I'm a friend of Reza Temiz.
If this is Damien, he would know Reza
Jericho.
I don't work here. I'm a friend of Reza Temiz. Jericho.
Jesus, how did you―? Wait, let me just―
Did Jericho send you? I haven't been able to contact him.
What did you just do?
I made sure that this remains a private conversation. How did you get in here? This place is a bloody fortress.
I'm getting good at finding my way into impenetrable fortresses. I'm Zoë.
Damien Cav― Right, you already know who I am. Which I find sort of disturbing. I told Jericho that he couldn't talk to anyone about this.
Jericho's gone. Something's happened to him. But he left me enough info to locate you.
He's disappeared? Jesus. That's not good. What about Rio? She went to see Jericho. Five days ago.
Is she...are you close?
We work together. Why, what's happened?
I think she's dead.
Are you serious? Jesus. I'm in way over my head on this one. I shouldn't have asked her to go.
What happened to her?
I don't know. I found her in Jericho's apartment. She was hooked up to this white plastic thing, and there were wires going into her head.
The Dreamer.
That's what it's called. A Dreamer. It's not supposed to kill you.
I know. They hooked me up to one.
Who hooked you up to a Dreamer?
Two girls. Twins. I don't know who they work for, but I'm guessing they're connected to your company.
I've seen them around. They work for Ms Gilmore, the president.
I think maybe they got to Rio as well. And they're after Jericho...after Reza. I was hoping he'd made it here.
I haven't heard from him since Thursday. Sorry. Rio rang me when she got into Casablanca and told me she'd met with Jericho.
That must have been right before... I found her in Jericho's apartment, and minutes later the EYE raided the place. I was arrested, but they let me go the next morning.
Is there anyone who isn't involved in this?
'This' what? I decided to track Reza down in order to help him. He's my best friend. But I don't know what 'this' is, or what I've gotten myself involved in.
Now Reza's vanished, and you're the only lead I have left. Can you please just tell me what 'this' is?
You don't know anything?
Only what I've picked up on the way here. Reza never shares his stories with me.
I know that WATIcorp is working on something, and that they've been testing it out on people in Newport. You called it the 'Dreamer'.
I know that the Dreamer is probably connected to the Static somehow, and that's most likely what Reza was investigating in the first place.
And I also know that WATIcorp is keen to keep all of this under wraps. Keen enough to kill people.
Apart from that... I have no idea who you are, what you've told Reza, what Rio was doing in his apartment, and what this 'Dreamer' thing is all about.
So you're going to have to fill me in, and I'm not leaving here until you do. I've come too far to go back now.
If I can't help Reza, at least I want to know why. I want the truth.
Right. Wow. Okay. I understand you want the truth. I wish I could tell you... I'm putting myself at great risk here, Zoë. I don't know who you are.
For all I know, you could be working for the corporation. Then again, if you do, I'm already done for anyway, so...
You're right about all of it. We...WATIcorp's working on something big. The Dreamer.
It's a device that'll let you dream anything you've got a mind to dream. Lucid dreams. You're awake and in control.
Can you just imagine the possibilities? Every other entertainment medium would simply disappear overnight. Why watch a movie when you can dream it?
However...
About three months ago, something happened. There was a...contamination in the network that connects each Dreamer console with the central processor, Dreamcore.
I used to work on the network code, the parts that link the Dreamers with DreamNet.
When the problem appeared, my bosses asked me to head up the group charged with identifying the problem on this end, to weed out the bugs.
What we discovered was that DreamNet was beginning to slip out of our control. There was a contamination, but it wasn't a bug. It wasn't internal.
We figured someone had hacked into the network, and introduced a virus or worm. Something sneaky and adaptable.
It didn't take me long to realise there was a link between the Static and our problems. The Static wasn't the cause...it was the effect.
Whatever had infiltrated DreamNet was, for lack of a better word, 'leaking' out onto the Wire, causing glitches and system crashes.
When I told my supervisors, I was instructed to not ask any questions, and to just keep working on the problem.
So I did what they told me. But at the same time I started digging deeper on my own. And that's when I met Rio.
She was working with the biological systems that run our code and operates DreamNet - the central processor known as Dreamcore.
