I'm Magda. Just Magda, mind, and you would do well to address me as such. Either that, or 'ma'am'.
No titles, no honorifics. Benrime ought to have made that clear to you.
Oh, and one more thing. You would do well to remember the names of those who give you a helping hand in the future.
I'm Magda. Just Magda, mind you. That, or 'ma'am'. No titles, no honorifics. I don't know why Benrime didn't warn you about that.
Why can't I call you by your full name?
Minstrum
Why can't I say her first name?
'Minstrum' is not a name. It's a title I carried before the Azadi banned the Sentinel from the city.
Who are the Azadi?
I keep hearing about these 'Azadi'
They are our protectors and our guests. They helped liberate Marcuria from the Tyren armies ten years ago.
And then they decided to...stay.
So the city's under occupation?
Not at all, and you would do well to not speak ill of the Azadi, lest you fancy seeing the inside of Friar's Keep.
They are here to unify and convert the Northlands in the name of their goddess. And they are very...particular about their faith.
But that's all I will tell you. I would leave the topic be, if I were you.
And it's a position I no longer hold. It belongs to the past, and I don't wish to speak of it here, where the walls have ears.
Why did the innkeeper tell me to see you?
Benrime said that Magda would be able to help me
Most likely because I have assisted...travellers like you before. But the times have changed.
Marcuria has become a very dangerous place for people like yourself. For me, too, but I belong here. You do not.
You think? I just want to go home.
And so you should, with haste. There's no adventure to be had here, not anymore.
What's the Magic Ghetto?
Ghetto
What's this ghetto I keep hearing about?
It used to be called Oldtown, the oldest neighbourhood in Marcuria. Now it's a prison in disguise.
All magical peoples in Marcuria have been forced behind those walls, to 'protect' them from the humans.
At night, the gates are closed. And there are often raids. Homes are turned upside down, good, honest people are arrested and...
And what?
They are taken away, never to be seen again. The Azadi call them 'terrorists'. But they are shopkeepers, and tailors, and poets.
The only terrorists here are... But, no, we do not speak ill of the Azadi. They have done so much for us.
So there's nothing you can do for me?
Like I said, I will assist you with any questions you may have, and I will point you in the right direction.
But that is all I can do.
A practitioner of the craft might be able to help you draw on your latent talents to open a...gateway.
But be careful. If the Azadi were to learn of your origins and powers, they would show no mercy. You would be sent away to stand trial.
They fear magic, these foreigners. They are doing their best to control it and everyone who uses it.
And I fear they may be succeeding in their endeavours...
Like I said, you would stand a better chance of getting home if you visited Oldtown.
It leaves precious little room for other ideas.
Zoë, Zoë, Zoë!
It's encrypted, but Olivia should be able to decrypt it. Ask her to hold onto it, and don't let it fall into the wrong hands.
If something bad has happened to him, the reason why is most likely in that notepad somewhere.
Zoë! I had a dream about you! I had many dreams. I dreamed that you took my mind away.
You're okay now, Lucia.
I am? Oh. That's good. Where's Reza?
He'll be back soon, I'm sure.
Good. I miss Reza.
In that case, make sure the truth gets out.
Where's Reza? I miss Reza.
I'm sure he'll be back soon.
Good. I'll wait for him, right here.
Is Reza back yet?
No, not yet.
Okay. I'll just wait here until he comes back.
Ah!
Uh!
Aaaah...
Nice to meet you, too.
I'm sure I'll be fine. It's not that cold.
―news about Reza?
Not yet, but I just arrived in Wati City.
What's it like there?
―Reza's contact at WATIcorp. He protects his sources well.
―friend, too. I'd turn the world upside down to find him.
I know. Thanks anyway.
―won't take long. The encryption's military grade, but I'm almost there.
―the name. Told you I'd―
―encryption. So are you inside yet?
(Static)
Hold on, let me...
Of course, the EYE's agent software will also light up like a Christmas tree, so we need to be quick. Are you inside WATIcorp yet?
Working on it.
Reza was in touch with Cavanaugh through Rio Kuroki, the dead girl in his apartment. Rio and Damien worked together.
There. I've switched us over to a classified EYE channel. That should stabilise things quite a bit.
This connection's too risky, and the Static's interfering with everything else.
Hola, sweetie! It's me! Where are you?
