Queenstown's Detective

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<span class="title">Queenstown's Detective</span>

<<nobr>> <<if hasVisited("recap")>><li>[[Personal Profile]]</li><</if>> <<if hasVisited("prologue")>><li>[[Notes]]</li><</if>> <</nobr>>

/* custom widgets go in here */ <<widget "are">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "es">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>

<<set $statone to 50>><<set $stattwo to 50>>\ !Stats <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Emphatic $statone%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Logical $stattwo%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div> </div></div>\ Make sure to tag the stats page (& any similar pages) with 'noreturn' and include a return link like the one below to avoid an infinite loop! <<button "Return" $return>><</button>> /* or <<link "Return" $return>><</link>> */

Another page to do whatever you want with! I really just wanted another page to fill out the footer menu<3 ---- !Heading 1 !!Heading 2 !!!Heading 3 <<cycle "$cycling" autoselect>> <<option "Cycling link 1">> <<option "Cycling link 2">> <<option "Cycling link 3">> <</cycle>> <<textbox "$textbox" "Type here...">><<button "Submit">><</button>> * List item 1 * List item 2 * List item 3 <<button "Return" $return>><</button>>

[[Sugarcube 2 Documentation|https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs]] [[OpenDyslexic Font by Abbie Gonzalez|https://opendyslexic.org]] [[Notify Macro by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2]] [[Live Update Macro by Cycy|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros]]

<b>//Current demo content://</b> Prologue, Chapter 1. <b>//Word count://</b> 8k words The game will be updated when new content is available and will remain completely free. This game is rated <b>18+</b> and will deal with sensitive or strong themes that may include violent death, graphic injuries, unhealthy relationships, toxic behavour, unhealthy coping mechanisms, sexual content and others. Proceed only if you are totally comfortable with that. *[[Create your character|character creator]]

<nobr><<set $chapter to "prologue">></nobr><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Notes unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ <<nobr>><<if $rosgender == "male">><<set $V = "M">><<set $M = "M">><<set $B = "M">><<set $S = "M">><<set $A = "M">><<elseif $rosgender == "female">><<set $V = "F">><<set $M = "F">><<set $B = "F">><<set $S = "F">><<set $A = "F">><<elseif $rosgender == "nb">><<set $V = "NB">><<set $M = "NB">><<set $B to either("M", "F")>><<set $S = "NB">><<set $A = "NB">><</if>> <<if $rosgender is "rand">><<set $V to either("M", "F", "NB")>><<set $M to either("M", "F", "NB")>><<set $B to either("M", "F")>><<set $S to either("M", "F", "NB")>><<set $A to either("M", "F", "NB")>><</if>> <<if $V == "M">> <<set $Vthey = "he">> <<set $Vthem = "him">> <<set $Vtheir = "his">> <<set $Vtheirs = "his">> <<set $Vthemselves = "himself">> <<set $Vplur = false>> <<set $VThey = "He">> <<set $VThem = "Him">> <<set $VTheir = "His">> <<set $VTheirs = "His">><<set $Vperson = "man">> <<elseif $V == "F">> <<set $Vthey = "she">> <<set $Vthem = "her">> <<set $Vtheir = "her">> <<set $Vtheirs = "hers">> <<set $Vthemselves = "herself">> <<set $Vplur = false>> <<set $VThey = "She">> <<set $VThem = "Her">> <<set $VTheir = "Her">> <<set $VTheirs = "Hers">><<set $Vperson = "woman">> <<elseif $V == "NB">> <<set $Vthey = "they">> <<set $Vthem = "them">> <<set $Vtheir = "their">> <<set $Vtheirs = "theirs">> <<set $Vthemselves = "themselves">> <<set $Vplur = true>> <<set $VThey = "They">> <<set $VThem = "Them">> <<set $VTheir = "Their">> <<set $VTheirs = "Theirs">><<set $Vperson = "person">> <</if>> <<if $M == "M">> <<set $Mthey = "he">> <<set $Mthem = "him">> <<set $Mtheir = "his">> <<set $Mtheirs = "his">> <<set $Mthemselves = "himself">> <<set $Mplur = false>> <<set $MThey = "He">> <<set $MThem = "Him">> <<set $MTheir = "His">> <<set $MTheirs = "His">><<set $Mperson = "man">> <<elseif $M == "F">> <<set $Mthey = "she">> <<set $Mthem = "her">> <<set $Mtheir = "her">> <<set $Mtheirs = "hers">> <<set $Mthemselves = "herself">> <<set $Mplur = false>> <<set $MThey = "She">> <<set $MThem = "Her">> <<set $MTheir = "Her">> <<set $MTheirs = "Hers">><<set $Mperson = "woman">> <<elseif $M == "NB">> <<set $Mthey = "they">> <<set $Mthem = "them">> <<set $Mtheir = "their">> <<set $Mtheirs = "theirs">> <<set $Mthemselves = "themselves">> <<set $Mplur = true>> <<set $MThey = "They">> <<set $MThem = "Them">> <<set $MTheir = "Their">> <<set $MTheirs = "Theirs">><<set $Mperson = "person">> <</if>> <<if $B == "M">> <<set $Bthey = "he">> <<set $Bthem = "him">> <<set $Btheir = "his">> <<set $Btheirs = "his">> <<set $Bthemselves = "himself">> <<set $Bplur = false>> <<set $BThey = "He">> <<set $BThem = "Him">> <<set $BTheir = "His">> <<set $BTheirs = "His">><<set $Bperson = "man">> <<elseif $B == "F">> <<set $Bthey = "she">> <<set $Bthem = "her">> <<set $Btheir = "her">> <<set $Btheirs = "hers">> <<set $Bthemselves = "herself">> <<set $Bplur = false>> <<set $BThey = "She">> <<set $BThem = "Her">> <<set $BTheir = "Her">> <<set $BTheirs = "Hers">><<set $Bperson = "woman">> <<elseif $B == "NB">> <<set $Bthey = "they">> <<set $Bthem = "them">> <<set $Btheir = "their">> <<set $Btheirs = "theirs">> <<set $Bthemselves = "themselves">> <<set $Bplur = true>> <<set $BThey = "They">> <<set $BThem = "Them">> <<set $BTheir = "Their">> <<set $BTheirs = "Theirs">><<set $Bperson = "person">> <</if>> <<if $S == "M">> <<set $Sthey = "he">> <<set $Sthem = "him">> <<set $Stheir = "his">> <<set $Stheirs = "his">> <<set $Sthemselves = "himself">> <<set $Splur = false>> <<set $SThey = "He">> <<set $SThem = "Him">> <<set $STheir = "His">> <<set $STheirs = "His">><<set $Sperson = "man">> <<elseif $S == "F">> <<set $Sthey = "she">> <<set $Sthem = "her">> <<set $Stheir = "her">> <<set $Stheirs = "hers">> <<set $Sthemselves = "herself">> <<set $Splur = false>> <<set $SThey = "She">> <<set $SThem = "Her">> <<set $STheir = "Her">> <<set $STheirs = "Hers">><<set $Sperson = "woman">> <<elseif $S == "NB">> <<set $Sthey = "they">> <<set $Sthem = "them">> <<set $Stheir = "their">> <<set $Stheirs = "theirs">> <<set $Sthemselves = "themselves">> <<set $Splur = true>> <<set $SThey = "They">> <<set $SThem = "Them">> <<set $STheir = "Their">> <<set $STheirs = "Theirs">><<set $Sperson = "person">> <</if>> <<if $A == "M">> <<set $Athey = "he">> <<set $Athem = "him">> <<set $Atheir = "his">> <<set $Atheirs = "his">> <<set $Athemselves = "himself">> <<set $Aplur = false>> <<set $AThey = "He">> <<set $AThem = "Him">> <<set $ATheir = "His">> <<set $ATheirs = "His">><<set $Aperson = "man">> <<elseif $A == "F">> <<set $Athey = "she">> <<set $Athem = "her">> <<set $Atheir = "her">> <<set $Atheirs = "hers">> <<set $Athemselves = "herself">> <<set $Aplur = false>> <<set $AThey = "She">> <<set $AThem = "Her">> <<set $ATheir = "Her">> <<set $ATheirs = "Hers">><<set $Aperson = "woman">> <<elseif $A == "NB">> <<set $Athey = "they">> <<set $Athem = "them">> <<set $Atheir = "their">> <<set $Atheirs = "theirs">> <<set $Athemselves = "themselves">> <<set $Aplur = true>> <<set $AThey = "They">> <<set $AThem = "Them">> <<set $ATheir = "Their">> <<set $ATheirs = "Theirs">><<set $Aperson = "person">> <</if>><</nobr>> !!Prologue It’s all wrong – //all wrong!// You frantically write down on your papers, filling them with names, places and dates. You force your attention away to look at the monitor again. It shines too bright in the otherwise darkening room. It’s evening already and you have hardly eaten or slept for the past four days. //Again.// But you don’t care right now, you’re so close to solving this case. You squint your eyes to look at the map displayed on the monitor. At the time, the Police had thought the sightings were casually spread in town and devoid of any profitable clue. However, you strongly suspect the opposite. There has to be a link – //there has to// – and you’ll find it. As you always do. You distractedly swallow down the rest of your by now cold coffee and you steel yourself against the mounting trepidation. You’re almost there, you know it. Come morning, the case folder has been placed on the “solved” pile and you are on your way to the Station for your shift. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|prologue1]]>><</button>></span>

