Bravo. That's a very convincing speech, 'Apostle', but the fact is that you're an enemy assassin, and you're in our city.
I do not believe that the Goddess, in her infinite wisdom, would want us to do what we are doing.
When we last met... Your words awoke something inside of me, lifted a veil from my eyes. I have never questioned my mission - or my faith...
Yet now that I meet you again, I find myself torn between the truth I have always known...and the truth that you know.
I am. Only...only I believe that the Goddess has brought me here for another reason. Brought me to you.
Sorry, I don't believe in destiny or divine intervention.
I believe that some things are meant to happen. Call it destiny, call it the will of the Goddess or whatever higher power you worship...or call it chance.
But you cannot call it a coincidence.
So, what, you think I'm just going to let you walk out of here now that you've 'seen the light'?
I― I don't know what to think anymore. I only wish to...speak with you. To understand. To open my heart and mind to a new truth.
I think the Goddess speaks to me. To me directly, and not to those who would interpret it to mean what they want it to mean.
That my path - a path I have never even considered questioning - may be one that leads into darkness instead of light.
How are things going?
Please, let me explain. I'm an Apostle. We are...missionaries. We bring the Word of the Goddess to unbelievers.
As for the silent majority... Well, who wants to rock the boat when there's food on the table, a roof over your head, and a job to pay the bills?
But ask those who are no longer allowed to speak their minds, to walk the streets, or to practise their religion. What do you think they'll say?
Ask a Sentinel minstrum - if you can find one – what they felt when you levelled their holiest shrine to the ground to make room for your tower.
Good luck finding a place to eat. You really should try the Riverwood Tavern in Oldtown.
Why else would She bring us together first in Marcuria, and now here?
If you came here to find enlightenment, Azadi, you've definitely come to the wrong person.
The name is Kian, mistress, and I came here for less peaceful reasons.
You're planning on turning against your own people?
I cannot take up arms against those I have sworn to protect, but I intend to return to Sadir and tell the Six - our Empresses - the truth of what goes on here.
Because it is not right, it is not the will of the Goddess, and it is a betrayal of all I have learned to be true and just.
But why? I still don't understand.
But I understand now. I see how you have been wronged by us, and I wish to help undo the damage.
Call it faith. I thought I was losing it, but I was wrong. My faith is strong. It was just misplaced.
Look, I... I guess I owe you a name, don't I? I'm April.
April. I'm happy to make your acquaintance.
I don't have an easy time trusting anyone, Azad― Kian. But I'm starting to believe that you're the real thing, an honourable man.
I hope so.
I still don't understand why you're here, though. And I don't understand why Na'ane told me that you're―
It's tight and uncomfortable, but it conceals me, and it makes some humans look at me with admiration.
And I understand why now. This body is so constricting, so small, so fragile. Soft and beautiful and pleasurable, but a prison for the soul.
Good luck, sister. Live well. You deserve it. You've earned it.
Jeepers, this place has changed a lot! It used to scare the crap out of me, and now it's sort of...fluffy. With an edge.
The Guardian's out there. I guess I should go alone.
I'm not arguing. Knock yourself out. I'll wait here...unless that portal thingy starts closing, in which case it's bye-bye Guardian's Realm, hello comfortable reality.
Don't worry. I'll be back soon.
Forget about asking me to come with you. I don't like those big pillars of light. They're never safe to be around.
I'm staying right here, thank you very much.
Come on, Crow. Let's go.
So did you find what you were looking for?
I did.
Good! I love happy endings. Ah, another adventure complete! Well played, partner. Time to go back and gorge ourselves on roast gipa and ice ale!
I apologise. You're most welcome here, traveller.
I want to be myself again.
When I fell asleep on the airship on my way here, I didn't disappear.
And you're one of them.
All right, okay, fine, I'll be a good fowl and pretend everything's just...peachy.
You didn't even bother to look me up after you were done doing...whatever it is you needed to do.
And don't think I'm not angry at you, or that I've forgiven you...because I am, and I haven't!
Our schedule must be upheld, or there will be grave consequences for everyone.
Commander.
Why this sudden interest in Apostle Alvane?
Hello, Zoë. It's good to see you again. Are you crying?
Hey. No...no, I'm just... Yeah. I'm crying.
Oh, I see. Why?
I'm definitely staying.
Good. That makes me happy. I like it when you're here. By the way, you have a visitor, Zoë.
