled at me, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Dwyn gave me a little salute and headed back toward the kitchens. I watched him go, feeling the weight of eleven years apart pushing down on me.
“I hope we can still be friends,” I whispered.
When he disappeared out of sight, I turned to my meal. My plans to eat it slowly and savor the food went down the drain the moment I took my first bite. I devoured it all as if I hadn’t eaten in a whole week.
I didn’t care if anyone saw. I cleaned my plate and slipped a twenty under it. I slipped my coat on and got the suitcase out from under the table. There were only three other patrons around by now and no one paid me any attention.
Evans was the only one behind the bar. They didn’t hide that they were watching me get ready to leave.
<ol style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>⌘ [[I flipped Evans on the way out, just for old times sake. ->CH1 06][$Reputation.Kit -=1]]</li>
<li>⌘ [[I gave Evans a stiff nod on my way out. ->CH1 06][$Reputation.Kit +=1]]</li>
</ol>