The day after that marks the start of the weekend and of your fifteen hours rest after five days of little to no sleep. It’s always very difficult to detach yourself from a case when you get deeper into it. More than half the times it’s cold cases you pick as a hobby – to keep your mind occupied when it starts to wander too much – and you don’t even get recognition for those. Not that you do it for the praises of the Captain, though those are particularly motivating. It might be sad on your part, but he actually is your biggest supporter. He believed in you from the very start, he made sure to facilitate your promotion as a Detective so that your potential wouldn’t be wasted on patrols and trivial paperwork. The Captain’s huge soft spot for you has, for some reason, persisted over the years. It could be your insane efficiency at work, it could be that you remind him of his own child, killed in a car accident more than a decade ago. Probably it’s both. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|prologue2]]>><</button>></span>

As you leisurely stretch your sore muscle and get out of bed, you take note of the damp warmth in your apartment and of the layer of sweat that coats your skin. In your short pyjamas, you go to open the thick curtains for the night and you realize that the weather is indeed quite humid today. Your next step is the kitchen for a glass of water and then something to eat. It’s already past three PM in the afternoon when you sit down the kitchen isle with some food. You take your time, though. It’s not like you have plans for the afternoon. You get dressed in comfortable clothes and busy yourself with some housekeeping, cleaning and tidying your three-bedroom apartment. Every now and then, though, your gaze wanders treacherously over the phone. *[[Ariel should be home from work in a few hours. SET ARIEL AS CURRENT FIANCÉE|prologue3][$ariel = "fiancee"]] *[[At least working keeps your mind off of Ariel. SET ARIEL AS EX-FIANCÉE|prologue3][$ariel = "ex"]]

As you foresaw, the heat outside is particularly oppressive, even in the late afternoon. The humidity is high enough to create a thin layer of sweat over your skin, making your shirt adhere to your back. The nice weather only makes the scene you’re witnessing more unsettling. “When was he found?” you ask, crouching down<<if $cane>> with some difficulty due to your injured knee<</if>> in front of the lifeless body. “Just an hour ago. Ms. Jenkins was the one to call the Police,” answers Delavie, your forensic scientist. They are in their late thirties, with a biology degree on top of a decade of experience in the Police Department. They hand you a pair of latex gloves and you carefully put them on without averting your gaze from the body. *[[The sight twists uncomfortably your insides. Picturing the amount of pain they must have been in before their death makes you sick. You clench your teeth, however, and steady yourself.|prologue5]] *[[The sight twists uncomfortably your insides. You’ve never investigated on a death so violent. You have to bring them justice and assure Queenstown’s safety as soon as possible.|prologue5]] *[[You let out a steadying breath, letting the feeling of discomfort wash over you, leaving just the faintest of trace. You’ll give yourself time to grieve later, now you just need to work on the case.|prologue5]]

You take out from your shoulder bag the kit to collect the fingerprints. “Did you already get the pictures?” “Yes. I’ll bring them to you as soon as I have them developed.” “Thanks. I’ll start collecting the blood traces and the fingerprints, then we’ll switch to the measurements.” As you work, you notice the large, angry bruises on the victim’s left wrist and right shoulder. The lower neck is in a particularly gruesome state, with deep lacerations that vaguely resemble an animal’s vicious attack. You file away the information for later, along with the abnormal swelling of the left forearm -probably from a fracture. At the increasing sound of voices coming from the hallway’s end, you look behind you, your gaze surveying the crowd that’s slowly forming at the other side of the marking tape. “Keep the civilians away and tell the reporters we’ll release an official statement soon,” you order a younger agent just beside you. They stand on alert. “Yes, Detective.” As you raise back up, your gaze fixed on the lifeless body in front of you, you vow something to yourself. No crime in Queenstown has been left unsolved since your promotion as Detective; this will be no exception. //This town is under your protection. You won’t let anyone, human or supernatural alike, threaten it as long as you’re here.// <span class="next"><<button [[End Prologue|chapter one]]>><</button>></span>

<nobr><<set $chapter to "chapter 1">></nobr> !!Chapter One !!!18 days after the first death. Rogue sighs, looking down at the report. //This was not a human’s doing, this was supernatural.// Across them, on the other side of the table, their assigned Unit is standing up, all of them expressing mild interest in regard to their convocation. The youngest member, Mischa, is the only one absent. No matter, Rogue will brief $Mthem later. “So, what do we have to do?” asks the taller of them, a $Vperson seemingly in $Vtheir thirties, with long coiled black hair cascading over $Vtheir shoulders and dark brown eyes fixed on $Vtheir handler. $VTheir open cream coloured loose shirt shamelessly reveals a good portion of $Vtheir toned chest, $Vtheir ebony black skin creating a nice contrast with $Vtheir blouse. Rogue looks up at $Vthem, “we have received report of two deaths, likely supernatural in cause, in Queenstown. There has been no direct confirmation yet, but as you can see from the pictures something is not adding up. I want to assign your Unit to the case.” Vance, the Unit’s leader, focuses $Vtheir sharp gaze on the files. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.2]]>><</button>></span>

!!CHARACTER CREATOR <b>Name:</b> <<textbox "$name" "Johann">> <b>Surname:</b> <<textbox "$surname" "Campbell">> <span class="next"><<button [[Next|gender]]>><</button>></span>

<b>Gender:</b> <<listbox "$mcgender" autoselect>> <<option "female" "female">> <<option "male" "male">> <<option "non-binary" "non-binary">> <<option "agender" "agender">> <<option "genderfluid" "genderfluid">> <</listbox>> <<if $mcgender is "female">><<set $person to "woman">><<set $child to "daughter">>\ <<elseif $mcgender is "male">><<set $person to "man">><<set $child to "son">>\ <<else>><<set $person to "person">><<set $child to "child">><</if>>\ <b>Pronouns:</b> (changeable at any time in the Detective's profile) <ul><<link "She/Her">><<set $they = "she">> <<set $them = "her">> <<set $their = "her">> <<set $theirs = "hers">> <<set $themselves = "herself">> <<set $plur = false>> <<set $They = "She">> <<set $Them = "Her">> <<set $Their = "Her">> <<set $Theirs = "Hers">><<update>><</link>></ul>\ <ul><<link "He/Him">><<set $they = "he">> <<set $them = "him">> <<set $their = "his">> <<set $theirs = "his">> <<set $themselves = "himself">> <<set $plur = false>> <<set $They = "He">> <<set $Them = "Him">> <<set $Their = "His">> <<set $Theirs = "His">><<update>><</link>></ul>\ <ul><<link "They/Them">><<set $they = "they">> <<set $them = "them">> <<set $their = "their">> <<set $theirs = "theirs">> <<set $themselves = "themselves">> <<set $plur = true>> <<set $They = "They">> <<set $Them = "Them">> <<set $Their = "Their">> <<set $Theirs = "Theirs">><<update>><</link>></ul>\ <<liveblock>><<if ndef $they>>Pronouns are unselected.<<else>>Your pronouns are <b>$they/$them</b> pronouns.<</if>><</liveblock>> <<if ndef $they>><<set $they = "they">> <<set $them = "them">> <<set $their = "their">> <<set $theirs = "theirs">> <<set $themselves = "themselves">> <<set $plur = true>> <<set $They = "They">> <<set $Them = "Them">> <<set $Their = "Their">> <<set $Theirs = "Theirs">><</if>>\ <hr> <span class="next"><<button [[Next|gender2]]>><</button>></span>

