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<<if visited() is 1>>"So," Albrecht says once he's out of Dell's earshot. "What did you think of them?" <<linkreplace "What happened to not taking what they say to heart?" t8n>>He winces at that. "Ah, easier said than done..."<</linkreplace>><<elseif visited() is 2>>"Hum, just curious, I guess."<</if>> <<liveblock>> *<<link "The way they spoke to you was refreshing compared to the near-reverent treatment you've been receiving." 'albdellreturnnav'>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You don't feel any which way about them." 'albdellreturnnav'>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "Are they always so abrasive?" 'albdellreturnnav'>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link "Arrogance practically oozes from their mouth with every word they utter. You can't stand them." 'albdellreturnnav'>><<set $option to "o5">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><</link>> <<if visited() is 1>>*<<link "Why does he want to know?" 'albdellopinion'>><</link>><</if>>\ <</liveblock>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o2">>"I could imagine," he says, exhaling an amused breath. "Some folks here... they really have a lot riding on your success." <<case "o3">>"Fair enough," he contemplates. "First impressions really aren't much to go off of sometimes, aren't they? Well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make opinions about people." <<case "o4">>"Not always," he answers with a sigh. "We've... how should I put this? We've just had a streak of bad luck. Everyone's a little on edge." <<case "o5">>"Harsh," he remarks. "I see where you're coming from, at least." <</switch>> The two of you lapse into silence before he continues speaking. [['"Now, where should we go next, Monitor?"'|albnav]]

<<if $actionpoints < 3>><<if visited("golibrary") is 0>>*[['"The library is still open. We could stop by for a visit."'|golibrary]]<<else>>"Dell certainly is an experience, aren't they?" <</if>> <<if visited ("gotraining") is 0>>*[['"We could also go to the training grounds."'|gotraining]]<<else>>"Ugh, I can't believe I got my clothes dirty... what a pain. Ah, well. It wasn't exactly unexpected." <</if>> <<if visited ("godorms") is 0>>*[['"And if you need some time to rest, we could stop by the dormitories."'|godorms]]<<else>>"The dorms aren't a grand affair, but they're enough." <</if>><<else>>By the time you've finished exploring the options Albrecht has offered, the sun has almost entirely faded from the sky. The orange-gold light reaching in through the windows reflects off your $metalcolor form, causing Albrecht to squint when he moves his jacket to look at you. "Well, would you look at the time," he says with a sigh. "Let's go to dinner, shall we?" <<liveblock>> *<<link '"Already?" you say, surprised at how time has flown by. You were enjoying your time with him, tumultuous as it might have been.' 'alb-firstdinner'>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link '"So it is," you agree, internally relieved. Spending time with him was all right, you suppose, but you are ready to go on now.' 'alb-firstdinner'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link '"So it is," you agree, a bit too eagerly. You are more interested in meeting the rest of your cadre. Spending time with Albrecht was in the way of that.' 'alb-firstdinner'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link '"Oh, good," you say. That was tedious.' 'alb-firstdinner'>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> <</liveblock>><</if>>

<<if $actionpoints < 3>><<if visited("goinventory") is 0>>*<<link '"Hm... I need to grab the inventory report for our weapons storage."' 'goinventory'>><<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>><</link>><<else>>"I'm glad we met Mr. Yoshinaga!"<</if>> <<if visited("goreport") is 0>>*<<link '"I also need to deliver some files to some colleagues in my Conrei."' 'goreport'>><<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>><</link>><<else>>"Ms. Galán is rather odd, but that's what makes talking to her all the more interesting!"<</if>> <<if visited("oldoffice") is 0>>*<<link '"I also have the reconstruction of my old office to check up on."' 'gooldoffice'>><<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>><</link>><<else>>"I can't wait until they're done with renovations!"<</if>><<elseif $actionpoints == 3>>By the time you've finished exploring the options Edme has offered, the sun has almost entirely faded from the sky. The orange-gold light reaching in through the windows reflects off your $metalcolor form, causing Edme to squint when they move their blazer's lapel to look at you. "Oh!" they exclaim. "It's getting late now— I think it's time for your [[group dinner.|edme-firstdinner]]''"''<</if>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>It's a shame that you couldn't go on longer. You were quite enjoying his company. On his part, he lets out an amused breath at your remark. "I'm glad you enjoyed the tour. Didn't expect you to be so enthralled. Anyway... <<case "o2">>"Indeed," he hums. "So, as for dinner... <<case "o3">>"That boring, huh?" he gripes playfully. "Well, I don't blame you for getting bored. For dinner... <<case "o4">>"Oh, I didn't think I was //that// terrible of a tour guide," he says with a frown. "In that case, for dinner... <</switch>>We'll need to get down to our office room. Say, anything you want to ask before we get there?" <<linkreplace "Ask about what to expect." t8n>>"So..." you venture. "What can I expect for this dinner?" Albrecht makes a humming noise as he considers your query. "Well... firstly, I imagine that everyone will show up for once. Edme will throw a fit if we don't all gather— they won't be there, though. They say it'll interfere with the team bonding... which is difficult, since I wouldn't say there's much bonding in the first place." "Do you not get along?" He winces. "Well, there are some real hardheads here." Yes, you can definitely tell.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Ask about what food will be served." t8n>> "What's usually served?" you ask. "Food? Well, usually some type of fish... It's the easiest to get where we are, and nobody has any real complaints about it. Water chestnuts also usually make an appearance."<</linkreplace>> [[You'll pass the rest of the journey in silence.|alb-introductions]]

Reposing, inviting sleep at last, your last conscious thoughts flit by... *<<link "You'll be okay..." "p-a2-end">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "When will it finally end...?" "p-a2-end">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "This mission..." "p-a2-end">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Ah, the doctor's task..." "p-a2-end">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><</link>>

!!!—act two end A dreamless rest overtakes you. !prelude complete <div class="options" align=center>[[(author's note.)]]</div><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>game autosaved!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"I'm glad you think so," she says. <<case "o2">>She observes you for a moment. "I don't mean to tell you what you should do... but the more anxious you are, the worse it will be in actual combat. Please recover quickly." <<case "o3">>She nods her head. "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future, I'm sure." <<case "o4">>"Come on," Albrecht says encouragingly. "Don't beat yourself up." Fastvi raises a brow at you. "There'll be plenty more opportunities." <<case "o5">>"//You// won't lose?" Albrecht says, bemused. "Who's the one doing the fighting, again?" "I'm looking forward to it," Fastvi approves, ignoring Albrecht's comment. <<if $albfastspar == 2>>"I'd like to see more of your capabilities."<</if>> <</switch>> <<if $option is "o1" or "o2" or "o3" or "o4">>"See you later," Albrecht calls out, already retreating. "See you later," she echoes, waving as the two of you hastily march back to the safety of the facility.<<elseif $option is "o5">>"So long as you find someone else willing to go along with this madness," he sighs. "But for real, farewell. See you at dinner." "So long," she acquiesces. "And see you then."<</if>> Once Albrecht is safe behind the thick iron door, he rests against its side, wiping the sweat off his face. [["You'll have to give me a minute," he says. "But where would you like to visit next?"|albnav]]

Edme hurriedly changes course, speeding through the halls, causing the floorboards to creak beneath them. <<linkreplace "Ask about what to expect." t8n>>"So..." you venture. "What can I expect for this dinner?" "Oh, I'm not too sure, myself," Edme says with a nervous laugh. "I don't attend. But I don't think it goes too badly? Nobody's been hurt before." <<if $morale > 50>>That isn't much of a reassurance, but you'll take it.<<else>>That is making you feel increasingly worse about the situation, actually.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Ask about what food will be served." t8n>> "What's the fare like?" you ask. "Hm... usually things that can be locally grown and harvested. We have to import a lot of food into the facility, given, you know... everyone that's in it. So we end up with plenty of fish and watercress. Some parts of the marsh have been drained, too, so we can have some variety in our diets!"<</linkreplace>> [[The rest of the journey is filled by silence.|edme-introductions]]

Albrecht opens up a red-painted door to reveal a rather cramped room. A round table covered with a black tablecloth rests in the center of the room surrounded by five wooden chairs. You spot Fastvi<<if $fasttrust > 0>>, who gives you a small nod of greeting,<</if>> who has an empty seat between her and a brown-haired woman. On Fastvi's other side is a man with purple-gray hair, and Albrecht takes the seat next to him, placing himself between him and the brown-haired woman. "Good evening," the brown-haired woman greets sleepily. She's a woman of average height and light, neutral beige skin, and her tired eyes peer through circular wire glasses at him. Her long, oak-brown hair is tied up in a high ponytail, and bangs parted in the middle fall across her forehead. "Good evening, Leo," he returns, frowning at the empty seat where you assume Dell will be as if he's hoping they'll materialize if he's disappointed enough. "I don't suppose you know where Dell is?" "I haven't seem them since this morning, myself," Fastvi notes, casting her yellow gaze towards their empty seat. "Ah, they're planning on being 'fashionably late' again, aren't they?" Albrecht sighs. "'Twould be most likely," the glasses-donning woman answers, bowing her head slightly as she mulls over the possibility. "I wouldn't worry o'er it." "Thanks, Leo," Albrecht says, eyes focusing on her, and then he makes a noise of surprise. "Wait, I believe introductions are in order! Monitor, this is Leonor Galán; Leo, Monitor." She blinks slowly at you, taking in your appearance, your demeanor. "'Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance." "Thanks," you respond, feeling slightly awkward under her scrutiny. "And then this—" Albrecht motions towards the other man— "is Yoshinaga Meijirō."<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>characters met!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $knowmei to true>><<set $knowleo to true>> "Good evening," he says curtly, crossing his arms over his chest. His hair is long— though not as long as Leonor's, which descends to the bottom of her shoulderblades— and it's tied in a lower ponytail. His eyes are a similar stormy violet, and his skin is a warm, light tan color. "Evening," you respond. "And you've already met Fastvi and Dell," Albrecht continues, "but since I have no clue as to when Dell will arrive, how about we get started with the food?" [[No one has any complaints, so the dinner begins.|dinnerstart]]

Edme swings open a red-painted door to reveal a rather cramped room. A round table covered with a black tablecloth rests in the center, encircled by five chairs. You spot Leonor<<if $leotrust > 0>>, who blinks in recognition at you,<</if>> who has an empty seat between her and a shorter woman with short, curly black hair, dark brown skin, and round, pale yellow eyes that blink at you curiously. On the unfamiliar woman's other side is Yoshinaga, and Albrecht sits between him and Leonor. The four of them fall silent at Edme's entrance. "Good evening, everyone!" Edme chirps. "Good evening," the Leonor greets sleepily. "Good evening, Edme," Albrecht returns, frowning at the empty seat as if he could materialize its occupant through disappointment alone. "I don't suppose you know where Dell is?" "I haven't seem them since this morning, myself," the yellow-eyed woman notes, casting her gaze towards their empty seat. "Is that so?" Edme says and sighs. "I hope they'll be here soon... They're not the type to skip out on things, you know?" "They'll be here eventually," Albrecht sighs, leaning back in his chair. Edme sounds grateful. "I'm sure they will be! Ah— and introductions are in order, aren't they? Monitor, this is Ms. Fastvi Romm— and Ms. Romm, this is Monitor."<<set $knowfast to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>character met!<</notify>><</if>><</if>> Fastvi nods, fastening her gaze on you. "It's nice to meet you, Monitor." "Likewise," you respond, feeling slightly awkward under her scrutiny. "And I'd introduce you to Dell, too, but they're not currently here," Edme continues awkwardly. "Um, I'll leave you here, then... [[could you all possibly make room for Monitor?]]"

And right now, the atmosphere seems to be... rather prickly. Fastvi is silently picking at her watercress, and Yoshinaga is busy slicing into a slab of meat. Albrecht is trying in vain to make small talk, and Leonor is sending longing glances at the door. //(You might as well engage in some conversation with them. With a little luck, perhaps their attitudes towards you will somewhat improve.)// To break the ice, you'll... *<<link "Make a comment about how tense they seem." "pa2-dinner1-awful">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmostphere - 2>><</link>> *<<link "Introduce yourself to them." "pa2-dinner1-great">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 2>><</link>> *<<link "Not say anything, actually." "pa2-dinner1-poor">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere - 1>><</link>>

"I know Albrecht just introduced me," you pipe up awkwardly. "But I just wanted to say that... it's nice to meet you all." <<if $goalb>>"'Tis nice to meet you as well," Leonor returns<<else>>"'Tis nice to see you again," Leonor answers<</if>> after delicately dabbing the corner of her mouth with her napkin. Fastvi makes a noise of assent, but Yoshinaga remains silent. <<if $morale > 71>>The silence is better than nothing, at least.<<elseif $morale < 29>><<if visited.("goinventory") is 0>>You're a little worried that you've offended him somehow.<<else>>He's probably still bitter about your earlier exchange with him.<</if>><<else>>It's a good start, you think?<</if>> "There you all go!" Albrecht cheers. "$They'<<re>> not so bad, <<are>> $they, now?" "We get the picture," Yoshinaga deadpans, spearing a chunk of fish on his fork. <<if $albfastfight is 2>>"$They really aren't, though," Fastvi comments. She pushes the greens around on her plate. "$They did better in sparring than I thought they would." Yoshinaga raises an eyebrow. "Oh, that," Albrecht says, scratching the back of his head. "We had a bit of a demonstration earlier, you know... just showing off our capabilities. I didn't think I had it in me to last as long as I did! Monitor helped." Yoshinaga doesn't say anything further, but he looks mystified by Albrecht and Fastvi's words.<<elseif $albfastspar is 1>>"Learning experience is right," Fastvi murmurs as she pushes around the greens on her plate. "You have plenty of room for growth, Monitor." Yoshinaga raises an eyebrow, prompting more information. "Oh, that," Albrecht says, scratching the back of his head. "We had a bit of a demonstration earlier, you know... just showing off our capabilities. I got my ass handed to me, basically." "Not surprising." "You could at least //pretend// to feel bad for me."<<else>>"That may be so," Fastvi says, looking inquisitivley at you. "I'd like to learn from you, Monitor. Edme told me that you had lost your memories, but I'd like to think that you've retained //some// of what you've learned." (Certain people at the table look at you questioningly, distrustfully. Evidently, that information hadn't yet been relayed everyone.) <<if $clemency > 50>>//Oh.// "Sorry to disappoint, then," you say awkwardly. "I really don't remember anything."<<else>>"That won't be possible," you answer with a sigh. "There isn't anything I remember."<</if>> "Ah, that //was// kind of unfair of me to ask... Forget I said anything, please."<</if>> (Not too shabby of a start. Now what?) <<include "dinner1-round2-options">>

"Well, you all seem excited to be here," you say with a frown. The response to your comment is a range of indignant-looking to sorrowful faces "//That's// one way to start a conversation," Albrecht murmurs to you, brows raised. "Forgive me," Leonor says regretfully. "'Twas not my attention to cause you to feel discomfited." Fastvi huffs at her remark. "You don't need to apologize. It's not like you did anything wrong." "Come on, now," Albrecht says as he tries to take control of the conversation again. "Let's talk about something more cheery! Anybody have any good news?" ...He's met with silence. "Not even a little bit of good news?" Leonor takes pity on him<<if visited("goreport") is 1>> and relays to him that the two of you had... an incredibly neutral exchange.<<else>> and tells him that she had a pleasant conversation with some receptionists earlier in the afternoon.<</if>> Albrecht shoots her a grateful look, but after that, he too falls into the quietude that has enveloped the rest of the table, resigning himself to stuffing his face with his limp, overcooked vegetables. It's possible that you could turn this around. (If you wanted to, of course.) <<include "dinner1-round2-options">>

You can't really muster up anything to say— not when it feels like the next thing you say could be what breaks everyone from the then veil of propriety under which they're dining. And based on the continued silence, nobody else has any particular desire to change the table's status quo. That is, except for Albrecht, who despairingly attempts to start a conversation. "Come on," he says with a forced smile. "Let's not be bores! Anybody have any good news to share?" ...He's met with silence. "Come on, not even a single thing?" Leonor eventually takes pity on him<<if visited("goreport") is 1>> and relays to him that the two of you had... an incredibly neutral exchange.<<else>> and tells him that she had a pleasant conversation with some receptionists earlier in the afternoon.<</if>> He sends her a grateful look at her contribution, but when he raises an eyebrow to everyone else at the table, they avoid his gaze. ...You don't think you can continue with this awkard quiet. <<include "dinner1-round2-options">>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>records updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<if $groupatmosphere == 5>><<set $dinnerresults to 6>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 6>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 6>><<set $leotrust to $leotrust + 6>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 6>><<set $fasttrust to $fasttrust + 6>><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale + 6>><<set $meitrust to $meitrust + 6>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale + 6>><<set $delltrust to $delltrust + 6>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale + 6>>The conversation lapses into a comfortable silence. Forks and knifes come to rest on the edges of emptied plates, drinks are dried. Albrecht takes one last swig of his tea, letting out a satisfied sigh as he sets it down. It clinks against his plate. Outside, the dusky sky grows ever darker, and croaking of frogs arises as their own dinner is drawn towards the light of the window. "Oh!" Albrecht says, suddenly remembering something. "Monitor, you should come take a look outside in a few minutes." Leonor blinks. "Oh, that...? Yes... Monitor, you should." Her gaze turns reminiscent. "I could always see the faintest sliver of it from home, but here, 'tis far closer than I ever dreamed." "Faintest sliver of what?" you question curiously. "You'll see," Dell says with a sigh— one without even the slightest hint of venom. Their gaze is glued to the window. "...I cannot disagree. It //is// impressive." Fastvi rises, moving towards the lanterns. "Let's turn the lights off, then. It's better without them. We can take care of the dishes later." "So long as I don't get stuck with them," Yoshinaga grunts as Fastvi lowers the oil of the lamps, [[extinguishing the flames.|lightsource]]<<elseif $groupatmostphere == 3 or $groupatmosphere == 4>><<set $dinnerresults to 5>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 4>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 4>><<set $leotrust to $leotrust + 4>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 4>><<set $fasttrust to $fasttrust + 4>><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale + 4>><<set $meitrust to $meitrust + 4>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale + 4>><<set $delltrust to $delltrust + 4>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale + 4>>The air is peaceful as the last morsels of food and drink are consumed. As day turns to night, insects flock to the glow of the window, and frogs come in their pursuit, ribbiting as they snap up their own dinners. "Oh!" Albrecht says, suddenly remembering something. "Monitor, you should come take a look outside in a few minutes." Leonor blinks. "Oh, that...? Yes... Monitor, you should." Her gaze turns reminiscent. "I could always see the faintest sliver of it from home, but here, 'tis far closer than I ever dreamed." "Faintest sliver of what?" you question curiously. "You'll see," Dell says with a sigh— one without even the slightest hint of venom. Their gaze is glued to the window. "...I cannot disagree. It //is// impressive." Fastvi nods. "Let's turn the lights off, then. We can take care of the dishes later." "You all can go ahead," Yoshinaga shrugs, standing from his place, pushing his chair in as he lifts his emptied dishes. "I've seen it plenty of times before, and it won't be any different this time. Good night." "Oh, not going to stick around?" Albrecht says, disappointed. "Good night, then." With that, Yoshinaga slips out of the room, disappearing into the darkness. "Come, now," Dell says impatiently, shutting off the lamps. [["Let us get this over with already."|lightsource]]<<elseif $groupatmosphere == 1 or $groupatmosphere == 2>><<set $dinnerresults to 4>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 2>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 2>><<set $leotrust to $leotrust + 2>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 2>><<set $fasttrust to $fasttrust + 2>><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale + 2>><<set $meitrust to $meitrust + 2>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale + 2>><<set $delltrust to $delltrust + 2>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale + 2>>The meal ends soon after that, the last bites of food being swallowed quickly. While not //warm//, they all seem less frosty than they did earlier. "Oh!" Albrecht says, suddenly remembering something. "Monitor, you should come take a look outside in a few minutes." "Huh? At what?" you ask. You're not sure what he could be referring to. Leonor blinks. "Oh, that...? Yes... Monitor, you should." Her gaze turns reminiscent. "I could always see the faintest sliver of it from home, but here, 'tis far closer than I ever dreamed." "Impressive as it may be, I am rather exhausted," Dell announces, folding their napkin in front of them. "I will retire for the night. Do not expect me to stay." "Same for me," says Yoshinaga, standing up and pushing his chair in. He takes his plate and cup in hand. "I'd like to sleep sooner rather than later. Good night." "Oh, okay," Albrecht says, disappointed. "Good night, you two." "Yes, yes. Now, I'll be off," Dell sighs, and Yoshinaga follows in their path. The two of them disappear into the darkness of the hall— eventually, you can no longer make out their faint shapes. "Just the four of us, then," Fastvi dismisses them. "I'll turn the lights off. Watch outside, Monitor." [[As she turns the lamp off, you're left with a wide view of the bog.|lightsource]] <<elseif $groupatmosphere == 0>><<set $dinnerresults to 3>>Soon enough, the platters of food have dwindled down to nothing. "Thanks for the food," Fastvi says, gulping down a final swig of tea. "I'll be going, now." "So soon?" Albrecht questions, but as she rises from her seat, you can see glum resignation cross over his face. "All right." "Same for me," Yoshinaga adds, pushing his chair in. Dell is the next to rise. "I will be retiring for the night as well." "Good night, then," Leonor says softly as the three of them exit, used plates in hand. They echo her statement as they depart. "Hum. Well, there's still something left for you to see, Monitor," Albrecht says, forcing cheer. "It'll start any minute now. The sun'll be gone soon, and then you'll see!" "...Ah, yes," Leonor says, refocusing on the room. "'Tis a pleasure to see. I'll turn the lights off, then." "Thanks," Albrecht says with a smile, and as Leonor lowers the lights, [[your attention is directed towards the darkness outside.|lightsource]]<<elseif $groupatmosphere == -1 or $groupatmosphere == -2>><<set $dinnerresults to 2>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $leotrust to $leotrust - 3>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale - 3>><<set $fasttrust to $fasttrust - 3>><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale - 3>><<set $meitrust to $meitrust - 3>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $delltrust to $delltrust - 3>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale - 3>>The rest of the food is quickly consumed. Nobody seems eager to spend any longer together, ready to flee the prickly silence suffocating the room. "Good night," Fastvi says the moment she finishes her final gulp of tea. "I'll see you all... at some point, I suppose." "Yes, yes," Dell huffs. "Good night. I will retire as well, so do take care not to follow me." "Wouldn't dream of it," Yoshinaga retorts as he pushes his chair in. "I'm leaving, too." "Oh? Already?" Albrecht says, disappointed, as those three leave the room. "Leonor? How about you?" She avoids his gaze. "I, too, will be seeking rest." "Ah, okay," he grimaces. "Well, I just have one last thing left to show the Monitor, and I'll be done for the night too. Good night, everyone." "...Good night," Leonor echoes. Soon enough, it's only you and him. "What is it you wanted to show me?" you ask tentatively. "Oh," he says. (...He's still trying to smile.) "It'll be quick. It's outside, actually, but we can see it from here. I'll go turn the lights off... it'll be any minute, now!" He rises to turn the lamps off, [[and you're left looking out the window in darkness.|lightsource]]<<else>><<set $dinnerresults to 1>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust - 6>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 6>><<set $leotrust to $leotrust - 6>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale - 6>><<set $fasttrust to $fasttrust - 6>><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale - 6>><<set $meitrust to $meitrust - 6>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 6>><<set $delltrust to $delltrust - 6>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale - 6>>You can't accurately express how quickly everyone leaves after they're done eating— Fastvi, Yoshinaga, and Dell leave eagerly, with barely a 'good night,' and Leonor, too, sends Albrecht a sympathetic glance before she leaves. "Well, that was dinner," he says glumly. "Hey, you really didn't need to say all those things. Couldn't you have held back?" "Sorry," you answer halfheartedly. He purses his lips. "Well, I should be going to bed, too. It's been a long day," he says with a forced laugh. "Edme'll be here soon enough. I'll wait for them to pick you up." [[The awkwardness is so thick you could cut it with a knife.]]<</if>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>Can't they leave you alone? You're aware that this is a strange situation, but couldn't they be a //little// politer? The way you're being watched makes you want to collapse in on yourself— become a small speck that not even the closest gazes could perceive. <<case "o2">>The prickling of their gaze is thoroughly uncomfortable, but the more rational parts of your mind tell you to endure it. They're seeing someone who has been asleep for the better part of a decade in an object that has more significance than you comprehend. <<case "o3">>No matter how you feel, it won't stop them, and telling them off would likely cause more trouble than it would be worth. <<case "o4">>It's certainly an ego boost— you won't deny it. You //are// important, aren't you? Let them look. <</switch>> Edme seems not to notice your reaction— they stack their papers as neatly as they can given their warped geometry, entirely focused on handing them over to the first receptionist— who smiles knowingly at something out of sight? <<linkreplace "From behind Edme, a gentle (yet not wholly kind) voice speaks." t8n>>//"Is that $them?"//<<set $knowleo to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>character met!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $leofirstmoralenote to $morale>> Edme jolts, whirling around to reveal a woman of average height and light beige skin. Her tired eyes peer through circular wire glasses at them. Her long, oak-brown hair is tied up in a high ponytail, and bangs parted in the middle fall across her forehead. In one hand she holds a leathery journal. In the other is a pen. "Ms. Galán," Edme sighs in relief, clutching their hand over their heart. "Please stop doing that!" Silvery eyes flicker over to them. "...Sorry. 'Twas not my intention to frighten you." "Well, since you're here, I might as well introduce you," they say, recovering from their earlier fright. "Monitor, this is Leonor Galán, another member of your cadre." "Nice to meet you," you say. "'Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monitor. ...Let's hope this lasts." Edme nervously smiles. "Come on now, Ms. Galán, there's no need to be so pessimistic. Anyway, Monitor, she's been here the longest of anyone in your cadre, so you can definitely rely on her!" Leonor only blinks slowly at them. "Please... I'm hardly helpful." *<<link "Hardly helpful? Edme wouldn't be speaking so highly of her if that were true." 'meetleo'>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "That's fine. It's not as though you're particularly helpful yourself." 'meetleo'>><<set $option to "o2">><<set $leotrust to $leotrust + 3>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><</link>> *<<link "How reassuring..." 'meetleo'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>><</linkreplace>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"...I suppose that's true," she reflects, glancing at Edme, who gives her an encouraging smile. "If advice is something you truly need... then I can certainly try." "Exactly!" Edme beams. "You're more capable than you think." <<case "o2">>"Indeed... we are rather similar, in many regards," she says, raising a curled hand to her chin, tilting her head slightly as she mulls over your words. "Regardless... if 'tis advice you need, I will try my best to give 't." "That's the spirit!" Edme encourages. <<case "o3">>"Sorry," she says again. "If you need advice, then I will try to meet your needs." "It's okay, Ms. Galán!" Edme encourages her, frowning at your words. "You're capable. I, of all people, would know that!" <</switch>> "Actually... there is something I'd like to ask you, if you wouldn't mind," Leonor says, fixing you beneath her owlish gaze. "...Are you fond of poetry, Monitor?" "Um, don't you think that's an odd question to ask for an introduction...?" Edme asks hesitantly. "I'm simply curious," the woman responds, tilting her head slightly. "I don't believe anything I said was offensive." "Well, that's true..." //(So, //do// you like poetry?)// *<<link "Yes, you do." 'leoresponse'>><<set $leotrust to $leotrust + 3>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "No, you don't." 'leoresponse'>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale - 6>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "Does it matter?" 'leoresponse'>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"'Twill not be so," she promises gravely. "Apologies if 't sounded... //stressful.// But... I need to think, now, about what my offerings will be... so if you wouldn't mind, could you continue with your errands?" "We will!" Edme jumps in. "Thank you, Leonor— and Monitor will be seeing you again for dinner, so please be there!" She bows her head. "I will make sure of 't. Farewell, then." <<case "o2">>"I'm glad," she responds, the faintest smile on her face. "Until then... please be patient." "We will!" Edme jumps in. "Thank you, Leonor— and Monitor will be seeing you again for dinner, so please be there!" She bows her head. "I will make sure of 't. Farewell, then." <<case "o3">>"Oh... but I feel that I must," she frowns. "Apologies if 't sounded... extravagant. I'll ensure 't isn't overwhelming." "Thank you, regardless!" Edme jumps in. "We must be going now, though— and Monitor will be seeing you again for dinner, so please be there!" "Ah, yes... I'll make sure of 't." <<case "o4">>"Ah..." Edme looks chagrined at the forlorn expression on Leonor's face. "Monitor, are you su—?" "No, I would not force them," Leonor interrupts quietly. "I appreciate your kindness, Edme. Yet you should finish your tasks." "Agreed," calls out one of the two receptionists. "While we'd love to listen in, we've got work to do, and you're awfully distracting." "Oh— oh, we'll get going, now," Edme says. "Sorry for being a bother!" <</switch>> With a hasty wave farewell, Edme leaves the two receptionists alone with Leonor. "Ah, Ms. Galán really is thoughtful, though," they say to you after she's out of earshot. "I think it would be nice if the two of you got along. [[For now, though, let's see what I have left|edmenav]]."