Hi, Liv. I'm still in Newport, but I'm on my way home. Any news?
Yes! You're going to Japan!
Japan?
I decrypted Reza's notes. Well, most of them. Okay, some of them. I'm still working on it. But I found out that he was investigating WATIcorp.
WATIcorp? Really? My God, that's...that is pretty huge. What was he investigating?
Don't know yet, sweetie. But he was in contact with two people at WATI, one of whom was the dead girl in his apartment.
From his notes, my guess is that after leaving Newport he would be heading to Wati City, on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan. That's where WATIcorp HQ is located.
That's also everything I've got so far, I'm afraid. I'll keep working on Reza's notes, and I'll have more info for you when you get there.
You mean Japan.
You know, I'd try and convince you not to go, but you seemed pretty set on tracking Reza down. And all signs point to Japan.
(Sighs) I know. I have to keep going. I...I can't give up. Not now, not this time. This is too important. If I quit...
Is everything all right, Zoë?
Yes and no. I'm fine. I'm not hurt or anything, but...
As long as you're okay, sweetie. Like I said, I'll keep working on the notepad, and I'll call you when you get to Wati City. Safe journey!
All right, Liv. Take care.
Things have happened. I don't have time to get into it right now, but it'll make a hell of a story some day.
Liv? Olivia?
I hope she's okay...
Look, Charlie, he left me a message with your name in it. It's the only clue I have to go on.
Yeah.
Sorry, girl. I wish I could help, but...that's everything I know.
The Border House.
So don't get me wrong, I would love to help you. But like I told your friend, I can't say much more than that.
It never did.
This neighbourhood, Venice, it was a great place to live. We used to think it was the centre of the world. And it was. For a while.
I hung in there for a while, but... Money was tight. I had to drop out and find a job.
Giving up on your dreams isn't necessarily such a bad thing.
Look, Charlie, I'm sorry, but I'm desperate. I've travelled halfway around the world to find my friend, and you're the only lead I've got.
You must really love the guy. Look, this whole mafia thing isn't your style. You're too...clean cut.
Never threaten anyone unless you're ready to follow through on the threat.
The Wire has ears, he says, and he's not wrong about that. He wanted to ask me about a place I used to live in. The Border House.
Okay. This is not real. This can not be real.
Alone.
I was in your old room at the Victory...in the Border House, in Newport.
How are they doing?
"Find April Ryan," she says. "Save her." Over and over again.
I keep seeing a snowy landscape with a scary black house that looks like a doll's house - and a little girl.
(Heavy breathing)
(More heavy breathing)
Except drugs. Competition too strong.
Yes, yes, you. You see anybody else around? Didn't think so, no.
Okay, okay, I might have something in stock for you.
Where is the Victory Hotel?
It's on a street called the Brink. Walk to the other side of the Crossroads, past the Chinaman's store. You'll get to a bridge called the Rialto.
Cross the Rialto to get to Marco Polo. Marco Polo will take you to the Brink. Victory Hotel's on the end of the Brink. Big grey building, wooden door, bench out front.
I think there's some scaffolding still left from the construction work. That might help you get down into the canals. But I haven't been around there in a while.
Go past the Chinaman's store and over the bridge to Marco Polo. Follow Marco Polo to the Brink, and you'll find it.
But I understand desperation. I've been there.
Victory Hotel
I need to find the Victory Hotel
April vanished back in '09, just days before the Collapse. We spent a long time searching for her before we― Before I gave up.
You've come to the right place. Our sashimi's the best in town. Find yourself a table and I'll have someone take your order.
Oh!
My guardian angel, I think. I'll tell you all about it later. Let's go.
Look, I want to talk to you about something.
Where?
It's a surprise.
Hold on one second, Yuriko.
I didn't mean to do this to him.
I knew I should have caught an earlier train...
You're about to go on an exciting journey into the heart of WATIcorp, and experience the amazing history behind one of the planet's most successful corporations.
Please ensure that you have all your belongings with you when you leave the car. Enjoy your visit to the WATIcorp museum!
Project Alchera.
Please take a seat, and stand clear of the closing doors. We will be departing shortly.
I can't believe that 'graf would still be in April's old room, after all this time.
Let's just say that I don't share Emma's faith in miracles.
I've heard the name 'April Ryan' recently.