<<if $mcgender is "female">><<set $person to "woman">><<set $child to "daughter">>\ <<elseif $mcgender is "male">><<set $person to "man">><<set $child to "son">>\ <<else>><<set $person to "person">><<set $child to "child">><</if>>\ The Detective is <<cycle "$trans" autoselect>> <<option "transgender" true>> <<option "cisgender" false>> <</cycle>>, $they <<if $plur>><<cycle "$binding" autoselect>> <<option "do" true>> <<option "do not" false>> <</cycle>><<else>><<cycle "$binding" autoselect>> <<option "does" true>> <<option "does not" false>> <</cycle>><</if>> bind $their chest, $they currently <<if $plur>><<cycle "$hormones" autoselect>> <<option "do" true>> <<option "do not" false>> <</cycle>><<else>><<cycle "$hormones" autoselect>> <<option "does" true>> <<option "does not" false>> <</cycle>><</if>> take hormones and $they <<if $plur>><<cycle "$surgery" autoselect>> <<option "have" true>> <<option "have not" false>> <</cycle>><<else>><<cycle "$surgery" autoselect>> <<option "has" true>> <<option "has not" false>> <</cycle>><</if>> undergone gender affirming surgery. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|phisical1]]>><</button>></span>

<b>Height:</b> <<listbox "$height" autoselect>> <<option "very tall" "very tall">> <<option "tall" "tall">> <<option "average height" "average height">> <<option "short" "short">> <<option "very short" "very short">> <</listbox>> <b>Body type:</b> <<listbox "$bodytype" autoselect>> <<option "slender" "slender">> <<option "lean" "lean">> <<option "muscular" "muscular">> <<option "chubby" "chubby">> <<option "fat" "fat">> <</listbox>> The Detective <<cycle "$hearingaids" autoselect>> <<option "does" true>> <<option "does not" false>> <</cycle>> need hearing aids, $they <<if $plur>><<cycle "$cane" autoselect>> <<option "do" true>> <<option "do not" false>> <</cycle>><<else>><<cycle "$cane" autoselect>> <<option "does" true>> <<option "does not" false>> <</cycle>><</if>> walk with a cane. The Detctive <<cycle "$touchaversion" autoselect>> <<option "is" true>> <<option "is not" false>> <</cycle>> touch averse. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|phisical2]]>><</button>></span>

<b>Hair length:</b> <<listbox "$hairlength" autoselect>> <<option "shaved" "shaved">> <<option "short" "short">> <<option "chin length" "chin">> <<option "shoulder length" "shoulder">> <<option "waist length" "waist">> <</listbox>> <b>Hair texture:</b> <<listbox "$hairtexture" autoselect>> <<option "straight" "straight">> <<option "wavy" "wavy">> <<option "curly" "curly">> <<option "coily" "coily">> <</listbox>> <b>Hair color:</b> <<listbox "$haircolor" autoselect>> <<option "black" "black">> <<option "dark brown" "dark brown">> <<option "light brown" "light brown">> <<option "auburn" "auburn">> <<option "ginger" "ginger">> <<option "blonde" "blonde">> <<option "platinum" "platinum">> <</listbox>> <span class="next"><<button [[Next|phisical3]]>><</button>></span>

Eye color: <<listbox "$eyecolor" autoselect>> <<option "hazel" "hazel">> <<option "brown" "brown">> <<option "dark brown" "dark brown">> <<option "black" "black">> <<option "grey" "grey">> <<option "light blue" "light blue">> <<option "dark blue" "dark blue">> <<option "green" "green">> <</listbox>> Skin color: <<listbox "$skincolor" autoselect>> <<option "pale" "pale">> <<option "tan" "tan">> <<option "beige" "beige">> <<option "olive" "olive">> <<option "light brown" "light brown">> <<option "dark brown" "dark brown">> <<option "umber" "umber">> <</listbox>> The Detective <<cycle "$tattoos" autoselect>> <<option "does" true>> <<option "does not" false>> <</cycle>> have tattoos, $they <<if $plur>><<cycle "$scars" autoselect>> <<option "do" true>> <<option "do not" false>> <</cycle>><<else>><<cycle "$scars" autoselect>> <<option "does" true>> <<option "does not" false>> <</cycle>><</if>> have some visible scars. $They <<if $plur>><<cycle "$jewellery" autoselect>> <<option "do" true>> <<option "do not" false>> <</cycle>><<else>><<cycle "$jewellery" autoselect>> <<option "does" true>> <<option "does not" false>> <</cycle>><</if>> often wear jewellery. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|recap]]>><</button>></span>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Personal Profile unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ Information about the Detective will be available in their profile, along with character stats. An option to change the Detective's pronouns will be available in the future. Before you begin, this game will feature fine gender-selectable ROs. <<cycle "$rosgender" autoselect>> <<option "Randomise their gender" "rand">> <<option "Set all ROs to male" "male">> <<option "Set all ROs to female" "female">> <<option "Set all ROs to non-binary (Bea will be either male or female)" "nb">> <</cycle>> <span class="next"><<button [[Proceed to Prologue|prologue]]>><</button>></span>

!!!!Detective $name $surname <b>Gender:</b> $mcgender <b>Pronouns:</b> $they/$them <b>Age</b>: 34 <b>Years of active duty as Detective:</b> 10 <center class="header2">Appearance</center> The Detective is a $height <<if $trans>>transgender<<else>>cisgender<</if>> $person, $they <<if $hormones>><<if $plur>>do<<else>>does<</if>> take hormones<<else>><<if $plur>>do not<<else>>does not<</if>> take hormones<</if>>, $they <<if $binding>><<if $plur>>bind<<else>>binds<</if>><<else>><<if $plur>>do not bind<<else>>does not bind<</if>><</if>> $their chest and $they <<if $surgery>><<if $plur>>have<<else>>has<</if>><<else>><<if $plur>>have not<<else>>has not<</if>><</if>> undergone gender affirming surgery. $They <<if $plur>>have<<else>>has<</if>> $hairtexture $haircolor $hairlength hair, $eyecolor eyes and <<if $tattoos>>tattooed <</if>> <<if $scars>>scarred <</if>>$skincolor skin. <<if $jewellery>>$They can often be seen wearing jewellery.<</if>> <<if $cane is true and $hearingaids is false>>$They <<if $plur>>use<<else>>uses<</if>> a cane to walk.<<elseif $hearingaids is true and $cane is false>>$They <<if $plur>>need<<else>>needs<</if>> hearing aids.<<elseif $cane is true and $hearingaids is true>>$They <<if $plur>>use<<else>>uses<</if>> a cane to walk and <<if $plur>>need<<else>>needs<</if>> hearing aids.<</if>> $They <<if $touchaversion>><<if $plur>>are<<else>>is<</if>><<else>><<if $plur>>are not<<else>>is not<</if>><</if>> touch averse. /* <<set $warm to 50>><<set $professional to 50>>\ <center class="header2">Character Stats</center> (stats are currently being worked on) <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Warm $warm%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Professional $professional%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <<set $approachable to 50>><<set $reserved to 50>>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Approachable $approachable%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Reserved $reserved%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="stattwo-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <<set $sensitive to 50>><<set $controlled to 50>>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Sensitive $sensitive%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Controlled $controlled%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="stattwo-stat"></div> </div></div>\ */ <center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<center><h1>People of Interest</h1></center><br> !!Unit Foxtrot <div class="contactgroup"> <<link "<div class='contactchoice'><span>Vance</span></div>" "Vance">><</link>> <<link "<div class='contactchoice'><span>Mischa</span></div>" "Mischa">><</link>> <<link "<div class='contactchoice'><span>Bea</span></div>" "Bea">><</link>> <<link "<div class='contactchoice'><span>Sierra</span></div>" "Sierra">><</link>> </div> <div class="contactgroup"> <<link "<div class='contactchoice'><span>Rogue</span></div>" "Rogue">><</link>> </div> !!Other <div class="contactgroup"> <<link "<div class='contactchoice'><span>Ariel</span></div>" "Ariel">><</link>> </div> !!Police Station <div class="contactgroup"> <<link "<div class='contactchoice'><span>The Captain</span></div>" "The Captain">><</link>> </div> <center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