"I've brought the report!" Edme announces, approaching the two of them. The receptionists glance at each other out of the corners of their eyes— one blinks at the other, and the other blinks back, and that must've been enough to convey a conversation because the second returns to his work while the first turns his head to answer Edme's call. The two receptionists look near identical, with heads of short, wavy black hair and eyes a similar dark hue. The //clack-clack-clack// of the second's typewriter faintly echoes; the first pushes his chair out— the scraping sound makes your skin crawl— and rises, moving in front of the cabinets. "Give it here, then," he says, crooking a finger towards Edme's briefcase. "Of course, of course!" They slide their briefcase onto his unoccupied desk, unlatching it and letting out a mortified gasp at the half-crumpled papers. As they attempt to flatten out the typewritten pages, you notice that the second receptionist's gaze is fixed upon you— the first, at least, is more subtle with the way he observes you. *<<link "You hate how it feels. All these eyes on you, watching, waiting… They should mind their own business." 'whoisleonor'>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><</link>> *<<link "While it's uncomfortable, it's to be expected. You seem to be rather important." 'whoisleonor'>><<set $option to "o2">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You really don't feel a particular way about it. It is what it is." 'whoisleonor'>><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're actually preening, somewhat, at the attention." 'whoisleonor'>><<set $option to "o4">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>>

"Come in," she calls out, tone still as soft as ever. You hear the door open at her call, and someone shuffles inside. "Good afternoon, Director!" Albrecht says from behind you. "I was just checking up on our Monitor. After all, Edme gave me permission to give them a tour of the place. I hope I didn't interrupt too much." "Dr. Albrecht. Not the person I was expecting to see," she comments, and you think she sounds amused. "No, we were just finishing our conversation. Please, go on, don't hurry on my account." "Thanks," he says cheerily, and address you next. "Ready to go?" <<if $morale < 29>>"Yes… I’m ready," you say after a moment, grappling with the information overload you’ve been given. So many terms… names… and your body— it’s out there.<<elseif $morale > 71>>Yes, I’m ready," you respond eagerly. You have so much to learn about this place. The rest of your body is fine, so there’s no need for you to worry about it right now.<<else>>"I’m ready," you respond, mulling over all the new information flooding your brain. Illusory Zones… Missions… you have a lot of food for thought. Especially given the fact that your body is apparently safe.<</if>> "Good, good," he responds. "Now, if you don't mind, could I stick you on my lapel...? Like Edme did." You acquiesce. He does so carefully. The director is silent as Albrecht deftly attaches you to his lapel. He smells faintly of cigarette smoke and leather. Once you're fastened, he waves farewell to her, and you can catch the gesture from your periphery. "Goodbye, director," he proclaims with a theatrical half-bow. "And thank you for your time!" "Goodbye," you echo. "Farewell, Mr. Albrecht, Monitor," she says, and you have the distinct feeling you're being watched, [[even as you exit.|alb-gotonav2]]

"Come in," she says, tone still as soft as ever. You hear the door open at her call, and someone shuffles inside— "Hi, Ms. Director," Edme says. "Um, I hope I wasn't interrupting!" The director sounds as though she's smiling faintly. "Not at all. I take it you're here to show Monitor around?" "Y-Yes! If you wouldn't mind, I could take $them now?" "Only if $they'<<re>> ready," Feliciénne says, motioning towards you. <<if $morale < 29>>"Yes— I’m... I'm ready," you say after a moment, grappling with the information overload you’ve been given. So many terms… names… and your body— it’s out there.<<elseif $morale > 71>>Yes, I’m ready to go now," you respond eagerly. You have so much to learn about this place. The rest of your body is fine, so there’s no need for you to worry about it right now.<<else>>"Ready enough," you respond, mulling over all the new information flooding your brain. Illusory Zones… Missions… you have a lot of food for thought. Especially given the fact that your body is apparently safe.<</if>> "Oh, good," Edme says, relieved. "If I may...?" You allow them to pick you up, just as carefully as they did prior. You're getting more used to the sensation of being poked through fabric. (You're not sure how you feel about that, but as is par for the course, you're not given long to dwell.) "Goodbye, director," they say, and with a wring of their hands, [[Edme leaves with you at their side.|edme-gotonav2]]

Albrecht takes you on a meandering path through the twisting, densely organized halls. "How was your talk with the director, by the way? <<if $moralestart > $moraleend>>You seem a little worse for wear<<elseif $moralestart == $moraleend>>Can't quite tell how it went based on how you're acting<<elseif $moralestart < $moraleend>>You seem more chipper than you were earlier<</if>>." <<linkreplace "How can he tell?" t8n>>"Oh? Just a hunch."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Why does he want to know?" t8n>>"Dunno, I was just curious. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."<</linkreplace>> *<<link "Change the subject." 'alb-gotonav3'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "Answer him honestly." 'alb-gotonav3'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "Lie and answer as neutrally as possible." 'alb-gotonav3'>><<set $liar to $liar + 1>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "You don't want to talk about it." 'alb-gotonav3'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Talk? It was fine," you dismiss. "What have you been doing? <<if $clemency > 50>>Just standing around?" "Um, kind of," he says, scratching the back of his head. "Not really a lot to do, and your meeting couldn't have lasted //that// long, you know?"<<else>>Not eavesdropping again, I hope?" He lets out an amused huff. "I wouldn't dream of it."<</if>> <<case "o2">><<if $moralestart > $moraleend>>"<<if $candor > 50>>"You're right," you answer, still feeling the creeping sense of sickness at what you've learned. "It was more... distressing than anything."<<else>>"You're right. It didn't help," you answer hesitantly. The sick feeling still hasn't left you.<</if>><<elseif $moralestart == $moraleend>>"Honestly, it didn't help nor hurt," you answer.<<elseif $moralestart < $moraleend>><<if $candor > 50>>"I //do// feel better, actually," you respond with a tentative laugh.<<else>>"Truly, it didn't hurt," you respond.<</if>><</if>> "I see," he notes. "Well, regardless, you gotta keep your head up. Nothing else to do." <<case "o3">>"She told plenty of information," you respond, avoiding anything... sensitive. Vulnerable. "It was a lot to consider." "Oh, I could imagine," he says, scratching the back of his head. " <<case "o4">>You really don't want to talk about it, and when you express this to him, he gives a noise of affirmation. "Understandable, I suppose. We don't have to talk about it, then." <</switch>><<set $actionpoints to 0>> He ambles down the hall for a moment before he comes to a sudden halt. "Almost forgot! I planned out a little tour for you— we only have so much time, though, [[so here's what I have planned.|albnav]]"

<<linkreplace "<<if $knowdell>>As if summoned, Dell stalks in, looking even grumpier than they did when you first met them.<<else>>A person you can only assume to be Dell stalks in, looking supremely grumpy.<</if>>" t8n>><<if not $knowdell>>They're tall— not quite as tall as Albrecht, but close— with pale skin and straw-colored hair running loose to their mid-back. They have a sole pink eye— the other is covered by an eyepatch hiding most of the right half of their face. It's embroidered along the edges in gold thread; a simple design of vines.<<set $knowdell to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>character met!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><</if>> "Good evening," they announce tersely, and take the empty seat next to Leonor, refusing to look anyone in the eye. "So you're finally here," Fastvi says, eyeing them quizzically. "What was holding you up?" "I do not wish to speak of it," they respond with an irritated sigh. "...Are you alright?" asks Leonor, lowering the bite she was about to take. "I am //quite fine//," they say, sighing even louder. "I would be thrilled to have the chance to eat without an interrogation, thank you very much." "Oh... 'Twas not my intent to interrogate..." Dell frowns at Leonor's crestfallen tone. "I am //aware// that it was not your intention. That is why I am telling you to cease." *<<link "Let their late entrance go." "pa2-dinner2-great">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 2>><</link>> *<<link "Worry about how poor their cooperation seems to be." "pa2-dinner2-poor">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere - 1>><</link>> *<<link "Keep pushing on why they came late." "pa2-dinner2-awful">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere - 2>><</link>> <</linkreplace>>

"So about the next mission," you decide to ask, "what can we expect for that?" Fastvi sits up straighter, and her tone becomes more focused. "We're going to be performing a more elaborate scouting mission. We'll be examining the rules governing the Zone and reporting back on them." "'Tis but a show," Leonor adds. Fastvi shoots a questioning glance at her. "A show," Leonor repeats. "For the Imperatum. 'Tis only a showing of the Monitor." "It's true," Yoshinaga says quietly. He lets out a quiet huff of laughter. "Won't be too much trouble, though." "That's the spirit...?" Albrecht blinks, and Yoshinaga shrugs. "It's not like they'll do anything too physically difficult with so much at stake." "You shouldn't overestimate Zones," Fastvi chides. "But I don't think you're wrong. It'll be likely be more mentally intense than anything." Yoshinaga hums in agreement. They seem to have reached a mutual agreement on their level of suffering. Looks like your question landed safely. <<include "dinner1-round3-options">>

"So, these missions... how often do you tend to... //succeed?//" Everyone's face darkens. "I would not like to disclose that," Leonor informs you. "Come //on//," Fastvi says, exasperated. "We pull our own weight. We're not at the performance of some of the other cadres, but we're nowhere near the bottom of the ladder. And yes, we'd be higher-ranked if //some people// actually //tried//—" Albrecht winces at that— "but we're not useless." "We just need a lot of practice," Albrecht encourages— but really, everyone can tell that he's saying it for his own sake. "And look! We have our leader back!" Yoshinaga seems unimpressed. Time to change the subject. The awkwardness is unbearable. <<include "dinner1-round3-options">>

!!!—act two begin There's nothing to do but to think, to feel. *<<link "You're crumbling." "p-a2-morale">><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "You don't know anymore." "p-a2-morale">><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You're... you're okay." "p-a2-morale">><<set $option to "o3">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">><<if $morale > 71>>(But that's not quite right, is it?) <<include "p-a2-highmorale">><<elseif $morale < 29>><<include "p-a2-lowmorale">><<else>>(Even so, you're holding on.) <<include "p-a2-midmorale">><</if>> <<case "o2">><<if $morale > 71>>(Oh, but you do.) <<include "p-a2-highmorale">><<elseif $morale < 29>>(You do. You do know, as much as you'd like to pretend otherwise.) <<include "p-a2-lowmorale">><<else>><<include "p-a2-midmorale">><</if>> <<case "o3">><<if $morale > 71>><<include "p-a2-highmorale">><<elseif $morale < 29>>(But that's a blatant lie.) <<include "p-a2-lowmorale">><<else>>(But you're not as confident as you may want to be.) <<include "p-a2-midmorale">><</if>> <</switch>> <<if $devotion > 65>>*<<link "The betrayal is stinging. You placed your fragile trust in his hands and he shattered it." "albenter">><<set $devotion to $devotion - 6>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><</link>><<else>><</if>>\ *<<link "Nothing yet has shaken your faith in him." "albenter">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><</link>> *<<link "This has to be a part of his plan." "albenter">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "There’s nothing else to do but what he desires. You have very little freedom, you’re realizing." "albenter">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "He can’t be trusted. Anger sparks in your soul." "albenter">><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "o5">><</link>> <<if $reset > 0>>*<<link "All you can think of is that //hand//— the curdling fear in your bones—! Death is at your doorstep, and you must keep him at bay." "albenter">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><</link>><</if>>\

How your skin //crawls//— you feel sick with rot, rot that you just //know// will consume your body before you ever have the chance to reunite with it. You were never given a choice, not truly.<<if $stoutheart > 0>> But you cling to this life anyway, unable to let yourself go wholly. That’s the reason you’ve been brought here, isn’t it? Your ability to survive like a cockroach, to rise no matter how many times you’ve been crushed?<</if>> A tainted thought of a woolen overcoat bubbles up. You can’t ignore it.

Your skin prickles faintly. Is your body out yonder, still, somewhere in this unknown? Closer than you think, or already melting into the soil with worms boring into your flesh? A smiling skull? In this body of metal, you feel untethered.<<if $stoutheart > 0>> Your innate resilience, thankfully, is letting you weather the waves of your stormy mind.<</if>> Inevitably, though, it’s the thought of a woolen overcoat that you drift towards.

Anticipation boils over in your heart. Even if you //are// in a body of metal, it’s only one of the many concerns occupying your thoughts— //where are you? What will happen to you?//— yet even you can admit to yourself that you’re treading the waters of your mind better than you could’ve imagined.<<if $stoutheart > 0>> You suppose you can credit that to your strong sense of resilience. It’s why you’re here, isn’t it?<</if>> But regardless, it’s the thought of a woolen overcoat that floats up beyond the rest of your worries.

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>You know he said he couldn't explain what was happening, but this just feels so //unfair//. You don't know when— or even //if//— you'll see him again, but already, remarks borne from spurn are brewing on your tongue. //Why? Why you?// It's not as though he made grand promises, but you feel bitter nonetheless. <<case "o2">>If your loyalty were so easily bent, you would not have been chosen for this mission. Even if things are not to your expectations, they’re to //his// expectations, and that’s what matters most. <<case "o3">>He... he had to have known what was going to happen before you even met him, if his behavior with the pin was any indication. Those dark eyes are too knowing for that to be untrue. You must continue to follow his lead, nebulous as it is, if you want any chance of your questions being answered. <<case "o4">>What use is a thing like trust? If you're hurt, so be it. It's naïve to assume that he has your best interests in mind, but he //is// the one who seems to know far more than he lets on. Maneuvering in the dark as you are, you have little choice but to rely on him to be your guiding light. <<case "o5">>How could he involve you in this madness? You deserved to know what was going to happen. This isn't right, isn't //fair//— you can't let him think that he can get away with this. <<case "o6">>Your lungs ache faintly. For how long was he lying in wait, a snake waiting to strike? For how long were //you// there? You don't want to die. That's really all. <</switch>> <<if $option is "o2" or "o3">>As you steel your loyalty<<elseif $option is "o1" or "o5">>Stewing in your rage<<elseif $option is "o4" or "o6">>Drowning in your melancholy<</if>>, the minutes crawl by— but then the door //creaks// and you’re ripped from your thoughts. <<linkappend "It inches open laboriously." t8n>> <<linkappend '"...Edme?"' t8n>> But the one who appears from behind the door [[isn't Edme at all.]]<</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

A unfamiliar man is moseying towards you.<<if $reset > 0>> The first thing you see is his long jacket— and for the briefest of moments, you mistake him for another, and your heart squeezes with fear.<</if>> He’s tall, far taller than Edme; broad-shouldered and sturdy-looking. His skin is a cool light beige, his hair a vibrant red (with a very slight wave; parted on the right), and his eyes, focused on you, are a powdery blue. He’s dressed similarly to Edme<<if $morale > 50>> (and you, you suppose, before you found yourself here)<</if>>, with the black dress pants and shoes; though, instead of their blazer, he has a high-collared black trench coat. He comes up to you— with his every forward movement, your heart clenches with nerves— <<linkappend "and when he finally reaches you—" t8n>> He... he squats down to be eye-level with you? He rests his arms on the table, crossing them over one another. His eyes are crinkling in an amiable smile. //What in the world...?// "Hey, there," he greets. "You're up, aren't you? If not... this is really embarrassing." *<<link "No, you're up. And this is...?" "meetalb">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're up. Unfortunately." "meetalb">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Who is this and why is he here, firstly?" "meetalb">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Remain silent." "meetalb">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>><</linkappend>>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Character met!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $knowalb to true>><<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>His smile widens. "What a relief— I’m not a total fool! The name’s Albrecht. Albrecht Schenk. It’s nice to meet you." <<case "o2">>"Ah, am I such bad company?" he complains (though if the way his smile changes to a half-smirk is anything to go by, he's only teasing). "You wound me." <<if $clemency > 50>><<if $morale < 29>>"Sorry," you respond quickly, uneasy despite his playful tone. "No need to apologize," he responds, waving his hand as though brushing your apology away.<<elseif $morale > 79>>"Of course, of course," you respond, matching his playfulness. He lets out a chuckle.<<else>>"I didn't mean it like that," you protest, and he chuckles. "Only teasing! No apology necessary."<</if>><<else>><<if $morale < 29>>I didn't mean it like that!" you snap, and he looks surprised at your tone. "It's okay," he responds placatingly. "I wasn't insulted, honest!"<<elseif $morale > 71>>"If you say so," you lightly respond with a sigh. So he’s that sort of person.<<else>>"This isn’t the time for jokes," you frown. "Sorry, sorry. Just wanted to lighten the mood," he says placatingly.<</if>><</if>> Taking a deep breath, you realize that you should probably introduce yourself. <<case "o3">>"Calm down," he complains at your barrage of questions. "I'm Albrecht— Albrecht Schenk, and I'm here because I heard Edme talking about you having woken up." <<if $clemency > 50>>"Is that so?" you say. If he overheard it, then there’s really no helping it. "It was a public conversation, so it’s not like I was trying to eavesdrop," he says in his defense.<<else>>"So you eavesdropped?" you ask suspiciously. He looks mildly insulted by your accusation. "If you put it like that, then maybe, but it was a public conversation!"<</if>> "Alright, alright," you say with a sigh, letting the subject go. Eavesdropper or not, he's clearly here for a reason. You might as well introduce yourself. <<case "o4">>"Hum..." He shifts to rest his head on a hand, eyeing you, and you’re <<if $clemency > 50>>just starting to feel bad<<else>>beginning to wonder if you should've simply replied to him<</if>> when he speaks again. "Well, maybe I misheard the news… either that, or I’m worse company than I thought. Oh well. Just in case, though, I’m Albrecht— Albrecht Schenk," he sighs. He waits a few more seconds, squinting at you, as if he can compel you to speak through gaze alone. After the moment passes, he stands up with a grunt, making to leave. "Ah, what the hell! I’m glad nobody’s here to laugh." But— you should ask him some things, shouldn’t you? You might be missing out on an opportunity, aren't you? //(It's for the best.)// <</switch>> <<if $option is "o4">>"W-Wait!" you yelp, and he freezes, spinning around. <</if>>"I'm... Monitor." <<if $morale < 29>>(You have to drag the "name" from your throat; the sounds scrape uncomfortably as they leave.)<<elseif $morale > 71>>(The "name" comes out more easily than you expected.)<<else>>(The "name" sounds strange on your lips.)<</if>> "It's nice to meet you<<if $candor > 50>>... but why are you here, of all places?<<else>>, though I'm not sure why you're here.<</if>>" Based on his outfit, he probably works here, and from the way he's acting so friendly, he surely has some idea of who you are. After all, Edme did. Though… you're <<if $morale < 29>>already expecting the worst from him<<elseif $morale > 71>>curious as to what his business with you might be<<else>>anxiously wondering who he is<</if>>. <<if $option is "o4">>He perks up at the sound of your voice. "I knew I wasn’t crazy! It’s nice to finally meet my superior after so many years. [[The name's Albrecht— Albrecht Schenk.|albamnesia]]"<<else>>"Aw, how could I resist? You’ve been out for seven years. [[It’s high time I got to meet my superior!|albamnesia]]"<</if>>

//...Superior? …Years…?// "What do you mean, //superior//? And //how// many years?" "Huh? What do //you// mean?" he returns, confused, and at that, you feel the beginnings of despair latch on to your heart again. "No, what do //you// mean, what do I mean? 'Superior'? I'm— I'm not //anyone's// superior." You can almost see gears turning in his head as his startled expression morphs— his brow furrows then slackens as he reaches the same conclusion that Edme did. "Shit. Amensia?" ...There's no point in even trying to hide it<<if $romanticism < 50>>, as much as you'd like to keep your cards close to your chest<</if>>. Edme already knows, and you doubt that they'll keep it secret. "Yes. Amnesia." He lets out a slow breath, pursing his lips. "That explains why Edme was tenser than usual. Erm, I wasn't really expecting this, and I don't think I'm allowed to tell you want you want to know— classified information, and all— but... things aren't as bad as they probably seem, okay?" *<<link "Yeah, right— they're worse." "pa2albresponse">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "If he says so..." "pa2albresponse">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "Your agitation continues to mount. Everyone you've meet seems intent on keeping you in the dark." "pa2albresponse">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "It's not hard to believe that, actually." "pa2albresponse">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Thanks, it's because they're worse," you respond, anger rising up and tinging your tone. "You have no idea what has happened to me in the past few hours— //years//—?! Hell, I don’t even know how time //works// anymore!" He holds his hands splayed in the air placatingly. "Okay, okay, I hear you! I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through, because you've evidently got a lot on your plate— but the director is definitely going to call for you soon, and she’ll help you through this. Understand?" "And what makes you say that?" you say, hackles still raised. "I don't know her." //You don't know if you can trust her— trust anyone.// "Look— she's good at this whole 'introduction' thing, and I'm really not, so just— just bear with it for while longer, okay?" he pleads. You don't grace him with a response. He sighs. <<case "o2">>"I guess," you say, unsure. "C’mon, now," he encourages. "It’ll all work out. Edme was headed right for the director’s office, so I imagine the director will be calling for you any minute now. And she’ll definitely have the answers to your questions." <<case "o3">>"That’s nice and all, but I really just want my questions answered," you say, exhausted and indignant. Why does nobody seem to understand that? Fuck, you’re tired. "They will be!" he says encouragingly. "Edme was en route to the director’s office, meaning they’re probably setting up a meeting with her as we speak. And believe me, the director is a very forthcoming individual! She’ll get you oriented. I doubt you can ask her any question she won’t know an answer to." "Is that true?" you ask with a shaky breath. <<if $morale > 50>>You'd like to believe it, but can you really?<<else>>You don’t know him. You don’t know if you can //trust// him.<</if>> "Really and truly." He sounds confident. <<case "o4">>"They really aren’t as bad," you answer, and he smiles again. "See? It’ll all work out! And when the director calls for you— I saw Edme go towards her office, so it’ll definitely be soon— she’ll be able to answer your questions. She knows everything that goes on around here, so there’s practically nothing you can ask that she won’t know." She knows everything? "That’s relieving to hear," you agree. <</switch>> "Besides that, though," he says, rubbing his chin. "Sorry for springing all of that on you. If I’d known, I would’ve gone about this differently. I guess… the most important thing for you to know is that you’re technically in charge of me— and some others, too— and we’ll be working closely from now on. You’ve been out for //years//, but I joined after you did, so there’s no need to worry about any dark and tangled history between us." "Wait, //others//?" you start disbelievingly, but before he can elaborate, the door to Edme’s office is fully flung open. [[In rushes Edme with a stressed glaze over their eyes.]]

<<if visited() is 1>>They beeline right for their desk, so preoccupied that they don't even notice Albrecht standing there until he clears his throat— and they drop all the slightly-crumpled papers they've started to stuff into a briefcase when he does. "Mr. Schenk?!" they exclaim, clutching their hands to their chest, taking a startled step back. "What are you— How did you know—?" "Hello, Edme," he grins, cheer rejuvenated by the presence of a new person (as if he hasn’t scared the living daylights out of them). "News travels fast around here, doesn’t it?" They glare at him, slowly lowering their hands to their sides as they take a deep breath. "Well, //yes//, when you're being nosy, it does. And besides that, you shouldn't even be here! Monitor? Are you okay? He didn't do anything to you, did he?" "No," you say unsurely, and Albrecht gives you a thumbs up. "We're regular pals!" he declares. "You really couldn't expect me to stay away for long, could you? After all, they're... //they're//...?" He pauses for a moment, squinting at you. "How //do// you refer to yourself, anyway? I never got to find out."<<else>>"Sorry, must've misheard. Let's start from the top, shall we?"<</if>> ...Well. Firstly, you prefer... *<<link "...feminine terms of address, like Ms. or Ma'am." "pronounselect">><<set $address to "fem">><</link>> *<<link "...masculine terms of address, like Mr. or Sir." "pronounselect">><<set $address to "masc">><</link>> *<<link "...neutral terms of address, like Mx. or Associate." "pronounselect">><<set $address to "neu">><</link>>

"And pronouns?" <<textbox "$they" "Subject pronoun (e.g. she, he, they)...">><<button "Submit">><<set $they to $they.toLowerCase(), $They to $they.toUpperFirst()>><</button>> <<textbox "$them" "Object pronoun (e.g. her, him, them)...">><<button "Submit">><<set $them to $them.toLowerCase(), $Them to $them.toUpperFirst()>><</button>> <<textbox "$their" "Possessive adjective (e.g. her, his, their)...">><<button "Submit">><<set $their to $their.toLowerCase(), $Their to $their.toUpperFirst()>><</button>> <<textbox "$theirs" "Possessive pronoun (e.g. hers, his, theirs)...">><<button "Submit">><<set $theirs to $theirs.toLowerCase(), $Theirs to $theirs.toUpperFirst()>><</button>> <<textbox "$themself" "Reflexive pronoun (e.g. herself, himself, themself)...">><<button "Submit">><<set $themself to $themself.toLowerCase(), $Themself to $themself.toUpperFirst()>><</button>> //(Would your pronouns use singular or plural conjugation?)// <div class="options" align=center><<button [[singular|genderselect]]>><<set $plural to false>><</button>> <<button [[plural|genderselect]]>><<set $plural to true>><</button>></div>

"All right… so you prefer <<if $address is "fem">>feminine<<elseif $address is "masc">>masculine<<elseif $address is "neu">>neutral<</if>> terms of address, and your pronouns are $they, $them, $their, $theirs, and $themself. As in, '$they walk<<s>> to the store,' right?" *[[Yes, that's right.|yourpronounsareaffirmed]] *[[No, that's not right.|In rushes Edme with a stressed glaze over their eyes.]]