I need to know, Charlie. I think there may be a connection between April Ryan and whatever Reza was investigating.
I don't have time to be diplomatic
I completely understand, Charlie. It must have been hard on you, losing your best friend like that.
I need to find a more diplomatic approach
I'm sort of going through the same thing myself, except...except I still believe Reza's okay.
I'm sorry, girl. I'm sure he's okay. From what I could tell, your friend's pretty smart and resourceful.
Look, why are you so interested in April Ryan?
What? Are you serious?
When I was inside that place, the hotel, I saw the girl again. She pointed the way to April's room, to the closet where I found the picture.
Marcus was a friend of ours back in the old days, until he got into Amathin in a big way.
I saw something while I was there. They're testing some kind of device that hooks up to your head. I've seen it once before. It's probably what brought Reza to Newport.
Yeah?
You really think Reza's okay?
He's an investigative reporter, isn't he? Jericho's famous. I'm sure he's been in worse scrapes. Don't worry, he'll be okay.
Wait, Charlie?
―and that's everything. I know it's not much, and I know it may not even be your April Ryan, but―
I'm sorry to ask, but... Charlie, you promised you'd tell me what happened to April.
Wait, April told you that she'd seen another dimension?
Okay. Okay, so let's say you're right. The messages I've been getting... You think that winter place is the parallel world April talked about? Arcadia?
Not seen. Been to. A place called 'Arcadia'. There was this man―
Cortez. A real weirdo. He told April that she had some kind of...talent. Power. To travel between worlds. And that she was needed.
According to what April told us, there are two worlds. This one, and...the other one. Arcadia. A world of magic. They exist in parallel, in balance with each other.
I never had reason to doubt anything April said before...but even I was skeptical. So after I got out of the hospital, I started digging.
And the things she told us... She's not the only one, Zoë. There are others who have travelled and seen Arcadia. It's real.
Look, we don't know that. All we know is that some dangerous idiot put ideas into her head, and―
I know, Charlie. Have some faith, okay? I know. I can feel it.
I'm sorry, Emma, but it does sound a bit―
I've done a lot of research. When you have enough money, even the best kept secrets are revealed to you.
Crazy? Delusional? You don't think I've thought the same thing myself?
Ten.
And do you remember anything about it?
Not really. We were living in London at the time, and our subsection was shut down for several days. My Dad, he wanted to protect me. I didn't see much.
Most people don't remember. Or they pretend to have forgotten. Those of us who saw it... You don't forget something like that.
But there were things happening even before the Collapse, strange things, like...like dreams leaking through into the waking world.
Looking back, everything I've seen, read, what people have told me, people who had no reason to lie to me... I know she was telling the truth. And I believe she's still there.
In Arcadia.
From what I know, it doesn't sound like Arcadia, but who knows? The question is, who's the little girl? And why is she trying to contact you?
After all, you didn't know April Ryan. Her name meant nothing to you until today.
Thanks. I'll be right back.
Don't get your hopes up, Emma. We don't know anything yet.
How old were you when the Collapse happened, Zoë? Nine? Ten?
Chance brought you here, and if you hadn't found the picture and showed it to Charlie, you would never have recognised April's name.
After all, Marcus turned out to be a big mistake on my part, and if Reza's gotten himself into something really dangerous...
I'm sure he doesn't want you to put yourself at risk like this.
Did Emma leave already?
Early this morning. She has a show later today in Moscow. I promised I'd keep her updated.
So what are you going to tell her?
I don't know. What you just told me, I guess. Who knows, even if it was a dream, maybe you really did speak with April.
It felt real enough. I don't know. I need to sort things out in my head.
I guess I will go home. I don't feel like crossing paths with Marcus or the twins again.
They were probably just trying to scare you. Your friend seems to be onto a pretty big story.
Yeah, I just hope that―
And mind the Scorpion does not sting you before you sting him.
Can we trust him?
If not him, then who? He is our most faithful Apostle.
He knows not to question our word. He will complete his mission.
The Prophet was adamant. There is much resting on this task. It is the last obstacle, the Prophet said. When it is done―
The light of the Goddess will wash across the world like a tidal wave, drowning all those who lack Faith.
May that day come swiftly. And may the Goddess aid the Apostle in his mission.
I said, leave right n― Wait...wait, I recognise you.