A...visitor?
Yes. She asked me questions.
What kind of questions?
The difficult kind. The kind I can't answer. About you and about your father.
Where is she now?
She's out there. She wanted to see the view. I told her she should wait for you, but she didn't listen to me.
And your soldiers, they've made the Northlands safe against our enemies, and Marcuria's streets secure to walk at night. As long as you're human, of course.
I'm embarrassed to say there are even those who are happy you've rounded up all the non-humans and stuck them in a ghetto.
I believe that you have misjudged our intentions, but you speak with such passion and conviction, it would be wrong of me to simply dismiss you.
You two, get ready to leave. You can't delay the boat any longer.
When are you going to let us go on a mission again?
I'll see you at home, guys. Safe journey, and guard those supplies well.
Hm. It is no business of ours. And she is right. We already have a mission.
I know, but she 's always had a lot on her mind, and she hasn't been this way before. There's something going on that she's not telling us, I'm sure of it.
I'm sorry. I'm in a hurry. That girl, Zoë, she's―
What's wrong with her?
She's in Friar's Keep, Benrime.
What? By the Balance... How did that happen?
I don't know, and right now I don't care. I need to get her out of there before they ship her off to Sadir.
The poor child! But why are you here asking me for food when she needs your help?
Because I need to make a delivery to the prison. It's the only way to get inside.
Oh! Of course, one moment.
Here you are, April. That ought to get you inside.
Well? Don't waste any time, go rescue her! Go!
Are you still here? You must go rescue that poor girl from Friar's Keep!
That's it, I'm going out there.
We will make our way to safety, and regroup. But first we have to help her escape.
For Raven!
No, Brynn!
Over here...
Nothing to see here, citizen. Move along.
First time
Every time
Best fish in town! Fresh out of the water!
The South Gate's closed. If you're looking for the harbour, use the West Gate.
Those rebels are causing trouble for everyone. Why can't they just leave us be and go back to the caves they came from?
Half the businesses around here have had to close down. The taverns, too. I really miss The Salty Seaman. Best nuts in Marcuria.
Maybe I should just face reality and pay for a stall over by the west gate. It'll cost me an arm and a leg, but I'm not making ends meet here.
Are you looking for anything in particular? We've had some trouble getting wares in from the north, what with those damn rebels and all.
I'm not used to the cold. Where I come from, it's warm all year round. I'll be happy when my six years are up.
Die, rebel scum!
My Faith makes my blade invincible!
I left her world behind a decade ago. I swore to never go back, and...and now I can't, even if I wanted to.
Trust me, it's not impossible.
You took a chance when you killed those soldiers back then, and it paid off, didn't it? I'm alive, and I'm on your team. It was risky, but it was the right thing to do.
I'm proud to be guarding this symbol of our infinite power and wisdom.
There's never been a tower like this one anywhere in the world. Not even in our holy city of Sadir!
Feel free to walk around and admire the tower, citizen, but only Trueborn can come inside.
I sure hope I get sent somewhere warmer during my next cycle. I'm freezing.
The tower will be finished soon, and I've heard that the Six are coming all the way from Sadir to attend the opening ceremonies.
Hello, beautiful! Care to join me and my friends at the barracks tonight? I can promise you a good time.
Why would anyone in their right mind be out in this cold? Go home and warm yourself by the fire, woman!
The curfew begins at midnight. Make certain you're home by then.
Be careful at night, citizen. It's hard to tell friend from foe, and we have to be cautious with these rebels about.
I enjoy working nights. It's so calm and peaceful, a man can hear himself think.
What is it with you Northlanders? How can you stand this biting cold and incessant darkness?
The tower's closed, citizen. Come back in the morning, and make sure to bring your papers if you hope to be let inside.
I have no need for politics. As long as there's bread on the table and a roof over our heads, I'll be thankful.
Without the Azadi, we'd all be Tyren stew by now.
I'm not saying I approve of everything the Azadi have done, but I like their style!
One day I'd like to visit this city the Azadi keep speaking of, Sadir. If it's anything like this tower, it must be the most beautiful city in the world.
Alarm! Rebels!
Need some help here!
We got an intruder!
Help...me!
Come quickly!
Alarm!
I wish I'd been posted to guard the tower instead of this desolate corner of the city...