She'd been digging, too, and, like me, she'd reached an impasse. So we started working together to identify and nail down the contamination.
So we kept digging, and then one day, about a week ago, we discovered something that changed everything...
WATI isn't making these things to entertain people. They're making them to spy on and to control people.
DreamNet was designed to record people's dreams. And Dreamcore was designed to analyse them.
And that's just the beginning. By feeding data back through the Dreamer, they can plant thoughts, instructions...even hypnotic suggestions in people's heads.
DreamNet is the biggest brainwashing experiment of all time, disguised as mindless entertainment.
What? Oh. Right. Exactly. Someone's trying to take control of the network. The most dangerous weapon of all time...
Rio and I, we realised we had to tell someone, but we also knew that the corporation would do anything to protect their secret.
If we went to the media, we'd be dead. We had to find someone with the guts to expose WATI, while protecting our identities.
The Hand That Bites.
Who better to expose this conspiracy than Jericho and his notorious feed? We knew he wouldn't be afraid to go up against WATIcorp.
This is... And you're sure about this, Damien? It sounds like, like science-fiction.
The people behind it seem to believe that it's possible, and the Dreamer works. I've tried it many times. It's incredible, like nothing you've ever experienced.
But to know they have free access to your innermost thoughts...
I won't use it again, that's for sure. Not with everything I know now.
I go down to sub-level fifty-eight. In exactly half an hour from now, you'll disengage the alarm, and I'll open the door.
Remember that once you're through, the door will be tagged for maintenance by the security systems.
I got that.
And the rest of it?
Thanks, Damien. You too.
Good. Keep in mind that I can't call you while we're inside the building, so we won't be in touch until this is over. Best of luck, Zoë.
I got it. All of it.
I'm not sure that's the right word, but I don't know how else to describe it. I could hear the voices of thousands of people around me.
It does sound as though the Azadi have plans with this tower, April-an. But I cannot see what that would be.
As for this place you discovered deep below us, this...chamber of dreams?
This worries me, April-an. Dreams are powerful things. Combined with this Azadi machine, if that is what it is, it could have serious consequences.
I tried going back through, but the rock's solid. There's a half mile of mountain between us and the caves. Without the portal, there's no way down there.
I will look at the wall in the cellar where you said the portal opened up. Perhaps I can learn how this musical magic works. I must say that I am intrigued.
Keep this under wraps, Na'ane. Don't let anyone get wind of what you're doing. Not even Benrime. We don't know what we're dealing with yet.
Of course. I shall be cautious. Perhaps this is the opportunity we have been praying for. If we do not soon find a weakness in the Azadi front...
Then we keep fighting them with the weapons we already have. What else can we do?
I am not suggesting we lay down our arms, April-an. But we are fast dwindling in numbers.
We're not dead yet, Na'ane. And it might be that this new information will help us.
Not a day goes by when someone is not killed, captured and sent west to an unknown fate, or abandons the cause.
We may soon need an alternative to force. They are many, we are few, and the Azadi support amongst the common people grows daily.
If that tower is as important as I suspect it is, we have a new target. I'll talk to some contacts, see what they know, and what they've heard.
Tell Brynn and Chawan to get the remaining supplies on their own. They'll need to leave tomorrow evening as planned. We can't afford any delays.
Will you not go with them?
I haven't decided yet. It depends on what information I manage to dig up. If I get a lead, I'll have to follow it.
So be it. I may wait for you, but I will leave a message with Benrime if I, too, set course for home.
He is eager. He is open. He is perfect.
彼は熱心です。率直です。彼なら大丈夫です。
I hope you are right. He is our last hope...
そうだと良いのだが。彼は我々の最後の望みだ…。
Have faith. The undreaming will be unleashed, and it will―
信じてください。アンドリーミングは解き放たれるでしょう、そして―
Quiet, brother. The walls have ears.
静かに。壁に耳ありだ。
Oops. Sorry!
Did you want something?
No, it's nothing! Sorry!
You all right, girl?
Where...where am I?
You're still at The Fringe. You don't remember?
I don't know. I... How did I get back here?
Back? You haven't moved all night. Couple of guests found you passed out. You were drugged.