How did you get here? W-who are you? You're not supposed to be up here. This floor is restricted. Leave. Now!
What is this place?
Curious
This place must be important
What...?
I― I'm sorry, I didn't know there was anyone here. I'll leave right away.
I'll be careful, this could be dangerous
Go! And don't speak a word of this to― Wait...wait, I know you.
Who are you?
Confrontational
Offense is often the best defense
What? How dare you― Wait...wait, I know who you are.
You're that girl, the one from Casablanca. The one who was with that awful reporter.
I'm Zoë. What do you know about Reza?
Zoë
Might as well tell him, he knows who I am
I don't know what you're talking about. I work in maintenance. I'm sorry, I took the wrong elevator. I didn't know this was a restricted area.
Deny
There's still a chance to get out of this
If you really worked here, you'd know that. You're lying. I can see right through you. You're sweating and your heart's beating too fast.
No. No, this is my first day. I really didn't know this was a restricted area.
I recognise you. That pretty little face, those big, brown eyes... I recognise your scent and your voice.
Reporter? You mean Reza? Where is he?
He may know where Reza is
Yes. Yes, you're the one, the pretty one with the big, brown eyes. I recognise your scent and your voice.
My...scent?
No, don't― Don't come any closer, I'm warning you!
You don't know how blind you really are until you can recognise a person by his or her scent.
I smelled you in that reporter's apartment. Outside, too, when you left. You followed him here. Why did you do that? Is it love?
Why are you so afraid?
Security will be here in a few seconds.
So why aren't they here already? Do they even know about this place?
The security systems are affected by the Static, isn't that right? That's why you didn't see me coming.
What...little girl? Are you and her working together? What are you doing to me? You're taking away my senses!
What are you talking about? I have no idea who that girl is.
I'll tell him the truth about the girl
Liar. Liar!
Why would I lie about that? Listen, I'm not here to hurt you. I'm just trying to find my friend, Reza. Jericho.
Yes, I'm working with her, and...and we can do a lot worse than taking your senses away. Tell me what you know about Reza!
Sounds like he's afraid of the girl - that could work to my advantage
Reza? The reporter? The one who calls himself 'Jericho', the pompous shit?
If you seek to destroy what I've spent my life creating, you'd better come prepared. Your friend, he was not prepared.
How could you... The cat. I knew there was something about that cat.
When he hooked himself up to the Dreamer, I saw him, all of him. And I fed on him. You were in there, in his head, in his dreams. All of you.
My pets are everywhere. You can't escape them. I may be blind and deaf, but I see and hear everything.
What did you do to Reza?
Naked, writhing, alive. Sweating. Moaning. I enjoyed that. It made me ha―
I think you're bluffing. I don't think anyone's coming. I think you're alone up here.
Or maybe it's not the Static. Maybe the little girl did it. After all, she sent me up here. Why would she do that? Who are you?
Where is he? What have you done to him, you monster?
He's in a very dark place. His dreams are gone. I took them. But why can't I take yours? Hm? What makes you so...special?
'Special'? What do you mean?
Special
What does he mean by 'special'?
My pets put you into dreamland, but I couldn't enter you. Your dreams were closed to me. That's never happened before.
Tell me where I can find Reza!
I need to find out where Reza is
You're too late. He's dead.
That's not... No, you're lying. You're lying! He's still alive, I know it.
What do you know about the little girl?
Girl
He must know something about the girl
You tell me! You brought her here, didn't you? You walked into my home, and you brought death with you. You blinded me!
And that makes you very, very special.
Your friend, on the other hand... The one who loved you, the one who made love to you, he wasn't so special. He was like the others.
What did you do to him? Tell me!
I ate his dreams. He's dead. You can't save him now.
She's a disease, infecting my web, my eyes, my ears, my senses. She must be destroyed.
No. Reza's not... He can't be. You're lying! He's alive, I know it!
No. No! You're lying! Reza's not dead, he can't be, that's impossible.
You piece of shit, tell me where Reza is! Now!
No! If you come closer, I'll...I'll have you destroyed! I'll have you torn to pieces, bit by bit! I don't want to destroy you...I want to learn from you.
You're different from the others. And you're connected to that fucking girl, the one who's destroying my web.
You will stay, and I will study you.
Is that so? What's going to stop me from ripping those cables from your body right now? Will you survive that, you...you monster?