"Got it, thanks. Anyway, as I was saying! After all, $they'<<re>> the one who's going to be in charge of me, so how could I not investigate?" "Hmph." Edme still looks displeased, but their worry for you clearly outweighs their annoyance with Albrecht. "Thank you for telling us that, by the way, Monitor. Your answers haven't changed since last you've had to answer those questions, but it's good to check these things!" *<<link "Have your responses ever changed?" "edmeaffirm">><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "At least they care...?" "edmeaffirm">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><</link>> *<<link "It's kind of the bare minimum." "edmeaffirm">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"If they've changed?" Edme contemplates your question. "Well, I only saw your responses briefly— they were from the day you underwent the procedure. If they changed before that, I wouldn't know. You'd be better off asking the director for permission for those files." <<case "o2">>"Of course we care!" Edme responds indignantly. "We would never dream of disregarding something like that." <<case "o3">>"Naturally, which is why I asked," Albrecht intervenes smoothly. "Gotta establish a baseline of trust, you know?" <</switch>> "Anyway," Albrecht says. <<if $morale < 29>>"You seem like you're in real rough shape. Must've had a rough time, huh?" "I thought the same," Edme frets. "Monitor, the director's mission won't be possible with you like th—" they wring their hands as their face flushes with embarrassment— "wait, not that that matters! The first priority is your wellbeing!" "Woah there," Albrecht huffs. "Don't get too ahead of yourself... but it's not like you're wrong, anyhow. I can't see the director sending us off with someone so clearly on the brink." "Sending us off...?" Anxiety is bubbling up again. You really cannot take this.<<elseif $morale > 71>>"You seem to be in pretty good shape, all things considered, Monitor. Must've been a nice rest, huh?" "If you'd seen them earlier, Mr. Schenk, you'd disagree!" they say, outraged. "They were nowhere near this collected!" "It was just a rough awakening," you say sheepishly. "It's been a lot to get used to." "I know what you mean," Albrecht sighs theatrically. "When I was younger, after a party, I'd—"<<else>>"You look a little shaken, Monitor! Had a rough awakening, huh?" "I'm glad you agree," Edme worries. "I thought for a moment we'd have to fall back on the secondary protocols." "You know, you're perfectly capable of getting by //without// such drastic measures. Relax a little!" "Secondary protocol...?" you ask. That... sounds incredibly nebulous. Dangerous, even. What, exactly, were they planning on doing to you?<</if>> <<if $morale > 71>>"O-kay!" Edme interrupts, clapping their hands together. "<<else>>Edme takes a deep breath, squeezing their eyes shut for a moment. When they open it, they have a wide smile plastered on their face. "O-kay! <</if>>Let's take a step back! Monitor, this is Mr. Albrecht Schenk! He's one of your cadre, a group of people specifically trained to work with you! So! You only need to worry about yourself right now! No thinking of anything or anyone else!" *<<link "No, no. You're pretty sure Albrecht was saying something important." "edmeaffirm2">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're relieved for the opportunity to focus on yourself." "edmeaffirm2">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Even still... you don't think you could relax right now. Not in a building full of strangers who clearly have an investment in you." "edmeaffirm2">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You'd honestly kind of like something to do right now. Just to take your mind off the horrors." "edmeaffirm2">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> <<if $morale < 29>>*<<link "Wellbeing? //What// 'wellbeing,' Edme?" "edmeaffirm2">><<set $option to "o5">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>><<else>>\<</if>><<if $morale > 71>>*<<link "Awfully nice of them to offer that, but you've been adjusting just fine." "edmeaffirm2">><<set $option to "o6">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>><<else>>\<</if>>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>records updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<switch $goalb>> <<case true>>Edme's right. You should probably try to familiarize yourself with this place and these people, especially since it's looking like you'll be spending a rather long time here. "I'll go with Albrecht." "A wonderful choice!" he responds, beaming. "I'll keep you out of trouble, don't worry." "Please do," Edme says, sounding like they'll be sick from stress.<<case false>>It might be good to get to know more about him, but Edme is the only face you're familiar with, and you're not keen on ripping yourself from the little that you know. "I'd rather stay with Edme, actually." You can't quite see their face, but their suprise is evident enough. "//Really?// Are you sure?" "Well, if that's what $they want<<s>>, I'm not going to argue," Albrecht says breezily. "I'll be seeing $them again later, anyway." "Later?" "Oh yes," he hums. "Mandatory team bonding is tonight. Practically a family dinner!" <</switch>> "So, how would you like me to take you to the director's office?" Edme ventures before Albrecht can continue. "It would probably be easiest for my to just carry you... but sticking you onto my lapel would let you see a lot more." *<<link "You'll take the lapel option. You— you don't like being touched. Even with metal anatomy, you think the sensation would be unbearable." "touchaversecheck2">><<set $touchaverse to true>><</link>> *<<link "You don’t have a preference either way, but the lapel option would probably be most efficient." "touchaversecheck2">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">><<if $morale > 71>>He cracks a smirk at your response. "See, I knew you'd undestand me! Edme, listen to $them, $they know what $they'<<re>> talking about." Edme almost rolls their eyes before they catch themselves, putting on a formal tone. "Mr. Schenk, that's enough."<<else>>"Aw, I appreciate you caring about what I've got to say, but it's for the best that we don't discuss that now," he says, avoiding your gaze with an awkward smile. "I agree," Edme interjects. An edge of desperation lights in their eyes as their hands wring together.<</if>> It's doubtful that either of them will be any more forthcoming, so you <<if $fervor >= 50>>begrudgingly <</if>>let the topic drop.<<if $fervor < 50>> It's probably for the best.<</if>><<if $morale > 71>> (Although... you might ask him more later. Partying?)<</if>> <<case "o2">>//Rest...// Now that you think about it, your eyelids feel rather heavy, don't they? They want to tug down, down, down... You're acutely aware of the fatigue, now... "Rest sounds nice," you agree, $voice voice <<if $voice is "soft">>even fainter than usual<<else>>faint<</if>>. "The day's not over yet," Edme says. "You just have to keep going a little longer!" If they say so. <<case "o3">>Edme tries to catch Albrecht's eye after you share your uneasy sentiment, but he doesn't meet it. "That figures," he says, rubbing his chin. "I'd be on edge myself, being told to relax around a bunch of strangers." "But we won't be strangers for long!" Edme jumps in. "I promise, you'll feel better soon!" "And why would that be?" you ask suspiciously. You can't fathom anything that could make you let your guard down around this strange duo, much less anyone else you might meet. <<case "o4">>"Nice sentiment," Albrecht says, bemused. "Let's hope you won't have to eat those words." "Albrecht!" Edme exclaims, and then addresses you. "Don't listen to him, Monitor, he's just a whiner. We treat all of our employees with all the respect they deserve! And I understand that you may feel... //cooped up// right now, but you should really take it easy." <<case "o5">>Edme looks distressed at your bitter tone. "I'm really sorry that you feel that way, but I'm sure you'll feel better after some time has passed! It's supposed to heal all wounds, isn't it?" (Albrecht lets out a quiet huff at that last remark.) "I know it's rough," Albrecht says appeasingly.<<if $reset > 0>>(But what does he know of death? Of hands wrapped around his throat, forcing him into darkness?)<</if>> "But there's plenty of people who are more than willing to help you out here. Just take it slow, okay? Just like Edme said." <<case "o6">>"Nonsense!" they insist. "You deserve some rest— //real// rest, not that coma!" "Can't say I disagree," Albrecht muses. "You'll want all the rest you can take." <</switch>> "Anyway, Monitor, what I came here to tell you was that the Director would like to speak with you. Afterwards, I have some work to do, so would it be all right for Mr. Schenk to show you around after your discussion with the director? Just to refamiliarize yourself with the facility." He gives a friendly smile at the notion. "As good an idea as any. What do you say?" The two of them look at you expectantly. Edme adds, "It would be a nice way to meet the people you're working with, you know! And I'll only be running boring errands." "I don't bite," he promises. *<<link "Agree to go with Albrecht." "touchaversecheck">><<set $goalb to true>><</link>> *<<link "You'd rather stay with Edme." "touchaversecheck">><<set $goedme to true>><</link>>

<<switch $touchaverse>> <<case true>>"The lapel," you say firmly. Being carried by hand feels like a nightmare cage. "I'd rather not be touched." "Good to know," Albrecht notes. "Understood!" Edme nods seriously. "I don't know if that's in your file already, but I'll submit a request to just in case!" They pull a handkerchief from their pocket— it's blue, with white checkers— and gingerly lift you up. You don't know what kind of sensation you're expecting when the pin pierces the dark fabric of their lapel, but the muted touch prickles you anyway, like being rubbed against a harsh, scratchy fabric. There's another faint prickle when it's fastened in place, and then nothing. "Good?" Edme asks. "Good," you respond. (As good as it's going to get.) <<case false>>"The lapel does seem easiest," you acquiesce, and Edme sets to fastening you to their lapel. You're not sure what you're expecting when the sharp point of the pin pierces the dark fabric, but it's faintly scratchy. There's another faint prickle as you're fastened in place, and then nothing. <</switch>> With your new vantage point, you can see the full scope of Edme's office. It's... a smaller affair than you were imagining. The radio you heard earlier is on a shelf against the far wall, which had previously been behind you; the table you were on was a rolling desk. <<if $goalb>>"Well, I'll be seeing you, then!" Albrecht says, and with a little wave, exits the office.<<else>>"Bye, then," Albrecht says, and with a little wave, exits the office. Before he does, though, he adds with a smile: "It was interesting meeting you, Monitor."<</if>> "Finally," Edme sighs, relieved, and they finish collecting their papers. *<<link "Is he so bad? They seem to dislike him." "leaveoffice">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You feel similarly relieved." "leaveoffice">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You're not keen on either of them. Not that you'll say it to either of their faces." "leaveoffice">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "Did he //have// to leave...?" "leaveoffice">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Oh! I'm sorry I made it seem that way," they jolt. "Really, it's just that he's so... lackadaisacal, compared to the other four. Not that he's incapable, of course!" <<case "o2">>You think you've had enough of him to last you a lifetime. "Oh, you agree?" Edme asks, perking up. "Really, I can't stand slackers!" <<case "o3">>Neither of these two strangers seem trustworthy. Come on, how could you possibly expect either of them to be truthful with you? <<case "o4">>To be honest, you were kind of enjoying his company. Edme jolts when you comment that. "Oh, I don't mean to put him down! He's not //bad// company at all. It's just that he's a bit... lackadaisacal, compared to the others." <</switch>> [[With their briefcase in hand, Edme steps into the hallway, nudging the door closed behind them with their foot.]]

The hallway is a long space with wooden floors— with its caged off-white plaster walls and a ceiling yellowing along wood trim, it's wide enough for four people to walk abreast even with the strange metal contraptions. Hung on the walls are paintings depicting various types of flora— thin, segmented grasses, tendrils with broad leaves, and reeds. The air smells vaguely of mildew. "Sorry about the mess," Edme apologizes, their words speeding up as they speak nervously. "It's hard to keep things from getting damp in this climate, but we're managing just fine!" <<linkreplace '"This climate?"' t8n>>"Oh, yes, Mont Guainer catches all the rain as it travels west."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "It certainly seems like it's a problem." t8n>>You're distracted by the stretching mildew pattern curling on the ceiling. <<if $morale < 29>>Like the tendrils of some eldritch beast, it lurks in wait, spreading slowly.<<elseif $morale > 71>>It reminds you a bit of a billowing breeze. Or maybe strokes of a paintbrush? Whatever it is, it's strangely entrancing.<<else>>Its yellowy reach seems to have grown far without any prohibition.<</if>> "W-We have it under control, though! I promise! And nobody's ever gotten sick from it before, so there's no need to worry! This kind of thing is typical on this side of the mountains."<</linkreplace>> <<if $clemency > 50>>You decide not to press further, feeling a little bad for them. They seem to be constantly stressed, don't they?<<else>>If they say it's under control, it must be. They seem like they hold a position of importance, and they wouldn't have been appointed as such if they were irresponsible.<</if>> Changing track, you ask, "What's the director like?" "The director is very kind," they answer with sudden confidence. "I'm sure you'll feel a lot better after talking to her!" [[Better? That remains to be seen.]]

Edme takes you through the building. The rest of what you see isn't dissimilar from the first hall; it's more plaster walls, plank floors, and zero windows. The smell of mildew is rather pervasive— and though you're not sure how you're even capable of smell, it's another thing you're quickly learning not to read too much into. Eventually, they come to a stop in front of an imposing door. It's stained a dark color, and the grain of the wood is very fine. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the reflection of the doorknob— <<if $metalcolor is "antique brass">>brass<<elseif $metalcolor is "dark gunmetal">>gunmetal<<else>>$metalcolor<</if>> and $gemcolor against brass. "This is it," they tell you, voice hushed. They rap their knuckles against the door— once, twice, thrice. "Come in, please." The voice that reaches from behind the door is soft, feathery;<<if $voice is "soft">> much like your own<<elseif $voice is "strong">>quite different than your own<<else>>not like your own<</if>>. With permission granted, [[Edme opens the door and slips inside.]]

As it swings open, you're struck by how brighter the room is compared to the hall just a few steps away. Large windows, speckled with condensation, open up the space to the sunlight peeking through a smattering of clouds. A large desk sits abandoned before the window. Off to the side, hidden from the light, a creased gray curtain hang from rings bolted into the ceiling, sectioning off a corner of the room. "Good afternoon, director," Edme hesitates, facing the partition. A strong herbal scent pervades the air. The soft voice diffuses through the fabric. "Thank you for bringing $them, Mx. Thouvenot. If you would, please put $them on my nightstand." "Yes, ma’am!" they squeak and station you on its surface, between a stack of densely-lettered papers and a white ceramic mug. You're right next to the curtain, now— you strain your eyes, but the fabric is thick and opaque. "Is there anything else I can do for you?" "That is all, thank you," she responds politely. "I believe you have enough to do already." "Oh? Really?" Edme says, a hint of disappointment in their tone. You can hear their footsteps recede slightly. "Well, I’ll be off, then. See you later, Monitor!" The door clicks shut behind them, leaving you alone with the director. <<linkappend "Once silence has settled, she speaks again." t8n>> Her voice turns friendly. In this room, it is clear that she perceives a companion— but to you, there is only a stranger. "Welcome back, Monitor. My name is Félicienne Cotte. I'm the current director of the Zone Clearance Program. I understand that this is a strange situation for you, and I promise that I will answer as many of your questions as I can." You inhale as her words reach you. <<if $morale < 29>>*<<link "The reassuring quality of her voice cuts loose the emotions that have been building up ever since you found yourself conscious." "directorresponse">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $morale to $morale + 6>><</link>><</if>>\ *<<link "Your tension is easing considerably." "directorresponse">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You don’t trust her. Not yet, at least. But you’ll at least be able to have your questions answered." "directorresponse">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Finally. //Finally//, someone will give you answers." "directorresponse">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link "‘Welcome back’? You’re sick of this place already. Can’t they let you go?" "directorresponse">><<set $option to "o5">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> <<if $morale > 71>>*<<link "Yes, it may have been strange at first, but you’re… okay, surprisingly." "directorresponse">><<set $option to "o6">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><</link>><</if>>\<</linkappend>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"...Thanks," you croak, voice suddenly thick. You don’t trust yourself to speak more, so you leave it at that. Her voice turns empathetic. "Of course. You’re okay now. Everyone here is here to help you, Monitor." She says it with such conviction that you can’t help but be convinced by her. <<case "o2">>"Thank you," you say, exhaling with relief as your turbulent emotions ease. "No need for thanks. It’s only what you deserve," she returns emphatically. <<case "o3">>"If you say so," you respond. Everything about this place is just so slightly //off//, as much as you’d like to convince yourself otherwise. But you have limited options, and you’re not keen on throwing away an opportunity like this one. "Of course. I’m here to support you," she responds gently. "You’ll feel better once you have some answers." <<case "o4">>"Finally," you say, desperation seeping into your tone. "There are just so many things I don’t understand— please, help me." She sounds pitying, now. "Please believe me when I say that I will, Monitor." <<case "o5">>"Look, I don’t know what I’m doing here, but I do know that I don’t want to be here," you say, imbuing your tone with as much distrust as you can. "Could you let me go?" You can hear the frown in her voice. "I’m sorry, Monitor, but you’ll feel differently once you’ve had your questions answered, I’m sure." <<case "o6">>"Thank you," you say, and she’s evidently not expecting you to be so chipper, but she sounds pleased. "Of course," she responds. "I’m glad you’re adjusting well." <</switch>> //Now, where to start?// <<include "director-hub">>

<<if visited("Ask about where you are.") is 0>>*[[Ask about where you are.]]<<else>>\<</if>><<if visited("Ask about yourself.") is 0>>*[[Ask about yourself.]]<<else>>\<</if>><<if visited("Ask about the people here.") is 0>>*[[Ask about the people here.]]<<else>>\<</if>><<if visited("Ask about yourself.") is 1 && visited("Ask about where you are.") is 1 && visited("Ask about the people here.") is 1>>*[[You just have one question left, but before that, you have to ask...]]<</if>>

"Geographically, you're in the marshes of the outer fringes of Sepulture, one of the cities in Whilom— which is name used in Sepulture for this continent. You're in the main facility for the Zone Clearance Program, which is a program dedicated to inspecting, managing, and, if necessary and possible, neutralizing Illusory Zones, which are..." She trails off, searching for words. "The most comprehensive way to describe them are as locations incongruent with the reality in which they are, whether that means the climate, flora and fauna, or spatial arrangement. Some are more incongruent than others." <<linkreplace "Incongruent with reality...?" t8n>>//...Maybe... that place could've been...?// "I apologize if my definition was confusing," she sighs. "But yes, 'incongruent.' Some are small— such as a garden with a persistent rain cloud— but others are much, much larger, like the Gleaming Plaza in Amduscias, which makes up the central district of the city." You'd like to ask more about this, but your head's starting to spin with all this new information.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Sepulture?" t8n>>"Grim name, isn't it?" she says, sounding appropriately so. "It was originally a burial site, but now Sepulture is one of the largest governing states in the region. Much of our funding comes from wealthy people from there."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Could you know more about the Zone Clearance Program?" t8n>>"Of course. It's divided into eight Conreis; Edme might have mentioned that much. Each is further subdivided into cadres of a handful of individuals. It's easier to form a sense of camaraderie like that, which is especially useful during particularly dangerous excursions."<</linkreplace>> [[Ask about a different topic.|director-hub]]

"You're..." (She seems unsure of how to answer succinctly.) "You're an employee of the Zone Clearance Program. You've been here for seven years, and six years ago, you volunteered for a procedure that would connect your brain to an item made from harvested materials acquired in an Illusory Zone." <<linkreplace "Harvested?" t8n>>"Yes... Zones rarely produce items we would consider polished, but the raw resources have their own uses."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "What about your body?" t8n>>"Your body is perfectly safe. It's being managed in a separate, secure location, and rest assured that I have spared no expense in its maintenance and protection. For your own safety, I cannot tell you where it is. I'm very sorry if that causes you distress."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "What's your name, and why are you being called Monitor?" t8n>>"So you've forgotten that, as well..." She seems heavyhearted, stressed. "Unfortunately, it's imperative that your anonymity is preserved. In a roundabout way, it's easier that you don't remember. As for the name 'Monitor'? I'll explain that a little later."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "And how can you trust this? You could've been coerced. She could be lying." t8n>>"I'm very aware of how this all sounds to someone who has forgotten so much. But please, //please// trust me when I say that your well-being is at the forefront of my mind. The Program is currently under high pressure from a donor who funded the project you volunteered for. As soon as I'm able to, I'll arrange for whatever you'd like to happen. It's just... not safe, right now."<</linkreplace>> [[Ask about a different topic.|director-hub]]

"Most pertinent to you would be your cadre," she muses. "Nearly all of them were employed after your procedure, so I believe that the first time you'll be with all of them is tonight. There's mandatory team exercises, and your cadre has been regularly meeting for dinner as theirs."<<if $clemency > 50>>(You decide not to mention Albrecht's sudden self-introduction. It feels like it would be getting him in trouble.)<<else>>(Was Albrecht really not supposed to have met you yet, then?)<</if>> The director sounds wry. "They say it's to reduce conflict... I'll let you learn more about them on your own." <<linkreplace "What about Edme?" t8n>>"Ah, Edme," she says. "They're not part of your cadre, but they are the leader of the Conrei to which you belong. They're quite eager, aren't they? That's why I trusted them with your safekeeping. You'll be seeing them fairly regularly."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "What about her?" t8n>>"Me? You already know that I'm the director... but what else could I tell you..? I've worked this position for the better part of two decades, I suppose. It's been a treasure seeing the Program grow. "And if you're asking about why I'm here instead of at my desk?" she laughs softly. "I'm afraid I've become quite ill in the time you've been asleep. Please forgive me for not facing you directly."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Is there anyone else important you should know?" t8n>>"Other important people?" she contemplates. "That would be the other Conrei leaders, though you'll likely meet them gradually. Truthfully, it's you who's the most important. I imagine most people you've met— or will meet— will be very curious as to what kind of person you are."<</linkreplace>> [[Ask about a different topic.|director-hub]]

There's just been one thing eating away at you, gnawing at your heart. It's that place— that doctor— that amalgam of events. <<if $reset > 0>>...That drowning. <</if>>Will you confess it to her? *<<link "No, you will not." "directorlie">><<set $directorlie to 3>><<set $liar to $liar + 1>><</link>> *<<link "You will confess the place, but not the doctor." "directorlie">><<set $liar to $liar + 1>><<set $directorlie to 2>><</link>> *<<link "You will confess it all." "directorlie">><<set $directorlie to 1>><</link>> <<if $reset > 0>>*<<link "You will confess to everything but dying at his hands." "directorlie">><<set $directorlie to 4>><<set $liar to $liar + 1>><</link>><</if>>\

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>records updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<switch $directorlie>> <<case 3>>No, it's better to keep your cards to your chest, you decide.<<if $devotion > 50>> And to reveal Dr. Scree...? Even though he didn't mention keeping him a secret, you feel as though it would be a betrayal nonetheless.<<else>> ...And it wouldn't do to risk the doctor's wrath, even unintentionally. You know he's not here, but still...<</if>> <<case 1 2 4>><<if $morale < 29>>She listens silently as you recount in a wavering tone the manner in which you rose to wakefulness.<<elseif $morale > 71>>She listens intently as you relay the events leading up to your awakening.<<else>>She nods along with you as you attempt to convey the manner in which you awakened.<</if>> <</switch>> <<if $directorlie == 3>>[[With nothing to divulge, you continue to your final question.|The one regarding your purpose here.]]<<else>>"Thank you for telling me this, Monitor," she soothes, and the moment she opens her mouth to speak, your stomach sinks. You can already tell what's coming next. It's clear as day in her tone. "I'm sure it felt very real. But I promise you, more likely than not, it was simply splintering memories. Like a dream— or in your case, a nightmare. <<if $directorlie is 1 or $directorlie is 4>>And if it's any reassurance, nobody with that name has ever been employed here.<</if>>" Of course she doesn't believe you. <<if $fervor > 50>>But you believe yourself. You know what you saw.<<else>>And a small part of you doesn't believe yourself, anymore.<</if>> Shaking off the disappointment, you move on to your final question. [[The one regarding your purpose here.]]<</if>>

<<if $candor > 50>>"What do you want from me, then?" you ask.<<else>>"I don't understand what it is you require of me," you say.<</if>> A part of you fears her answer. <<linkappend '"What I— //we//— <<if $candor > 50>>want from<<else>>require of<</if>> you?" she repeats.' t8n>> "It's cooperation. The lapel pin... it functions as..." (She contemplates how to relate it to you.)"It's as an ear. The sounds you hear are transmitted to the Imperatum who has... the mouthpiece, I suppose, which is your counterpart. All the Impertaum wants right now is to have you go on missions and transmit the sound to her." <<linkreplace "Counterpart? Does that mean—!" t8n>>"No, you're the only one."<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "How'd she even know this was possible...?" t8n>>"...I can't tell you that. Just know that we needed someone we could trust, and that someone was you."<</linkreplace>> *<<link "With every word, your terror builds. Have you ever had a single moment of privacy?" "directorally">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're tuning out most of what she's saying, if only for your own sake." "directorally">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Going along with this sounds ridiculous, frankly." "directorally">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're... excited. Oddly so." "directorally">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "...Nothing about energy acquisition. You'll have to figure out how to get what Dr. Scree needs on your own." "directorally">><<set $option to "o5">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You still don't know how to fulfill the doctor's mission. It's making you nervous, thinking about his displeasure." "directorally">><<set $option to "o6">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><</link>><</linkappend>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>Has she— the director, the Imperatum, you don't even //know//— been watching this entire time...? You clam up— how could you have ever agreed to something like this? <<case "o2">>It feel's like she's talking to you through a pane of glass, like you're only an observer in this conversation. Focus... focus... before it slips away... <<case "o3">>This sounds absolutely ridiculous. Not that having your conscious in a //pin// is a particularly rational idea, either, but this? It's like something out of a fairy tale. Surely she knows how she sounds? <<case "o4">>Against all of your rational thoughts, you feel a slight thrill. Won't this be a sight to see? <<case "o5">>Perhaps it's a hidden feature? You'll have to experiment when you're out of the way of prying eyes... if that's even possible. <<case "o6">>His displeasure... you shiver at the thought. Is he watching, too? How will he know? ...Where is he? <</switch>> "Before you ask, you have not been made a listening device yet. The Imperatum only has an interest in Illusory Zones, and you're the only one able to activate the mouthpiece... and your memory loss //does// complicates the situation," she says with a sigh. "Before, your cooperation was very much secured. But now… you can understand that we don't have that guarantee any longer, regardless of how you may feel, can't you?" How you feel...? <<if $devotion > 71>>*<<link "She's right to doubt you. Your loyalty is with the doctor." "directormission">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 6>><</link>><<else>><</if>>\ *<<link "You're inclined towards the doctor." "directormission">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><</link>> *<<link "...Why pick a side at all?" "directormission">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Neither of them compel you." "directormission">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You feel a stronger pull towards the director." "directormission">><<set $option to "o5">><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><</link>> <<if $devotion < 29>>*<<link "You're definitely not aligned with the doctor, so that leaves you with the director." "directormission">><<set $option to "o6">><<set $devotion to $devotion - 6>><</link>><</if>>\

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>Not that //that// is something you can address openly, not in this place. But you can't imagine your fealty lying with any other. <<case "o2">>You can't deny your loyalty to him. <<case "o3">>You have no desire to confine yourself to either option. (And if that means playing both sides...? Then so be it.) <<case "o4">>Really? These are the best arguments of both— horribly opaque and withholding? They could at least //try// to persuade you. <<case "o5">>She seems kind, and is at least easier to talk to than he is. <<case "o6">>You really only have one choice.<<if $reset > 0>> Naturally, you're not going to follow the one who drowned you.<</if>> <</switch>> She waits for a response for a moment, but when you don't volunteer one, she gives a raspy sigh. You hear sheets readjust from behind the curtain. "You have some time to rest before you'll have to show the Imperatum what we're doing," she continues. "You'll be off to Fleur-sur-Verte in a week. Some townsfolk have been concerned about abnormal activity within a local Zone, so you'll be staying with the Tassain family, who are our contacts in that area. If you could use the pin to show the Imperatum what our investigations entail..." She takes a deep breath. "I would be very grateful." <<linkreplace "And if you refuse?" t8n>>"Please don't make this any harder than it has to be," she says, looking pained. "Refusing puts you in direct danger. If the Imperatum orders for you to be summoned, she may have you destroyed."<</linkreplace>> *<<link "You're deeply unhappy about this, but your priority is staying alive." "directorgoodbye">><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "If you must." "directorgoodbye">><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "This is really a lot of pressure, and it's weighing heavily on you." "directorgoodbye">><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "Sure, so long as you're compensated fairly." "directorgoodbye">><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link "Sounds like a grand old time! You'll do it." "directorgoodbye">><<set $option to "o5">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"I'm sorry it has to be this way," she says, and you find it difficult to believe her. "Is that it, then?" you ask, hostility envenoming your tone. "Anything else you'd like to divulge while I'm here?" <<case "o2">> "Yes, you must," she sympathizes. "I'm sorry it has to be this way." "That's it, then?" you confirm. Nothing to be done about it. <<case "o3">>"It's a lot, isn't it?" she sympathizes. "Take your time." "I don't think that //time// will make this any easier," you respond, fighting the tremble in your voice. "Is this it? Is this everything I get to know?" <<case "o4">>"Compensation will be arranged," she says gratefully. "We offer competitive wages, but... I'll ensure that yours is particularly suitable." <<case "o5">>"Grand?" she questions, and lets out a small chuckle. "If that's how you see it, I won't argue." "Of course," you say, satisfied. "Is that all? Anything else I need to know?" <</switch>> "...That's all." You hear the creak of wood from behind the curtain. "Thank you for listening to me, Monitor. If you're ever in need of anything, please let me know. You'll receive further details on your mission later. For now... please focus on adjusting." And from the door, there's a light knocking. <<if $goalb>><<include alb-gotonav>><<else>><<include edme-gotonav>><</if>>

They pause, giving you a withering stare. "I see no reason to explain myself to you." "You might as well," Fastvi says, poking at the remaining food on her plate. "You're the one that's late." "It's too late to for infighting," Albrecht scolds the three of you. "Let's eat in peace, please." "'T would be best not to incur Mx. Edme's wrath," Leonor agrees. "Hah, afraid of them?" Dell scoffs, but they make no further comment. They stab into their slightly-undercooked watercress. The darkening sky, now indigo, has apprarently brought with it an enervation that has stifled everyone's capacity for arguments. <<include "dinner2-round2-options">>