I wonder what my betrothed is doing right now. She lives in Tahran. She told me she'll wait for me, even though I'll be here for many years.
The local girls are very friendly. I guess you like men in armour?
Guard 1
Nothing much happens around here. Once in a while, a magical tries to leave the ghetto without permission, but that's about it.
Guard 2
I heard there was another rebel attack not too long ago, somewhere in the forest to the northeast of here. Do you think they're planning an attack?
Guard 1 Kian
Are you chasing the Scorpion, Apostle? He killed two of my friends while they were on patrol in the east. I hope you catch him. He's a Goddessless Daemon.
Guard 2 Kian
It's good to know that the Six think enough of us to send an Apostle all the way out here.
Our Commander, with all due respect, has done nothing to catch the Scorpion. Everyone's talking about it around the campfires.
My arse is itching...
I'd actually prefer to go on a raid in the north rather than standing around here all day.
I've spoken with a soldier, and he told me that when I turn fourteen, I can sign up with the Azadi army and travel to Sadir for training!
My Mum doesn't want me hanging around with the Azadi, but I don't care. I think they're brilliant!
Aren't these steam machines wonderful? They make life so much easier! So what if they break down once or twice a day? No pain, no progress!
I'll be importing more machines from Sadir, and soon Marcuria will move into the modern age of steam technology!
It's such a nuisance with these checkpoints. It didn't used to be like this. How will I ever get this book to the library on time?
I have to say that I disapprove of some of the changes the Azadi have made. Why don't they trust us to run this city on our own?
It's not that I have anything personal against the magicals, but it's better for all of us that we keep them separated from us humans.
I have to say that I think the Dolmari smell strange. Have you ever been to the ghetto? It really is a filthy place.
I really don't wish to have any opinions about anything whatsoever. It's bound to cause trouble.
I want to live a quiet life with my family, and I do not wish to get into trouble by talking to anyone about anything.
Cold Stone Gate is closed, citizen. You'll have to come back later.
Cold Stone Gate's still closed, citizen. You'll have to take the long way around.
I'll get out of your way, sir. I'm sorry, sir. Semban Landas' the name, steam technology is my game. At your service, sir.
Thanks for pulling us out of the dark ages and into the enlightened age of steam technology, sir!
Move along, citizen.
Sadir must be a great city. No unauthorised magic, no non-humans, and ruled by women? Maybe I could go there some day...
Tell your people that we Marcurians are happy to have you here!
My Mum told me not to talk to strangers...but I don't listen to her anymore, because she doesn't like you Azadi.
When I grow up, I'm going to be a soldier, and I'll come with you to fight the rebels!
I don't mind the soldiers at all. Their business is none of my business. You do whatever it is you need to do, and I won't bother you.
Please, sir, I really don't want to get involved in anything. I have a family to look after.
Go home and go to bed, citizen. It's late.
I told you, the ghetto's closed.
Well, I require a warm drink and a soft maiden.
The subject is improving after a prolonged illness. She's responding well to stimuli, and appears to be in good spirits.
The Shakespeareans control Venice. I think the EYE has given up on us.
I've met Othello, the leader of the Shakespeareans. He may be short, but he's really intimidating.
Lady, are you stupid or just deaf? You shouldn't be here.
Not that I care, but you're just begging to be kidnapped. Othello's boys are everywhere.
If I could leave, I would. But where am I gonna go? I don't even have an EYE ID. They won't let me past the checkpoints.
I'm trapped here with all the rest. The only way I'm leaving Venice is in a bodybag. If I'm lucky.
When I get my name, life's going to get so much better. I can take care of my Mom and my sister.
I had a wife and kids once, but they...vanished. Just like so many others. What happened that day? I can't stop thinking about it.
If I could go back to that day ten years ago, maybe I could've done something to help them. But it's too late now. They're gone.
Everyone's saying they had it better before the Collapse. Me, I had it just as rough. No difference.
If I wanted to, I could leave Venice, move uptown. But why would I do that? Down here, I got freedom and fresh air. That's all a man needs.
You think just 'cause you got proper clothes and clear skin, you're better than us?
The Syndicate can't help you if you get into trouble down here.
I have nothing left to live for. I used to own an art gallery here in Venice. Now look at me.
My gallery was really famous, but fame gets you nowhere when the world falls to pieces.
One day I was the owner of Roma Gallery, the next I was living on the street together with thousands of others.