One of the assets, Sierra, a $Sperson with burnt sienna skin and dark brown hair, gets a bit closer to the table to inspect the aforementioned pictures. $SThey <<if $Splur>>let<<else>>lets<</if>> $Stheir hazel eyes roam over them quickly before $Sthey <<if $Splur>>raise<<else>>raises<</if>> $Stheir head towards $Stheir handler - $their golden jewellery shining brightly with the movement. “Isn’t your $child working there?” $Sthey <<if $Splur>>ask<<else>>asks<</if>>, some measure of concern in $Stheir naturally soothing voice. “Yes,” Rogue answers, a slightly harder edge to their words. “$They <<if $plur>>know<<else>>knows<</if>> nothing of the supernatural and I intend to keep things that way.” “$They <<if $plur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> a detective,” notes Vance in $Vtheir usual icy tone. “If $they<<if $plur>>’re<<else>>'s<</if>> not stupid, $they<<if $plur>>’re<<else>>'s<</if>> bound to find something out.” Rogue tightens their hold on their desk and their eyes sharpen. “Your job is for that not to happen.” Vance holds their gaze for a second before nodding stiffly. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.3]]>><</button>></span>

Another member, a $Bperson in $Btheir early thirties with shoulder-length dark blue hair and a porcelain complexion, sighs and laments, “humans are so bothersome. You always have to babysit them or else they’ll throw themselves directly at danger.” “Don’t you even //start//,” warns suddenly vicious $Btheir partner, Sierra. Bea waves $Btheir hand, dismissive - $Btheir numerous thin rings matching perfectly $Btheir silver tight-fitting dress. “<<if $plur>>Are<<else>>Is<</if>> $they even worth the hassle?” “//Yes//,” quickly answers Rogue, and the whole room quietens. “$They indeed <<if $plur>>are<<else>>if<</if>>. I am not asking you to do it, I am telling you. Now, what I want you to do is follow my $child through the investigation and to report back every one of $their findings to me. $name has to never come into contact with anything supernatural; lie to $them, destroy the evidence, I don’t care. Just make sure the killer doesn’t touch $them and that $name doesn’t discover something $they shouldn’t. Does that sit fine with you?” The Agent’s eyes set on each member, one by one pierced by their hard, almost intrusive gaze. “I’d say so,” Bea replies with forced indifference, $Btheir eyes flickering to the leader. The tension in $Btheir hands, clasped together, betrays $Bthem. Sierra nods, the back of $Stheir hand brushing Bea’s side in a conciliatory gesture. “As you //so kindly// reminded us, we have no choice on the matter,” Vance drawls out, $Vtheir eyes cold as ice. Despite the steel in $Vtheir voice, though, $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>reach<<else>>reaches<</if>> down to pick up the file containing the Detective’s information. “I am counting on you,” says Rogue, no particular inflection in their voice. “Pack your things, you’ll meet my $child tomorrow.” <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.4]]>><</button>></span>

You shouldn’t bring your work home. And yet, here you are. With your desk, usually full of the reports and files of the cold cases you entertain yourself with, now emptied of that and filled only with the serial murder case that shook the town. The wall facing the desk is completely covered by notes and photographs as well, leaving you in front of a seemingly chaotic collage. Again, you haven’t slept. Yesterday’s finding just threw your whole routine over the roof. The scene was less messy than the first murder, but the body, a middle-aged bartender you knew by name, had many more signs of violent struggle. It hadn’t been pretty. Again, the finding had happened during late morning. Since the time of death had been estimated around 1 and 4 AM, that meant that the perpetrator had acted when it was fully dark. Either a human favouring the night, or a nocturnal supernatural. The modality of the crime is in itself enough to restrict the list of possibly responsible beings. You have excluded strictly aquatic creatures who hunt for preys only in the strict vicinities of their pond or water source. Creatures who fear or avoid humans are very unlikely as well since the killing took place in a human town. Lastly, the body was disfigured but not completely dismembered, which excludes most of the flesh-eating beings. You find the timing of this killing… //peculiar// at the very least. Quite telling in terms of supernatural involvement. //Speaking of supernatural.// <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.5]]>><</button>></span>

You look down at your closed laptop. You have memorized the Unit Foxtrot’s assets’ data so that you wouldn't have to print them down or keep their unencrypted files in your pc. Of course, some valuable and more complex information is still there, held under heavily protected files, but keeping something even vaguely traceable would be unnecessarily dangerous both for you and for them. Not that there are any imminent threats, especially with the kind of protection you have, but you have always preferred to be overly cautious than to risk it – and it has served you well until now. You'll very probably meet the Unit as early as today. Your parent doesn't like to waste time so they have likely scheduled their arrival in Queenstown sooner rather than later. *[[You’re eager to observe them in person. There’s only so much a file can do and, besides, they are your parent’s precious unit.|ch1.6]] *[[You are conflicted about this. While you’ve been interested in them for quite some time, you would actually have preferred to be uninvolved with the Agency for as long as possible.|ch1.6]]

In any case, this meeting is not something you can avoid or delay. And if you know your parent and the Agency, you can tell that the reason the Unit has been sent here is to hide something. Something you are very intent on discovering. Fortunately, while you’ll have the Agency’s assets and resources against you, you not only have some inside sources to rely on but also years of experience on the supernatural no one can give you credit for. A shot of adrenaline travels through you, leaving you unusually agitated. //You have not been this stimulated in a long time.// You feel… slightly uncomfortable as well. Your only wish is to protect this town: unknown variables are always messy. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.7]]>><</button>></span>

What you are most worried about is Queenstown’s supernatural population. You have no sympathies for the Agency itself. Its assets are another matter, though you’ll have to keep your guard up.. They aren’t allowed to hurt humans, though they could possibly pose a threat to other supernaturals. Lastly, there’s Rogue. Their reasons are, in part at least, obscure to you. Because of the distance they’ve always kept as a parent, you have little insight on them. Maybe you even have most information about them collected through the Agency’s files than through your own interactions. Even when those happen, once every few months at your long-gone father’s favourite bakery, they are always cut short by something. And so you are left there, with half a cup of coffee still to drink and the seat across yours empty. *[[The fact that, even now, you still somehow crave their attention makes you swallow and look away from the framed photo you have with the both of you together.|ch1.8][$roguerelationship = "hopeful"]] *[[When you think about them, a sense of numbness fills you. You may have desperately wanted them, once, but too many opportunities have been wasted and you have simply given up.|ch1.8][$roguerelationship = "distant"]] *[[You feel bitterness filling your mouth. They didn’t even try to be there for you. Their absence is the only thing about them you can be sure of.|ch1.8][$roguerelationship = "resentful"]]

<<if $roguerelationship is "hopeful">><<set $Rcloseness to 35>><<elseif $roguerelationship is "distant">><<set $Rcloseness to 30>><<else>><<set $Rcloseness to 25>><</if>> You force all thoughts of Rogue out of your mind, at least for now. Instead, you reason that you should go to bed at a reasonable time today. You’ve pulled out enough all-nighters this month. Not that you lose that much lucidity with too little sleep, but you tend to become hyper-focused on specific things and it’s not actually something that will help you tomorrow. You want the meeting with Unit Foxtrot to go as smoothly as possible – provided their cooperation, that is. You know they are… appropriately trained to work with humans, though you loathe that word. Aside from their supernatural identity, they are still external agents and you need for this collaboration not to be too disruptive of your investigative work. Who knows, maybe they will even be of some help. In any case, you don’t want to make too many assumptions on them now, your data is only partial and an assessment in person will help you have a more accurate assessment of them. You decide that sleep will only do you good. Surprisingly, your night is fairly tranquil and devoid of the usual strange nightmares that plague your sleep. They have only been getting more intense and frequent as the years go by. Probably a result of your line of work. Maybe it’s your anxiety over the town’s safety to cause them, and the recent deaths certainly have not lessened your worry. Sometimes you dream about supernatural. Most of the time, you simply see people die in horrible ways while being absolutely powerless to intervene. Very rarely you are so terrified, so utterly repulsed by what you see that you find yourself unable to breathe. You don’t think that’s reflective of your experience thus far, though. Maybe you’ve seen so many things it all gets mixed up together in the most violent way possible to be somewhat cathartic. In any case, you usually don’t let yourself linger on your dreams. You get out of bed<<if $hearingaids>>, you put your hearing aids on<</if>> and get dressed. Being a Detective means that you rarely need to wear your police uniform and grants you the opportunity to dress more or less as you please. You usually dress a bit tamer for work compared to your – albeit scarce and usually spent at home – free time. At the Station *[[you like to keep your appearance as formal as possible. You usually go for a dark coloured suit or a dark blouse with matching well-fitting pants.|ch1.9]] *[[you tone down a bit your usually carefully put together outfits, keeping your bohémien aesthetic simple but effective.|ch1.9]] *[[you usually wear practical, comfortable clothes, often opting for button-up, a soft cardigan and a long skirt or pants. |ch1.9]]

