Difference between revisions of "Inconspicuous Female 39757"

Briefing

Sir / Ma'am, good timing. I was just about to request your presence aboard the Mitscher. I've arranged for a full staff meeting... I believe we need to address this Nemesis problem.

• He dies, Lastri. Preferably sooner rather than later.

Of course, sir / ma'am. That's certainly within the scope of this project. However, I believe some preliminary work is going to be necessary before we can achieve this goal. Thus why I've taken the liberty of calling a meeting.

• Fine. This had better be good.

I'll meet you on board, sir / ma'am.

• Leave

• Agreed, I'll head there now.

I'll meet you on board, sir / ma'am.

• Leave

Briefing

So, there we have it, sir / ma'am. I believe it's time for us to call on Lord Recluse.

I've called in the mainstay of our ground forces, and I've sent word to Captain Mako of our intent. Arachnos will not react well to our presence in Grandville, but I believe that if we can get you inside their headquarters in Spider City, we will be able to parley on even grounds.

• Excellent. Let's get started.

• A bold plan. Will it work?

Honestly, sir / ma'am, I'm not 100% sure. Unfortunately, this appears to be our most favorable option at the moment.

Nemesis threatens the survival of both Arachnos and our orga- *ahem* and the Illuminati. Without this alliance, I don't forsee much of a future for us.

• Very well. Let's begin.

• The Illuminati... I'm not sure.

I think it's quite appropriate, personally. It fits with most of the work you've done thus far.

Arachnos has the monopoly on soldiers and weapons in the Isles, but we've proven that brute force isn't the only form of control. The more agents you gather to your cause, the more you can manipulate events to your own advantage... something that Lord Recluse and his unwieldy army will never be able to claim.

Lastri gives you a playfully reproachful look.

Besides which, sir / ma'am... what's in a name? Clearly it's inspiring to your lieutenants. I would advise discretion in this case. You're about to send your allies on an all-out assault on Arachnos HQ. In these cases, morale is a significant concern.

• Very well. Let's begin.

Briefing

Lord Recluse glares at you venomously. You get the distinct impression that talking with you is just about the last the he wants to be doing right now.

So. Character.

I can only assume that Nemesis's recent acquisition of Statesman's power - a power that was rightfully mine - and the timing of this attack are not mere coincidence. Am I correct?

• You are.

And I take it that your presence here is not merely the result of a poorly-planned attack on my headquarters. Rather, you have motives somewhat less ambitious - and less suicidal - than an attempt to usurp Arachnos.

Am I speaking truth here, Character?

• So far.

Thus, the only conclusion I can come to is that you desire an alliance. You are in over your head, and you believe that only with the help of Arachnos can you possibly survive.

Have I grasped this situation correctly, Character?

• Not quite. An 'alliance' goes too far. This is merely a 'truce'.

Recluse nods slowly.

Very well. As much as I would enjoy crushing you, Character, the hubris of this 'Lord Nemesis' goes far above and beyond your transgressions.

Our conflict shall remain on hold, for now. I shall devote a portion of my forces to coordinate with yours until Nemesis is neutralized.

Now, if you don't mind, please get out of my sight.

• (Leave)

• I'll let that 'suicidal' comment slide, Recluse. Are you done?

Recluse nods slowly.

Very well. As much as I would enjoy crushing you, Character, the hubris of this 'Lord Nemesis' goes far above and beyond your transgressions.

Our conflict shall remain on hold, for now. I shall devote a portion of my forces to coordinate with yours until Nemesis is neutralized.

Now, if you don't mind, please get out of my sight.

• (Leave)

• Let's cut to the chase, Recluse. You hate Nemesis. I hate Nemesis.

Recluse nods slowly.

Very well. As much as I would enjoy crushing you, Character, the hubris of this 'Lord Nemesis' goes far above and beyond your transgressions.

Our conflict shall remain on hold, for now. I shall devote a portion of my forces to coordinate with yours until Nemesis is neutralized.

Now, if you don't mind, please get out of my sight.

• (Leave)

Briefing

Sir / Ma'am, I've taken stock of the forces we have available. We now possess a strong enough ground force to match the Nemesis army in pure numerical terms, but...