"I don't really know how this mission is going to go if you can't cooperate," you worry. Dell raises a brow in disbelief. "I do not believe that //you//, a veritable stranger, have //any// grounds for a claim as to our success. How impudent." Yoshinaga looks pleased enough with Dell's rebuttal. It seems that your comment has brought them together— that is, against you. In other words, it's time to draw attention away from yourself. <<include "dinner2-round2-options">>

"How's training?" you ask. The question doesn't seem to offend. Fastvi in particular seems pleased at your question. "Very well," she answers. "I never thought I'd be learning combat— but it's really rather engaging." "Engaging? It's dreadfully tiring," Dell sighs, shoveling a bite of food into their mouth. Albrecht, meanwhile, looks anything but pleased— not angry, but judging by the way he's staring at his plate, unhappy. "Some of us have had steeper learning curves than others." He shoots a glance at Yoshinaga. "Mr. Archer over there's the only one who's really done any of this before." "Doesn't mean you can't catch up," he intones. "But it's not like you make an effort to." Albrecht huffs. "Pardon me for being an academic. I'm not made for athletics." He spears one of his last bites of food onto his fork— really, everyone's plates are in similar conditions. It seems mealtime is nearly over. <<include "dinner2-round3-options">>

"Well, you're here now," you tell them. With a little luck, they won't take this as an accusation. "That's what counts, doesn't it?" <<if $goedme>>"Ah, you're the Monitor?" they frown. "So we finally meet. I hope you do not disappoint." <<if $morale > 71>>"Good. I wasn't planning on it."<<elseif $morale < 29>>"I hope so, too," you respond ruefully.<<else>>"It's nice to meet you too, I guess?"<</if>><<else>>"Ah, you again," they say, their upper lip curling slightly. "I should have known you would be here." "Not many other places for me to go," you frown. <<if $candor > 50>>"I don't know where you thought I'd be."<<else>>"I'm not sure what you were expecting."<</if>> "True enough, I suppose."<</if>> They unfold their napkin, setting it across their lap as they straighten their back. With surprising zealousness, they set themselves upon their meal. With that, conversation flows to the next topic. <<include "dinner2-round2-options">>

"So, why do you have team bonding sessions?" you ask curiously. "Are they really necessary?" You hear Yoshinaga make a comment under his breath that garners him a disapproving look from Albrecht. Eventually, Leonor is the one who summons the kindness to answer your query. "'Tis... the result of poor group performance." //Oh.// At her admission, some of the faces you see wear shame, others frustration. "It is of no fault of my own," Dell harrumphs, "that some people at this table have zero spatial awareness. You should know not to walk in front of my sword when I am swinging it." "I think you should have the awareness to not //attack your own ally//," Albrecht retorts, "no matter how close the quarters may be. And that goes for more than one member of this group." (Fastvi is suddenly very focused on her plate... which is nearly empty. In fact, everyone else's plates are in similar states. The dinner is winding to a close.) <<include "dinner2-round3-options">>

"Well... thanks for having me here," you say, hoping that they'll accept that much. The four of them have worked through just over half of their plates, now— and the sky outside is darkening rapidly. The day's coming to an end. "It's not a problem," says Albrecht, perking up at your words. "It'd be good if we got to know you better." "A more unified front would do our performance some good," Fastvi agrees with a sigh. "Now, if only everyone were here." "Yes, 'tis worrying me," Leonor frowns, pushing up her glasses as she stares at the closed door. "Should they not be here by now?" "They'll get here when they get here," sighs Yoshinaga. "There's no point in worrying about—" And speak of the devil. [[The door swings open.|delldinnerarrival]]

"How was the food?" you ask, watching as the last bites of food are downed— even Dell's. They've practically inhaled their plate. "Good enough," Yoshinaga says, wiping his mouth with his napkin. "It's never //bad//. Just enough." "'Good enough'?" Dell says pointedly. "I can barely stand it. It is a crime to have ever placed a single morsel upon my tongue." "But it's free!" Albrecht grins. "And you can't beat that." [[And it's with the thought of food that dinner ends.|enddinner]]

"I hope I can get this figured out..." "You and me both," mutters Yoshinaga. "I'm sure you will," Albrecht butts in, warningly glaring at Yoshinaga. "We'll get out into the field, and it'll be like you were never asleep at all!" "Even in the most optimistic outcomes, I doubt that'll happen," Fastvi remarks. "I'm aware that memories work mysteriously, but I don't think I've ever heard of an amnesiac instantaneously recovering their memories after being dumped into a warped nightmare of reality." "I can hope, can't I?" " [[delldinnerarrival]]

"It was nice meeting you all," you offer as everyone finishes their meal— even Dell, who has practically inhaled the food on their plate. "It's no problem," Fastvi responds diplomatically once she's swallowed her last morsel of food. <<if $goedme>>"It was nice to make your acquaintance."<<else>>"It was nice to speak with you again."<</if>> "That's the spirit!" Albrecht chirps. "Yes, I quite agree," Leonor agrees. Yoshinaga nods. [[On that contented note, dinner comes to a close.|enddinner]]

"How did the four of you meet each other, by the way?" "Ah... over time," Leonor volunteers. "I was the first. 'Twas, oh, my twenty-fourth year? Then came Yoshinaga... and Albrecht... Fastvi was fourth, and Dell was the last of the quintain." "Time flies," Albrecht says with a reminiscing sort of grandeur. "Not fast enough," mutters Yoshinaga. "And speaking of Dell... shouldn't they be here by now?" frowns Fastvi, glancing at the door. "I can't imagine what could possibly hold them up." "Oh, they were poking around in the library, actually," Albrecht says, matching her expression. "Dunno what's taking them so long, either." (And speak of the devil.) [[The door swings open unceremoniously.|delldinnerarrival]]

You don't say it aloud, but your silence says more than words ever could. ...And judging by the expressions on some of their faces, some people are particularly enthusiastic about leaving. Dell in particular is making up for their lost time, nearly inhaling their plate. Yoshinaga sits with his hands crossed over his chest, Leonor idly folds her napkin up. [[On that imperfect note, dinner comes to a close.|enddinner]]

*<<link "Ask for more details about the next mission." "pa2-dinner1-good2">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere - 1>><</link>> *<<link "Ask how successful these missions tend to be." "pa2-dinner1-poor2">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 1>><</link>>

*<<link "Ask about these 'team bonding' sessions." "pa2-dinner2-poor2">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere - 1>><</link>> *<<link "Ask about their training." "pa2-dinner2-good2">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 1>><</link>>

The last sliver of sun fades away, and for the briefest of moments, the world is dark. "Just wait," Albrecht murmurs. "The first time you really see it... it's a whole different experience." "I //still// don't know what you're talking about." <<switch $groupatmosphere>> <<case "6">>"That's part of the surprise," Yoshinaga drawls. "A little patience won't kill you." "I would quite like to go to bed," Dell sighs wistfully. "Ah, can't they start it a //little// earlier?" "Patience," Leonor reminds them. "'Twill come." "I'll explain more after it happens, Monitor," Fastvi addresses you. "But it's really something you should experience firsthand." <<case "5">>"I'll tell you about it afterwards," Fastvi says, voice hushed. "But it's really something you should see firsthand." Leonor murmurs her assent, and Yoshinaga crosses his arms over his chest. "Any moment now," Albrecht says encouragingly. <case "4">>"I'll tell you about it afterwards," Fastvi says, voice hushed. "But it's really something you should see firsthand." Leonor murmurs her assent as the four of you crowd around the window. <<case "3">>"Yeah, yeah," he says. "I'll explain it to you in a moment. Just watch, for now." "'Twill be soon," Leonor reassures. Fastvi makes a noise of assent. <<case "2">> "Yeah, yeah," he says. "Just wait a little." "'Twill be soon," Fastvi murmurs. <<case "1">>"You'll see." The two of you wait in silence. <</switch>> [[It's so dark...]]

The last rays of sunlight have fled. With the lights off in the room, when you blink, it's as if your eyes were still open. Faint breathing fills the silence. "What am I supposed to be—?" //"Shh!"// You clamp your mouth shut <<linkappend "and wait." t8n>> <<linkappend "And wait." t8n>> <<linkappend "...And wait..." t8n>> Low vibrations— rumbling through the air, the ground— you //feel//. You can't see, but you can //feel// it awakening from its slumber. Your skeleton thrums with the energy of something ancient— unknowable— opening its eyes to the darkness— There's a low //click//, loud enough that you tremble in its echoing— [[And light!]]<</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

<<if $dinnerresults > 2>>"Well," Albrecht yawns after what he has deemed a suitably contemplative period has passed. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I think I'm due to turn in for the night."<<else>>"I don't know about you, but I'm due to turn in for the night," Albrecht murmurs, tearing his eyes away from the sight.<</if>> <<switch $dinnerresults>> <<case 6>>"Same here," Yoshinaga yawns, stretching his arms behind his back. "Can't believe I stayed up for this. ...Wasn't //not// worth it, though." One by one, the rest murmur their agreement. <<case 5>>"Agreed," says Dell, who also yawns, covering their mouth with their hand. "It is rather late. I must retire." Fastvi gives a similar statement, and Leonor (who somehow looks wide awake) murmurs her assent. <<case 4>>"I am, too," Fastvi says with a barely-suppressed yawn of her own. "I'll see you in the morning." Leonor nods, murmuring something similar (though she doesn't look tired at all). <<case 3>>"As will I," Leonor murmurs— yet her eyes are as wide open as ever. "Good night, Albrecht, Monitor." <</switch>> "Um," you ask, slightly awkwardly as Albrecht moves over to turn the lights back on. The sudden brightness causes you to squint once more, eyes smarting. "So, when was Edme going to pick me up...?" <<if $dinnerresults > 2>>Leonor blinks blearily at your query. "Ah... you're right... where indeed...?"<<else>>"Oh, that //is// a problem," Albrecht sighs.<</if>> <<linkappend "And once again, as if summoned, the person you're looking for appears." t8n>> "I'll be handling that!" Edme, <<if $dinnerresults > 2>>like Leonor,<<else>>somehow,<</if>> looks wide awake despite the late hour. Their arrival ushers in the departures of the rest— though with your mind increasingly fogged by exhaustion, each is as ephemeral as a dream. <<switch $dinnerresults>> <<case 6>>"Ah, good," Dell yawns. "I'll be retiring for the night, then." Like a ghost, they fade into the darkness of the hallway, hair swishing behind them, glinting faintly in the glow of the lamp. Yoshinaga disappears shortly after with a wave— then Fastvi and Leonor, each bidding you a good night, leave next. Albrecht is the last. "Get some rest, now," he says sleepily. <<case 5>>Yoshinaga is the first to leave, disappearing into the darkness of the hall after a quick goodbye. Fastvi and Leonor each bid you good night before they make their own retreat. Albrecht is the last. "Get some rest, now," he says sleepily. <<case 4>>"Good night," Leonor mumurs, and Fastvi echoes her statement. They depart together into the darkness of the hall. "Get some rest, now," Albrecht urges before he, too, waves farewell. <<case 3>>"Good night," Leonor murmurs. "Get some rest, now," Albrecht says. They depart into the darkness of the hall together <<case "2">>"Bye," Albrecht says shortly, and with a small wave, he disappears into the hall, trench coat swishing out behind him like a bat's wings. <</switch>> Your lids are so, so heavy. "Let's get you to bed," they say softly. [["It's been quite the day, no?"]]<</linkappend>>

Edme lifts you off the table, cushioning you with their hankerchief. Your lids... they slip shut for a second. They open, you're in the hall; they slip again, and you're back where you first started— only with heavy navy curtains drawn shut and lit by a candle. You don't have the energy for more thought. You descend onto a silky cushion. The flickering light is extinguished with a pinch. "Sleep well," they say, words sifting through the haze of your mind. "Should you need anything, just call out, okay?" "Okay," you say, barely above a whisper. They smile. "Good night, Monitor." [["Good night..."|goodnight]]

*<<link "Express your thanks for their time." "pa2-dinner2-great2">><<set $groupstmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 2>><</link>> *<<link "Ask about how the food was." "pa2-dinner2-good3">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 1>><</link>> *<<link "You're glad this dinner is nearing its end..." "pa2-dinner2-poor3">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere - 1>><</link>>

*<<link "Ask about how they all met." "pa2-dinner1-good3">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 1>><</link>> *<<link "Tell them that you'd appreciate their help as you adjust." "pa2-dinner1-great2">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere + 2>><</link>> *<<link "Say that you hope that you'll figure all this out." "pa2-dinner1-poor3">><<set $groupatmosphere to $groupatmosphere - 1>><</link>>

"Let's visit the library," you decide.<<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>> "Good choice," he approves, and you can practically hear his beaming smile. [["We'll be there in a minute!"]]

"Can we go visit the training grounds?" you ask.<<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>> Albrecht nods in response, redirecting his path. "You're the boss," he hums. [["We'll be there in a few minutes."]]

"We could visit the dormitories, now," you suggest, and Albrecht nods.<<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>> "Yeah, that sounds really good right now," he agrees. <<if $knowfast>>[["I //really// need to change out of these clothes, anyway."|dormarrive]]<<else>>[['"I, for one, could use a break."'|dormarrive]]<</if>>

True to his word, Albrecht deftly navigates the winding halls, bringing you into a vast room. Arching stained glass windows with the likenesses of robed and armored figures in brilliant reds, blues, and purples give it an ethereal glow; rows and rows of tomes extend up and over throughout the chamber, which has all manners of nooks and crannies for poring over the library's contents. A people mill about the silent room. "Here we are," he says proudly (though he lowers his volume). "Pretty great place, isn't it? There's all kinds of fun stuff to poke around in." It really does seem that way. You're transfixed on its sheer volume as Albrecht wanders on, blabbing about the different periods of literature he's browsed here. He moves closer to one of the librarians' desks, where a woman with light brown hair, tied up in a tight bun, is filing away index cards. "Good afternoon, Marie," he calls out, leaning on the desk. Her oak-brown eyes flit to him— and then to you, where they widen briefly— before shutting the open filing cabinet with a soft //click// and turning her attention to the two of you. "Good afternoon, Mr. Schenk," she responds, readjusting the cuffs of her tweed blazer. (She's still casting sidelong glances towards you. Awe, shock.) "Your latest order arrived yesterday. Would you like to pick it up now?" "Oh, did it really?" he says with great interest. "I didn't think it'd get her so quickly. Ah, I'd love to take it off your hands now, but... I'm in the middle of a tour." He gestures towards you. "Just showing off all the renovations that have happened these last couple years. Could you hold onto the books for just a little longer, please...?" She nods, finally tearing her gaze from you. "Yes, that's perfectly acceptable. ...I hope your time is pleasant, <<Mx>> Monitor." "Thanks," you reply, if only out of social obligation. "Mx. Waldroup is in the newspaper section, if you'd like to meet them," she adds, withdrawing from the countertop and returning to her previous activity. "Ah, they are?" His tone is much less interested, now. "Thanks for the info." ...As he turns away, out of your periphery, you see her glance over at you again. *<<link "All those eyes, watching and waiting… They should mind their own business." "library-back">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><</link>> *<<link "It's uncomfortable, having so many eyes on you, but expected. You seem to be an important person around here." "library-back">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You can't bring yourself to feel any particular way about it." "library-back">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You have to admit that you're preening at the attention. Just a little bit." "library-back">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1", "o2">>Your discomfited demeanor is evidently apparent, because Albrecht diverts from the main aisle towards the back to walk along the sides, avoiding the majority of the individuals occupying the library. //…Did he do that on purpose?// "Sorry," he says sheepishly, confirming your suspicions. "Should've figured all the attention would be a lot, given the circumstances." <<if $candor > 50>>"Thanks," you admit. "I appreciate it."<<else>>"You didn’t have to." you respond quietly. "Thanks, though."<</if>> "Don’t worry about it," he responds, friendly as ever. "By the way… when we meet Dell… they're, ah… how do I put it? Just don't let what they say get to you, okay?" <<if $morale > 50>>"Well, that's foreboding," you frown. Albrecht chuckles. "You can say that again."<<else>>//Don't let what they say get to you?// You're already getting worried. "Will it really be that bad?" "I mean, most likely? Probably not. But I felt that a fair warning was warranted."<</if>> <<case "o3">>Truly, it doesn't matter any which way to you. Let them look. Let them ignore you. At the end of the day, you'll be just fine. <<case "o4">>"Don't let the attention go to your head, now," he teases, noticing how you're puffing up at the attention. "Unless you //want// Dell to crush your ego." <<if $morale > 50>>"Crush my ego? That's certainly foreboding," you respond, bemused. Albrecht chuckles. "Don't say I didn't warn you."<<else>>//Crush my ego…?// you muse, choosing to ignore his earlier comment. "They sound intense." "Hah, intense is probably the best way to put it."<</if>> <</switch>> Albrecht takes you further into the library, past where most others have ventured. Among the dusty bookshelves, rifling through a stack of old newspapers, is a tall, wiry individual. They're pale, sole eye is rose pink, and their long hair a light blonde. The other eye— really, the right side of their face— is covered with a dark patch, the edges embroidered with a golden vine pattern. "That's Dell Waldroup," Albrecht says, hushed. "Remember, don't take anything they say to heart, okay?" And then, louder, before you can interject, he calls out in a sing-song voice: [["Oh, De~ell!"]]

Immediately, their rose-pink eye flickers towards Albrecht, zeroing in on the way he waves only half-playfully at them. Hanging from their waist is a leather scabbard with a slight curve, and as they stand to turn towards the two of you, a hand is already drifting towards it. Their face is painted with utter irritation.<<set $knowdell to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>character met!<</notify>><</if>><</if>> //Is… is that a real sword?// "//You?//" they ask, narrowing their eye. "<<if $knowfast>> Firstly, you look absolutely filthy— have you, by chance, been rolling around in mud? Don't you //dare// dirty anything. Secondly, for<<else>>For<</if>> //what//, exactly, could you possibly be bothering me? I believe I made it //abundantly// clear that I was //not// interested in—" Finally, their eye hones in on Albrecht's lapel, where you're suddenly feeling self-conscious. "And whatever are you doing with //that//?" they question incredulously. "...Refrain from informing me, actually. I care not to know." They turn away pointedly. "Do not make yourself at home." "Don’t be such a downer," Albrecht says with a wide grin, coming up behind them to peer over their shoulder at the stack of newspapers. "We can finally do what we were hired for! Weren’t you the one complaining about dying of boredom? And don’t be so rude to $them, either!" "I am //not// being—" They freeze. //"$Them?"// "That's right," Albrecht gloats. "$They'<<re>> up." They look at you again. <<linkappend "You can't tell how many expressions flit over their face before they huff and turn back to face you." t8n>> "This changes nothing. I am very busy, so do make yourselves scarce." "Come on. Acting like this isn't exactly socially acceptable, you know? You're not even going to give $them a 'nice to meet you'?" Their eye flashes. "More socially acceptable than acting like a //buffoon// every time you see a woman that looks //remotely// close to—" "Hey, now, you can't be saying that, especially not when—" "Do not //dare//, or I swear that I shall—" Dell is beginning to look murderous, and Albrecht's face holds barely-disguised indignance. This is quickly getting out of hand. So much for not taking things to heart. You should probably intervene, shouldn't you? *<<link "But intervene? //Now?// You'd end up getting hurt." "albdellargue">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "...It might be interesting to see how this plays out." "albdellargue">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust - 3>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale - 3>><<set $ruthless to $ruthless + 1>><</link>> *<<link "Attempt to distract them. What was that about Albrecht's order earlier?" "albdellargue">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Attempt to distract them. What's Dell doing with those newspapers?" "albdellargue">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> <<if $silvertongue > 0>>*<<link "You... you might actually be able to diffuse this." "albdellargue">><<set $delltrust to $delltrust + 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale + 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><</link>><</if>>\<</linkappend>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">><<set $albdellargue to 1>>While Albrecht carries no weapon, by his stature alone you're assuming that he has a degree of physical prowess, and Dell's aura of ferocity makes you feel as though they're no easy opponent, either. It would definitely be best for you to stay quiet.<<if $morale < 29>> It's depressingly easy to imagine one of them crushing you just as Scree did.<<elseif $morale > 71>> Surely, they'll work it out on their own?<<else>> You're not sure they would listen to you even if you did speak up.<</if>> "Listen, buddy," Albrecht says, patience clearly worn thin. "We can talk about this later. Right?" "What, why should we not be talking about this now? It's not like //$they'<<re>>// stopping us." "Just stop. Okay? Do you want me to talk to the director about this?" Dell does not deign to grace him with a response, the threat of involving Feliciénne apparently severe enough to quiet them. The two glare at each other in tense silence. <<case "o2">><<set $albdellargue to 2>>The urge comes from within. Will Dell strike? Albrecht looks physically strong. Will he fight back? You’re… invested. "Listen, buddy," Albrecht says, patience clearly worn thin. "We can talk about this later. Right?" //Disappointing.// "What, why should we not be talking about this now? It's not like //$they'<<re>>// stopping us." "Just stop. Okay? Do you want me to talk to the director about this?" Dell does not deign to grace him with a response, the threat of involving Feliciénne apparently severe enough to quiet them. The two glare at each other in tense silence. Ah, maybe next time. <<case "o3">><<set $albdellargue to 3>>"Albrecht!" you yelp, a note of panic in your voice. "What was that about your books earlier?" His next jab dies on his tongue as he lets out a grim, harsh laugh. "I appreciate what you’re doing, really, but I’ve got things covered." You can hear how he forces a smile to his face, can see the hint of it from your periphery as he looks down at you. "But… if you’re really interested… I could tell you about it later?" Dell makes a haughty noise. "I don’t know what you see in those dusty old things." Albrecht’s fists squeeze close before he lets them relax, maintaining a placid tone. "That’s fine. I don’t expect you to appreciate them." He takes a deep breath. "I got ahead of myself earlier– sorry about that. But what you said was uncalled for, too. You know that, don't you?" Dell’s movements still. Silence falls. "...It will not happen again." The atmosphere is still slightly strained, but thankfully, there's no longer any risk of bloodshed. <<case "o4">><<set $albdellargue to 4>>"Dell, what’re you doing with the newspapers?" you say in a panic. Surely, they’re not going to draw their weapon in the middle of the library. "What?" they say with peeved disbelief. "Are you seriously asking about that //now//? That is entirely none of your concern. Do you always engage in such… //micromanagement//?" Albrecht evidently catches on to what you’re trying to do because he takes a deep breath, speaking with strained placidity. "Let's not do this now, Dell. I got too ahead of myself earlier. Sorry about that. But what you said was uncalled for too, you know?" Dell falls silent, pointedly looking away. Albrecht tries again. "You know that, don’t you?" "...It will not happen again." Albrecht breathes a sigh of relief. Tensions might still be high, but at least there’s no longer a risk of bloodshed. <<case "o5">><<set $albdellargue to 5>><<linkappend '"Hey!"' t8n>> Dell freezes, and Albrecht pulls is lapel away from his body to get a better look at you. "Hey, Monitor," he says with a strained smile. "What's up?" "What could you possibly have to say?" Dell scowls. //(Now you've got their attention on you.)// Your courage is crumbling beneath their scrutiny, but you persist nevertheless. "I don't know what's going on between the two of you— but digging up old dirt isn't going to get us anywhere productive. Besides, I'm the one who's the problem right now, aren't I? It's my late awakening that's messing with everyone's plans." "But that's hardly your fault," Albrecht protests. "Even still, it //has// been a problem," sniffs Dell. "So there's no point in attacking each other for a problem that neither of you caused," you say. The two of them are left silently glaring at each other. At least the tension is mostly gone...? <</switch>> Dell folds their arms across their chest, letting out a slow breath. [["I suppose you could explain what is happening, now."]]