Don't you dare― Oh, finally. My most treasured pets are here.
They'll take good care of you, I promise. You'll stay here with me, Zoë, and together we will explore that mind of yours.
You're not getting me. And I'll be back for you. I promise.
Do you know who I am? Do you? I created this place. I created this company. I am this company. I see everything. I know everything.
Take her! Now! Now!
Don't let her escape!
What are you doing? Get her!
I don't know. I think...Reza might be dead.
I should tell him what I learned about Reza
Hello? Who's this?
Alley
I don't know where I am
I'm okay. I made it out in one piece, but I want to get as far away from this place as possible.
Okay
Tell him I'm okay
What? What did you find out?
I...I can't talk about it here. I just want to get as far away from this place as possible.
I'll try and guide you to a place where we can meet.
Jericho? Jesus, how did you―? Hold on one second, let me just―
So we got in touch, and then Rio went over to Casablanca to meet him. She brought a prototype Dreamer with her to prove we weren't crazy.
We knew the risk, but what else could we do? And now... I can't believe Rio's dead. And Jericho...
Is there anything you can do to stop it?
I don't know. I've been thinking about it since I first realised what was happening. The Static's starting to kill people. And if the Dreamer launches I...
I don't want to think about what might happen then.
So yes, something can probably be done...but I can't do it by myself. The plan was for Rio to help me out when she got back from Casablanca.
I don't know who else to trust, so I'm a bit stuck.
You can trust me.
Yeah. I know. But...you're not... I can't just ask... Why would you want to help?
Why? How can I not help? I may not be any closer to finding Reza, but at least I can do my part in exposing this conspiracy.
I'm afraid that if nothing's done, this will keep escalating. The Static will get worse, DreamNet will be hijacked...or the corporation will launch the Dreamer.
Any way you turn it, it's bad. Real bad.
Okay. Good. So we need evidence, we need to know where the intrusion is coming from, and we need to stop the Static from causing any more damage.
So how do we do all that?
Who are you? Are you new?
What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here.
I'm... Um...
Yes. Yes, I just started. I'm going up to, um, the fourth floor to―
New
I might as well just go with the flow
Please, I really need to see someone who works here. It's...it's my boyfriend. I'm pregnant!
Pleading usually does the trick
Well, go on, then. Don't waste my time. Also, for your information, they don't like it when you talk to anyone. So don't.
I don't actually work here.
I'll just tell her the truth
New? Seriously, I've worked here for over a year now. You don't see the person, do you, just the uniform. Typical.
I should use this to my advantage
Well, uh... Of course I recognise you. You're...
Tara. I'm just heading up to the third floor to check some of the, um, vending machines?
Oh. Okay. I'll see you later. Let me get the elevator for you.
What? You're...you're not supposed to be here!
Don't make a sound, or I'll kill you.
I'm a lot tougher than her
What do you mean, I'm not supposed to be here? I work here.
Trick
I need to trick her into thinking I work here
Yeah, okay. I'm just going to...go... Over here.
Really. So where's your ID?
My...ID?
I left it at home.
Home
I'll just tell her I left it at home
I lost it just this morning.
Lost
I'll just tell her I lost it - that's plausible enough
Shit. The Static must be interfering with the systems again. Is your ID working?
The Static
The Static's been causing trouble everywhere, so that's always a good excuse
Employees get their ID's implanted at orientation. You don't work here!
Uh-huh. Employees get their IDs implanted at orientation. You don't work here!
What? Uh. Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Let me just call the elevator for you, ma'am.
If you don't tell anyone you saw me, I'll pay you.
Bribe
Maybe she'll give me a break if I give her some money
Okay, um, I'm just going to...uh, go. Over here.
Aaah...
I'm just gonna...uh...
Sadir has sent an Apostle to take care of that...particular problem. They say that he is one of the best, though I have yet to meet him in person. He arrives soon.
As you wish, Prophet. I will put my most trusted man to the task.
Rebel raids in the north have impeded deliveries of the necessary raw materials, and further reinforcements from Sadir are not―
Please, I―
Her light will wash across this world and cleanse it of evil.
(Deep sigh)
Alisa, bring me my supper. I shall be dining in my office tonight.
Business. I may return late.
Well. You know where the key is, April.