<span class="accent">Age</span>: 33 <span class="accent">Apperance</span>: $VThey <<if $Vplur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> a tall $Vperson (6'5"), with a toned/lean built, coiled black hair that reach $Vtheir mid back, an ebony black complexion and dark brown eyes. <span class="accent">Relationship</span>: <<if hasVisited("ch1.19")>>$VThey <<if $Vplur>>have<<else>>has<</if>> to tolerate you.<<else>>You have yet to meet $Vthem.<</if>> <br><center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<<if $jewellery is true and $cane is false>>You put on some jewellery to match your outfit, then you walk to the door.<<elseif $jewellery and $cane>>You put on some jewellery to match your outfit, then you take your cane and you walk to the door.<<elseif $jewellery is false and $cane is true>>You take your cane and you walk to the door.<<else>>When you’re finished dressing up, you walk to the door. <</if>> After a brief inspection to make sure all your fish are healthy in their tank, you are out of the house and directed to the parked car. It takes you around twenty minutes to reach the Station, a bit more than usual since you made a stop halfway to pick up some muffins for your colleagues. You are the only appointed Detective since Hogan’s retirement last year, though you meet daily at least a handful of other agents. You want to keep the morale relatively high after the last murder and treating them is an effective way to go about it. Jason, the cashier at the bakery, sends you a faint smile. “I hate to ask more work of you, Detective, but we will be in need of provisions soon.” He belongs to a clan of ghouls that has been residing in Queenstown for half a decade. They’ve tried their hardest to integrate into the community without causing problems and for all their efforts you make sure to help them during lean times. You sharpen your gaze to note how spent Jason looks, with an unusual pallor to his skin and a visibly tired posture. “It’s not a problem,” you assure. “I will bring you something in a couple of days.” His smile brightens a bit as he hands over your change. “Thank you.” As you take the money, you realise he has given you more than you are due. Jason winks. “A small discount for our favourite customer.” <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.10]]>><</button>></span>

As expected, the Station is quieter than usual, with a heavy, tense atmosphere that permeates the air. The finding of Rakel’s body two days ago has shaken up not only the town but the Station as well. You walk to the front desk, where Willow, a younger colleague, is frowning down at some papers. You quietly slip at her side and place the muffin container open on the desk, so that everyone can have access to it. As soon as she notices, Willow’s worried frown melts away a little. “Oh, thank you, $name. You’re a darling.” *[[You smile slightly, assuring in a soft voice. “it’s nothing.”|ch1.11]] *[[You dip your head into a wordless nod, though your gaze softens.|ch1.11]] *[[You brush her thanks with a dismissive gesture, “don’t mention it.”|ch1.11]] *[[You nod distractedly, already thinking about the work that awaits you.|ch1.11]]

“Ah,” Willow says to you before you can walk past her. “Your parent is waiting for you in your office. There are four other people with them, none of which I recognised, though Rogue vouched for them. Since they all needed to talk with you I just sent them in.” //It seems you were right.// “Thank you,” you say, walking to your office. You are at least glad the Captain is not here, since he would have insisted on meeting the Unit himself and on talking with Rogue. As much as you like the Captain, you very much prefer to meet the Unit alone and study their first interactions with you while not contaminated by an additional factor. You’ll make the necessary introductions to everyone else later. When you reach your office, marked by a tag with your name in tidy characters, you make sure to send a quick message to the mortician that only says //“I need some organs as soon as possible”//, then you<<if $cane>> grip tighter your walking cane and<</if>> open the door. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.12]]>><</button>></span>

<span class="accent">Age</span>: 31 <span class="accent">Apperance</span>: $BThey <<if $Bplur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> an average hieght $Bperson (5'8"), well built and with grey eyes, a porcelain complexion and straight naturally blonde hair that reaches $Btheir shoulder and that $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>dye<<else>>dyes<</if>> blue. <span class="accent">Relationship</span>: <<if hasVisited("ch1.19")>>$BThey <<if $Bplur>>do<<else>>does<</if>> not feel any particular like ot dislike towards you.<<else>>You have yet to meet $Bthem.<</if>> <br><center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<span class="accent">Age</span>: 29 <span class="accent">Apperance</span>: $MThey <<if $Mplur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> a short $Mperson (5'3"), with a lean built, curly black hair that reaches $Mtheir chin, green eyes and a rose complexion. <span class="accent">Relationship</span>: <<if hasVisited("ch1.19")>>$MThey just <<if $Mplur>>want<<else>>wants<</if>> to be of use to the investigation.<<else>>You have yet to meet $Mthem.<</if>> <br><center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<span class="accent">Age</span>: 59 <span class="accent">Relationship</span>: after your father's death when you were only nine, your parent was never the same. They were never there for you, especially when you needed them the most<<if $roguerelationship is "hopeful">>, though you still wish you were closer.<<elseif $roguerelationship is "distant">>, so now you have distanced yourself from them the same way.<<elseif $roguerelationsip is "resentful">>, and you resent them for that.<<else>>.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("ch1.8")>><span class="accent">Closeness</span>: $Rcloseness%<</if>>\ <br><center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<span class="accent">Age</span>: 34 <span class="accent">Apperance</span>: Ariel is a tall $Aperson (1.82m - 6’) with curly dark red hair that $Athey <<if $Aplur>>keep<<else>>keeps<</if>> past $Atheir shoulders, sometimes braided, dark brown eyes, tanned skin and several piercings (including a couple of nose piercings, a tongue piercing and ear piercings). $AThey often <<if $Aplur>>apply<<else>>applies<</if>> dark lipstick and dark nail polish to match. $AThey <<if $Aplur>>have<<else>>has<</if>> an average built. <span class="accent">Relationship</span>: <<if $ariel is "fiancee">>$Athey <<if $Aplur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> your fiancée. You live together in your shared apartment.<<else>>$Athey <<if $Aplur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> your ex-fiancée.<</if>> <br><center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<span class="accent">Age</span>: 35 <span class="accent">Apperance</span>: $SThey <<if $Splur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> a quite tall $Sperson (5'9"), with a muscular but soft built, dark brown wavy hair that reaches past $Stheir shoulders, hazel eyes and a burnt sienna complexion. <span class="accent">Relationship</span>: <<if hasVisited("ch1.19")>>$SThey <<if $Splur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> intrigued by you.<<else>>You have yet to meet $Sthem.<</if>> <br><center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<span class="accent">Age</span>: 61 <span class="accent">Relationship</span>: he is the one who supported and believed in you the most<<if $capdaddy>>, he has been for you the father Luca could never be<<else>>, to the point of becoming a mentor figure for you<</if>>. <br><center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></center>

<<if $ariel is "fiancee">>You have been together for five years and officially engaged for three of those. Ariel is a constant in your life, even more after you moved in together. $AThey <<if $Aplur>>keep<<else>>keeps<</if>> you sane when your mind spirals and $Athey <<if $Aplur>>care<<else>>cares<</if>> for you when you couldn’t bother less about your own wellbeing. $AThey can be… //possessive// but you never faulted $Athem for that. Ariel bears the worst of you and you bear the worst of $Athem.<<elseif $ariel is "ex">>The longing you feel for $Athem is so intensely painful it can make you spiral. And while sometimes you want to throw yourself into $Atheir arms, some other times you just wish $Athey could let you move on in peace. Letting $Athem go was hard enough. You don’t need any more additional heartache, you don’t need this kind of distraction. Though, for all your conflicting feelings about $Athem, you logically know one thing. //Ariel had it coming.//<</if>> When a call comes, however, it’s not from $Athem. “Captain?” you answer. “Detective! I trust you’re enjoying your time away from work? Sometimes it’s necessary to recharge, especially for the best of us.” You would feel weirded out by the intimacy of this if it wasn’t so frequent. The Captain is fussier than your parent – not that it’s a hard competition to win. Something in his voice, however, feels strained. “I am, actually. Has something happened at the station?” “I’m afraid so, Detective. Unfortunately, I will have to cut your weekend short. Please, come to the Station as soon as you can.” A sense of uneasy urgency spreads over you. You take a deep breath and get ready as fast as you’re able to. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|prologue4]]>><</button>></span>

<h3>Detective Badge</h3> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class ="card"> <div class="content"> <div class="left"> <div class="avatar"> <span>/P</span> </div> </div> <div class="right> <center class ="cardname">$name $surname</center> <ul> <li>34</li> <li>$mcgender</li> <li>$they/$them</li> </ul> <p>Years of active duty as Detective: 10</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Emphatic $statone%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Logical $stattwo%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="statone-stat"></div>