That's what it looks like. I checked the cameras, but there was nothing on them. The crystals were wiped.
When we found you last night, I called a friend of mine. A doctor. She came by and checked you out.
She said you were on some kind of synth, but that you'd sleep it off. So I closed the room and kept an eye on you all night.
That's not possible. I was...somewhere else. April, she―
I met April. April Ryan! I was in Arcadia, the place she spoke about. I was there! So...so I couldn't possibly have been here.
Zoë... Look, I've been checking in on you every fifteen minutes all night long. You couldn't have gone anywhere without me noticing.
You were fed some kind of hallucinogenic. You've probably been having very vivid dreams.
Maybe you're right. But it felt real enough.
Dreams
Was it all just a dream?
That's impossible! I was there! I spoke with April. She was...she wasn't very cooperative. But I did speak with her.
Real
There's no way it was just a dream!
All I know is that you've been sleeping right here since we found you.
Sorry about that.
It was a potent drug. My friend couldn't identify it - like I said, some kind of synth - but she said the readings were off the chart. Your mind was on fire.
She also said you'd be fine, once the drugs had worn off. I would've called a hospital, but I figured we'd both be happier without corporates sniffing around.
My clientele is a bit...sensitive about their privacy. And I figured you'd feel the same way.
I'm glad you didn't call anyone. As far as the EYE's concerned, I'm still in Casablanca.
You left Emma and me at the table to make a call. Twenty minutes later some guests found you passed out in the booth.
They gave up their reservation quite willingly. They didn't want to get involved.
Sorry? Girl, it's not your fault that someone drugged you. But you might want to consider getting out of this before you get hurt.
You don't remember anything?
I can't just abandon Reza.
No. Last night's a blur. The first thing I remember is waking up in... No, I don't remember anything from The Fringe.
Huh. Actually, I'm not receiving any signal here. You're, uh, a ghost.
Thanks. That sounds perfect. I could definitely use a shower and a change of clothes.
I didn't see anyone. But apparently our friend Marcus Crozier checked in just before the incident.
Did you see whoever did this to me?
And he brought two guests.
Wait, I remember...part of it. Marcus, the twins...
Hi, this is Reza. I'm either busy or I'm sleeping. Either way, let me know what's up, and I'll call you right back. Thanks.
Come on. Let's move out.
Your journey is about to begin. Follow me.
あなたの旅は始まろうとしています。こちらへ。
April. I'm pleased to see you. Pleased...and surprised.
I'm just as surprised as you are, Gordon. How, uh, how have you been?
I...don't know. This place... I'm both a part of it and apart from it. I'm no longer who I once was, though I remain who I once was.
There is natural dichotomy to the Balance. Positive and negative, reality and dream...being and unbeing.
Sounds confusing. I don't envy your role. You're standing in the middle of a very busy intersection.
I don't know any other way to be anymore. I...remember. But my memories feel like they belong to someone else.
So, April... You have come to me with questions?
I didn't know where else to turn. Something's going on with the twin worlds, and I need to know what you know.
You're right. Something touches the Balance between the twin worlds. Dreams. Threads that weave through the Divide.
But the Balance remains undisturbed. Dreams have always passed between the world of Stark and the world of Arcadia.
That is how the worlds stay connected, how magic and science remain inextricably tied to each other.
The laws of nature, of the universe, are stronger than the artifice of the Divide.
So it's not something dangerous?
Not you
I don't know, April. There are forces far stronger than the Balance at play here. Dreams make up the fabric of cosmos.
Yet my responsibility lies solely with the channeling of energies between Stark and Arcadia, between science and magic.
And you don't know anything about these dreams?
I know this. Your role in these events has come to an end. You are not the one who will set things right this time.
I'm...not. Who will?
That's not for me to see. Your fate has always been tied to the Balance, April. I see where our paths intersect.
I can't see into the Dreaming.
The Dreaming? What's that?
The Dreaming?
The place where everything begins. You, me, this realm, the twin worlds...time, matter, cosmos. Everything.
It all begins in the Dreaming.
You're being obtuse. You know I hate it when people are being obtuse.
I'm sorry. I don't know any more than that. But you don't have to carry the burden on your shoulders this time around, April.
You're free. Go live your life. Let the past go.