Are you insane, walking around here asking questions? You won't last the day, little girl.
You got any food on you? A cashcard? Maybe some Raptures? Nothing?
I like that jacket and those shoes. Maybe I should just take them? What are you gonna do, call for help?
Consider yourself lucky to be here. We have a very select clientele.
This is the best job I've ever had. I make more in tips in a single weekend than I used to get paid in a month.
The place's pretty quiet until midnight. That's when the VIP's and the vampires start showing. By three o'clock, we're pretty crowded.
You won't find a more exclusive cocktail lounge than The Fringe. Our guests travel halfway across the world to party here.
So who do you think will win the election?
What, as the new Syndicate head? That's already been decided. The election's just for show.
Really? I thought the whole point of the Syndicate was more transparency and accountability.
Right. And the EYE's totally nonpartisan. Come on, what kind of world do you think we live in?
The corporations control the Syndicate, not the other way around. It's all just a front.
Wow. That's so interesting. So what do you do?
I'm on the Bingo! board of directors, and I own a lot of stock in Asad Robotics.
Really? So...do you want to take me home tonight?
Maybe. We'll see who else shows up.
You probably recognise me from Colonists. I had a recurring role as a single mother with a dark secret last fall. Everybody loved me.
I don't talk to people below my social stratum.
Who on Earth are you wearing? It's so...base. Don't tell me that trash is coming back in style.
I come here to mingle with equals, not to converse with commoners.
Most of the people who come here are so dull. Rich, powerful, beautiful - dull.
Hi. Wow, you've got a toned ass. Where did you have it molded?
Hey, beautiful. Wanna ride on my rocket? I'll take you to heaven and back in one night.
I'm thinking about donating all my money away and moving to the Australian outback. They still got some of that left, don't they?
That coat is just so vulgar. Where did you get it, at Trisha West's? It must've cost a fortune to look so cheap.
I'm really jealous of your hair. Who made it? It looks completely real. I must get the name of your weaver!
I'm thinking about donating all my money and moving to the Australian outback. They still got some of that left, don't they?
I can't begin to tell you how refreshing it is to see a new face. Every night, the same people show. It's like purgatory, with cocktails.
Where's your Goddess now?
The cowards are using magic!
For the Six!
For Sadir!
...can't...breathe...
Help me!
Please, join me.
The future of our Empire rests on his shoulders now...
(Yawns deeply)
...mhmm?
What the―
Hey, what are you doing?
By the Balance, I'm sleepy.
What? Hey, stay there!
...blasted Warden, I'll have him know...
...try to slip one past me, eh...
...infernal flying machines...
Can't keep...my eyes...open...
(Snores)
(Snores loudly)
(Humming some more)
Not on my watch, you don't!
Settle down, you! And put those trousers back on! Disgraceful...
If your Mum could see you now, she'd be horrified. Horrified!
Stand right there, the gentleman wishes to speak with you.
Come on, back to your cell with you.
You have no idea who this enemy is who hunts you?
Enemy
Who is this enemy?
I feel it searching with dark eyes, reaching out for me with sharp talons. It wants to eat me up.
But why? Why would anyone want to kill the Draic Kin?
So that there's nothing left to challenge it. So that it can run free amongst mortals. So that it can devour, undisturbed.
But don't worry about me. I'm safe here. It can't touch me now.
W-where did she go? What did you do to her? Did you use magic on her?
I didn't do anything to her, funny bird. She left this place on her own.
But...but she just vanished!
I know. Isn't it fascinating? There's no one else like her. She's special.
I've never met a human girl who hasn't been special. For all I know, they've all got strange powers and important destinies. I just hope she's okay.
Most interesting.
Who's there? Hello?
Funny bird, is that you?
Oh. I didn't...see you. Are you looking for something?
Wait, no, what are you―
The first BunnyBot was ten feet tall and weighed more than three hundred kilograms.
I'm alive... I'm alive!
Mommy?
I love you!
Nooo...
I love coming to the museum. It's so clean and quiet. But I don't much care for the exhibits. They're too garish.
I wanted to bring my grandson along for some culture, but he doesn't appear to be enjoying himself. I say his parents are to blame. They are too soft.
My other grandson, Ren, is watching my granddaughter Riko. They didn't want to come to the museum today. I don't understand why.
Good morning, Zoë.