You come to a stop just inside the room. Your attention sweeps over the four people you recognise from the files, then a last it lands on Rogue, standing very near to your desk and facing the Captain. While he’s at the very start of his sixties, with his ash blonde hair and beard starting to grey, the Captain carries himself incredibly well. He is taller than Rogue and while his body is not as well defined by muscles it is very evidently still in shape. Reading glasses soften his figure just as much as thin wrinkles when he smiles welcoming as you. “Good morning, Detective $surname.” “Good morning, Captain.” *[[It might be strange to say, but his presence feels comforting and familiar in an almost paternal way.|ch.1.13][$capdaddy = true]] *[[You admire him not only professionally, but for everything he’s done for you as well. You’ve come to consider him as a sort of mentor.|ch.1.13][$capdaddy = false]]

There have been rumours at the Station about how unusually close your relationship with him is, and every time the Captain has made sure to have them quickly shut down. Despite this, the softness he reserves only for you is as visible as your attachment to him. //To face in the same room both the absent parent you always begged for attention and the superior who <<if $capdaddy>>treated you as his own child<<else>>offered you more support then Rogue ever will<</if>> is… jarring.// Your parent smiles, though it’s the distantly polite one they wear when you two are in the company of strangers. “Hello, $name.” *[[Be warm.|ch1.14][$roguech1 = "a"]] *[[Be distant.|ch1.14][$roguech1 = "b"]] *[[Be cold.|ch1.14][$roguech1 = "c"]]

<<if $roguech1 is "a">>You take a step forward and close the door behind you. “Hello, papa.” Even if your relationship is strained, you long for a connection with them and you’ll take every little bit of interaction you can have. Your smile is dim, though, because you know they’re here only because of work.<<elseif $roguech1 is "b">>You take a step forward and close the door behind you. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” Your voice is devoid of emotion, clinically professional like you were talking to a stranger and completely different from the softer tone in which you greeted the Captain. This is purely work related, after all.<<else>>You take a step forward and close the door behind you. Your gaze is cold as it takes them in. “What an unusual sight,” you comment, your voice devoid of affection. They’re just here for work, after all – you’ve never received a pleasure visit from them in ten years of duty.<</if>> Rogue clears their throat, their attitude formal once again. “My department has been informed of the recent deaths in Queenstown. They fit most of the criteria for our intervention.” Officially, the Agency consists of its own federal department, tasked with assisting the Police when cases with certain conditions come up. Obviously, it’s a cover for the Agency to be involved in those occasion where a supernatural might have been the cause, of victim, of a crime. The supernatural Units are trained with the precise purpose to manage other supernaturals – though everything within the Agency is strictly directed and controlled by human agents. Rogue makes a gesture with their hand. “This is my operative unit: Unit Foxtrot. They will be working with you on the case.” *[[You look at them and then back at Rogue. “No.”|ch1.15][$reac1 = "a"]] *[[Wordlessly, you reach out with your hand for the signed papers.|ch1.15][$reac1 = "b"]] *[[You softly hum. “I assume you have a permit?”|ch1.15][$reac1 = "c"]]

<<if $reac1 is "a">>You know perfectly well how it works. This is not something you can just refuse. Still, you are rightfully frustrated about this obvious overstepping of jurisdiction. “Your offer is noted and rejected.” Rogue’s composure isn’t shaken all that much, to your annoyance. “$name, I have a signed permit.” “We haven’t seen each other in months and the first thing you tell me is that your department is taking over my case? You couldn’t even spare a call?” They clear their throat, a flicker of regretful shame in their gaze as they do so. “I, well…” You extend your hand for the signed paper. “Save it.” You ignore the tense silence that fills the room as you look over the documents.<<elseif $reac1 is "b">>Rogue hands you the signed permit with a slightly guilty grimace. As you examine it, you can see one of the Unit members shift in their place. The Captain observes you in silence, probably having just been informed of this as well.<<else>> “I do.” They hand you the signed permit, and as you examine it you can see one of the Unit members shift in their place. The Captain observes you in silence, probably having just been informed of this as well.<</if>> When you’re completely done with the papers – signed by the Major and the Captain – you look up and focus your attention on the Unit. As per regulation, they all wear the standard Agency uniform, a wine coloured suit with white cuffs and collar and the official Agency’s badge on the left side of the chest. Noticing the direction of your gaze, your parent makes a slight gesture with their hand in the direction of the Unit. “This is agent Vance Nnaji.” The taller asset takes a step forward. $VTheir ink black complexion is as dark as $Vtheir voluminous hair and gelid eyes. You note that $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>keep<<else>>keeps<</if>> $Vtheir uniform visibly more unbuttoned than all the others. With $Vtheir back rigid and $Vtheir head held high, $Vthey <<if $Splur>>reach<<else>>reaches<</if>> out with a hand. When $Vthey <<if $Splur>>talk<<else>>talks<</if>>, $Vtheir voice is surgical, cutting and devoid of warmth. “Detective.” <<if $touchaversion>> *[[$VTheir + " intense, heavy gaze makes you shudder. [FLIRT]"|ch1.16][$vance += 1]] *[["You don’t move, and you meet " + $Vtheir + " gaze with an equally inquisitive one. [FLIRT]"|ch1.16][$vance += 1]] *[["You greet, “a pleasure.” You do not make any move to take " + $Vtheir + " hand, though, as you’re mostly uncomfortable with touch."|ch1.16]] <<else>>*[[$VTheir + " intense, heavy gaze makes you shudder as you shake " + $Vtheir + " cold hand. [FLIRT]" |ch1.16][$vance += 1]] *[["You shake " + $Vtheir + " cold hand, letting your gaze travel lower just enough to take in the bare portion of " + $Vtheir + " chest. [FLIRT]"|ch1.16][$vance += 1]] *[[You shake the offered hand. “A pleasure.”|ch1.16]]<</if>>

<<if $vance isnot 0>>Something in $Vtheir gaze becomes sharper, but not in an entirely uncomfortable way. In fact, $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>seem<<else>>seems<</if>> to let $Vtheir eyes linger on you just a few moments more than necessary<<if $touchaversion>> as $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>retreat<<else>>retreats<</if>> $Vtheir hand<</if>>.<br> <</if>>\ The information on $Vtheir classified folder easily come to the forefront of your mind as you give them a once-over. $VThey <<if $Vplur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> 33, born and raised in Nigeria, $Vtheir active duty amounts to eight years, five of those in the Foxtrot Unit. $VTheir profile had large secreted gaps since the clearance level your informant was provided with was not high. You do not particularly mind, though, you'll do with what you have. The majority of supernatural-related notes were secreted, but again you're confident in your ability to find their identity out yourself. The human form of a supernatural would normally be difficult to read but you've met too many of them not to have picked up the small revealing signs. The asset’s intrusively gelid gaze lacks any form of softness as they look down on you. “You became Detective at an awfully young age,” $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>observe<<else>>observes<</if>>. Before you can answer, the Captain does it for you, “a more than deserved position for the amount of talent Detective $name has shown.” You note that there’s a faint line of sternness in his voice, the type of tone the Captain makes use of when he doesn’t want something to be put under discussion any longer. Vance shifts $Vtheir steely gaze on him, noting the telling reaction, and then back on you. If $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>come<<else>>comes<</if>> to a conclusion, $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>keep<<else>>keeps<</if>> it to $Vthemselves. “Ah, but I’m sure of that.” The smooth, slightly humorous voice comes from another asset, a well build $Bperson with clear, porcelain complexion, striking grey eyes and shoulder length straight hair dyed in a vibrant blue. $BTheir slightly crooked nose does in no way take away from $Btheir overall doll-like appearance. While the words themselves are honeyed, you aren’t able to discern if they are praising or degrading in nature. “That’s agent <<if $B is "M">>Beau<<else>>Beatrice<</if>> Carter.” <<if $touchaversion>>$BThey <<if $Bplur>>incline<<else>>inclines<</if>> $Btheir head to the side in a smooth greeting.<<else>>$BThey <<if $Bplur>>extend<<else>>extends<</if>> a hand towards you.<</if>> “Bea, if you please” $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>correct<<else>>corrects<</if>> your parent with an amiable smile that manages to hide a certain annoyance. <<if $touchaversion>> *[["You smile at " + $Bthem +" , subtly checking " + $Bthem + " out as you greet, “Bea.” [FLIRT]"|ch1.17][$bea += 1, $bea1 = "subtle"]] *[["You nod, and as you do your gaze travels over " + $Btheir + " body. “Nice hair.” [FLIRT]"|ch1.17][$bea += 1, $bea1 = "bold"]] *[[You nod, “well met, agent.”|ch1.17]]<<else>> *[["You shiver as you shake " +$Btheir + " cool hand. [FLIRT]"|ch1.17][$bea += 1, $bea1 = "subtle"]] *[["“Nice hair,” you comment as you shake " + $Btheir + " hand. [FLIRT]"|ch1.17][$bea += 1, $bea1 = "bold"]] *[["You shake " +Btheir + " hand. “Bea.”"|ch1.17]]<</if>>