"Alright, alright," Albrecht sighs. "To make a long story short, Monitor woke up when Edme was finalizing the last mission report. We’re just... going on a tour right now." "Tour?" Their eye narrows again. "Should $they not already know the layout of the building?" "Um, about that," he says awkwardly. "You see… there might be a small problem?" "Do not pose a statement as a question." "Ah, do you really have to nitpick that? Anyway, what I mean to say is…" he trails off. There's enough time for you to interject. *<<link "Let Albrecht explain the situation." "dellamnesia">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Take over explaining." "dellamnesia">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $delltrust to $delltrust + 3>><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"It's memory loss," Albrecht says. "Everything before the integration procedure began is just— poof!— gone." <<case "o2">>"I have memory loss," you cut in, drawing their gaze to you. "There's nothing at all that I can recall about this place." <</switch>> Their eye twitches. "I see. Unfortunate." "Also, we're going to have a mission some time soon... possibly as early as next week," Albrecht adds. With a start, they whirl around. <<if $morale < 29>>"This day has become worse and worse," they say incredulously, peering at you. "$They do not appear to be in any shape to lead us. How, pray tell, did the director react to this? Surely, she does not expect us to be led by someone barely holding $themself together." "I'm sure she has a plan," Albrecht says placatingly. "She always does. You know that. And hey, waking up like $they did would be hard on anyone, okay? Cut them some slack." "Hmph." Dell directs their next words towards you. "Well, I sincerely hope that you are competent."<<elseif $morale > 71>>"I am sure the director is unhappy about this," they say. Dell eyes you. "$They seem to be dealing with things well. Surprising. $They might not be a total imbecile, after all." "Woah there," Albrecht says defensively. "$They'<<re>> right here, you know? Just because they're adjusting well doesn't mean you can say whatever the hell you want." Albrecht looks down at you. "They've been talking nonstop about how much they've been dreading meeting you, by the way. A total downer." "That was uncalled for," Dell snaps, and then to you: "Well, I hope you are competent regardless. Do your best not to disappoint."<<else>>"This is ridiculous," they huff, peering at you. "$They seem… //disheveled.// And how, pray tell, are we supposed to be led by someone so clearly scattered?" "Easy, now," Albrecht says defensively. "Waking up like $they did would be hard on anyone. Give $them some time." "We don't exactly //have// time for recovery during missions," Dell says, side-eyeing him. They direct their next words towards you. "You had better be competent."<</if>> *<<link "Indignance propels your words. Can’t they cut you some slack?" "dellfarewell">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You choose not to pay them any mind. They can be as bitter as they’d like." "dellfarewell">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><</link>> *<<link "If you’re not competent now, you’ll be damned if you don’t improve." "dellfarewell">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Their words make the pressure on your shoulders heavier by a hundredfold." "dellfarewell">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You don't even want to be here." "dellfarewell">><<set $dellmorale to $dellmorale - 3>><<set $albmorale - 3>><<set $option to "o5">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Like Albrecht said, I've had a rough time," you say, annoyed and feeling the obligation to defend yourself from them. "I've barely been awake for what, two hours? Three? You can't possibly expect someone to be at the top of their game after //years// spent— I don't even //know//— //unconscious?//" "Fine, then. See how you feel later." They look like they don't believe that you'll ever be good enough. <<case "o2">>"If you say so," you hum. They're just being sour, and you're not interested in being dragged down into misery with them. They //tsk// with mild disappointment that you're not taking their bait, but they let it go. <<case "o3">>"If I'm not competent, then I'll become competent," you say, indignant. "I've only been up for less than a day. If there's something I don't know, I'll learn it." "Hah, another idealist. Your words are pointless." <<case "o4">>They're right. How are you expected to lead a group of people when you're so inexperienced...? Judging by the weapon slung around Dell's waist, there's combat expected. How are you going to deal with that? "I'll manage," you say weakly. "'Managing' will not be sufficient," they say airily. <<case "o5">>"Look, I barely know what I'm doing, here," you sigh, tired of the way they're speaking to you. "I don't even //want// to be here." You're so //tired.// Their eye glitters with dark triumph. "It’s as I said, then." They look like they want to say more, but with a glance at Albrecht, their mouth remains sealed. <</switch>> "That's enough there!" Albrecht interrupts lightly. "Let's leave things at that, shall we?" Dell acquiesces, motioning for the two of you to leave. "Yes, I do agree. Do make yourselves scarce, now." "Goodbye, Dell," Albrecht says, rolling his shoulders, stretching. "We'll meet again tonight. Don't skip dinner." "I would not //dream// of missing such a riveting event." You can't tell if they're being sarcastic. [[Albrecht exits the library with you.|albdellopinion]]

Eventually, he leads you through a thick iron door— he braces himself against it, pushing it open with great effort. As it opens to the outside world, you notice the grooves it leaves in the muddy ground. And when you step outside, the first thing you notice is how //humid// it is. You can feel the faint sensation of condensation on your surface. The sky is blanketed by a thick layer of deep gray clouds, so there's no hope of the sunlight burning away the moisture in the air. True to his word, there's a circular field of dirt where a few pairs are sparring. Others are gathered along the sides watching, sipping water from flasks and wiping sweat from their brows. "Is it always this humid?" you wonder, wishing you could wipe away the moisture from your own surface. "Unfortunately," he sighs. "Hence the need for blades and such. Firearms aren't exactly reliable in this climate." He perks up at something he spots. "But hey, look over there! That's Fastvi, another member of your cadre." <<linkappend "He points at a figure in the courtyard." t8n>> A woman, on the shorter side with pale yellow eyes and dark brown, coolly-toned skin, stands before another figure wielding some type of sword. In her hands she wields a spear— a very unfamiliar spear to you; affixed on its end is a long, swordlike blade. Her hawklike eyes are pinpoint-focused on her opponent as they circle each other slowly, and then— [[Like lightning!|watchfastfight]]<</linkappend>>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Character met!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $knowfast to true>><<linkappend "The point of her spear— blade?— thrusts forwards, and he counters, but—!" t8n>> The blade thuds dully against the ground as it slips from his grasp. He raises faintly trembling hands into the air. A glinting death is a hair's breadth from his throat. "You win!" he wheezes. "I surrender! Lower the svärdstav, please?" She acquiesces with a nod, resting its blunt end in the muddies ground as she extends her hand towards him. "That was a good round. We're both improving." "Easy for you to say," he sighs as he regains his footing with a grunt, and as he catches his breath, you notice his gaze slide to you and Albrecht. (And he looks awed, before the awe turns to fear.) "Oh— I'm gonna take a water break... I'll be back later, though." Her gaze follows his, and her posture shifts into a stiffer configuration. "Thank you for your time." As soon as her training partner dusts himself off and departs, she glances expectantly at the two of you watching from across the courtyard. "Terrifying, right?" Albrecht says, beginning to approach her. "She's good at what she does." *<<link "Yep. Terrifying is right." "fastmeet">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Aptly put. She seems to know what she's doing." "fastmeet">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Your heart thunders— but from exhilaration, not fear." "fastmeet">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link "She could easily kill you." "fastmeet">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Even still, she doesn't seem uncaring." "fastmeet">><<set $option to "o5">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><</link>><</linkappend>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>And that was from your position on the sidelines— you can only imagine how it felt to be in the heat of the battle. You're not necessarily //scared,// per se... just... thoroughly intimidated by the concept of it all. <<case "o2">>So there's an expectation of combat here. Does Albrecht fight this well, you wonder? He //is// part of your cadre as well.<<if $reset > 0>>You know that it's in the name of your protection more likely than not, but... can you really expect any protection from them?<<else>> But seeing this display puts you at ease more than anything. She’ll be able to protect you should something happen.<</if>> <<case "o3">>"Incredible," you breathe, glued to the display of power. Could //you// have done that...? Albrecht lets out a half-laugh. "Didn't take you for the type to enjoy blood sports." <<case "o4">>Metal being crushed beneath leather is still fresh in your mind. You’d rather not find out how that feels. Hopefully, you can stay on her good side— or at least, exist unnoticed. But Albrecht, ever perceptive, senses your apprehension and hurriedly backtracks. "She's not //actually// terrifying— I was exaggerating! Really, I'm sure you'll get along." <<case "o5">>Would a ruthless combatant help their opponent up after they've fallen? Of course not. There's nothing to fear. "Fancy yourself a people person?" Albrecht responds, bemused. "But you're right. Really, there's nothing to fear!" <</switch>> Albrecht finally ambles to where she stands waiting, eyeing the weapon in her hands as the two of you trek across the muddy ground. "Nice job out there. He didn't stand a chance." Fastvi tilts her head in acknowledgement. "Thank you for the kind words, but really, it could’ve gone either way. I was testing a different style of holding the svärdstav, so I wasn’t sure if I would be as effective." "Well, you did great, anyway. And if you could spare a moment for poor old me, that would also be great." She raises an eyebrow. "//Poor old you…?// Well, I do have time before I should return to training. I’ve heard some interesting things this morning, and based on your appearance, it looks like they’re true." She directs her next words to you. "Good afternoon, Monitor. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you." <<if not $knowdell>>*<<link "Respond politely. You'll be working closely with her, you imagine." "fastintroduction">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>><<else>>*<<link "Respond politely. You didn't get much of a chance to start right with Dell." "fastintroduction">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>><</if>>\ *<<link "Express awe at her skills." "fastintroduction">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Ask about the sparring match." "fastintroduction">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You try to respond neutrally, but your nerves seep into your tone regardless." "fastintroduction">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale - 3>><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"It's nice to meet you, too," you respond, falling into an almost familiar politeness. She gives you a nod in response.<<if $knowdell>> It's a shame that you couldn't start off right with Dell, but you can make up for that later.<</if>> <<case "o2">>"That was amazing," you admit, excitement ripe in your $voice voice. "It was really nothing," she assures you, "but I appreciate your eye for combat." "Take the compliment!" Albrecht complains. <<case "o3">>"What was the sparring match about?" you probe. "As I mentioned earlier, I'm honing my skills," she answers readily. "I'm not sure how much further you can do that," Albrecht complains. <<case "o4">>"Same here," you respond with an attempt at a genial chuckle, trying to mask the tremble in your $voice voice with affability. If she notices your fear, she chooses to ignore it. <</switch>> "So," she says, casting her gaze towards Albrecht. …Her tone carries the hint of a challenge. "Was this just for introductions? Or did you need anything else?" Albrecht clears his throat nervously. "Yes, that was all! We’ll be goi—" "Why don’t you show Monitor your skills? I'm sure that would be enlightening." "Ah… do I really have to?" he says with a nervous chuckle (and then, he pleads to you). "Help me out here, will you?" *<<link "Sorry, but Albrecht is on his own for this one!" "albfastspar">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 6>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><</link>> *<<link "The mere thought of combat is making you queasy. You plead for her mercy." "albfastspar">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale - 3>><<set $fasttrust to $fasttrust - 3>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Entreat Albrecht to be a good sport." "albfastspar">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $albmorale - 3>><<set $fastmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Ask Fastvi to let it go." "albfastspar">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $albmorale + 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Actually, you were quite interested in seeing another match." "albfastspar">><<set $option to "o5">><<set $fastmorale + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $albtrust to $albtrust - 3>><<set $ruthless to $ruthless + 1>><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"You’re on your own," you respond apologetically. You don’t think you can change her mind. "C’mon," Albrecht complains. "Do you really expect me to do this myself?" Fastvi looks smug. "So you agree, then?" He sighs laboriously, putting his hands up in surrender. "...Alright, alright. Give me a moment to get something to //try// to defend myself with, okay?" Fastvi nods, looking pleased. "Of course. Be back soon." <<case "o2">>"Please don’t," you plead, feeling your stomach turn as she readjusts the grip on her svardstav. "I don’t think I can take it." "What do you mean?" she asks curiously, leaning on her spear. Albrecht cuts in hurriedly. "$They just woke up! $They’<<re>> not feeling well. You wouldn’t make $them suffer through this, would you?" "I thought that you would be used to combat, Monitor," she says with a slight frown. "From what I've heard of you, you're formidable in your own right. It's really //you// that I'd like to test myself against." "Is that so?" you cough awkwardly. "Well, you'll just have to see how Albrecht does." "I will," she says with a sigh, still not quite letting go of her earlier question. "Get your weapon and be back soon, Albrecht." <<case "o3">>"Can’t you do it?" you implore. "I think it would be very cool." "Not you, too!" he groans with mock betrayal. <<if $albtrust >= 6>>"...I suppose, if you’d really like to see it, though… I could. No promises as to how I’ll actually do, though.<<else>>"Ugh, I don’t have a choice, do I?"<</if>> <<if $reset > 0>>//No choice, huh...?//<</if>> "You agree, then?" Fastvi says, pleased. "Fine, fine!" he sighs. "Let me grab my weapon, okay?" "Be back soon. I’ll be waiting." <<case "o4">>"He clearly doesn’t want to," you say, appealing to her. "Can’t you let it go? Just this once?" "That’s very kind of you, but he’s been skipping training sessions. This is the least he could do to make it up." She glances up at him innocently. "Isn’t that right?" "No mercy for me, huh?" he complains. "Thanks for the try, Monitor, but this was always going to happen. Give me a moment to grab my weapon, and I’ll be back." "Of course," Fastvi responds. "I’ll wait here for you." <<case "o5">>"Will you really spar?" you say, unable to contain your excitement. "You say that without hesitation!" Albrecht says with disbelief. "You’re really going to make me go through with this, aren’t you?" "Will you back out?" Fastvi asks, frowning slightly. "Maybe I will!" "I'll let Edme know, then. And I'll let them know about all the other times you've backed out, too." He looks at her in shock, and then sighs laboriously. "I'm outnumbered. Fine, fine. I'll play along." Fastvi nods approvingly, frown disappearing. "Be back with your weapon, okay?" <</switch>> Casting a forlorn glance at the exit, [[Albrecht trudges through the back of the field.]]

They circle for a moment. Albrecht, with his widened stance, looks more focused than you've ever really seen him. <<linkappend "She lunges!" t8n>> <<linkappend "Barely— he deflects—!" t8n>> With a grunt, he pushes her spear away from his person, and Fastvi nimbly retreats several paces. "Woah, there," he complains. "That was too close for comfort!" Fastvi lets out an amused huff, but she has obviously chosen to ignore him, because she lunges forwards once again.You flinch at the gleam of the bright metal of the blade thrusting right towards your field of view, <<linkappend "but—!" t8n>> "Less talking, more fighting," she calls out as Albrecht blocks clumsily. "Can’t you go easy on me?" he pants, and then swings his weapon, but Fastvi sidesteps, easily dodging his follow-up attack. You’re close enough that you can hear the //whoosh// of the morgenstern as he lashes out. <<linkappend "And again!" t8n>> You flinch as Albrecht nearly stumbles. It's all he can do to defend. //Is there anything you could possibly do?!// *<<link "Cheer for Albrecht as best you can." "albfastspar2">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Distract Fastvi." "albfastspar2">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Your eyes remain trained on the combatants." "albfastspar2">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're squeezing your eyes shut and hoping it's over soon." "albfastspar2">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> <<if $sharpeye > 0>>*<<link "...Is that an opening you spy?" "albfastspar2">><<set $option to "o5">><</link>><</if>>\<</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">><<set $albfastfight to 1>>"You can do this!" you say as encouragingly as you can when you’re in a losing battle. "You’ve trained, right? I believe in you!" "Thanks," he answers breathlessly, grunting as he narrowly diverts a stab. He’s clearly focused on enduring the barrage of blows, at least. "But that’s a little distracting!" <<case "o2">><<set $albfastfight to 1>>"C'mon, is that the best you can do?" you taunt— but it is entirely in vain, because Fastvi either doesn't hear you or doesn't care to hear you. "You're distracting the wrong person," Albrecht complains as he narrowly diverts another stab. At least he's holding up? <<case "o3">><<set $albfastfight to 1>>You can't tear your eyes away. It's rather enamoring, the fluidity of battle, the way your eyes are consumed by the flashes of metal, mud, and dreary sky. <<case "o4">><<set $albfastfight to 1>>Unable to bear watching any longer, you squeeze your eyes shut. Your stomach turns with every lurch, and the spinning of the brackish world and bluish sky encourages bile to rise in your throat. <<case "o5">><<set $albfastfight to 2>>Something about the way she's stepping forwards, rotating her shoulders to put as much force as possible through the weapons clicks in your head, a puzzle piece falling into place. <<linkappend '//"Her left,"// you suddenly call out to Albrecht, who freezes up (and is nearly speared once again.)' t8n>> "The hell?" he grunts as he tries to return a hit. "Look, I appreciate it, but—" <<if $candor > 50>>"If you appreciate it, then listen!<<else>>"I know I'm inexperienced, but—!<</if>> It's her left side— when she moves up, she leaves it open," you retort, eyes trained on her stance, heart thrumming with adrenaline and the thrill of a //solution.// "And how do you expect me to work with that?" he complains, blocking another blow. His movements are growing sloppier. //(Is he already tired?)// "You're the one trained in combat, aren't you?!" He sighs with frustration. Fastvi watches the two of you conversing as she continues wearing away Albrecht's energy, curiosity glowing in her eyes. <<if $albtrust >= 9>><<set $albfastspar to 2>>"Well," he says, gritting his teeth as she lands a bruising blow— "If my superior has given me an instruction, might as well do my best to carry it out." The next time Fastvi lunges— //you're quickly learning that there are patterns to this//— <<linkappend "Albrecht, with a spurt of energy—!" t8n>> He clumsily steps forwards— //but he's making a hasty move of his own, lunging forwards, swinging the morgenstern down in a crushing movement—// <<linkappend "And—!" t8n>> She steps out of the way. Unbalanced, he's easily toppled with the butt of her weapon. The ground rushes towards you— but Albrecht shields you with his shoulder, dirtying his trenchcoat as he falls on his arm. //"Fuck,"// he swears, [[nursing what will certainly be a sizable bruise upon his side.|albfastsparend]]<</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</if>><</linkappend>> <</switch>> <<if $option is "o5" && $albtrust < 9>><<set $albfastspar to 1>>"I can handle it," Albrecht says, and to your frustration, ignores what you’ve said. "No offense, but I’m the one who’s actually sparred with her before!" <</if>>And then Fastvi makes a sharp movement, and Albrecht yelps as he takes a glancing blow to his side. //"Dammit,"// he swears. "One of these times, I'll get you— you can't possibly dodge //all// of—!" [[While he's complaining, Fastvi deals the finishing blow.|albfastsparend]]

Albrecht is left flat on his back on the muddy ground, groaning. <<if $albfastspar == 2>>"That was better than before," Fastvi says, pleased, and holds out a hand to help him up. He begrudgingly takes it, letting out a groan of (exaggerated?) pain as he steadies himself on his feet. "I'll take your morgenstern back to the shed." "Thanks," he wheezes. "Monitor helped me out." "Did $they?" "Yeah, impressed me, too." <<if $fervor > 50>>You feel your chest swell with a degree of pride. <<if $candor > 50>>"It was helpful, wasn't it?"<<else>>"Y-You don't have to say that."<</if>><<else>>You feel a little bashful at the compliment. <<if $candor > 50>>"It was helpful, wasn't it?"<<else>>"Y-You don't have to say that."<</if>><</if>> Fastvi cracks a slight smile at your response. "Hm. I won't keep you here any longer. I think you have a problem to take care of." She motions at Albrecht's trenchcoat, and he clears his throat awkwardly. "Yeah, yeah. I'll get it sorted out. Anyway, we'd best be off now."<<else>>"Thank you for your time," Fastvi says, extending her hand out. "This is a lesson in skipping training, by the way." "Don't ask me to do that again," he says, wiping dust from his face, looking balefully at her as he accepts her hand, groaning as he pulls himself upright. "I wouldn't dream of it," she responds with a twinkle in her eye. "And Monitor... thank you for participating, as well." "At least you had fun," he sighs. "We'd best be off now, though. Lots of ground to cover."<</if>> *<<link "It was nice meeting her." "albfastreturnnav">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "...Now that the adrenaline rush is receding, you're rather happy to be leaving this frought place." "albfastreturnnav">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You'd like to watch more sparring matches sometime." "albfastreturnnav">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "The sting of shame from losing taints your farewell." "albfastreturnnav">>set $option to "o4">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $fastmoraleto $fastmorale - 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Next time, you won't lose." "albfastreturnnav">><<set $option to "o5">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $fastmorale to $fastmorale + 3>><<set $fasttrust to $fasttrust + 3>><</link>>

He takes you through the building to a hall— long, longer than you've seen before. It's newer than what you've seen, walls a brighter white, and as Albrecht treads the floorboards, they don't creak in protest. It connects to a larger space— there's... a parlor, of sorts, with mauve couches and a rocking chair. Webbing out from there are orderly arranged doors, behind which you're sure are the dormitory rooms themselves. "So you live here full-time, then?" you ask. "Yep. It's a humble affair, but it's a home," Albrecht sighs, meandering down the hall. He comes to a stop in front of a door with a crack running down one of the panels, and as he reaches into the pocket of his trench coat, and you hear the faint jingling of keys. He withdraws a brassy skeleton key, inserting it into the lock. "Everyone gets their own little place to stay in. We're pretty far away from civilization out here, so... we gotta make do." <<linkreplace "Why's it so far from everything else?" t8n>>"Well, having a bunch of armed weirdos at your doorstep tends to make civilians uneasy," he answers, turning they key. The lock clicks. "Plus it's easier to keep things under the wraps out here."<</linkreplace>> *<<link "Being crammed in together sounds miserable." "enterdorm">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "Sounds fun!" "enterdorm">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "At least the space is being used efficiently." "enterdorm">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"It's not so bad," he answers. "The wings are divided up by age, so at least you're with people in your cohort." <<case "o2">>"That's one way to look at it," he answers, bemused. <</switch>> He swings the door open with a creak, stepping inside. "Home sweet home!" he announces, sweeping his arm across the room. It’s a small affair— longer than it is wide to accommodate a bed, a dresser, a wardrobe (left open, revealing white button-ups hanging), and a desk (piled high with books). "Cozy, isn't it?<<if $knowfast>> Hey, would you mind if I set you on the desk for a second? Gotta get out of this filthy coat..."<<else>> Hey, could I put you on my desk? So that I can actually see you when we talk— and vice versa, of course."<</if>> "Alright," you answer, and he carefully puts you down on the desk. <<if $knowfast>>He proceed to sling his jacket into a basket in the corner and peers into the wardrobe for a replacement.<</if>> He then plops down on his bed, causing the springs to squeak under his weight. "So, are you feeling any better? Any worse?" he yawns. "Hopefully not the latter. But I imagine the director told you about our upcoming mission... and if I were in your position, I'd certainly be stressed." *<<link "You haven't really been able to place how you feel." "albdormresponse">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You don't think the director would risk putting you in any real danger. It'll be fine." "albdormresponse">><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You're definitely not looking forward to it." "albdormresponse">><<set $albmorale to $albmorale - 3>><<<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link "Is //he// stressed?" "albdormresponse">><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><<<set $option to "o5">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"No, no, that's fair," he hums. "It's been a lot to take in, I assume." <<case "o2">>His eyes crinkle in a smile at your words. "That's a good way of thinking about it." <<case "o4">>"I hear ya," he grimaces. "But the sooner it's here, the sooner it'll be over." <<case "o5">><<if $albtrust < 9>>"Me? Stressed?" he chuckles. "Maybe at first. But it's something you get used to... and it's helpful that certain individuals are //far// better at combat than I am. Makes it easy to hang back."<<else>>"Me? Stressed?" he chuckles, but it dies off. "Well, let's just say I'm hoping for the best. It's going to be pretty different with you around. I know you're supposed to lead us, but... well, you know..." He trails off. The implication is clear. You have no idea how to do any of this.<</if>> <</switch>> The two of you lapse into silence.<<if $albtrust > 8>> It's not quite an uncomfortable one.<</if>> *<<link "Make idle conversation." "albdormresponse2">><<set $albtrust to $albtrust + 3>><<set $albmorale to $albmorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Stay quiet." "albdormresponse4">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>>

"The director sure is something, isn't she?" Edme chatters once they're out of her earshot— it's a farther distance than you expected. "You know, she works tirelessly to keep all kinds of people safe! She says that that's the whole reason she first joined the ZCP." *<<link "You let them go on. They're clearly excited to share this with you." "edme-gotonav3">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "With great interest, you listen closely." "edme-gotonav3">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link "That's enough. You can't bear listening to them go on." "edme-gotonav3">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $ruthless to $ruthless + 1>><</link>>

"Let's collect the inventory report," you suggest. Edme makes a noise of enthusiastic approval. "Oh, yes! We'll need to go down to the weapons office for that... [[it'll only be a few minutes!]]"

"We can deliver the report," you suggest. "Let's," Edme nods seriously. "It's important information, so [[it needs to be filed safely away.]]''"''

"Could we go visit your old office?" you ask. "Sure," Edme responds. "It's in the west wing of the facility... not too far, [[but please be patient!]]''"''

Edme escorts you through the winding hallways, chattering on about the variety and quality of the items possessed by the program. "We try to suit our arsenal to the capabilities of our employees, so there's quite a variety!" they explain. "Plenty of people have experiences with weapons local to their homes, so we try our best to provide what they're familiar with. It makes training regimens a little complicated, but it all pays off, really! Ah, we don't have many firearms, though... they're not very useful in these parts." "Not useful?" Not quite what you were expecting. <<if $romanticism > 50>>Somehow, agents dedicated to protection and subterfuge seem incomplete without a firearm when you picture them.<<else>>You'd think their lethality would be useful, given that these Zones you've had described to you seem especially dangerous.<</if>> They chuckle nervously. "I mean, they //can// be used, but... you saw the mold, didn't you? The humidity inside and outside makes them unreliable on a good day. There's been a few poorly-timed misfires that led to the Program restricting their use." Edme quickly changes the topic after that, focusing on taking you through the building while they go on a tangent about the particulars of their own weapon, Eventually, though, they reach a door tucked into the corner of one of the many halls. Edme pushes it open— inside, blades of various shapes and sizes are hung on the walls like trophies. Edme beelines towards the desk, where an older woman with an exhausted face wordlessly hands them a stack of papers tied together with twine. "Sorry for being late," they say sheepishly. "You're forgiven if you can get //him// to leave me be," the woman responds, motioning towards the corner of the room— Edme turns, and there's someone sitting in the corner. He sits in a chair, stringing a bow with tanned hands that are clearly calloused even from this distance. His hair, which matches his eyes, is a violet-gray. He looks to be somewhat shorter than Albrecht. "W-What?!" they splutter, but the woman rises from behind her desk, not bothering answering that question. She calls out: "I'm taking my break now, by the way." "N-Now?!" Edme splutters, but it's too late for them to stop her. [["Ah, well..."]]

Edme takes you through the cramped, winding hallways of the building. Left, right, left again— twisting and turning, you can't even imagine learning the layout of this place. <<linkreplace '"What was that about a previous mission?"' t8n>>Edme makes a noise of affirmation. "Oh, yes, they've been training very hard in preparation for your awakening! That means going on trips to investigate Zones." (<<if $morale >= 71 && $romanticism >= 50>>//What wonderful adventures they must have gone on,// you muse.<<elseif $morale >= 71 && $romanticism < 50>>//At least they'll have a good grasp on what we're to do,// you muse.<<elseif $morale <= 29 && $romanticism >= 50>>//And you're expected to endure the same arduous tasks, aren't you?// you brood.<<elseif $morale <= 29 && $romanticism < 50>>//You're so far behind everyone else in terms of experience,// you brood.<<else>>//So this is a regular thing you'll be doing,// you contemplate.<</if>>)<</linkreplace>> With Edme's guidance, you swiftly reach your destination; they swing open a door, and you enter a larger room, where two desks stand before a wall of alphabetized filing cabinets. Sitting are two receptionists who stare at you curiously. Outside the window, which is dotted with constellations of condensation, [[brackish marshland extends as far as the eye can see.|reception-watched]]

"Guess what, Mr. Yo—?" <<linkappend '//"Thouvenot."//' t8n>> Their mouth clamps shut. He looks over at them from beneath his lashes— then you, and then back to them. His grip loosens as he lets the bowstring go slack, leaning forwards slightly. "You have what you need, don't you?" he says, gesturing towards their stack of papers. Edme laughs nervously. "Aha, I do, but you're here, and the Monitor is here, too, so I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to $them...?" He pauses. "Hm." He glances back at the bow, picking up the end of the string again. "Thank you for your consideration." ...He doesn't say anything else. Well. *<<link "Maybe he's just having a terrible day?" "meiattempt">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Go ahead and introduce yourself anyway." "meiattempt">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Would it kill him to go along with an introduction?" "meiattempt">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Ask if Edme is okay." "meiattempt">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale + 3>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>><</linkappend>>