That's easy for you to say. There's meaning to your existence. Me? I wasn't who I thought I was.
I honestly have no idea who I am anymore. Everyone kept telling me I was important, that I was needed.
Then one day, I...wasn't. I was just lost. So don't tell me I'm free. Don't tell me to go live my life. You don't know. You have a purpose.
We all do, April. You just haven't found yours yet. But this isn't it. Let it go.
Okay. Done. I'm officially letting this one go. There's nothing more you can tell me?
Only what I sense. Dreams are passing from Stark to Arcadia, but not the other way around. A slow trickle that may grow to a torrent.
But this does not concern the Balance, and so it does not concern me.
I guess that's good news. Thank you.
Thank you. Safe journeys, April.
I am at the crossroads between waking and dream.
私は夢と現実との岐路に立っている。
One path leads back to the world I left behind. The other path...
一方は私が後にした世界に通じている。もう一方は…。
The other path leads to a place of shadows.
もう一方は影の世界へと通じている。
But in truth, it is too late. My choice was made many years ago, when I first embarked on this journey. I cannot turn back.
だが、もう遅い。私は何年も前に選択し、そして旅が始まった。後戻りはできない。
I am at a crossroads, but for me there is only one path.
私は岐路にいるが、選択の余地はない。
I leave behind these words in the hope that, someday, they will serve as a map for someone else.
いつか、だれかの道しるべとなることを願い、これを書き残す。
To whomever reads this, Godspeed on your journey. If you ever decide to follow in my footsteps, look me up.
これを読む者へ、旅の無事を祈る。もし私の足跡をたどるなら、私を訪ねてほしい。
Ex-calling
Hi, Reza.
Hello. Are you busy?
Mmm, not really. Why?
I need to talk to you. Can you meet me at Moca Loco?
Sure. When?
Now? I'm already on my way there.
All right. I'll see you in a couple of minutes.
Great. See you there.
One
Brian Westhouse.
Brian Westhouse。
I don't usually look this pale, but that's what you get for being in a coma.
But that would be a lie. The only thing I could have said...is goodbye.
It might just be the most important thing ever.
I think he'll be very lonely when I'm gone.
Security spider. I hate spiders.
Security spider. Shit. I really hate those things.
Spider revealed
What was that?
Must be some kind of viral ad...
Wonkers, I don't have time to―
―but remember the time we hopped the Vactrax to Europolis without telling anyone, and you got completely shitfaced?
Wh-what?
I had to carry you to that sleazy hotel down on Jarl Street, and you spent half the night throwing up.
Zoë, this is Reza. I, uh, modified Wonkers a bit to make him play a pre-recorded message in case something happened to me.
I don't want you to worry. All this means is that I haven't checked in with him for twenty-four hours. I'm probably okay.
However, in case something's happened, I need you to do me a favour. I keep an updated copy of my notebook in my apartment at all times.
It contains everything about the story I'm currently working on. I wire over my notes and research twice a day.
I need you to get that notebook now, and take it somewhere safe. If I'm... If I'm in trouble, get the information inside to my editor.
You'll need to decrypt it first, so talk to you-know-who. She can take care of that, I'm sure.
To find the notebook - I keep it somewhere safe - go to my apartment and tell Lucia what I told you the day you left for Cape Town.
She will find the notebook for you.
Like I said earlier, I'm probably okay. Maybe I just forgot to check in. Maybe Wonkers has malfunctioned.
But get the notebook, just in case. You're the only person I can trust with this, Zoë. Keep it safe, and I'll see you soon, okay?
―which is why men wear cups. Diane?
Well, that's a kick in the groin, Ryan. Thanks!
Now, who are you, and what were you doing in my laboratory?
The next morning you bought me that antique lighter. Remember?
Wonkers, my best mechanical friend. He's a genuine Watilla, but he's a bit...outdated by now.
Second examine
Poor old Wonker is brainless. Literally.
Examine brainless
Pick up
Reza doesn't have a cat...
And why is the door to his apartment open?
Oh, my God...the building's being raided!
Commandos
On your knees! Hands behind your head!
Listen, I―
I warned you!
Please deliver it to Jericho as soon as possible.