<<if $bea1 is "subtle">>$BTheir gaze is filled for a moment with a spark of intrigue as $Btheir smile widens slightly.<<elseif $bea1 is "bold">>$BTheir smile widens visibly. “You think so?” $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>purr<<else>>purrs<</if>>.<br> <</if>>\ You know from Bea's file that $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> 31 years old, $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>were<<else>>was<</if>> born and raised in New Zealand and $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>were<<else>>was<</if>> recruited by the agency seven years ago, trained and employed for the last five in the Foxtrot Unit. $BThey <<if $Bplur>>bring<<else>>brings<</if>> a hand up to brush a stray lock of hair back behind $Btheir ear, revealing a multitude of silver jewellery around $Btheir wrists that tinkle as they move. “Well, it’ll be a pleasure working with you,” $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>conclude<<else>>concludes<</if>> with a half bored and half pretended excitement. A $Sperson comes from behind them, stepping forward as Bea shifts to the side. $SThey <<if $Splur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> taller than $Stheir companion, with a soft muscular built and long voluminous wavy hair that cascade on $Stheir back. $SThey <<if $Splur>>greet<<else>>greets<</if>> you with <<if $touchaversion is false>>an outstretched hand and<</if>> a genuinely gentle smile. “Agent Sierra Quintero.” As you <<if $touchaversion>>greet $Sthem<<else>>shake $Stheir hand<</if>>, your gaze gets captured by $Stheir golden makeup making a beautiful contrast with$S their burnt sienna complexion. <<if $touchaversion>>$STheir gaze is friendly and $Stheir mouth reveals a flash of white teeth as $Sthey <<if $Splur>>smile<<else>>smiles<</if>>. The way $Stheir eyes reflect the light hitting them is quite interesting. //… probably a carnivore, then - herbivores' eyes are duller.<<else>>$STheir hand is warm and $Stheir grip firm as $Sthey <<if $Splur>>introduce<<else>>introduces<</if>> themselves. You note how $Stheir skin feels definitely warmer than that of the previous assets. //… interesting.// A carnivore then. <</if>> *[["You find yourself captured by " + $Stheir + " warm hazel eyes, noting how they change slightly under the light. [FLIRT]"|ch1.18][$sierra += 1, $sierra1 = "subtle"]] *[[“I like the –“ you make a gesture with your hand, “nail polish.” [FLIRT]|ch1.18][$sierra += 1, $sierra1 = "bold"]] *[["You greet " + $Sthem + " politely."|ch1.18]]

<<set $vance to 0>> <<set $bea to 0>> <<set $mischa to 0>> <<set $sierra to 0>>

<<if $sierra1 is "subtle">>$SThey <<if $Splur>>adjust<<else>>adjusts<</if>> the collar of $Stheir uniform in an almost nervous way, mirroring your soft stare.<br><<elseif $sierra1 is "bold">>It is indeed perfectly matched with $Stheir makeup, an opaque golden that complements $Sthem perfectly. $STheir smile lights up even more. “Thank you,” $Sthey softly <<if $Splur>>say<<else>>says<</if>>.<br><</if>> Despite $Stheir friendly demeanor, though, you know not to fully trust appearances. Sierra has the thickest folder out of all the Unit Foxtrot’s assets – with various reports of incidents or attacks connected to $Sthem. Curiously enough, $Sthey <<if $Splur>>have<<else>>has<</if>> been placed in a Unit operating on the field because $Sthey <<if $Splur>>have<<else>>has<</if>> been proven not to be harmful towards humans. Currently 35, $Sthey has a long period of assessment before active duty, after which $Sthey <<if $Splur>>were<<else>>was<</if>> inserted in the Foxtrot Unit. This is $Stheir third mission in their two years as an active member. $SThey <<if $Splur>>are<<else>>is<</if>> of colombian and spanish origin. “We were all looking forward to meeting you.” “Is that so?” There is no warmth in Vance’s gaze, while Bea wears a fake smile that contrasts completely with the bored look in $Btheir light grey eyes. “Sure.” You can see Sierra subtly kicking $Bthem in the shin, making Bea’s smile dangerously sharp as $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>turn<<else>>turns<</if>> to face $Btheir companion. You ignore the rest of the exchange as your gaze falls on Rogue. You wander what they told the unit about the child they had to raise alone. Your parent only shows a flash of vulnerable helplessness before their expression turns impassive once again. It confirms what you already know. Your parent loves you but since they don’t know how to handle it, they have all but distanced themselves from you hoping it will hurt less. *[[It doesn’t. But knowing they care about you is almost enough.|ch1.19][$roguecloseness += 5, $rogueint1 = "pos"]] *[[It doesn’t and you have come to resent them for that.|ch1.19][$roguecloseness -= 5, $rogueint1 = "neg"]]

When your <<if $rogueint1 is "pos">>saddened<<else>>heated<</if>> gaze meet the Captain’s, you cannot bear the warmth in it and you have to avert it. Instead, your attention focuses on the $Mperson who stands at the back of it all, slightly positioned near the Captain and completely ignoring the other Unit members’ non-verbal bickering. When $Mthey <<if $Mplur>>notice<<else>>notices<</if>> your gaze, $Mthey <<if $Mplur>>take<<else>>takes<</if>> a small step forward. “Mischa Fraser.” $MThey politely <<if $Mplur>>introduce<<else>>introduces<</if>> $Mthemselves. $MTheir voice is low and measured, $Mtheir gaze unintrusive and $Mtheir whole posture extremely subdued. The last agent is the most plain in their appearance – $Mtheir uniform worn neatly and buttoned to their neck, $Mtheir short curly hair in place and $Mtheir hands behind $Mtheir back. Everything of $Mthem screams docility and compliance - which makes your skin crawl as that is most certainly a learned behaviour. At 29, Mischa is the youngest member of Unit Foxtrot. $MThey <<if $Mplur>>ahev<<else>>has<</if>> six years of active duty as a member of a now dismantled Unit and a couple of years in the Foxtrot Unit. You note how $Mtheir gaze briefly flashes down to take in your outfit. *[["You do the same, letting your eyes take in " + $Mtheir + " lythe frame. [FLIRT]"|ch1.20][$mischa += 1, $mischa1 = "bold"]] *[[You avert your gaze, slightly self concious [FLIRT]|ch1.20][$mischa += 1, $mischa1 = "subtle"]] *[["You greet " + $Mthem + " politely, trying not to appear intimidating."|ch1.20]]

<<if $mischa1 is "bold">>$MThey <<if $Mplur>>blush<<else>>blushes<</if>> slightly as$M they finally <<if $Mplur>>avert<<else>>averts<</if>> $Mtheir gaze. "A pleasure," you say.<<else>>$MThey <<if $Mplur>>adjust<<else>>adjusts<</if>> $Mtheir posture in an even more inauspicious way, softly saying, "it's a pleasure, Detective.<br> <</if>>\ Introductions out of the way, the Captain calls for everyone’s attention. “There is a spare office you will be welcomed to make use of for the duration of your stay here. The archives and all the recreational spaces will be accessible to you as well. For any specific request, feel free to come to me or to tell Detective $surname about it.” Rogue nods. “That will be more than enough. Thank you, Captain.” You turn around, heading towards the door and sparing the Unit a glance. “Follow me.” “$name, wait a moment, please.” At your parent’s request, you look back. The Captain, sensing a private discussion is about to take place, leads the Unit out assuring you, “I’ll get them settled, Detective. Find me this evening for a report.” As soon as everyone is gone, Rogue clears their throat, strengthening their back. “I trust you have been well?” *[[Appreciating the effort, you smile slightly. “Yes, all things considered.”|ch1.21.a][$Rcloseness += 5]] *[[Marginally mollified, you nod. “Quite.”|ch1.21.b][$Rcloseness += 2]] *[[“Sure,” you answer curtly. “If that is all, we have work to do.”|ch1.21.c][$Rcloseness += 0]] *[[You wave a hand, dismissive. “I am perfectly fine with leaving our relationship as formal as possible, you don’t have to strain yourself or pretend to care.”|ch1.21.d][$Rcloseness -= 3]]