Having my coffee. The train's not leaving until one o'clock, so I thought I'd sleep in for a change.
Dad? What are you still doing home?
Train? What train?
The train for Bombay.
Bombay?
Good Lord, Zoë. Did you forget already? We spoke about it on Tuesday. I'm going on a business trip to Bombay. Remember?
Oh. Bombay. Right. I thought that was next...wait, is today Thursday?
How pathetic is that. I don't even know what day it is anymore.
Well, at least you're up before noon. That's something.
Um...I'm going to the gym.
Remember gym
So, do you have any plans this morning? I mean, what's left of it?
Forgotten gym
See? You still have passion for something.
I guess I'll scan the wanted ads. That always helps put things into perspective, seeing all the jobs I don't qualify for.
It's either that or scan the wanted ads and get depressed about all the jobs I don't qualify for.
If you feel that way, why don't you go back to school?
Dad. Don't start.
I'm sorry, Zoë, but you're obviously not happy here either. Change your major. Biotech's not the only thing Cape Town's got to offer.
We've had this discussion already. I wish it was that easy. Don't you think I miss having direction and ambitions? Now, I'm just...
Hell, why not change university? I'll help you. In fact, Bombay's got a great school for bioengineering. I could stop by while I'm there.
I just don't know what I want. Can you please understand that? I need time.
Fine, I won't push. I'm happy to have you home, Zoë. I just hate to see you like this.
So do I, Dad. So do I.
I should hurry. I was supposed to be at the gym already. Have a nice trip, okay?
I'll be late for the gym if I don't hurry
I'll leave you to your coffee. Have a nice trip, okay?
It's time to go
It could take a while, depending on how the inspections go. And I have some...other business to take care of in Bombay.
So you don't know when you'll be back?
Asked about trip
So you're not sure when you're coming back?
Asked about trip and work
Wait, so when are you coming back?
Didn't ask anything
No. But call me if there's anything. I might not pick up - corporation rules - but I'll call you back. I promise.
Really? What is it?
Oh, just...work stuff. There are several biotechs headquartered in Bombay, and I need to take some meetings.
I'm not sure yet. It could take a while, depending on― Oh, it wouldn't interest you. If there's anything, give me a call.
If I don't pick up right away, I'm probably in a meeting or inside a secure facility. I'll call you back as soon as I can.
Call me if there's anything. If I don't pick up right away, it means I'm in a meeting or inside a secure facility. I promise I'll call you back as soon as I can.
Bye, Dad.
Bye bye, sweetheart. Be good, okay?
Yeah, yeah.
So what's happening in Bombay?
Bombay
I wonder what Dad's doing in Bombay
We're signing a contract with a new biotech outfit, and they need me to do another on-site evaluation.
Oh. That sounds...really, really boring. I thought you wanted to do more lab work.
How's work going?
Work
I should ask about work
Are you okay? You know, I can't remember the last time you asked me about my job.
Hey, I'm trying to be a concerned daughter. Some credit?
Of course. I'm sorry. Work is...good. The promotion's keeping me very busy.
I've noticed. We haven't had a sit-down dinner together since Christmas Eve.
I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry about that. Listen, how about this. I promise I'll cook for you when I get back from Bombay.
Ooh, spaghetti!
I was thinking more along the lines of salad...
Ugh. No. Are you trying to tell me I need to lose weight?
Spaghetti it is.
So, about work... Anything new?
Work again
I should ask some more about work
Aside from this trip? No, not really. It's all pretty boring stuff.
Come on, I studied bioengineering, too. Don't forget that. I know exactly how boring it can be.
(Laughs) That's true. I keep forgetting that my beautiful and talented daughter thought it was a good idea to follow in my footsteps.
Don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm the beautiful and talented drop-out daughter now.
Breaking with tradition, in true Castillo fashion.
I did. I do. This is what happens when you get a promotion.
Serves you right for having ambitions. So when are you coming back?
I'm not actually sure. It could take a few days, it could be as much as two weeks.
Really? Two weeks? I have the house to myself for― I mean, I have to be alone for two weeks?
Yes. And we talked about this on Tuesday as well.
Oh. Sorry. My mind's just...elsewhere.
I'll say.
Buy me something in Bombay? Something exotic?
An alarm clock, maybe?
Funny.
Listen, Dad, would you mind terribly if I had a few people over tonight?