My mobile's beeping!
Beeping
I spoke with Jericho a couple of days ago. He called me, asked me some questions, I answered them. That's all.
Okay, well, I guess that's a start. Victory Hotel.
Return encounter
Oh, hello dear.
I see. So Benrime sent you to find Magda. Now why would she do a thing like that?
And why would she say something like that?
Because I'm...I'm, um, not from around here.
That much is quite obvious.
Because... Probably because I'm not from around here, and I need help.
Anyone can see that. You stick out like a black beetle in a flour sack. And that is a very dangerous thing to do.
Very well, I will do what I can to assist you. You will certainly need it.
I just want to go home again
April... I may have heard that name before. What would you with her?
I don't know. I need to find her. We have something in common, and I think...I think she's in trouble.
And you intend to save her? How do you propose to do that?
I don't know that either. I just need to find her.
Hmm. Well, I apologise, but I cannot help you there.
201
Twins?
They're working together. They were in Reza's apartment back in Casablanca. And they were here last night.
So they must've been the ones who drugged you.
Maybe. But I don't understand why they didn't just...kill me. I mean, that's the second time they've attacked me, and I'm still walking.
If there's one thing I've learned it's to not look a gift horse in the mouth. You're alive. Don't ask too many questions.
Ow.
Maybe you're right. Maybe I should just go home while I'm still...
You okay, Zoë?
Just my head. Yeah, I'm okay.
You can stay here as long as you need to. And I can call my doctor friend again. No need to go to a hospital.
No, I should go home. Thanks, Charlie. I really appreciate it.
No problem, girl. Drop by if you're ever in town again. And keep me updated. If you find your friend, or if you...if you hear from April.
I will, Charlie. Thanks for everything.
Hi, it's me again. I'm in― I met Charlie, and I followed your tracks to the hotel.
It's too noisy here. I should use one of the VIP rooms upstairs like Charlie suggested.
Can't use
I hope everything's okay, Reza. Please call me if you― when you get this message.
That must be Charlie.
Examine, haven't met
Charlie seems like a really nice guy.
Examine, have met
Emma. Her full name is Emma de Vrijer. I read an article about her a while back. She's a performance sculptor.
Emma's really down-to-earth.
Marcus! I was just about to―
Reaction
That guy should be selling cars, not junk.
Examine far met
He looks like he could sell pretty much anything. And, okay, he does.
He's a friendly guy.
Examine near met
He's selling something.
Well-stocked store...or garbage dump?
There's a door up there. A...mysterious door.
There's a neon sign on that wall.
'The Fringe'.
Liv's been my best friend through thick and thin. She's awesome.
Examine Olivia
If Liv doesn't have it in stock, she can get it for you in twenty-four hours - whatever it is.
There's so much crap in here, it's a miracle Liv keeps track of it all.
Jama Mbaye, my martial arts teacher.
Information. He'll know what to do with it.
Yes. Yes, I'm Helena Chang. How do you know my name?
Why did you react to my name earlier? Do you know my father, Gabriel?
Castillo
She acted a bit strange when I told her my name
Your father? No. No, I...I knew a Castillo once. A long time ago.
I'm sorry, but I don't have time for chit chat. I have to leave.
Wait, I need to ask you―
What kind of information?
Information
What's in that package?
I'm sorry, but that's really none of your business. The package is for Jericho's eyes only. I have to leave.
Please deliver the package to Jericho right away. And thanks again for your help. I shall not forget it, Zoë Castillo.
Hey. Hey, wait!
Dammit. Reza has some serious explaining to do.
Between the familiar and the unknown, between certainty and doubt, my choice would seem obvious.
既知と未知、確信と疑念とに関わらず、私の選択は明白だった。
Any sane man would turn around, return to the world he knows, forget what he has learned, and live his life in blissful ignorance.
まともな者なら、自分の世界に戻り、すべてを忘れ、屈託のない幸福な人生を送っただろう。
Hiya, Wonkers.
Wonkers?
Don't you get bored, just sitting here in my room? I know I do.
Bored
Doesn't Wonkers ever get bored?
Zoë! Do you want to play a game?
Not today. I'm just not in the mood.
Oh. Okay, then.
Yes, Zoë?