They smile. It’s an unusual feature to see on them, and while it’s not fully formed it mirrors yours. //Maybe you can make your relationship work.// “Good.” They take half a step forward, but then they abort the movement and resort to looking at you with a vulnerability you’ve never seen them display. “I just want you to stay safe. I know I am far from being the parent you deserved, but I care about you and your line of work is a dangerous one.” “I’ll be alright,” you softly assure. What you hear next, though, makes you freeze. “You and the Captain seem… close.” *[[“He’s in my life more than you are, papa.”|ch1.22.a]] *[[You exhale, “it’s… complicated.”|ch1.22.b]] *[[“Congratulations on having eyes.”|ch1.22.c]] *[[“That’s really none of your business,” you say, evenly.|ch1.22.d]] *[[“You have no right” you viciously spat, “no right to ask me about that.” |ch1.22.e]]

Some of the ice inside you melts a bit at the sincere relief in their gaze. Paradoxically, you find unfair this tentative hand outstretched in your direction more hurtful than indifference. //They should have done this sooner.// “Good. I’m… glad.” Your posture still a bit rigid, you begin to head towards your desk, “I believe we both have work to do.” What you hear next, though, makes you freeze. “You and the Captain seem… close.” You turn to face them. *[[“He’s in my life more than you are, papa.”|ch1.22.a]] *[[You exhale, “it’s… complicated.”|ch1.22.b]] *[[“Congratulations on having eyes.”|ch1.22.c]] *[[“That’s really none of your business,” you say, evenly.|ch1.22.d]] *[[“You have no right” you viciously spat, “no right to ask me about that.” |ch1.22.e]]

You really want to get this over with and get to work as soon as possible. Your parent sighs, and it manages to make you even more intolerant of their antics. “Is it so hard to believe that I care for your wellbeing?” //Yes, it is.// You turn towards your desk, occupying your hands with the open folders. What you hear next (though) makes you freeze. “You and the Captain seem… close.” You turn to face them. *[[“He’s in my life more than you are, papa.”|ch1.22.a]] *[[You exhale, “it’s… complicated.”|ch1.22.b]] *[[“Congratulations on having eyes.”|ch1.22.c]] *[[“That’s really none of your business,” you say, evenly.|ch1.22.d]] *[[“You have no right” you viciously spat, “no right to ask me about that.” |ch1.22.e]]

Rogue’s face fills with hurt surprise. “I do care about you, $name. I am in no way pretending.” Your cold, empty gaze is all the answer they get. You don’t care. This is past the time for them to be concerned about your wellbeing. //Ignoring your parent, you turn your back to them and head towards your desk.// What you hear next makes you freeze. “You and the Captain seem… close.” You turn to face them. *[[“He’s in my life more than you are, papa.”|ch1.22.a]] *[[You exhale, “it’s… complicated.”|ch1.22.b]] *[[“Congratulations on having eyes.”|ch1.22.c]] *[[“That’s really none of your business,” you say, evenly.|ch1.22.d]] *[[“You have no right” you viciously spat, “no right to ask me about that.” |ch1.22.e]]

//It could have been us, you think swallowing thickly.// For the first time in your entire life, your parent shows actual regretful hurt and has to clear their throat once again. “I know. I’m sorry.” They let out a long exhale, bring their hair back with a hand and compose themselves once again. As they head out of the room, they are completely back in their handler persona. “Always remember he is your superior, $name.” “Take care,” they greet with an even inflection you as they leave. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.23]]>><</button>></span>

Their gaze is unreadable. “You are, then.” You do not answer. “Maybe it would be best for the both of us to return to work,” you softly suggest, unable to bear this conversation any longer. One side of you hurts, the other is bitter. “$name, that is not professional…” “Go away,” you sigh, now truly unnerved. //You have every right to fill the void they left behind.// “Take care,” they greet with an even inflection you as they leave. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.23]]>><</button>></span>

Rogue’s blank gaze unnerves you even further. You smile sharply, almost relishing the biting edge of your words, “He’s more caring than you are.” “He is your superior.” You feel anger cursing through your veins. “You have absolutely no business in my personal or professional life, //Rogue//. Get out of my office.” Now fully back in their handler persona, your parent sighs tiredly and complies. “Take care,” they greet with an even inflection you as they leave. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.23]]>><</button>></span>

“He is your superior,” they point out, composed as ever. You will have none of that. “Do not make me repeat myself, Rogue. My personal or professional relationships concern me and me alone.” You exhale. “Please get out of my office. I have work to do and so do you.” They seem to want to argue further but then they let out a sigh. “As you wish.” “Take care,” they greet with an even inflection you as they leave. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.23]]>><</button>></span>

Your parent’s gaze hardens. “$name, he is your superior. Be sure to remember that.” “Get out of my office.” When they don’t comply, your grip on the desk tightens until your knuckles whiten. “This is not a request. It’s an order.” After a beat of tense silence, you finally see them head towards the door. “Take care,” they greet with an even inflection you as they leave. <span class="next"><<button [[Next|ch1.23]]>><</button>></span>

You take a moment to collect yourself and then you collect some files and head out of your office yourself. Your parent always manages to rub you in the wrong way/where it hurts most. You think as your cane rhythmically taps on the ground/as you distractedly greet your colleagues crossing in the hallways. You join the Unit in their temporary office, a relatively large room which was used for storage and which is now mostly empty, save for a couple of tables, abundant office chairs, two whiteboards and some abandoned material. As you clean up and help them settle, you take the chance to say, “I need to know your qualifications." Bea blinks. “Pardon?” “Ah, yes,” answers stiffly Vance as $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>examine<<else>>examines<</if>> with an expression close to disgust the eraser of the whiteboards. “We are all forensic criminologists. I am a licensed emergency nurse as well.” You answer with a nod, though of course you were already aware of that. Units often end up specialising on a specific field of expertise in order to plan a more selective intervention when deployed. You manage in a short time to get the room in more than decent conditions. There is a strange tension in the air as you present the Unit some of the case files and let them look at the photo that puts you on edge. You know that your parent likely ordered the Unit to keep you away from any evidence leading to something supernatural, but you are quite sure they won’t be stupid enough to actually interfere with the investigation. You’ll end up having to fight on two fronts, otherwise. At one point, a voice comes from your side. “Detective?” You turn to find *[[Vance|ch1.24][$ch1vance = true]] *[[Bea|ch1.24][$ch1bea = true]] *[[Sierra|ch1.24][$ch1sierra = true]] *[[Mischa|ch1.24][$ch1mischa = true]]

<<if $ch1vance>>$VTheir tone is curt and in a similarly rigid manner $Vthey <<if $Vplur>>stare<<else>>stares<</if>> down at you. “The files lack the last victim’s forensic analysis.” “I am aware. I was going to collect it this morning.” A drop of annoyance bleeds in $Vtheir tone. “What are we witing for, then?” “Very well,” you say<<if $cane>>, collecting your cane<</if>>. “Follow me.”<</if>>\ <<if $ch1bea>>$BThey <<if $Bplur>>raise<<else>>raises<</if>> a folder with $Btheir hand, shining with a multitude of silver rings. $BTheir gaze is vaguely bored, as if $Bthey <<if $Bplur>>were<<else>>was<</if>> trying to do the bare minimum to get through this assignment. “There isn’t the second victim’s forensic report, here.” “That’s because I didn’t collect it yet, I was going to do it this morning.” “Well, what better time to do it than now?” “Very well,” you say<<if $cane>>, collecting your cane<</if>>. “Follow me.”<</if>>\ <<if $ch1sierra>>$SThey <<if $Splur>>direct<<else>>directs<</if>> your way an apologetic smile. “I am sorry for disturbing you. I can’t seem to find the last victim’s forensic report.” “That’s because I didn’t collect it yet, I was going to do it this morning.” Sierra sends a look to the rest of $Stheir Unit, “We could accompany you.” “Very well,” you say<<if $cane>>, collecting your cane<</if>>. “Follow me.”<</if>>\ <<if $ch1mischa>>$MThey <<if $Mplur>>shift<<else>>shifts<</if>> uncomfortably under your gaze. “I found the first victim’s forensic analysis. Do you happen to have the last victim’s as well?” “Not yet. I was going to collect it this morning.” You look at $Mthem and at the Unit. “You can go with me, if you like.” You collect your <<if $cane>>cane<<else>>coat<</if>>. “Follow me, please.”<</if>>\ You lead them outside the Station but you barely have the time to get near your car that you hear a very familiar voice coming from your side. “//Who are these people?//” <b>END OF CURRENT DEMO</b>