Party
I need to tell Dad about the party I'm having tonight
You're asking me if you can have a party?
No. Not a party. More like a, uh, a soirée.
Ah, right. I'm guessing there won't be any boys or alcohol at this 'soirée'?
There definitely won't be any drugs. How's that?
You know how to put things into perspective, Zoë. All right. When did you ever need my permission anyway?
I know how to play you, Dad. That's what daughters do.
Bye. Or send me a message. Just...something. Anything. Bye.
Clothes? I'm telling you right now, no daughter of mine is going out dressed like that.
Mmm, no. I don't think so. What?
Coffee and newspaper, Zoë...
Zoë bothering Dad
Quiet time. Gotcha.
Underwear, Zoë?
Crap. I keep forgetting.
Mobile?
Dammit!
What's up?
I'm still having my coffee and I'm trying to read the newspaper...
Oh. Sorry. I wasn't thinking. I'll leave you alone now.
Gym?
Right. Gym.
Bye, Dad! Have a safe trip!
Dad in shower
Bye, sweetheart!
Bye, Dad. Have a safe trip, okay?
Dad having coffee
I will. Bye, sweetheart.
Joke
Make light of it
We just don't talk about it much.
Serious
It's no laughing matter
Zoë, we never talk about it. When were you ever interested in my job?
I don't know. Forget it. I'm just trying to be nice.
Gesture appreciated, Zoë. Work's going well. My promotion's keeping me busy.
I've noticed. We haven't sat down together for dinner since Christmas Eve.
I'm sorry. I just want to settle in, get on top of things. They've given me a lot of responsibility.
I know, I know. Don't worry about it, okay? I'm glad things are going well at work.
You're so good at martial arts, I'm completely jealous.
Chatter
Too bad I can't come to the party tonight, but Aleks wanted to stay in and, um, watch a movie.
I think Aleksander's going to ask me to move in with him. I really like him, but he's got chubby fingers, so I'm not so sure...
I should really practice more, but I don't think I have the patience for it. I admire your focus and commitment, Zoë.
I just don't understand all this fuss about 'freedom' and 'democracy'. What's so different about Marcuria now that the Azadi run things? It smells the same to me.
Zoë/April
The Azadi Goddess seems as good a deity to worship as any other. My philosophy has always been to worship all of them. That way, no matter what, you're safe.
Are you married? My great-grandson runs a tailor shop on the west side. He doesn't know any girls...though he does have a number of young and handsome male friends.
Goodness me, you're a fine, strapping lad. If I were seventy years younger, I'd take you dancing, gossipmongers be damned!
Kian
I don't know why these rebellious youngsters have to go and cause you so much trouble. They should settle down and raise families instead.
Ho, stranger! I have a great-great-granddaughter who just turned sixteen a week ago. She may not be much to look at, but she has a good heart, and she'd make a stout wife.
I don't mind the soldiers. They've made the streets safe for an old woman like me.
What a strapping lad you are. I'm sure your mother must be very proud of you.
I try not to worry about the Static. Worst comes to worst, we could live without the Wire...right?
You're not supposed to be here!
Who the hell are you?
She's getting agitated. We need to calm her down.
The core's definitely reacting to external stimuli...but what? This doesn't look like the normal spikes, and there's absolutely no activity on DreamNet. What's eating her?
Good question. Whatever it is, it's serious. I've never seen her like this.
You two are staying put. I want a full update once the lockdown has been lifted.
Yes, Ms Gilmore.
If this Static thing escalates, the Syndicate will have to do something. They can't just ignore it forever.
I broke it off. It wasn't real. I mean, I loved him, he loved me, that part was real. But the rest of it... I was pretty naíve.
What happened?
What? No, I don't. I'm completely over him. Just friends.
I'm spoken for. Unfortunately. Plus, I can tell you've still got a thing for him.
I had our whole future planned out. Kids, cat, a loft downtown, my own business, stay-at-home husband... The whole nuclear family thing.
Zoë? Where have you been?
I've been...travelling. Why, what's up?
There have been people asking for you. Syndicate people. EYEs.
Oh. Yeah. Long story.
Look, I'm not going to pry or anything, but they seemed pretty serious. Is everything okay?
Yes. Sort of. Nothing to worry about, Karen. Thanks.
Okay. Can I get you a latte on the house?
Raincheck? I'm just not in the mood for coffee right now.
You got it.
Help!