Remind me what's on my schedule today, Wonkers.
Wonkers can interface with our home server and remind me about appointments
I don't get bored. I think a lot.
You do? About what?
About the fun times we've had together, Zoë. The memories make me happy.
Wonkers, that's...sad.
Why? I'm not programmed to feel sad, Zoë. I'm programmed to feel happy, always.
Lucky you. I wish I knew what that was like...
Well, there's the gym at eleven thirty.
Right. And after that?
No, Zoë. That's all.
I really need a job...
What's on my schedule again?
Just the gym, Zoë. You don't have anything else on your schedule.
Right. I'm absolutely pathetic.
So what are the headlines today?
He keeps track of all the headlines that might interest me
Gagan Garlanka was spotted with Chinese model Vivian Zhu last evening at the swanky Europolis nightclub 'Bitte'. Witnesses told―
Mmm, no. Next story, please.
Casawi playboy Baptiste Messod shocked audiences at―
Skip the entertainment news. Is there anything else?
It turns out that Bingo! branded diet wine has more calories than―
Do you have any real news?
You've programmed me to track entertainment news and diet related headlines, Zoë. If you want to reprogram my newsfilter, that's easy.
Oh. No, I guess I'll...access a newsfeed.
I need to get going.
Exit
Are you sure you don't want to play a game? We haven't played a game in so long.
I'm sorry, Wonkers. I just...haven't felt much like playing lately.
Okay, then.
Thanks, Wonkers.
Talk to Wonkers
Yes? Can I help you?
After meeting Charlie
What were they talking about?
何のことを話していたのだろう？
Whispering monks comment
囁いていた僧侶のコメント
He's meditating. I shouldn't disturb him.
During ritual
He's waiting for me to step into the circle.
After ritual
Please, traveller. Step onto the dais.
どうぞ、旅の方。台座に上がってください。
Step up again
Hey, Zoë. Are we still on for tonight?
Definitely. We have the house to ourselves. Just bring a bottle of wine and a date.
Wine, I can do - but a date? You'll just have to invite some more guys over.
See you tonight, Zoë!
I'm looking for Charlie.
Charlie
I can't find Charlie
Charlie's right over there.
Has talked to Charlie
After meeting Emma
He's down there, past the bar.
Time to move on
Whatever.
Uh-huh.
The place is kinda quiet, isn't it?
Quiet
This place looks completely dead
Look, it's a cocktail lounge, not a café. Right now, it's the middle of the afternoon. Things heat up around midnight, and everyone stays until sunup.
Right. That makes sense.
Where's Charlie again?
He's right over on the other side of the bar. It's not like he's hard to find or anything.
So...have you worked here long?
Small talk
Make with the small talk
Why are you asking me questions?
Uh...no reason.
Okay, so stop. It's annoying.
Charlie said I could use one of the VIP rooms to make a call.
Private
Where's that private room Charlie spoke about?
Upstairs. There's an empty one all the way down on your left. Don't stay long. It's been reserved. And don't talk to the VIPs.
Because you're...not.
Where's the VIP room you said I could use?
Upstairs. All the way down on your left.
Does it get any more crowded than this?
Lounge
There aren't exactly a whole lot of people here
This is an exclusive cocktail lounge. People don't come here for the crowds. They come here to chill out.
It just seems a little dull, that's all.
Look, this is how the rich and famous like to party, okay? If you don't like it, you can go back to...to...wherever.
Casablanca.
Whatever. I. Don't. Care.
Time to run
That's the hostess.
Carlita's coming over tonight for the, uh, 'soirée'.
I don't know Jawhar very well, but I've met him a few times. He's, uh, nice. I guess.
Jawhar...something. I don't know his last name.
Hey, how are you?
I hear you're having a party tonight. Is that right?
No. Well, yes, a few close friends are dropping by. You're, um, welcome to join us. If you want.
Sorry. I'm going nightcrawling with some buddies from college. We'll be running the gauntlet until Monday.
Cool. Sounds fun. Good luck with that.
Enjoy your weekend.
Olivia's store, 'Alien the Cat'. She does quite well for herself. She's got lots of regular customers.
So how about them Casawi Critters, Ryan?