"Please? You won't talk to me even a //little//?"<<set $meiresponse to 2>> (His eye flashes, but his posture remains relaxed.) Silently, he lowers the bow across his lap. "Will an introduction make you leave?" "It would," you affirm. "In that case, I'm Yoshinaga— Yoshinaga Meijirō. Last name, first name. Not the usual order here, but you'll have to get used to it," he says, leaning on his arm. "And last name only, please and thank you." "That wasn't so hard, now was it?" Edme cheers, clasping their hands together. He gives them a bored look before rising from the stool, setting the bow down where he was. You're right your the assumption that he's shorter than Albrecht, but he's still a full head taller than Edme. "I have a question for you, //Monitor//." <<if $morale > 71>>"A question? Go ahead," you respond, perplexed.<<elseif $morale < 29>>"Me?" you ask, dreading what could come next.<<else>>"Sure," you answer, perplexed.<</if>> "You know anything about combat?" *<<link "Even if you did know anything, you wouldn't be able to remember." "meitalk2">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "Nothing at all, actually." "meitalk2">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You wish you did." "meitalk2">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "Does it matter?" "meitalk2">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link "You bluff. Of course you do." "meitalk2">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 6>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o5">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Huh? Be able to remember?" His eyes dart to Edme. You wish you could see what type of expression they're making in response to his disbelieving one, but you can tell enough by their tone. "Well, //yes//," Edme says sheepishly. "I was going to tell you that there'd be... additional difficulties with Monitor's memory loss. And I was going to ask you for some help in retraining $them!" <<case "o2">>"Not at—?" He cuts his outburst off, head swiveling up towards Edme. "<<Are>> $they serious?" "Um, something might have gone //slightly// wrong during the integration," Edme cringes. "I wanted to ask for your help in retraining $them, actually. They're... going through a bout of memory loss." <<case "o3">>"And that's supposed to reassure me? Wishful thinking won't get you anywhere. I thought you were ready to take this responsibility?" "That's why I was planning on asking you for help, Mr. Yoshinaga!" Edme butts in, wringing their hands anxiously. "I was wondering if you could, uhm... retrain $them?" "Retrain...?" His brows shoot up. "Um, something might have gone //slightly// wrong during the integration," Edme adds nervously. "I think you're the best suited for... reteaching them everything, you know, related to blood and killing and... and such." <<case "o4">>"Does it matter?" he repeats quietly, almost contemplatively. There isn't a trace of hostility on his face. "You tell me. You think I want to be killed?" //Killed?// ...It's going to be that dangerous? "I can always learn," you offer defensively. His brow furrows, and he shoots Edme a dangerous look. "//Learn?// I thought that you were trained." <<case "o5">>"Naturally," you rebuke, hoping that your bluff works. Of course, you haven't the //slightest// ability how fighting works— not that you really know anything outside the bare minimum of everything, right now. He narrows his eyes. "So you'll be able t—" "I didn't know you remembered that!" Edme says, astonished. "I thought you'd forgotten //everything// about your training! Or— did you just get those memories back? Maybe talking to Mr. Y—" For the second time, Edme is cut off. //"Forgotten?"// Yoshinaga repeats. "I was going to mention that... And ask for your help, specifically about that... Monitor could really use your expertise! They've incurred... a bit of memory loss." "So you lied," he says pensively. <<if $fervor > 50>>//Shit, you thought you could've gotten away with it.//<<else>>//Figures. You would've been caught eventually, anyway.//<</if>> <<if $candor > 50>>"Sorry," you answer guiltily.<<else>>"Possibly," you answer halfheartedly, cowed by the look in his eyes.<</if>> <</switch>> He exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. The bow is long forgotten. "Let's say you learn. I teach you strategy, how not to get everyone killed— all that. It's //useless// if you're not able to endure all of that. What, exactly, makes you think you can lead us?" *<<link "Yeah, you're not ready to have another identity crisis." "meitalk3">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're ready." "meitalk3">><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "...You don't think you can." "meitalk3">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "But you can endure. You know you can. You've been doing it over and over from the start." "meitalk3">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"You don't even have //yourself// figured out," he derides you. <<case "o2">>"With what talents? What skills?" he prompts, arms firmly crossed over his chest. "You seriously think you're //ready//?" <<case "o3">>"At least you're honest about it," he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. <<case "o4">>"Yeah, and your //endurance// isn't going to do //shit// when things get rough," he derides you. "We're the ones with flesh that can actually get hurt." <</switch>> "But I—!" "Don't." "Mr. Yo—" (Edme attempts to interrupt him, but he only laughs bitterly.) "You won't make it— you think you're in charge, here? Only on paper. You won't make it in a real fight, you know that?" //"Mr. Yosh—!"// "We'd have been better off—" "That's enough!" Edme snaps— Yoshinaga shuts his mouth, glaring. <<linkreplace "They clench their hands." t8n>> "That's //enough,// Mr. Yoshinaga." Their voice has gone quiet.<</linkreplace>> "You know it's true," he says, and the implication is clear. <<if $morale > 71>>He doesn't think you have the seriousness required for this task, does he? He thinks you a fool, a bumbling fool with $their head in the clouds; weak to the whims of the world. It's not your fault, but— this is how it is. Can you be faulted for wanting to stay bright?<<elseif $morale < 29>>He thinks you too weak, to fragile for whatever danger looms in the shadows of your path. It hurts to think of it— you didn't ask for this to happen to you, you've barely been conscious for hours. Can't //one// thing go right?<<else>>He clearly has sensed some weakness in you— and you'd be lying if you didn't feel a //little// weak yourself, but— it's not fair, is it? You've barely begun, and you're being treated like this? (You know that he's right to distrust you, as he knows it's right for you to distrust you.)<</if>><<if $devotion > 50>> But you were //chosen// for this. The doctor chose //you// for this.<</if>> "I already said that was //enough.//" Their hands fall limp at their sides. Yoshinaga, no longer looking as disobedient, shuts his mouth, bowing his head. *<<link "...You're sorry. You shouldn't have pushed him." "meigoodbye">><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link "That kind of reaction from him wasn't appropriate." "meigoodbye">><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $option to "o5">><</link>> *<<link "You're ready to get away from here." "meigoodbye">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o6">><</link>> *<<link "You don't regret anything." "meigoodbye">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><<set $ruthless to $ruthless + 1>><<set $option to "o7">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>It's the most compassionate way of excusing his silence that you can conjure up. You can hear Edme's strained smile at your leniency. "That's awfully kind of you, Monitor! See, Mr. Yoshinaga, $they'<<re>> by no means a bad person!" <<case "o2">><<if $morale > 71>>"I'm Monitor," you go ahead anyway. "Nice to meet you." Might as well try to make a good first impression... not that it seems likely he'll care.<<elseif $morale < 29>>"Um..." you begin. "I'm Monitor." The moniker still feels so, so uncomfortable to say. But if you're going to be stuck here, you have to muster up the remains of your energy.<<else>>"I'm Monitor," you hesitantly step in. "And you are...?"<</if>> "I believe my name has already been mentioned." <<case "o3">>Your indignance causes him to raise a brow. "Would it kill you to take a hint?" <<case "o4">>"Oh? Me?" Edme says, surprised. "Thank you, Monitor, but I'm fine! I wouldn't be where I am if things like this got to me." "How heartwarming," he drawls. <</switch>> So getting an introduction out of him might be a little more difficult than anticipated. *<<link "But you're always up for a challenge. You can't quit now." "meiattempt2">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You might as well keep trying." "meiattempt2">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You'll leave him be. You're not going to force him to talk to you.""meigoodbye">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale + 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Is there any point to this? You'll leave." "meigoodbye">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Come on," you pry. "You really don't have anything to say? Not even a little hello? I can do this all day." "Aren't you a menace?" he huffs. "Look, I'm not sure what your problem with //me// is. We haven't even met before." His eye twitches, and he falls silent. <<case "o2">>"I don't see why you're doing this," you probe. "I mean, if you have a problem with Edme—" (they seem startled by this possibility, because you can feel them stiffen)— "then that's with them. But I have no clue why you'd have a problem with me. I don't even //know// you." His eye twitches. He's clearly following your logic, but... something's keeping him from peace. Sheer stubbornness? <</switch>> He seems thoroughly bored by your presence, yet at the same time, he's clearly at the end of his rope. <<if $stoutheart > 0>><<link "If it's a battle of endurance he's asking for, you're sure to win." "meitalk">><<set $meimorale to $meimorale - 3>><</link>><<else>>\<</if>>\ <<link "There's no point in continuing." "meigoodbye">><<set $meiresponse to 1>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>>

He brings you over to a shed by the side where weapons for training are evidently being stored. It’s rather spacious on the inside, with all manner of blades and bludgeoning tools hung neatly on walls or placed in chests. Albrecht plucks a dangerous-looking thing off the wall— it’s a sturdy stick about the length of his bicep, and attached on the end is a spiked ball. "This is it," Albrecht says glumly. "Tell the director it was an honor working under her." "It can’t be that bad, will it?" you ask, beginning to feel anxious. "Edme mentioned that you received training." "She did? Oh, Monitor. I’m so sorry." Albrecht trudges back towards Fastvi, who even at this distance looks intimidating. When she notices the two of you approach, she glances at you again. "Don’t worry," Fastvi promises. "I’ll make sure not to injure you. I have more control than that." A cold chill shoots down your spine. (Suddenly, you’re regretting your choices.) "Thanks," you say weakly. "Let’s get this over with," he sighs. [[The sparring match begins!]]

After a moment, Albrecht stretches, back popping as he does. Rubbing his eyes, he glances at a silvery watch around his left wrist, standing up." "Sorry to interrupt, but we should be heading to our next destination," he yawns. "Only so much time in the day, you know?" [[If he says so.|albnav]]

The two of you share in a momentary silence. You're glad he doesn't push for conversation— he just lets his eyes rest closed for a moment.<<if $reset > 0>> (You're... scared to do the same. Will you end up back //there?// Even if you didn't, you fear teh night terrors that would arise.)<</if>> Eventually, his eyes open again, and he glances at a silvery watch fastened around his left wrist. "Sorry to interrupt our rest, Monitor, but there's only so much time in the day," he yawns. [['"Let's go to our next destination."'|albnav]]

You choose to talk about nothing in particular. Only to fill the silence. <<linkreplace "The weather." t8n>>Always damp, he tells you. <<linkreplace "So no sunlight, huh?" t8n>>"Sometimes, but the clouds are persistent, and there's only so many sources of light at night." <<linkreplace "Anything fun to do here?" t8n>>"Oh, you can dabble in the arts— including the combat arts, if you're so inclined." He also mentions something about a monthly Triomphe tournament. <<linkreplace "Seems monotonous." t8n>>"It does tend to be that way, but you learn to get by." <<if $romanticism > 50>><<linkreplace "Any gossip?" t8n>>He quirks a smile. "Oh, not now. I don't have the energy yet."<</linkreplace>><<else>><<linkreplace "Any interesting news?" t8n>>He contemplates your question. "Oh, there's plenty, I suppose. I don't have the energy to get into everything now..."<</linkreplace>><</if>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> [[Eventually, though, you allow the silence its space.|albdormresponse3]]

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>As they regale you with the various exploits of the director, you find yourself only idly listening, much of what they say fading to background noise. They're happy enough to chatter along, and you're grateful they're not asking you to chime in with your thoughts. <<case "o2">>Your attention is held captive by tales the director slaying monsters (//monsters?!//) and fending off all sorts of brigands and bandits. Some of it seems a touch too exaggerated to be true, but... so has most of what has happened to you today. <<case "o3">>"Enough of that," you interrupt, exasperated— and at your irritated remark, Edme falls silent. "How much of this can you //actually// expect me to pay attention to?" "I'm sorry— I just thought... that maybe you would've liked to..." they start tentatively. "I didn't mean to be a bother. Really." <</switch>> When the two of you reach a set of intersecting halls, they stall in the crossroads of the yellowing ceilings and wooden floors. "I can't really change what it is I have to do, but I can at least let you choose the order," they apologize. "Here's what there is to do..." <<include "edmenav">>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"We'll let you be," you tell him, not keen on fighting a clearly losing battle. You doubt that pushing him any longer would ingratiate yourself to him, either. It's for the best. "Finally," he says with a sigh. "Thank you." "Huh? Really?" Edme says, startled. "In that case... goodbye, Yoshinaga. And you should really not bother Jeannette any longer. When she comes back from her break, could you please leave her be...?" He makes a noise of assent. "I'll be done by then, anyway." <<case "o2">>"Fine, then. We'll go," you assert. Would it really have pained him so much to been a little polite? "Monitor? Are you sure?" Edme says, startled. "Yes, I am," you say, and Yoshinaga shoots Edme a clearly self-satisified glance. "O-Oh. Okay. Well, Mr. Yoshinaga, when Jeannette comes back from her break, could you please leave her in peace...?" "Fine. I'll be done by then, anyway." <<case "o3">>"You win," you relent, and you can catch a glimpse of satisfaction in the depths of his eyes, though it's drowned out by annoyance. "As I thought I would." "In that case," Edme says anxiously, "we'll be on our way, Mr. Yoshinaga. When Jeannette comes back from her break, could you maybe leave her be...?" "Fine, fine. I was finishing up anyway." <<case "o4">>"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—" "A little late," he says, and he speaks coolly, the fire having been extinguished from the voice. "Forget about it." <<case "o5">>He grunts in response, the fight having clearly gone out of him with Edme's intervention. "Just.. forget about it." <<case "o6">>You don't see any reason to linger where you're unwanted. You're done interacting with him <<case "o7">>You don't see any reason to continue pushing him any further. You're done interacting with him. <</switch>> (This, unfortunately, will make the upcoming dinner rather awkward.) "Come on, let's go do something else now, Monitor," Edme says, mustering up some cheer. "[[We're burning daylight, after all.|edmenav]]"

Albrecht and Leonor acquiesce, scooting their chairs over to make a space for you. Edme gently sets you down between them. "I'll be back afterwards to bring you to where you'll be sleeping tonight, Monitor," they promise you. "Have fun!" <<if $meiresponse is 2>>"Oh, we'll have fun," Yoshinaga mutters, sending you a dark look that has Leonor casting a questioning glance at him.<<else>>"We'll try," Yoshinaga sighs dismally, leaning back in his chair.<</if>> "So long, Edme, and thanks again for bringing Monitor," Albrecht calls out as they leave you with the people that you're going to have to [[learn to get along with.|dinnerstart]]

Not two minutes pass before they peek their head in. "I noticed everyone leaving— did dinner go okay?" Albrecht makes a vague noise of assent. "Well enough, I suppose. You'll be taking Monitor, won't you?" "That's right!" they chirp. "I'm in charge of your safety while you're here, Monitor. I won't let anything bad happen on my watch!" You find yourself too sleepy to make a response. Albrecht, however, doesn't wait for one— he rises, ready to leave. "Later then, Monitor," he says. He doesn't look back, leaving you and Edme (whose expression has grown worried) alone. "It went really poorly, then?" Edme asks, fidgeting with their hands. "Um, if you need a moment to relax, that's okay. Just let me know when you're ready." "...No," you yawn. "I'm ready. The lapel again, correct?" "Oh, yes," they respond, sounding relieved.<<if $touchaverse "And I've brought some gloves this time! They'll be easier to handle than the handkerchief, that's for sure.">> [[The two of you depart.]]

//(You caused quite the fuss during dinner, didn't you?)// *<<link "You don't feel bad about it." "baddinner">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $ruthless to $ruthless + 1>><</link>> *<<link "You're regretting your actions." "baddinner">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $morale to $morale - 6>><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>Where there should be guilt in your conscience you find nothing. There's a sort of satisfaction that came from the chaos you caused. <<case "o2">>What you said, you said without regard— but now that you're left alone in the aftermath, you can't help but regret what you've done. <</switch>> But your eyes are so, so tired, and you can't find it in yourself to cling these thoughts of morality any longer. Your lids lower once— you're in the hall. Again— you're in a different room, back in Edme's office where you originally woke up. This time, you rest upon a cushion. A candle flickers faintly on Edme's desk. "Good night, Monitor," Edme murmurs as they shut the light off. "I'll be working for a little while longer. Rest well." <<if $option is "o1">>"I will," you murmur, [[slipping into sleep.|goodnight]]<<elseif $option is "o2">>"Thank you," you murmur, [[slipping into sleep.|goodnight]]<</if>>

They turn to face the man in the corner "Mr. Yoshinaga!" Edme says, schooling their tone into excitement. "Good afternoon!" <<linkappend "He..." t8n>> ...doesn't so much as glance at them. In fact, he hasn't even given the slightest indication of having noticed either of you. Edme evidently takes that as a challenge, because they move towards the man, [[completely uncaring of the prickly aura he exudes.]]<</linkappend>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Oh... there was a fire," they say ruefully. "Imagine that. A fire, here? But someone tampered with the gas pipes, and when one of my assistants lit a candle..." They trail off. "We caught who did it. Nothing of this sort will happen again." <<case "o2">>Unfortunately, there's not much you can tell from what's been left in the rubble. The wood remaining has been charred completely, and the stonework is cracked and disintegrating. Perhaps some sort of explosion, occurred?<<if $sharpeye > 0>> A gas explosion could have done this damage.<</if>> <</switch>> Edme stands quietly at the edge of the construction site, and the melancholy weighing on their shoulders seems heavy. *<<link "Give them the time to reminisce." "edmeoffice2">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "Probe for more about what happened." "edmeoffice2">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link "Ask to leave already." "edmeoffice2">><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $ruthless to $ruthless + 1>><<set $option to "o5">><</link>> <<if $option is "o1">>*<<link "Say a few words of comfort." "edmeoffice2">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>><<elseif $option is "o2">>*<<link "Say a few words of comfort." "edmeoffice2">><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>><</if>>

As you near the destination, Edme pushes through gray curtains— quite the same as the ones enclosing the director, you note. With each successive layer the humidity grows, and you can see the movement of the air as the fabric rustles lightly. And when you step past the final layer, into the outdoors, the first thing you notice is how //humid// it is. You can feel the faint sensation of condensation on your surface. The sky is blanketed by a thick layer of deep gray clouds, so there's no hope of the sunlight burning away the moisture in the air. The remnants of charred walls and burnt floor are heaped a ways away, and the ground has been dug out with the beginnings of a new foundation, though mud creeps past the walls surrounding the pit to pile in its depths. "Ah, they're not here," Edme sighs, disappointed as they lean over the side of the building, peering around. "The construction team, you mean?" "Yes, that's right. I thought they'd still be working at this hour. Ah, I'd hate this to be a waste of time... I'll just poke around myself." Carefully, they step down from the stable floorboards. Their black boots sink into the soft earth, and they leave a trail of footprints behind them as they maneuvre towards the newly excavated foundation. *<<link "Ask about what happened." "edmeoffice">><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "Observe the situation yourself." "edmeoffice">><<set $option to "o2">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"That's awful," you say as gently as you can. "I'm sorry that happened. It wasn't your fault." "...Thank you, Monitor. She was a really hard worker, you know? ...I wish it could have been different." <<case "o2">>"I may not know all the details," you say hesitantly. "But I'm sorry this happened. It wasn't your fault." "Thank you, Monitor... I'm sure I'll be better than ever once they finish construction." <<case "o3">>The atmosphere may be heavy, but you can bear its weight while they steep in their memories. They don't allow you to bear it for long, though. They inhale shakily. "Terribly sorry for the melancholy! Let's move to the next place." <<case "o4">>"Just... just someone trying to sabotage the Program," they respond, taking a step back from the edge of the beginnings of the foundation. "Nothing more than that." (It occurs to you that you could have been the target. Edme has been looking after you, haven't they?) <<case "o5">>The atmosphere is heavy enough to make you uncomfortable. The itch to escape its crushing weight is unbearable. <<if $candor > 50>>"Could we leave...?"<<else>>"I think... I think we've spent enough time here."<</if>> "Oh," they start, sounding on the verge of tears. "Yes— yes, I'll get going. I'm terribly sorry for being so melancholy!" <</switch>> They step away from the edge of the foundation, turning back through the heavy curtains. "Wait, what about the report?" you say, suddenly remembering the purpose of their visit. "Oh, I've seen enough to make it myself," they say, shaking away whatever bleakness had captured them in the wreckage of their office. "Ah... we might have to offer some more funds to the construction team... there really hasn't been enough progress..." They start navigating through the thick fabric curtains. [[They pause before the final one.]]

"Can I ask something of you, Monitor?" they hesitate. *<<link "That depends on what it is." "edmeoffice3">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Of course." "edmeoffice3">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Of course. (Perhaps they'll indebted to you afterwards.)" "edmeoffice3">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "No, you'd rather they didn't." "edmeoffice3">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"How much are you asking for?" you ask, not willing to accept their propisition just yet. You're not going to get tied up in anything else without fully knowing the details. "It's nothing much, I promise, so if you just hear me out...?" You sigh. "What is it?" <<case "o2">>"Yes, go ahead," you answer, waiting for them to reveal what it is they're asking for. They sound hesitant. <<case "o3">>You'd quite like to have a favor or two to call upon if you're in a sticky situation. "Yes, go ahead." <<case "o4">>"No, thanks," you answer. "I... have a lot to do already, so I don't think I could really do much more." "Could you at least hear me out...?" They sound despairing. You can't exactly stop them. "I guess." <</switch>> They sound as though they have a rueful smile upon their face. "Just... when you're on a mission... please do your best. Please. You can't fail." Do your best...? That's it? *<<link "You don't think your best will satisfy them." "edmeoffice4">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You can try." "edmeoffice4">><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You will." "edmeoffice4">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You say that you will, if only to silence them." "edmeoffice4">><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>>

<<switch $option> <<case "o1">>"So long as you try, I'll be happy," they answer. "So, please... just do that much." <<case "o2">>"That's fine. So long as you try," they answer. <<case "o3">>//"Thank you,"// they answer, so relieved you think they might cry. <<case "o4">>//"Thank you,"// they answer, so relieved you think they might cry. <</switch>> They step through the final gray curtain, pushing it aside. It rustles lightly as you pass its barrier. It's as if it repaints their cheer— if you hadn't just been with them, you'd think they were always like this. [['"...Now. What else shall we do?"'|edmenav]]

Thank you for reading Prelude (Act Two)! With this, we move into the main story, which will cause many of the content warnings in the description of the game to appear. Please expect the first chapter, The Morass, to begin next year— it is currently planned for Februrary. <div class="options" align=right>—your author</div> <div class="options" align=center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></div>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>You're fond of poetry. Not that you can remember any, of course, but the idea of it pleases you. <<if $candor >= 50>>"Yes, I am,"<<else>>"I believe so,"<</if>> you respond, unsure of why exactly she's asking you this. At your response, her eyes look marginally more alert. "Yes... I am rather fond of it as well. 'Tis important to remember beautiful things in circumstances such as these," she answers seriously. <<case "o2">>You don't believe you're too fond of it— not that you can recall any poetry, if any, that you've read, but something about it puts you off. <<if $candor >= 50>>"No, I'm not,"<<else>>"I wouldn't say so,"<</if>> you answer, unsure of where she's going with this question. She looks rather forlorn at your answer, but she straightens her back in resolution. <<case "o3">>What kind of question is that? <<if $candor >= 50>>"Does it matter?" you ask.<<else>>"I don't see how that's relevant," you answer, not knowing where she's going with this.<</if>> You can hardly imagine why //poetry// would be important right now. She lets out a small //oh.// "I see... I suppose it doesn't." Edme looks nervous, but Leonor continues. <</switch>> "I was simply wondering... if I could recommend you a few pieces." "...Huh?" "If you would allow me to, of course," she says with the utmost sincerity in her eyes. She's almost searching for something in you— but whatever it is, you don't think you could offer it up to her if you wanted to. *<<link "Sure, go ahead." "leoresponse2">><<set $leotrust to $leotrust + 3>><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "No, you'd rather just leave." "leoresponse2">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $leomorale to $leomorale - 6>><</link>>

Your breath catches in your chest at the brilliant flash, far away and high in the distance— it dazzles your vision— so you squint, enraptured by that lonely spear piercing the night. The beam voyages endlessly towards the gloom of the horizon, and the terrain, newly unobscured, is awash in its pale glow. (You feel almost reverential.) "What... what //is// that?" you ask once you've remembered to breathe. Glancing to your side, there <<switch $dinnerresults>><<case 6>>are five<<case 5>>are four<<case 4>>are three<<case 3>>are two<<case 2>>you see a>><</switch>><<if $dinnerresults == 2>> pair of silent eyes <<else>>pairs of quieted eyes <</if>>reflecting the ethereal glow. <<if $dinnerresults > 3>>"The Obeliscolychny," Fastvi answers, ichor eyes trained on the beam. "It's the most prominent producer of light in the area."<<else>>"That's the Obeliscolychny," Albrecht says with a sigh, leaning against the glass of the window. "Biggest light source in the region. It's quite a ways away, but it can reach even here..."<</if>> <<if $dinnerresults > 2>>"A shining hope," Leonor murmurs.<<else>>Albrecht falls silent as he stares at the glow.<</if>> Nothing more is said. [[You watch on in silence.]]

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>"Thank you for accepting my offer... I shalln't disappoint." She seems pleased. "Though... I haven't the recommendations ready at the moment. Please allow me some time to prepare them. I believe... perhaps, after our first mission is done, I could give you them more succinctly?" *<<link "This is sounding rather intense." "leogoodbye">><<set $option to "o1">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You'll be looking forward to it." "leogoodbye">><<set $option to "o2">><<set $leomorale to $leomorale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You'd rather she didn't go to so much effort." "leogoodbye">><<set $option to "o3">><<set $leomorale to $leomorale - 6>><</link>> *<<link "Actually, you'd rather she didn't do this at all..." "leogoodbye">><<set $option to "o4">><<set $leomorale to $leomorale - 6>><<set $leotrust to $leotrust - 3>><</link>> <<case "o2">>"Ah..." Edme looks chagrined at the forlorn expression on Leonor's face. "Monitor, are you su—?" "No, I would not force them," Leonor interrupts quietly. "I appreciate your kindness, Edme. Yet you should finish your tasks." "Agreed," calls out one of the two receptionists. "While we'd love to listen in, we've got work to do, and you're awfully distracting." "Oh— oh, we'll get going, now," Edme says. "[[Sorry for being a bother!|edmenav]]"<</switch>>

<div class= "options" align=center>([[CLICK HERE FOR CONTENT WARNINGS|triggerwarnings]])</div> !prelude start !!!—act one begin <<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Notifications active!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ //"Pluck this little flower and take it, delay not! I fear lest it droop and drop into the dust. "I may not find a place in thy garland, but honour it with a touch of pain from thy hand and pluck it. I fear lest the day end before I am aware, and the time of offering go by. "Though its colour be not deep and its smell be faint, use this flower in thy service and pluck it while there is time."// —Rabindranath Tagore, from //Gitanjali//, Poem 6 <div class="options" align=center><<button[[Wake up|wakeup]]>><</button>></div>

Your eyes fly open as you suck in a desperate breath. The air tastes like filth, and you want to retch, and the feeling of your lungs expanding with a fresh breath feels so forbidden that your throat spasms around nothing. The sensation of gagging suffocates the mind racing with fractured thoughts. //You were just— not even a moment ago—!// Seized with panic, you clutch at your throat, expecting fluid but swallowing down miasma; clutch at your thoughts, but they fall like grains of sand through the cracks of your mind. Your own panicked gasps for life echo in your ears, cacophonously, continuously—! <<linkreplace 'Cave in on yourself.' t8n>> You rot in the feeling, decaying and convulsing on the marble floor— <<linkreplace 'your flesh putrefies and—!' t8n>> [[(Something sharp jabs your neck.|wakeup2]])<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//(Your body jerks.)// —nothing. A murky fog blankets your consciousness; you're suddenly wading through it, sinking deeper. You hear how your breathing is slowing, slowing, slowing, until you're taking in fresh breath without your lungs burning. //The hell?// The vices that are your hands unwind from your throat and fall to your sides, and you wince at the tender pain they leave in their wake. The sickness in your body hasn't disappeared— the air still smells strongly and unpleasantly of dust and spoilage— but you're no longer choking on its thick taste. With a trembling touch, you reach back up to feel at the location of the puncturing sensation, gingerly rubbing at your bruised flesh— flesh devoid of injury. Its texture is utterly normal; unbroken. //Were you imagining things?// [[But then how would you explain the sudden turbidity weighing your body down…?|standup]]

Hacking up a cough, you force yourself to sit up on your elbows. With the sleeve of your white button-up, you wipe away spittle from your lips. Your sweat is cooling in the frigid open air of a tall spire; you're sprawled beneath a pale sky that bathes you in gray nothing. The stone rim around you, about waist height, is carved with reliefs of branching, inflorescent vines. A sick feeling takes root in your chest at the utter unfamiliarity. Scrabbling at the floor, you turn around, only to be met with more marble floor and vine-decorated walls. //This place has no home in your memory.// //(But it should, shouldn't it? Déjà vu spins your head— you've been here before— haven't you? A thick film of cobwebs obscures your memory; the more you tear at them, the more tangled they become.)// You— you were doing something important. You //know// this. You were needed for your... <<if $reset == 0>> *<<link "...sharp eye. You've always had excellent observational skills." 'where'>><<set $sharpeye to 20>><</link>> *<<link "...silver tongue. If anyone can talk their way out of a sticky situation, it's you." 'where'>><<set $silvertongue to 20>><</link>> *<<link "...stout heart. Resilience is key, and you've got it in spades." 'where'>><<set $stoutheart to 20>><</link>><<else>>...<<if $sharpeye >= 20>>sharp eye. [[You've|where]] always had excellent observational skills.<<elseif $silvertongue >= 20>>silver tongue. If anyone can talk their way out of a sticky situation, it's [[you|where]].<<elseif $stoutheart >= 20>>stout heart. Resilience is key, and [[you've|where]] got it in spades.<</if>><</if>>

But for what were your talents so desperately required? The longer you dwell, the more an urgent feeling aches in your limbs. Surely you remember //something//? <<linkreplace "Recall your name." t8n>><<if $reset == 0>>You know that you have one, but to where has it faded away?<<else>>You know that you're the Monitor, but it is untruly you.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Recall from where you came." t8n>><<if $reset == 0>>For all you know, you've always existed here.<<else>>For all you know, you've always been cycling here.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Recall your job." t8n>><<if $reset == 0>>For some reason, recalling your employment seems especially prudent. Based on your clothes (slacks and a button-up), you have— had?— //some// kind of income.<<else>>You were working with the doctor. He needed you.<</if>> But knowing could not help you now, not when you're trapped and alone.<</linkreplace>> The cobwebs over your memories are thick. *<<link "You need to figure out where you are while energy remains in your limbs." 'explorechamber'>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Where are could you be? The possibilities feel improbably endless." 'explorechamber'>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $torpor to $torpor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "The prospect of wasting away like this makes your palms clammy." 'explorechamber'>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "What a conundrum..." 'explorechamber'>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>>

<<if $reset == 1>>Wearily glancing around, you see... a door, of darkly stained wood, near where you are. It stands unsupported. Something has happened to the floor around it, you think, because it looks exactly like melted wax. Uneasily, you rise on your weak legs, wincing as your vision blurs from the lightheaded feeling. You press your sticky forehead against the its surface, squeezing your eyes shut as you let the dizziness seep out. Once you've gotten a hold of yourself, you wrap a hand around the door and [[open it.|doorunlocked]]<<else>>Unable to bear laying about any longer, you rise on your weak legs, sparks shooting across your sight as your vision blurs. The lightheaded feeling nearly causes a stumble, but you drag yourself to lean against the surrounding rim. You press your sticky forehead against its cool stone, squeezing your eyes shut as you let the dizziness seep out. [[You need to get out.|door]]<</if>>