I'll let you know if those Syndicate guys come by again.
Hi, there. Changed your mind?
No. I'm just here to torture myself. Those cookies smell really good.
You can have one, if you want.
I shouldn't. I'll just ruin my appetite. Thanks, though.
No, I'm good. Thanks.
Ooh, I see.
No, nothing like that, I'm afraid. I wish.
That's too bad. Want a latte to help you wake up? I can make it a double.
Later, maybe?
So...
Dry air
No. Nothing. Sorry.
(Clears throat)
Have a nice day!
They are waiting, Apostle.
Please, Apostle, I was told to bring you immediately.
I beg you, Apostle, you must present yourself to the Six. They are waiting.
Zoë? It's me. Where are you?
Dad? I'm...out walking.
Is it raining there?
Uh, no, I'm in a store. They've got this annoying ambient soundtrack. Are you still in Bombay?
I am. Listen, I got a strange call from someone. He said he was with the EYE, and he asked me about Reza. What's going on, Zoë?
I don't know, Dad. Did he say anything else?
Lie
Reza's disappeared, and the EYE's after him.
Truth
It appears he's wanted for questioning in connection with a crime. Have you spoken with him?
What? Why?
Some story he's working on... It's all bullshit, he hasn't done anything wrong. He's being framed, Dad.
Still, Zoë, be careful. You don't want to mess with the Syndicate. If Reza contacts you―
Not since Thursday afternoon.
Be careful. You don't want to get on the Syndicate's bad side. If Reza contacts you―
I'm not going to betray him. He's my friend.
I'm not asking you to betray him. Like I said, just be careful. I know Reza wouldn't want you to get into any trouble because of him.
Good. Will you be all right? Do you want me to come home?
No! No, there's, uh, there's no need to come home, Dad. I'm fine. I mean, what could possibly happen to me here in Casablanca?
Well, it seems I'll need to stay here for a while. The evaluation's taking longer than expected, and there are some...complications.
That's okay. Stay as long as you need to. I'm keeping myself busy.
All right, sweetheart. I'm late for a meeting. Take care, I'll talk to you soon.
Love you, Dad.
I love you, too. Bye.
It's me. I've been calling you for a couple of days now, but you're not picking up, and you haven't replied to any of my messages.
You have one new message from... Dad.
What's going on? Where are you? Please call me as soon as you get this. I'm getting worried. Okay? Bye.
Hello Zoë. I'm sorry, but I'm currently away from my phone. Leave me a message, and I'll call you back as soon as I can.
Hey, Dad. Look, I'm sorry for not calling you back sooner. I'm... I've been so lazy. All I do is sleep and hang around the house. Big surprise, right?
I hope things are going well for you in Bombay. You don't have to call me back, not unless it's important. I'm perfectly fine. Very bored, but fine.
Love you. Bye.
Dad?
My God, Zoë. You have not been an easy person to get a hold of. Where have you been?
Home. Casablanca. Around. Sorry, I...I didn't think you'd be so worried.
Worried? That's an understatement. And you don't have to lie anymore, I know you haven't been home.
Thank God.
Finally. I'm starving.
What are you doing out of your cell?
You're not going anywhere!
I've been posted here solely to assist and to advice the local Watch.
Warden Murron is an asset to this facility and to the Empire. He will be properly rewarded by the Emissary when the time comes.
The warden told you to deliver the food. So deliver the food.
What are you still doing here? Go upstairs and deliver the food.
You're really starting to annoy me.
Spices! Get your spices! Spices!
We sell Mrs Mullins Mixed Spices! Not right now, but usually!
I have nothing to sell, but I'm shouting nonetheless!
Spices! We got spices! Get your Mrs Mullins here!
Spices! We're all out of spices! Buy now, and I'll deliver tomorrow! Maybe!
Selling
Reserve your spices for delivery tomorrow! Or next week!
Serving all your spice needs, we've got spices! Mrs Mullins! Best there is!
Spice up your life! Best spices in Marcuria!
Take care, okay? Stay here and stay in that disguise. It suits you.
Sorry. Just clearing my throat. Dry air. Sorry.
Oh.
(Clears throat again)
(Sighs)
Sorry. The air―
Dry. Mm-hmm.
Almost there.
(Sighs exasperatedly)
I can't believe I beat you, Zoë! That's the first time ever. You must be having an off-day.