Well, Diane, funny you should ask. Cricket's coming home, folks, and the Critters are knocking them down like there's no tomorrow!
In the opening innings, the Casawi fast-bowlers came out gunning for glory with the fire-power to back it up.
Blessed be the Six, child, you startled me!
You speak English! Oh, thank God. Listen, I'm not sure what's happ―
Speak what? Who are you? Where do you come from?
I― I don't know. I think I'm...I'm dreaming. It's just that, no matter what I do, I can't seem to wake up.
Dream? This is no dream, child. Do you need me to pinch your arm?
What? No. N-no, that's... I'm... The twins, they did something to me, something―
How did you get in? We don't open until midday.
Open what?
The inn, child! What do you think? Are you soft-witted or...
By the Balance, you are from...from the other side, aren't you?
Gracious me, another Shifter. (Sighs) Why do they always end up here?
Another what?
You must go see Minstrum Magda immediately. She will explain everything.
Minstrum Magda?
Leave now, but be cautious, and don't speak a word of this to anyone. They have ears everywhere.
L-look, I don't know what's going on, and I don't know what a Shifter is or why I'm supposed to see this Magda person, and―
I understand that you're frightened, child.
You don't understand! I have absolutely no idea what's going on!
Did you say 'April Ryan'?
Yeah! Do you know her?
No. I don't recognise the name. You need to see Minstrum Magda, child.
(Deep breath) I guess I don't have a choice, dream or no dream. Where can I find her?
She moves around, but Blind Bob ought to know where she is. He's right outside. You can't miss him.
Blind Bob, Minstrum Magda, underground cities and strange monsters... I feel like I'm inside some kind of fairytale.
All right. I'll go talk to, uh, Blind Bob. Thank you. What's your name?
Benrime Salmin, child. I'm the innkeeper of the Journeyman Inn.
I'm Zoë. And thank you. I'm sure I will see you again. You're the only person I know in this...this place.
Blind Bob
Just a quick reminder about how we fight. You have light and heavy attacks.
Excellent work, Zoë.
Have I taught you nothing, Zoë? You need to focus.
Where's your mind at?
(Fighting noises) Oof! Aah! Ugh!
I know this already.
It is worth repeating. Light attacks are fast, but can be blocked. Heavy attacks are slow, but they are also unblockable.
If you're quick, however, you can dodge a heavy attack. And that will give you the upper hand, since an opponent needs time to recover.
Don't get too cocky now. Remember, keep your guard up, block my punches, and attack only when my defenses are down. Got it?
Got it. Let's go.
Those are Mani wheels, imprinted with the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. It's a blessing.
Liv's been my best friend for years.
Dad.
"This is an automatic reminder sent by..." Shit. The gym. I have to hurry.
I think Dad misses wearing a lab coat. He usually has to wear a suit these days.
My backpack.
Nothing much in there.
Jardin des Roses. The definition of a godforsaken cul-de-sac.
Dad hasn't bought any new furniture since I left for university.
Dad's carry-on luggage.
I should clean up that mess...at some point.
I need some new clothes. I don't have anything to wear.
My backpack's in here, somewhere.
Backpack
My backpack's in here.
Backpack again
Wonkers.
Third examine
I'll have to put Wonkers together again after all this is over, or I won't be able to live with myself.
Examine brainless again
Huh?
Those clothes are clean...I think.
Dad and I have a great system for keeping the kitchen clean. We don't use it.
The kitchen hasn't seen much use lately.
I'm not cooking anything. Not as long as there's take-away.
When was the last time anyone pruned anything back there? We so need a new gardening bot.
There's the party tonight.
There's nothing before that?
Hey, Wonkers, I...need you to switch yourself off for me.
Switch off
Because... Because I just need you to go to sleep for a bit.
All right, Zoë. Promise to wake me up later?
Sorry. I'll put you back together once this is all over.
I just need to twist the neck like...
...that. Ouch.
That's it. The processing crystal.
I promise.
Nighty-night.
Home sweet home. I never thought I'd be moving back here.
It's a weekday, and no one's working, not even a maintenance bot. What's happened to this city?
Liv's having her lunch.
It's an ancient postbox.
Jardin des Roses.
Carlita.