The thought is barely half-formed when the stone beneath your feet ripples. <<linkreplace "What—?!" t8n>>Newly viscous stone swirls and bends languidly. You yank yourself away from it as if burned, staring in shock at the stone melting like wax. It oozes across the ground, steaming lightly, and you recoil from the sprawling <<linkreplace "mess." t8n>>mess. The globs of stone slither up, winding on top of each other, and some of it trails between the light grooves between the tile blocks of the floor. It twists into the shape of a door, and when you blink— it's of darkly stained wood and iron; wider than you are. You hesitate for a moment. //(There's nowhere else to go.)// You drag yourself towards it, grimacing at the strain that movement puts on your body. Every one of your muscles and joints ache from disuse— for how long have you been here? Stepping over the hardening remains of the wall, you fumble for the handle of the door, closing your clammy palm around the cool iron knocker. You're not expecting anything— there isn't anything around it, after all. You grab and [[pull—|doorpush]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<linkreplace '—nothing.' t8n>>Then, with a little more anxiousness, you readjust your grip and [[push—|doorpull]]<</linkreplace>>

—but the door rattles and remains shut. *<<link "Is it okay to panic yet? Nervous energy bubbles in your gut. You try the door a third time." 'dooroptions'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "c1">><</link>> *<<link "It feels as though the strength is sapped right out of your legs, and you sink to the ground." 'dooroptions'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "c2">><</link>> *<<link "You can't let your nerves get to you. You take a deep breath." 'dooroptions'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "c3">><</link>> *<<link "You force yourself to remain standing although every part of you wants to collapse." 'dooroptions'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "c4">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "c1">> Maybe it was a fluke, maybe you weren't using enough force. But with each try, slightly more panicked than the last, the more it sinks in that you're well and truly stuck. <<case "c2">> You sink down against the low wall, burying your face against your knees. This situation... it's all too much right now. <<case "c3">> Maybe it was a fluke, maybe you weren't using enough force. You try the door again, both pulling and pushing, before allowing yourself to believe that you're stuck. <<case "c4">> Repelling the urge to give up, you instead lean against the door standing. This situation... it's all too much right now. <</switch>><<switch $option>> <<case "c2">> After a moment of weakness, you bring youself back to a standing position. <</switch>> [[Now what?|dooroptions2]]

Surely there's a way to open the door. <<linkreplace 'Attempt to break down the door.' t8n>>You scan the door, gathering up your courage. The hinges appear to be on the other side, so there's no chance of messing with them. You touch the surface of the door, but you can't tell how thick the sturdy-looking wood is. Is opening it by force the only way through? Your body is already screaming at you that this is a terrible idea, but you don't exactly have many options. Taking a few steps back, you turn your shoulder towards the door, bracing yourself for impact, hurtling towards it—<<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>> <<if $actionpoints == 3>> Just as you're about to make contact, the door swings open with a loud creak. You pitch forwards through the passageway, awkwardly tumbling to your knees, which ache in protest at the sudden [[impact.|dooropen]] <<else>> Your shoulder makes a crunching sound as it slams into the door, which remains undamaged. Sucking in a sharp breath, you clutch at your already-throbbing joint, biting your lip as you suppress a whimper. //Shit,// you shouldn't have tried that.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace 'Look for something with which to open the door' t8n>>You pull yourself together as best you can, forcing yourself to begin searching the space. There has to be a way out, right? You stagger through a full circuit of the room, circling around and scanning every tile of the floor. You even test the slabs of the wall for the slightest chance of a loose stone. There's nothing— nothing at all. Frustrated, you try to peer through the keyhole.<<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>> <<if $actionpoints == 3>> As you press your face closer against the door, it suddenly swings open, creaking loudly. Startled, you fall forwards, hands flying out to brace yourself against the [[floor.|dooropen]] <<else>> Unfortunately, there isn't anything else to see; your position doesn't allow much sight into the next room. With this method exhausted, you pull away from the door to try something else.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace 'Wait and hope for something to happen.' t8n>> You decide to rest your stiff limbs, and you lean back against the floor, sliding down into a sitting position. The relief it gives your aching body is sweet. Perhaps someone will chance upon the other side and open it. Perhaps the door, like the wall, will melt away as well. Only time will tell, won't it?<<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>> <<if $actionpoints == 3>> In the middle of your rumination, faster than you can react, the door swings open. With your support gone, you tip backwards, scrambling to catch yourself before you crash into the [[floor.|dooropen]] <<else>> The longer you sit in silence, the sleepier you feel. Your eyelids are tugged downwards... With your last thread of consciousness, you slap your hands against your face. You've no time for sleep right now!<</if>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $actionpoints to 0>>You whip your head around— //who did that?//— but your eyes fall on empty space. You're the only soul in sight. A shiver ripples down your spine. Dusting yourself off, you peer into what lies beyond the door, which has opened to reveal a set of descending, widely spiralling stairs. It's dark beyond the first few paces, which are illuminated by the dull sky. With no other way to go, you descend the [[staircase.|mainroom]]

The lock clicks satisfyingly, and the door swings open. In this circular room, huge, leafy plants curl around the edges from a raised bed, blossoming with blue and purple florets. Water bubbles further in— you glance across and see a fountain in the center. Golden light streams in from the gray sky above a domed glass ceiling. Expecting warmth, you wander into the inviting rays, the shiny tile floor echoing beneath your feet. You shiver as you're met with frigidity. <<linkreplace 'Approach the fountain.' t8n>><<if $reset == 0>>The water is perfectly clear. At the bottom of its basin, just within arm's reach, is a small lapel [[pin.|pincreate]]<<else>>The water is perfectly clear. You look at the basin and there is nothing. But behind you...? [[He approaches.|scree]]<</if>><</linkreplace>>

The metal of the pin is... *<<link "...dark gunmetal." 'gemcolor'>><<set $metalcolor to "dark gunmetal">><</link>> *<<link "...silver." 'gemcolor'>><<set $metalcolor to "silver">><</link>> *<<link "...copper." 'gemcolor'>><<set $metalcolor to "copper">><</link>> *<<link "...antique brass." 'gemcolor'>><<set $metalcolor to "antique brass">><</link>> *<<link "...gold." 'gemcolor'>><<set $metalcolor to "gold">><</link>> *<<link "...rose gold." 'gemcolor'>><<set $metalcolor to "rose gold">><</link>>

And in its center is a glass orb colored... *<<link "...red." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "red">><</link>> *<<link "...orange." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "orange">><</link>> *<<link "...yellow." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "yellow">><</link>> *<<link "...green." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "green">><</link>> *<<link "...teal." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "teal">><</link>> *<<link "...blue." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "blue">><</link>> *<<link "...indigo." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "indigo">><</link>> *<<link "...violet." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "purple">><</link>> *<<link "...brown." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "brown">><</link>> *<<link "...pink." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "pink">><</link>> *<<link "...white." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "white">><</link>> *<<link "...gray." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "gray">><</link>> *<<link "...black." 'confirm'>><<set $gemcolor to "black">><</link>>

The lapel pin is in the shape of a $shape. It is made of $metalcolor and has a center colored $gemcolor. <div class="options" align=center><<button[[Correct|pinconfirm]]>><</button>> <<button [[Incorrect|pincreate]]>><</button>></div>

It's tantalizing. Is this what you came here for? For this pin, whose $metalcolor surface reflects that cold light so perfectly? With a dry mouth, you reach out, fingertips hovering over the gently rippling surface of the water. *<<link 'Take it.' 'intro'>><<set $reachpool to true>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link 'Resist.' 'intro'>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>>

The pin is molded in the shape of a flower, which you recognize as a... *<<link "...poppy." 'metal'>><<set $shape to "poppy">><</link>> *<<link "...peony." 'metal'>><<set $shape to "peony">><</link>> *<<link "...dahlia." 'metal'>><<set $shape to "dahlia">><</link>> *<<link "...cornflower." 'metal'>><<set $shape to "cornflower">><</link>> *<<link "...chrysanthemum." 'metal'>><<set $shape to "chrysanthemum">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>You cannot stop yourself. The hand reaching out breaks the surface of the water, plunging in— <<if $romanticism >= 50>> you must satisfy this itch for the unknown—<<else>> you must find out what this means—<</if>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>> —but as soon as you do, you recoil, jerking out of the water, sending droplets flying. //It's freezing!// Your wrists and the joints of your fingers ache like hell from that brief moment of submersion. They're so stiff you can hardly move them; as if frost has crawled into their muscles. Curiosity crushed, you tenderly rub warmth back into your extremeties. <<case "o2">>Swallowing hard, you force yourself to withdraw. <<if $romanticism >= 50>> As much as you'd love to indulge yourself, this is for the best. <<else>> You don't know why you're so enthralled by it, and it's for the best to find out more, first.<</if>> Your bring your arm back to your side and stand up, doing your best to ignore the desire for this glittering object. Maybe another time, you'll be back for it. <</switch>> [[Then suddenly—!|scree]]

"Here already?" You nearly give yourself whiplash turning to meet the source of the deep, gravelly voice. A wiry, wrinkled man meets your gaze. His thin white hair is ghostlike in the bluish lighting, and his deep brown eyes peer at you with tempered curiosity. He readjusts the thick woolen overcoat draped over his liver-spotted figure. //(Your heart catches in your throat— you've looked at this face many times in the past, you know, but as with the rest of your memories, it's buried beneath cobwebs and dust so thick you could suffocate.)// <<linkreplace 'He speaks your name.' t8n>>What he says next is the //not-quite-your-name//, but the close-enough name that your bones know well enough to respond to. <<if $reset == 0>>"I've waited too long, Monitor."<<set $name to "Monitor">> *<<link 'Deep disgust seizes you at the sound of your name on his tongue.' 'scree2'>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 6>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "The way he looks at you is uncomfortable on a level you don't know how to articulate." 'scree2'>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link 'Old loyalties and obligations stir within you.' 'scree2'>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "If you only remembered him better, you think you'd greet him fondly." 'scree2'>><<set $option to "o4">><<set $devotion to $devotion + 6>><</link>><<else>>"I've waited too long, Monitor."<<set $name to "Monitor">> You stare at him. Your hand aches with phantom pain. He quirks an eyebrow. "Well?" With a dry mouth, your hand flexes around nothing, like you want to be reaching out for something— and it's a something you need more than anything. A pounding pain starts from inside your skull, as if there's someone trying to escape. "I..." [['"Looking for this, perhaps?"'|screeknows]]<</if>><</linkreplace>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1" "o2">>"Scree." <<case "o3" "o4">>"Dr. Scree." <</switch>> The crevasses of his face deepen with an unknowable smile. <<switch $option>> <<case "o1">> "//Dr.// Scree, Monitor." The easy condescension of his voice is grating. Your words are biting. "Who even are you?" The crevasses deepen further. "I see you're lacking your memories." <<case "o2" "o3">> "You've waited long as well, no?" You take a step back from him. He makes no move to corner you (but his gaze does it well enough). "What do you mean, waited long?" you say guardedly. "Who are you?" "Someone regarded as of great importance," he responds. "As are you, yet you seemingly cannot recall." <<case "o4">> "Truly, far too long." Hesitantly, you step forwards. <<if $romanticism >=50>>This stranger seems more experienced than you are.<<else>>This stranger seems to know you.<</if>> "I don't know where I am— or even who I am. Can you help me?" "Of course," he responds. "And you'll help me. That's what you were doing, before you lost your memories." <</switch>> The man— Dr. Scree— he walks closer to you, walking so lightly you almost think him a ghost. You remain standing,<<if $devotion <= 50>> as if frozen in [[place|pinopinion]].<<else>> allowing him to [[join you|pinopinion]].<</if>>

Entering the room, you discover… a parlor? The plaster walls are painted a warm sage green, bookshelves filled with leather bound tomes cover one wall, and large windows allow cold sunlight to illuminate the room. A drop-leaf table is set for tea for two; steam lazily twirls up from a teapot. <<linkreplace 'Pour a cup of tea.' t8n>>You clasp the handle of the porcelain teapot, observing the intricate blue florescent pattern glazed onto its sides. You make to pour it into a similarly-decorated teacup, holding the lid in place as you do... <<if $reset == 0>>...but nothing pours out despite the steam and scent of freshly brewed tea.<<set $pourtea to true>><<else>>...and amber fluid spills from the spout, filling the cup. Careful not to let a single drop splatter, you bring the teapot back to its original position; then, sitting in the closest chair, you bring the cup to your lips. //(Tastes like home.)//<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace 'Look at the bookshelves.' t8n>><<if $reset == 0>>Wandering over to the shelves, you tilt your head to the side to read the titles emblazoned on their spines. //The History of Maugre During the Second Imperial Reign// by Etienne Berthelot... //A Treatise on the Variation of Philodendrons in the Southern Forests of Kamamori (With a New Introduction by Itasawa Yanagi)// by Yvonne Hansteen... //The Construction of The Tenaille Systems of Sepulture// by Khouri N'Diaye...<<set $readbooks to true>> You don't feel like reading right now.<<else>>Treatises and histories are not appealing to you right now.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<set $closeright to true>> *[[Go to another room.|roomnav]]

<<if not $dustroom>>This room is dark and cramped; tightly packed. Stacks and stacks of bound papers with dense, unintelligible writing are crammed up to the walls; some piles have collapsed, sending sheets of yellowing papers cascading across the cobbled floor. In the center of the mess is a pedestal desk. <<linkreplace 'Sort through the papers.' t8n>>You kneel to sift through the papers, but the instant your hand makes contact with one, it crumbles into dust. Its remnants disperse in the air, gone. <<linkreplace 'Turn all of them into dust.' t8n>><<set $dustroom to true>>Maybe there's something hidden beneath them. With conviction, you set to touching each and every paper, causing them to crumble away. When your efforts have concluded, the fruits of your labor are piles of sandlike ruins.<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>records updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>>A layer of dust coats the floor. The desk stands forlornly, the last vestige of the room of knowledge.<</if>> <<linkreplace 'Inspect the desk.' t8n>><<if not $dustroom>>You step over the stacks of papers<<else>>You wade through the dust<</if>> to reach the mahogany desk, eyes roving over the four drawers on either side. <<linkreplace 'Search the desk.' t8n>><<if not $acrosskey>>Rifling through the desks, you find only a heavy, ornately casted iron key. The weight of it in your hand is improbably large. You decide to slip it into your pocket.<<set $acrosskey to true>><<else>>The drawers are empty.<<if $reset == 1>> ...Empty? But that— that shouldn't be, right? There should be—! Your hand clutches your pocket. A heavy iron weight feels as though it's burning a hole through the fabric. Why do you...?<</if>><</if>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<set $closeleft to true>> *[[Go to another room.|roomnav]]

<<if $reset == 0>><<if not $fieldflowers>>You pass the threshold of the door, and— A yard...? Neatly trimmed, vibrantly green grass extends as far as you can see. The sky is cheerful cerulean, and a breeze tickles your skin, gently ruffling your clothes. Before you, perhaps ten paces away, is a small cluster of indigo flowers, the only patch marring the landscape. <<linkreplace 'Pluck them.' t8n>>Kneeling beside the patch of swaying blossoms, you wrap your hand around their bases and yank upwards. Clumps of loamy soil fly outwards, dirtying your clothes and hands, collecting beneath your fingernails. You've torn the flowers out by their straggly roots.<<set $fieldflowers to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>The field is monolithic save for the patch of dirt and the flowers, which are growing steadily more limp.<</if>><<else>><<if not $fieldflowers>>You pass the threshold of the door, and— A garden...? Overgrown vines, forest green, twist and turn in a knotted mess as high as your knees. Their indigo flowers have broad petals. The sky is a dusky orange, and a breeze tickles your skin, gently ruffling your clothes. Before you, perhaps ten paces away, is a small circle of grass, the only patch marring the landscape. <<linkreplace 'Tear them out.' t8n>>Stepping over the growth as carefully as you can, you set yourself upon that grassy patch. Clumps of loamy soil fly outwards, dirtying your clothes and hands, collecting beneath your fingernails. You've torn out the deep-rooted grass.<<set $fieldflowers to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>The field is monolithic save for the path of dirt and the messily piled grass, which is growing steadily more limp.<</if>><</if>> <<set $farright to true>> *[[Go to another room.|roomnav]]

<<if $reset == 0>><<if not $thething>>//"YouknowwhatyoudidIknowwhatyoudidIsawwhatyoudid—"// Hushed whispering echoes throughout the room, repeating itself over and over in the darkness through which not even the light from the doorway behind you can penetrate. You swallow hard, ignoring how each and every of your hairs stand on end. You can almost feel someone's cold breath against the back of your neck; it reeks of meat and mud. //"Youcan'tescapeyouwon'tescapeevenifyoudidIwouldfindyou—"// <<linkreplace 'Listen more.' t8n>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>>(Against each and every one of your instincts, you will yourself to listen closer though your sanity slips.) //"IknowitIknewitIwillknowitwillyoualso—"// <<linkreplace 'Listen more.' t8n>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>>(Your grip on reality lessens. It's easier to listen, now. You're barely even afraid.) //"Comeclosercomeclosercomecloserit'ssocoldandI'msolonelyandit'syourfault—"// <<linkreplace 'Listenmorelistenmorelistenmorelistenmore—' t8n>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>>Their cold hands grab your ankle, clamping down, they'll break it—!<<if $acrosskey>> Grasping hands reach for your pocket, feeling for the key—!<</if>> Snapped out of your fugue, you tear yourself away from their slimy grips, launching yourself out of the room. Wet handprints are left on your slacks, starkly darker than its fabric.<<set $thething to true>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No. No, you're not going back.<</if>><<else>>//"YouknowwhatyoudidIknowwhatyoudidIsawwhatyoudid—"// Their desperate whispering instills guilt. //"IknowitIknewit—"// "I'm so sorry." They can only answer with silence.<</if>> <<set $farleft to true>> *[[Go to another room.|roomnav]]

<<if $reset != 1>><<set $acrossdoor to false>><<if not $acrossdoor>>You test the handle of the door, but it's locked. You'll need a key to open it.<<set $acrossdoor to true>><<else>>The door is locked, just as you left it.<</if>> <p></p><<if $acrosskey>>And in your posession, you happen to have a key.<<else>>You have nothing with which to open the door, so you turn back to the [[central room.|mainroom]]<</if>><<else>>The door is locked, and you think to look for a key, but there's already one in your pocket. //One in your pocket...?//<</if>> <p></p> *<<link "Try the key." 'poolroom'>><</link>> *<<link "No, you're not done searching." 'roomnav'>><</link>>

He meets you at the rim of the fountain, overcoat rustling as he moves. <<if $devotion <= 50>>You feel repulsed.<</if>> "You've seen the pin?" he asks expectantly. "I saw you reaching for it. How was it?" "I wanted it," you say without thinking. "//Want// it, I mean." He lets out an amused breath. [['"Need would be a better word."'|collectpin]]

<<switch $option>> <<case "o4">><<if $reachpool>><<if $candor >= 50>>"The water's cold. Watch out," you warn.<<else>>"The water— I tested it earlier, and it was too cold to touch," you advise.<</if>><<else>><<if $candor >= 50>>"I'll do it," you say.<<else>>"Would you have me do it...?" you ask.<</if>><</if>> <<if $reachpool>>Dr. Scree looks at you, bemused. "Of course it is, it's because—" he cuts himself off— "...Nevermind that.<<else>>"Yes..." he says. "Yes, is what is necessary.<</if>> You're the one who ultimately has to take it." <<case "o5">>The two of you remain in heavy silence as you approach the rim of the fountain. Dr. Scree braces himself against it, leaning ever so slightly over the precipice. Avoiding his gaze, you stare at his distorted reflection in the water. "Go on, take it," he says. <<case "o6">>"What's the pin about, anyway?" you ask as the two of you come to a stop. "You'll find out soon enough," he responds, staring at the gently rippling surface of the water. "It is a very rare and valuable artifact." He lapses into silence, dark eyes trained on the flash of $gemcolor. After a beat, he continues, "Now, if you would, retrieve it." <<case "o7">><<if $romanticism >= 50>>You contemplate Dr. Scree as the two of you arrive at the basin's rim. There's a certain hunger in his dark eyes, a greed, a necessity for something greater than himself.<<else>>You observe the doctor as the two of you arrive at the basin's rim. His body language is tense— excited, or sensing danger? Both?— and he grips the rim tightly, as if bracing himself for what is to come.<</if>> Unfortunately, he offers no information about the pin. Instead, he speaks: "Now, if you would, retrieve it." <<case "o8">>"It must be very important," you say, with faux absentmindedness, hoping that your comment will prompt more information from him. Dr. Scree weighs your comment before humming in agreement. "Yes. It truly is." After a beat, he continues, "Now, if you would, retrieve it." <</switch>> //What?// *<<link "You're apprehensive, and it shows." 'collectpin2'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're apprehensive, but your face schooled." 'collectpin2'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $morale to $morale - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're detached, and it shows." 'collectpin2'>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're detached, but your face schooled." 'collectpin2'>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're interested, and it shows." 'collectpin2'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're interested, but your face schooled." 'collectpin2'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $morale to $morale + 3>><</link>>

<<if $morale < 29>>You want to resist, yet you<<elseif $morale > 29 && $morale < 71>>Eyeing him hesitantly, you<<else>>Nodding, you a take a deep, bracing breath and<</if>> thrust your hand into the water. It's cold, so cold that you're going numb the instant your hand is submerged. You fumble for the pin with fingers that feel as though they're freezing solid. <<linkreplace 'Your hand knocks into it, but you barely perceive the touch; icicle extremities exert all the effort in their stiffening muscles to grasp it.' t8n>> The hand curls around metal petals. <<linkreplace "The surface, it's..." t8n>> [[It's burning you alive!]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Your every nerve flares with heat and pain, but you can't— you can't move—! <<linkreplace "Your hand has pressed itself wholly to the metal device; it's melting into it, becoming one molten creature—!" t8n>> The light fragments into a thousand pieces and the room plunges into darkness; not that it matters, because your eyes are squeezed closed and your forehead is pressed against the floor (when did you fall to the floor?) and every joint is aflame and death lives in every vessel of your body— your sticky sweat is melding you to the tiles—! Your skin stretches tight, like a clinging film covering your flesh; you're swelling from within. Saliva drips from your rent-open mouth as you writhe on the ground. Tears sting your eyes and raze paths down your contorted face— every part of you throbs in pain and fire—! You vaguely sense a tall figure leaning in close to you— it says something in vain— but the words that float from its mouth are bent and broken and you can't parse them. Its tone is frustrated, angry, as red-hot as your body. <<set $morale to $morale - 6>><<linkreplace "You don't know how long passes before the excruciation ends." t8n>>You're left doubled over on the ground in a small puddle of spilled water, and your sleeve is soaked. The pin is clasped in one fist, which you hold against your heart. A warm trickle of blood seeps through your clenched fingers. Unfurling them reveals that its sharp tip has punctured your palm. In the new darkness, Dr. Scree leans close. The eerie ravines of his face are filled with shadow. [[He then speaks.]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

"Congratulations, Monitor," he says, plucking the bloodied pin from your grip, and you almost lunge to grab it back, "on your integration." He acts as though his words should //inspire// something in you. *<<link "And they do." 'task'>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "You scoff. There's no way you're going along with this." 'task'>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>> *<<link "You want to laugh. Whatever this is— it's absurdity." 'task'>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "He better shut his mouth before you shut it for him." 'task'>><<set $option to "o4">><<set $devotion to $devotion - 6>><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>Despite everything, something in his tone fills you with anticipation. With gratefulness. He looks exceptionally pleased at the shining hope in your eyes. "I trust that you understand why that was necessary," he says. "Regrettable, but necessary." <<if $candor >= 50>>"I want to know what happened," you say,<<else>>"Could you tell me what happened?" you ask,<</if>> swallowing down the remnants of the burning pain. "You've done what you were supposed to do," he answers. "Telling you too much right now would risk your health further, so you would do well not to press." <<case "o2" "o3">>"Don't look at me so. This was necessary; for your own good," he says, studying the pin, rubbing his thumb over its glassy $gemcolor center. <<if $candor >= 50>>"How is this for my own good when I don't even know what's happening?" you say indignantly.<<else>>"//Kindly// explain why, then," you say, frowning.<</if>> He gives a rattling sigh. "Once you regain your memories, this will be easier." "And when will that be, exactly?" "You'll recover them with time. Right now, right here, you're much too fragile." <<case "o4">> His gaze turns cold at your violent expression. "Calm yourself. This was a necessary part of the process. I understand your wariness, but if this behavior persists, drastic measures will be taken." <</switch>> <<if $devotion < 50>><<if $candor >= 50>>"You keep saying things without explaining them," you say, growing frustrated with his reticence.<<else>>"I would appreciate it," you say with mounting frustration, "if you would be more transparent."<</if>><<else>><<if $candor >= 50>>"I can't do this unless you explain more," you urge.<<else>>"Please, I need you to tell me more," you plead.<</if>><</if>> Ignoring your comment, he studies the pin once again, gazing into its $gemcolor core glinting amidst the gloom. You watch, still craving to snatch it back. (Because it's yours. //Yours,// you know.) He speaks briefly. [['"Acquire the energy."'|theenergy]]

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>You don't have a choice, do you? There are only a couple windowless rooms that you have access to, and there's no way of telling what's outside of them. And it's not as though you can climb down from your inital starting place... It looks like your only option is to proceed with whatever Dr. Scree wants from you. Nothing else is going to happen otherwise. <<case "o2">>You feel compelled, though this doesn't necessarily mean you're over how much suffering you've been put through. You're simply… intrigued. You want answers, badly, and it doesn't look like you're going to get them without accepting whatever 'task' Dr. Scree will have you complete. And some deep part of you is maybe even a little excited. <</switch>> "Good," he says. "I appreciate that you chose the path of least resistance." He gives you a once over. He doesn't deign to comment on your ragged countenance. "Do your best to adapt. And remember what I said about what I need." <<linkreplace '"But how do I—?"' t8n>>And then he open his hand wide, and the pin //falls to the ground.// It clinks and starts to roll— but its petals are flattened beneath dark leather loafers. [[You hear the awful crunch of metal.|endchamber]]<</linkreplace>>

You're not doing this. You refuse. There's no way anything good will come out of it, ever. With that level of suffering from just "integration"—whatever that's supposed to mean— there's no telling what's in store for you if you accept whatever trials this quack has planned. Dr. Scree notices the shift in your demeanor; his face hardens, suffocating any last drop of empathy. "Do not dare," he warns.<<set $morale to $morale - 3>> *[[Get away.|unwillingtask2]] *[[Actually, maybe you'll change your mind.|willingtask2]]

"You don't," they say, incredulous, and then they force a smile. "W-well, I'll guide you through what's supposed to happen, then!"<<set $pinknow to true>> Visions of metal flashing in water pass before your eyes. Tamping down the urge to be sick, <<if $candor >= 50>>you snap with mounting frustration, "//Pin?// How is that possible? I— I can hear, talk, //smell//—!"<<else>>you say with the steadiest voice you can muster, "Edme. What do you mean, //I'm the pin?// All of my senses are just fine."<</if>> "I'm really sorry," they cringe. "I'll help you a lot, okay? Promise!" You can't even manage a reply. Turbulent thoughts consume your head. <<if $clemency >= 50>>You... you can adjust. You have to.<<else>>There's no way that this is happening. You were just— //just//—!<</if>> At your wordlessness, they continue awkwardly. "Um, I'll give you a minute to collect yourself. I'll be back in a moment— I need to let my superiors know what's happened." The exit through a door you can't see (although you hear its hinges shrilly squeak). The sound of their hurried footsteps gets farther away, and you can faintly hear the buzzing of [[conversation.|p-a1-end]]

His face looks waxy, inhuman, with such depth of cold anger as you take a slow step backwards. "I have spent—" You don't listen to his words, instead turning heel and racing towards the domed chamber. <<linkreplace 'And behind you?' t8n>> Footsteps. They're heavy, thunderous steps; fast, disproportionate to his tall yet slight frame; they're right behind you. Like a rabbit, you flee an eagle. There's no way you're going to just— just //endure// whatever plans he has. There has to be an exit; you refuse to acknowledge anything else.<<set $morale to $morale - 3>> *[[Don't stop escaping.|unwillingtask3]] *[[Actually, maybe you'll change your mind.|willingtask3]]<</linkreplace>>

You force down the urge to flee. //What were you thinking?// You'd never get away from him. You don't even know where you are, how you got here— and he clearly knows more about this space than you do. "That was the wise choice," he says once he's sure you won't attempt an escape, observing the way you still your trembling hands. He scrutinizes you for a second, not deigning to comment on your ragged countenance. "Do your best to adapt," he finally says. "And remember what I said about what I need." <<linkreplace '"But how do I—?"' t8n>>And then pin //falls to the ground.// It clinks and starts to roll— but like a bug, it is crushed underfoot. [[You hear the awful crunch of metal.|endchamber]]<</linkreplace>>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>''A feeling of impending doom washes over you!''<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ Your own footsteps echo loudly as you scramble up the gentle upwards spiral of the stairs, nearly tripping over your own feet. You're back in the room in which you initially awakened. This second viewing yields no new information. The only entrance is the one you just burst through. <<if $romanticism >= 50>>No. No, there has to be something else. There has to be. What did you run away for if there isn't?<<else>>Your chest squeezes painfully. You knew that there was no way out, and you dared to entertain this foolish hope.<</if>> Footfalls beat to the rhythm of your jackrabbit heart. Did he always have such fortitude?<<set $morale to $morale - 3>> *[[HIDE.]] *[[BEG FOR FORGIVENESS.]]