Keep an eye on Brynn, make sure he doesn't follow me.
That boy... He takes after you, April. He adores you. You have a responsibility to―
Responsibility. There's that word again. He's an adult. I can't babysit Brynn forever.
You saved his life. You are the only family he has. Do not forget that.
I shouldn't waste my time anymore.
Oh. April. You have returned. Good. Did you want something?
Yes, what is―
Where did the man in the cloak go?
The man who just walked through the door. He was wearing a hooded cloak.
Followed him directly
He came through the door a little while ago. You couldn't have missed him. He was wearing a hooded cloak.
Walked around first
No one fitting that description has been in here, April. It's a slow night. I would have noticed.
That's impossible. I saw him walk in here with my own eyes.
Well. I may be old, child, but I'm not blind. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have much to do.
I know I saw him walk in here. He couldn't have just vanished...
They should find someone else to rely on. I can't be anyone's guardian angel. Or mother.
You have little faith in yourself and others, child. But I shall not bother you with my lecturing anymore. I have work to do.
Good luck tonight...whatever it is you are doing. Take care of yourself. If not for your sake, then for everyone else's.
'We' are not doing anything. You're staying here with Chawan. I'm going out.
What? You can't go on a mission without us!
I'm not going on a mission, Brynn. I'm just taking a walk.
It is as most things Azadi.
Large, wasteful, and arrogant. I have never seen its like. They are building a ladder to the heavens.
I'll go alone. There may not be a curfew yet, but the soldiers will still notice two or three where they would ignore one.
That is true. And I need to speak with someone who can supply us with the herbs, potions, and medicines we need.
Well, with Torbear in jail and Hamesh doing business with the Azadi, Oldtown's our best bet, but it closes with the sun.
Tomorrow morning, then. First thing.
Sounds good, but you'll have to go alone. Chawan and Brynn are taking care of the food tomorrow. Benrime's helping them get in touch with some sympathisers.
May the stars shine on you and your endeavours tonight, April-an...or what is it you sometimes say? 'Break a foot'?
Break a leg. But I like 'may the stars shine on you' better, Na'ane.
May the stars shine on you, April-an.
So climbing the scaffolding will allow me to take a closer look at the tower?
It is surprisingly poorly guarded...but the Azadi were always arrogant.
Maybe it is a temple of sorts. I may not know a lot about the enemy, but they're pretty religious.
To call the Azadi religious would be like calling the sun warm. Their faith is all they have. If we shake that, the war is ours.
I don't think that's a viable strategy, Chawan. But it's good to know that they have a weakness. Faith is a double-edged sword.
This tower of theirs may be another weakness.
When I was there earlier, I noticed they were still building. They have put up wooden platforms for the workers to climb.
Right. And that girl didn't ask you for help.
Which girl?
The one who disappeared. The one from Sta―
From that place that we can't talk about. She asked for your help, and you just dismissed her.
April bloody Ryan! I can't believe it!
Who― Brian? Brian Westhouse?
The very same! God damn, I can't believe it's you! How the hell are you?
I'm doing okay. How are you? You're looking pretty good for someone I thought was dead.
It's great to see Brian Westhouse again
What are you doing here? I thought you were dead.
Why did he suddenly show up here?
I thought you were dead. What happened to you?
Cautious
Westhouse was a friend, but that was a long time ago
Well, likewise! I mean, I knew you'd survived the Tyren invasion and the events that followed, but then - nothing.
Scaffolds. Next to the tower?
On the tower. If one were to climb it, one might find a way into the tower.
Perfect. I need to check it out for myself. That tower must be very important to the Azadi.
And, like you said, it could be another weakness of theirs.
You will go alone.
I need to. If there are more of us―
We are easier to spot. And if you are caught, someone still needs to return to the city with the supplies. That is our mission.
That's our mission, Chawan.
Don't assume that you know what's going on just because of what she said to you.
Snap
I don't have the patience for this
Brynn... You don't understand. That girl, Zoë, she was asking for the impossible.
Explain
Brynn needs to understand the reality of the situation
That girl, Zoë, was asking me to do something I can't do. We have more important things to attend to.
There are other matters to attend to, other people who depend on me. On us. Whatever it was she was asking for, she'll have to find it somewhere else.
If we don't concentrate on our mission, people will die. And if we don't find a way to defeat the Azadi, this continent will never be free again.