But the voice of reason inside of you calls you to freeze in place. It might not be too late. He might have mercy. You force yourself to stop running, to turn around. <<linkreplace "If you only—" t8n>> Before you know it, Dr. Scree has invaded your space, coming up in front of you. He's close, too close; you want to run, but on trembling feet, you ground yourself where you stand. "What were you thinking?" he demands. "Do you know //anything//—" —he cuts himself off. "No, of course you don't." "Sorry," you offer quiveringly, and he only looks at you without a hint of care. He does not deign to comment on your ragged countenance. "So be it. Do your best to adapt," he says. "And remember what I said about what I need." <<linkreplace '"But how do I—?"' t8n>>And he opens his hand, and the pin //tumbles to the ground.// It clinks and starts to roll— but like a bug, it is crushed underfoot. [[You hear the awful crunch of metal.|endchamber]]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//(There's nowhere to go.)// You press yourself against the wall just outside the door, hoping he'll pass you by. <<linkreplace '"Monitor," he rasps from down the stairs. "Come back. I have no time for this, and neither do you."' t8n>> You squeeze your eyes shut. <<linkreplace "You hear his footsteps get closer." t8n>> //(He's at the top of the stairs.)// <<linkreplace 'And closer.' t8n>>//(He enters the chamber. Paralyzed with fear, you stare at the back of his overcoat.)// <<linkreplace 'Closer still.' t8n>>//(He turns around. Your blood turns to ice.)// <<linkreplace '"You never could have gotten far."' t8n>>He clutches you by the arm with more force than you thought him capable, wrenching it behind your back. <<linkreplace 'It hurts!' t8n>>No matter how much you <<if $fervor >= 50>>kick and struggle,<<else>>make yourself limp and dead weight,<</if>> you're dragged down the stairs back to the fountain, pain shooting up your arm. "I need you compliant. It's the only way." "Let go," you say fearfully. "Why are you—" He plunges your head into the [[water.|restart]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Hazy understanding convalesces in your mind. What could have possibly possessed you to run? Thunderous footsteps behind you echo closer. You feel sick. <<linkreplace "You don't want to die." t8n>> With a dry mouth, you turn around, willing the trembling of your hands and the anxious pain in your chest to cease. <<linkreplace "He storms into the room." t8n>> His face is carved with untold fury. You flinch when he looks at you. "I'm sorry," you offer with the steadiest, sincerest voice you can muster. "I don't know what I was thinking." <<linkreplace "With great effort, his fists unclench." t8n>>"Of course you don't," he snaps. "You don't have the slightest inkling. The //slightest.//" You can't bring yourself to respond. He lets out a sharp exhale. "Make do." And then he opens his hand wide. And the pin //plunges to the ground.// It clinks and starts to roll— but like a bug, it is crushed underfoot before it can crawl away. [[You hear the awful crunch of metal.|endchamber]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

(Cold liquid floods burning lungs.) Garbled words. //"Let's try that again."// <<link 'You fade.' 'wakeup'>><<set $actionpoints to 0>><<set $closeright to false>><<set $closeleft to false>><<set $farright to false>><<set $farleft to false>><<set $thething to false>><<set $fieldflowers to false>><<set $pourtea to false>><<set $reset to $reset + 1>><</link>>

In the barely-visible room, your vision blurs.<<set $escapescree to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>records updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>> <div class="options" align=center><<button[[Wake up?|wakeup3]]>><</button>></div>

<<linkreplace "You're twisting and warping once again, but...!" t8n>><<linkreplace "When you awaken, you do not drown." t8n>><<linkreplace "You are not dying (yet you are still so cold)." t8n>><<linkreplace "You come into your senses quietly." t8n>>==[[(Because that's what you're supposed to do— keep your head down and stay quiet.)|calloutedme]]==<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o1">>At the sound of your $voice voice, they jolt and spin around, nearly tumbling out of their chair, barely stopping themself from toppling over. Their eyes flit across the room— //do they not see you?//— but ultimately, they land on you, and their eyes go wide. "Hello...?" they test. "Hello," you respond weakly. They look at you with utter shock, mouth hanging ajar. "I didn't think you'd ever finish!" they say, words tumbling out all at once, and then their face instantly flushes red. "//Wait,// that didn't come out as I meant it— I'm so sorry, this is so unexpected— It's just—!" *<<link "Chastise them for their comment." 'response2'>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $option to "o3">><</link>> *<<link "Let their unintentional insult slide." 'response2'>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>><<case "o2">><<set $option to "o1">>They work on in silence, absorbed in whatever it is at which they're toiling. You watch for some time longer before finally breaking the [[silence.|voice]]<</switch>>

(And your voice, its sound is...) *<<link "...raspy." 'response'>><<set $voice to "raspy">><</link>> *<<link "...lilting." 'response'>><<set $voice to "lilting">><</link>> *<<link "...soft." 'response'>><<set $voice to "soft">><</link>> *<<link "...strong." 'response'>><<set $voice to "strong">><</link>> *<<link "...monotone." 'response'>><<set $voice to "monotone">><</link>>

<<switch $option>> <<case "o3">>"I'm very sorry," they say, hanging their head in shame. "Forgive me?" They seem thoroughly and genuinely apologetic. "You're forgiven." "Ah, thank you!" they say, perking up a bit. "I really didn't mean anything by that! It's just been a while since you've... done anything. Which is understandable, given the circumstances!" <<case "o4">>"Thanks," they say in relief, wringing their hands together. "I really didn't mean anything by that! It's just been a while since you've... done anything. Which is understandable, given the circumstances!" <</switch>> Before you have time to respond to that information, they launch themselves into an [[introduction.|edme]]

You look into their blue-gray eyes and <<if $devotion >= 50>>see their shining loyalty.<<else>>shiver at the difference in devotion.<</if>> They're clearly dedicated to their cause.<<set $actionpoints to 0>> <<linkreplace "Get up." t8n>>...You remain where you are. <<link "What?" 'realization'>><</link>><</linkreplace>>

<<linkreplace "Attempt to curl your fingers." t8n>><<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>>You command your hands to move, to reach, to grasp, //anything//— but it's as though your connection to them has been severed.<<if $actionpoints == 3>> "What's going on?" you ask, fearing the answer. [["What's been done to you?"|attemptmove2]]<<else>> Your heart speeds.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Try to rotate your head." t8n>><<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>>Willing the muscles of your neck to shift, you attempt to cast your gaze to places in the room yet unseen. You find that while you can shift your gaze freely, turning your head is impossible.<<if $actionpoints == 3>> "What's going on?" you ask, fearing the answer. [["What's been done to you?"|attemptmove2]]<<else>> You feel a pounding in your head.<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Endeavor to move your legs." t8n>><<set $actionpoints to $actionpoints + 1>>With every fiber of your being, you try to sit, to stand, to move anywhere from your position— and in what position are you? Edme appears to tower over you— are you lying upon a table? Despite your efforts, you remain unmoving.<<if $actionpoints == 3>> "What's going on?" you ask, fearing the answer. [["What's been done to you?"|attemptmove2]]<<else>> A sheen of sweat beads on your face.<</if>><</linkreplace>>

<<switch $option>><<case "o1">>"Look, what's more important than remembering any //training// is—" <<case "o2">>"How am I supposed to know //anything// about—" <<case "o3">>"I-I'm sorry, I just don't //know//—" <<case "o4">>"I... I just want to know who the hell I //am//—" <</switch>> In the middle of your speech, they blurt out words that turn your blood to ice. //"So you don't even know that you're the pin?"// *<<link 'What the fuck, actually.' 'prelude-act1-semiend'>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link 'So this is what the future holds.' 'prelude-act1-semiend'>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link 'Is this what the doctor intended to happen?' 'prelude-act1-semiend'>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You just feel so numb." 'prelude-act1-semiend'>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>>

Your head feels tight. "En—?" "Don't ask for more," he cuts you off as your vision begins to swim. "You're simply unable to withstand its effects as you are." <<if $romanticism >= 50>>//How can you tell?//<<else>>//Effects of what?//<</if>> you wonder with a furrowed brow, trying to will away the swollen sensation behind your forehead. "I simply need to know," he says firmly, "that you will do it." *<<link "No, you don't think so." 'unwillingtask'>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Fuck no." 'unwillingtask'>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You have to, don't you...?" 'willingtask'>><<set $torpor to $torpor + 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "Fine." 'willingtask'>><<set $torpor to $torpor + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You're willing enough." 'willingtask'>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Your expression gives away your growing interest." 'willingtask'>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>>

<<if $reset == 0>>Every small step forward is taken with hesitance as you maneuvre in the dark, but eventually, you stumble into yet another door, this one unlocked. Pushing it open bathes you in light. <<if $romanticism <= 50>>Compelling yourself to remain levelheaded, you brush yourself off, observing your new location<<else>>With your nerves nipping at your heels, you bring yourself to glance around at your new location<</if>>, squinting from the sudden brightness. <</if>>The room you are in is rectangular, with five arched doors (two on each side, one across). The floor is granite tile; the walls are more white stone. It's illuminated with crystalline lights hanging from a vaulted ceiling. *<<if not $closeright>>[[Go to the closest door on the right.|closeright]]<<else>>[[The closest door on the right. (VISITED)|closeright]]<</if>> *<<if not $closeleft>>[[Go to the closest doorway on the left.|closeleft]]<<else>>[[The closest doorway on the left. (VISITED)|closeleft]]<</if>> *<<if not $farright>>[[Go to the far doorway on the right.|farright]]<<else>>[[The farthest doorway on the right. (VISITED)|farright]]<</if>> *<<if not $farleft>>[[Go to the far doorway on the left.|farleft]]<<else>>[[The far doorway on the left. (VISITED)|farleft]]<</if>> *[[Go to the doorway across the room.|across]]

"My name is Edme," they say, straightening their back.<<if $romanticism >= 50>> They're clearly confident in this much.<<else>> They look as though they've rehearsed this before.<</if>> "Edme Thouvenot. Um, you probably don't recognize me, since I was promoted after you began your integration, but I'm currently the leader of the Eighth Conrei. I know I'm younger than you were expecting, but I promise, I'm qualified for this position!" <<linkreplace 'Ask how old they are.' t8n>>"Twenty-six," they respond, honestly and earnestly.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace 'Ask where you are.' t8n>>"Right now, we're in my office," they answer. "The previous Division Eight office had to be moved due to structural issues, so this is where I am for now!"<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace 'Eighth Conrei...?' t8n>>A worried look crosses their face as their brows slightly furrow. "Yes, the Eighth Conrei. Are you feeling all right?"<</linkreplace>> [[You're done asking questions.|attemptmove]]

Edme wrings their hands as they catch on to your panic. "Have— have you forgotten?" they fret, standing up from their chair and leaning over you, worry shining in their eyes. "Your training, don't you remember it?" <<linkreplace 'Training—?' t8n>><<if $candor >= 50>>"What do you mean, //training?//"<<else>>"No, I don't— I don't know what you're talking about,"<</if>> you say fearfully. Their face turns to shock. <<if $romanticism >= 50>>They seem just as dazed as you do, actually.<<else>>You can't help but worry that this will turn out horribly.<</if>> "You... you don't remember." *<<link 'Try to change the subject.' 'pinreveal'>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>> *<<link 'Argue in your defense.' 'pinreveal'>><<set $option to "o2">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><</link>> *<<link 'An apology is already leaving your mouth.' 'pinreveal'>><<set $option to "o3">><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><</link>> *<<link 'Panic.' 'pinreveal'>><<set $option to "o4">><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>><</linkreplace>>

To where shall you go? *<<if not $closeright>>[[The closest door on the right.|closeright]]<<else>>[[The closest door on the right. (VISITED)|closeright]]<</if>> *<<if not $closeleft>>[[The closest doorway on the left.|closeleft]]<<else>>[[The closest doorway on the left. (VISITED)|closeleft]]<</if>> *<<if not $farright>>[[The far doorway on the right.|farright]]<<else>>[[The farthest doorway on the right. (VISITED)|farright]]<</if>> *<<if not $farleft>>[[The far doorway on the left.|farleft]]<<else>>[[The far doorway on the left. (VISITED)|farleft]]<</if>> *[[The doorway across the room.|across]]

You remain silent as you gaze upon the water. <<if $morale >= 50>>Is it time to reach in, now? <<set $option to "o3">>You're curious as to its significance.<<else>> <<if $reachpool>>Your hand aches as it recalls the overpowering cold.<</if>> Is he going to <<if $romanticism >= 50>>try retrieving it?<<set $option to "o1">><<else>>have you try retrieving it?<<set $option to "o2">><</if>><</if>> <<switch $option>> <<case "o1">> <<if $reachpool>>Does he know of the water's freezing nature?<</if>>Should you intervene? *<<link "You don't like him, but it wouldn't rest easy on your conscience if you did nothing." 'water'>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link 'Volunteer yourself. Better you than someone else.' 'water'>><<set $clemency to $clemency + 3>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o4">><</link>> *<<link 'It would be best not to bother him.' 'water'>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o5">><</link>> *<<link "You remain silent. Let him do it himself, if he's so intent." 'water'>><<set $clemency to $clemency - 3>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o5">><</link>> <<case "o2">> Would you listen to him if he did? *<<link "You don't like him, but you don't think you have a choice." 'water'>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "o6">><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><</link>> *<<link "No. You don't trust him in the slightest, so why would you follow his instructions?" 'water'>><<set $devotion to $devotion - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "o6">><</link>> *<<link "Perhaps it's for the best." 'water'>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "o6">><</link>> *<<link "Why wouldn't you?" 'water'>><<set $devotion to $devotion + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $option to "o6">><</link>> <<case "o3">> *<<link "Ask him what the pin is for." 'water'>><<set $option to "o6">><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Try to probe for information." 'water'>><<set $option to "o8">> <<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><</link>> *<<link "Hold your tongue. Maybe he'll tell you on his own." 'water'>><<set $option to "o7">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>> *<<link "Focus on what's in front of you. Attempt to piece things together yourself." 'water'>><<set $option to "o7">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><</link>><</switch>>

<div class="options" align=center><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></div> As of Prelude (Act One), this game includes: Non-Spoilers: depictions of drowning/suffocation/choking, depictions of pain, manipulative/abusive relationships, blood, saliva, depictions of panic/fear, themes of death, body horror, violence, objectification of people <<spoiler "Main character death">> The author does not condone violence or abusive behavior of any kind. If I have missed anything you think should be added to the above list, please contact me at my Tumblr (illusoryzone-if.tumblr.com).

Beyond the threshold of the door is a set of wide, spiralling stairs that descend into darkness. You can't peer past the first few steps— the light of the sky does not penetrate its depths. <<linkreplace 'Taking a deep breath, you begin descending.' t8n>>With each tentative step, you descend further, until you reach another door. You open it easily; beyond, there's bright light and [[more.|mainroom]]<</linkreplace>>

The instant you catch sight of the $metalcolor pin you lunge forwards. "That's mine," you hiss. //(Why are you doing this?)// He sidesteps your frenzied movement, and you only manage to swipe the end of his heavy overcoat, fingers barely scraping the fabric. There's no expression on his schooled face, not even one of neutrality; each muscle is completely relaxed. "I must admit," he says, "that I did not think you capable of this." "What are you even talking about?" you gasp. "I just want to— I just want—!" "What //do// you want?" he muses to you (but he's really only ever been speaking to himself). <<linkreplace "You want..." t8n>> *<<link "...to know why." 'screeknows2'>><<set $ambition to "to know why">><</link>> *<<link "...justice." 'screeknows2'>><<set $ambition to "justice">><</link>> *<<link "...freedom." 'screeknows2'>><<set $ambition to "freedom">><</link>><</linkreplace>>

"How curious. Then in that case... you know you have no choice, don't you?" Wordlessly, you nod. "Then you truly must know is that you need to acquire energy." "Acq—?" The pin falls to the floor with a clinking noise. Underfoot, it is crushed like a bug. [[Your head spins.|wakeup3]]

A boxy office room is cast in the warm light of an incandescent bulb. The sound of a <<if $sharpeye >= 20>>cetera<<else>>string instrument<</if>>, slightly distorted, floats out from a radio behind you, and a strong smell of coffee hangs in the air. <<linkreplace "(And there is someone unfamiliar.)" t8n>>They have a head of short, curly dark blond hair; like you, they're attired in slacks and a button-up. They're sitting hunched over a wooden desk with their back turned to you. The scritching of pen on paper is discordant. How do you call out to them? *<<link "You plead for help." 'voice'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><</link>> *<<link "You ask for your location." 'voice'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "You request their name." 'voice'>><<set $candor to $candor - 3>><<set $option to "o1">><<set $romanticism to $romanticism - 3>><</link>> *<<link "You demand answers." 'voice'>><<set $candor to $candor + 3>><<set $fervor to $fervor + 3>><<set $romanticism to $romanticism + 3>><<set $option to "o1">><</link>> *<<link "...Truthfully, no words emerge." 'response'>><<set $fervor to $fervor - 3>><<set $option to "o2">><</link>><</linkreplace>>

You're left to sink deep into the silence, grappling with your new being.<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>personal stats updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>> !!!—act one end <div class="options" align=center><<button [[Act Two|p-a2-begin]]>><</button>></div><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 4s>>game autosaved!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\

<span class="title">larvate.</span> <span class="author">by <a href="https://illusoryzone-if.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">illusoryzone-if</a></span>

<<nobr>> <li>[[stats]]</li> <li><<link "credits">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li> <</nobr>>

<<set $sharpeye to 0>> <<set $silvertongue to 0>> <<set $stoutheart to 0>> <<set $clemency to 50>><<set $stringency to 50>> <<set $romanticism to 50>><<set $pragmatism to 50>> <<set $fervor to 50>><<set $torpor to 50>> <<set $candor to 50>><<set $decorum to 50>> <<set $morale to 50>> <<set $devotion to 50>> <<set $moralestart to $morale>> <<set $moraleend to $morale>> <<set $devotionstart to $devotion>> <<set $devotionend to $devotion>> <<set $shape to "null">> <<set $metalcolor to "null">> <<set $gemcolor to "null">> <<set $voice to "null">> <<set $address to "null">> <<set $gender to "null">> <<set $name to "null">> <<set $they to "null">> <<set $them to "null">> <<set $their to "null">> <<set $themself to "null">> <<set $theirs to "null">> <<set $touchaverse to false>> <<set $ambition to "null">> <<set $liar to 0>> <<set $ruthless to 0>> <<set $leotrust to 0>> <<set $leomorale to 40>> <<set $albtrust to 0>> <<set $albmorale to 50>> <<set $fasttrust to 0>> <<set $fastmorale to 40>> <<set $meitrust to 0>> <<set $meimorale to 30>> <<set $delltrust to 0>> <<set $dellmorale to 20>> <<set $knowleo to false>> <<set $knowalb to false>> <<set $knowfast to false>> <<set $knowmei to false>> <<set $knowdell to false>> <<set $albfirstmoralenote to $morale>> <<set $leofirstmoralenote to $morale>> <<set $fastfirstmoralenote to $morale>> <<set $dellfirstmoralenote to $morale>> <<set $meifirstmoralenote to $morale>> <<set $option to "null">> <<set $actionpoints to 0>> <<set $reset to 0>> <<set $groupatmosphere to 0>> <<set $closeright to false>> <<set $closeleft to false>> <<set $farright to false>> <<set $farleft to false>> <<set $escapescree to false>> <<set $acrosskey to false>> <<set $dustroom to false>> <<set $thething to false>> <<set $fieldflowers to false>> <<set $readbooks to false>> <<set $pinknow to false>> <<set $reachpool to false>> <<set $albfastfight to 0>> <<set $albdellargue to 0>> <<set $meiresponse to 0>> <<set $leohaiku to 0>> <<set $goalb to false>> <<set $goedme to false>> <<set $feliciennelie to 0>> <<set $dinnerresults to 0>>

/* 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>> <<widget "Mx">><<switch $address>><<case "masc">>Mr.<<case "fem">>Ms.<<case "neu">>Mx.<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "Associate">><<switch $address>><<case "masc">>Sir<<case "fem">>Ma'am<<case "neu">>Associate<</switch>><</widget>>

<div class="options" align=center><<button [[Interpersonal Stats|interpersonal stats]]>><</button>> <<button [[Records|records]]>><</button>> <<button "Return" $return>><</button>></div><<set $stringency = 100 - $clemency>><<set $pragmatism = 100 - $romanticism>><<set $torpor = 100 - $fervor>><<set $decorum = 100 - $candor>><<if $morale < 0>><<set $morale to 0>><<elseif $morale gte 100>><<set $morale to 100>><</if>><<if $devotion < 0>><<set $devotion to 0>><<elseif $devotion gte 100>><<set $devotion to 100>><</if>><<if $albtrust < 0>><<set $albtrust to 0>><<elseif $albtrust gte 100>><<set $albtrust to 100>><</if>><<if $albmorale < 0>><<set $albmorale to 0>><<elseif $albmorale gte 100>><<set $albmorale to 100>><</if>><<if $leotrust < 0>><<set $leotrust to 0>><<elseif $leotrust gte 100>><<set $leotrust to 100>><</if>><<if $leomorale < 0>><<set $leomorale to 0>><<elseif $leomorale gte 100>><<set $leomorale to 100>><</if>><<if $fasttrust < 0>><<set $fasttrust to 0>><<elseif $fasttrust gte 100>><<set $fasttrust to 100>><</if>><<if $fastmorale < 0>><<set $fastmorale to 0>><<elseif $fastmorale gte 100>><<set $fastmorale to 100>><</if>><<if $meitrust < 0>><<set $meitrust to 0>><<elseif $meitrust gte 100>><<set $meitrust to 100>><</if>><<if $meimorale < 0>><<set $meimorale to 0>><<elseif $meimorale gte 100>><<set $meimorale to 100>><</if>><<if $delltrust < 0>><<set $delltrust to 0>><<elseif $delltrust gte 100>><<set $delltrust to 100>><</if>><<if $dellmorale < 0>><<set $dellmorale to 0>><<elseif $dellmorale gte 100>><<set $dellmorale to 100>><</if>> !Personal Stats !!Your Self <<if $pinknow>>You're the Monitor, a $shape-shaped pin made of $metalcolor with a $gemcolor center. <<else>><</if>><<if $voice != "null">>You speak in a $voice voice.<<else>><</if>><<if $address != "null" && $they != "null">> You prefer <<if $address is "fem">>feminine<<elseif $address is "masc">>masculine<<elseif $address is "neu">>neutral<</if>> terms of address, and your pronouns are $they, $them, $their, and $themself.<<else>><</if>><div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Devotion: $devotion%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="devotion-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Morale: $morale%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="morale-stat"></div> </div></div>\ !!Your attitudes <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Clemency: $clemency%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Stringency: $stringency%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="clemency-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Romanticism: $romanticism%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Pragmatism: $pragmatism%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="romanticism-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Fervor: $fervor%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Torpor: $torpor%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="fervor-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Candor: $candor%</div> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Decorum: $decorum%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="candor-stat"></div> </div></div>\ !!Your Aptitudes <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Sharp Eye: $sharpeye%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="sharpeye-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Silver Tongue: $silvertongue%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="silvertongue-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Stout Heart: $stoutheart%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="stoutheart-stat"></div> </div></div>\

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]]

<div class="options" align=center><<button [[Personal Stats|stats]]>><</button>> <<button [[Records|records]]>><</button>> <<button "Return" $return>><</button>></div> !Interpersonal Stats <<if $knowleo is true>> !!Leonor Galán A quiet, introspective woman with an adoration of nature. <<else>> !!Someone you might know.<</if>><div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Trust: $leotrust%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="leotrust-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Morale: $leomorale%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="leomorale-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <<if $knowalb is true>> !!Albrecht Schenk <<else>> !!Someone you might know.<</if>><div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Trust: $albtrust%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="albtrust-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Morale: $albmorale%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="albmorale-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <<if $knowfast is true>> !!Fastvi Romm <<else>> !!Someone you might know.<</if>><div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Trust: $fasttrust%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="fasttrust-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Morale: $fastmorale%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="fastmorale-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <<if $knowmei is true>> !!Yoshinaga Meijirō <<else>> !!Someone you might know. <</if>><div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Trust: $meitrust%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="meitrust-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Morale: $meimorale%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="meimorale-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <<if $knowdell is true>> !!Dell Waldroup <<else>> !!Someone you might know. <</if>><div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Trust: $delltrust%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="delltrust-stat"></div> </div></div>\ <div class="stat-bar-group"> <div class="stat-bar-container"> <div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Morale: $dellmorale%</div> <div class="stat-bar" id="dellmorale-stat"></div> </div></div>\

<div class="options" align=center><<button [[Personal Stats|stats]]>><</button>> <<button [[Interpersonal Stats|interpersonal stats]]>><</button>> <<button "Return" $return>><</button>></div> !Records A collection of notable decisions you have made. !!!Prelude //act one.// <<if $dustroom>>*You destroyed the papers.<</if>><<if $reset gte 1>>*Death tastes cold.<</if>><<if $escapescree>>*You've elected to follow Dr. Scree... for now.<</if>> //act two.// <<if $goalb>>*You chose to explore with Albrecht.<<elseif $goedme>>*You chose to explore with Edme.<</if>><<if $feliciennelie == 1>>*You withheld everything from the director.<<elseif $feliciennelie == 2>>*You withheld Dr. Scree from the director.<<elseif $feliciennelie == 2 && $reset > 0>>*You withheld Dr. Scree and your death from the director.<<elseif $feliciennelie == 3 && $reset == 0>>*You were honest with the director.<<elseif $feliciennelie == 3 && $reset > 0>>*You withheld your death from the director.<<elseif $feliciennelie == 4>>*You were honest with the director.<</if>><<if $dinnerresults == 6>>*You watched the Obeliscolychny with everyone.<<elseif $dinnerresults == 5>>*You watched the Obeliscolychny with nearly everyone.<<elseif $dinnerresults == 4>>*You watched the Obeliscolychny with most of your cadre.<<elseif $dinnerresults == 3>>*You watched the Obeliscolychny with less than half of your cadre.<<elseif $dinnerresults == 2>>*You watched the Obeliscolychny with Albrecht.<<elseif $dinnerresults == 1>>*You went to bed after dinner.<</if>>