I think that's a bit more important than one girl's missing friend, don't you?
I'm too busy to argue with you. We have a lot to do before we go back, and if we fail, people will die.
Ignore
I don't have time to explain myself
But she needed your help! You can't just ignore that!
When the alternative is that the people I've sworn to protect will suffer...then yes. I can ignore that.
I don't agree. If you hadn't risked your life to save mine, I wouldn't be here now. I wouldn't be fighting on your side. And there'd be a lot more Azadi walking around.
It's not the same thing. This is our world. Whatever goes on in the other world, it doesn't concern us.
I think you're wrong. But it doesn't matter what I think. I'm still just a kid to you, right?
Brynn. Brynn!
I warned you, citizen! Stand down, or I'll be forced to kill you!
I will not warn you a second time. Get out of here!
What are you doing? Alarm!
Talk to ghetto guard
Now, I want a detailed breakdown of what your team's doing, and when I can expect to see concrete results. Can we stabilise the Dreamcore?
I couldn't care less what you think. That's not what I pay you for. I pay you to find out who's fucking with my project.
We're on shifts, Ms Gilmore. Dr Lee and I have the core until tomorrow morning.
What sort of fluxes?
Both physical spasms - like...like nervous twitches - and bursts of pure energy and data. Hugely, hugely complex bursts of data.
It doesn't make sense, but Eingana appears to be...how should I put this? Expanding, okay? There's more data inside it than it can physically store.
Welcome to the storytime, Zoë.
Sit down. Please.
I don't know. It doesn't matter here. This is where everything is. Here...you simply are. Alive or dead, you just are. Understand?
No. But please go on.
You're special, Zoë.
You are. You are a dreamer.
Someone else told me that. Is that good?
It is and it isn't. There's nothing good or bad about it. Like the stars above and the stones below, it simply...is.
Oh. So where are we again?
In the storytime. This is where the stories are told, the stories that create the sky and the ground and all that is in between.
You see, Zoë, this universe and everything in it is like an endlessly thick book, containing countless stories.
That's amazing. Can you tell me one of those stories?
I could, but not now. There's no time. We need to act before it's too late.
I am?
You are.
I see. What's happening? Why do we have to act?
At the beginning, Zoë.
At the beginning? It's going to be a long story.
My name is Zoë Castillo, and I think I might be dead, but I'm not sure. My father's name is Gabriel...
How's that even possible?
It really isn't. That's also why it's overloading, creating spikes that travel at the speed of light into the Wire. If it keeps expanding...
We might, theoretically, be able to shut it down,but we don't know what consequences that might have, both to the project and to the Wire.
It could be catastrophical. Everything connected to the Wire, and I mean everything, could conceivably be affected.
It's not an option. Disregarding the possible effects to the Wire, if there's any chance the project's timeline will be thrown off, it's unacceptable.
You'll have to identify the problem and isolate the intrusion into the system.
For short periods of time, which gives us a window to test DreamNet. Eingana has responded positively to direct infusions of Morpheus.
All right. Walk me through the process...
I told him to keep his hands off the exhibits, sir. I apologise for my grandson's behaviour.
If you do that again, Hiro, we're going straight home! And you're not getting any dessert tonight!
Oh, my! Hiro! What have you done?
That's it, young man! We're going home! Just you wait until your mother hears about this!
So, Mr Westhouse...
Oh, that was a long, long time ago. Too long. I travelled across the Divide in '33...1933, that is.
I may be getting on, but I'm not that old. No, I got...unstuck from time, and I was caught between worlds for a while.
Where in Stark did you come from?
Origins
I wonder where in Stark Brian came from
Boston, USA. Back when there was a USA. Hell, back when there was a Boston.
They're still there, both of them. How did you end up here? Are you a Shifter?
Most certainly not. I mean, if I was, I would probably have gone back at some point. No, I made my way through the Divide by more unconventional means.
I'm not that old, mind you. Something happened that got me...unstuck from time.
Have you seen a lot of this world?
Arcadia
It looks like he's seen a lot of Arcadia
I'd say so. When Marcuria was invaded by the Tyren hordes ten years ago, I was forced to leave the city.
I first travelled east across the Northlands to a place called Irhad - the Sun Empire - and then south across the great ocean to the continent called the Southlands.