I've been getting disturbing reports from my contacts in Paragon. Nemesis has been making more frequent use of the energy in Pandora's Box, and I'm not sure what his limits are. Based on these projections...

• Then we need to take that power back, somehow.

Agreed. We do have one possible advantage, in that we still possess the Antikythera artifact. The lab Nemesis used to absorb the power of Pandora's Box is based on the Antikythera's original design.

It may be possible to exploit that similarity somehow, but I believe it would necessitate a return to the lab itself.

• You think there's something in there that could steal the power back?

It's possible, and right now I think we're going to need every advantage we can get. According to these timetables, the mainstay of Paragon City's defenses will fall before the end of the week. If we allow Nemesis to establish full control of the city, his production rate will skyrocket, and...

• I get it, Lastri. I'll find something.

Lastri flushes sligthly, and nods.

Yes, sir / ma'am. My apologies.

Good luck, sir / ma'am.

• Leave

Briefing

This appears to be the control panel that Dr. Harvan used to bridge a connection between the lab's device and the Antikythera.

Readouts for capacity, stability, and energy flow fill the screen.

• Examine current energy capacity.

The capacity readout opens a submenu on the screen:

ENERGY CAPACITY - 98.03%

ENERGY STORAGE LEVEL - 1.97%

MINIMUM ENERGY NECESSARY FOR CONNECTION PROCEDURE - 1.95%

It looks like there's barely enough energy left in the device to establish a second connection to the Antikythera. If you're going to use this device, you're only going to get one shot.

• Run a stability diagnostic.

The capacity readout opens a submenu on the screen:

FRAMEWORK STABILITY: 97.9% INTEGRITY

ENERGY CONTAINER STABILITY: 83.4% INTEGRITY

POWER SIPHON STABILITY: 48.8% INTEGRITY

WARNING: GENERAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DETECTED. ENERGY INTAKE PROCEDURE NOT RECOMMENDED.

Harvan's initial use of this device appears to have caused significant damage to its components. You're not sure you'd be able to repeat the process - if the device tried to forcibly re-absorb the energy from Pandora's Box, either the energy container or the power siphon could fail, with potentially catastrophic results.

• Manipulate the device's energy flow.

The energy flow readout enlarges on the screen, displaying in detail the distribution of energy through the device's conduits. It appears that all of the power processed by this device is funneled through a single channel.

It also marks a display for the device's energy intake, which is merely labeled EXTERNAL. You can only assume that this refers to the Antikythera itself.

• Set all energy conduits to 'Reverse Flow'

The small green arrows on the display, indicating energy flow direction, flip and turn yellow. Text appears on the screen:

ENERGY FLOW MODIFIED

NEW CONTAINER - [EXTERNAL DEVICE]

At the bottom of the screen, a blinking red button appears containing a single query:

CONFIRM?

This procedure looks pretty involved. It's likely that any nearby Nemesis guards will take notice if you proceed.

• Press CANCEL

(Go back to beginning)

• Press CONFIRM

Briefing

This appears to be the control panel that Dr. Harvan used to bridge a connection between the lab's device and the Antikythera.

Readouts for capacity, stability, and energy flow fill the screen.

You're still not sure what, exactly, this device is capable of. However, it's clear that if there's any way to make the device destroy itself, you'd have to use this control panel to make it happen.

• Examine current energy capacity.

The capacity readout opens a submenu on the screen:

ENERGY CAPACITY - 99.98%

ENERGY STORAGE LEVEL - 0.02%

MINIMUM ENERGY NECESSARY FOR CONNECTION PROCEDURE - 1.95%

It looks like the device's energy has been completely spent. It's doubtful you'll be able to successfully establish a connection with the Antikythera again, given the device's condition. Perhaps there's another way.

• Run a stability diagnostic.

The capacity readout opens a submenu on the screen:

FRAMEWORK STABILITY: 97.9% INTEGRITY

ENERGY CONTAINER STABILITY: 83.4% INTEGRITY

POWER SIPHON STABILITY: 48.8% INTEGRITY

WARNING: GENERAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DETECTED. ENERGY INTAKE PROCEDURE NOT RECOMMENDED.

Harvan's initial use of this device appears to have caused significant damage to its components. You're not sure you'd be able to repeat the process - if the device tried to forcibly re-absorb the energy from Pandora's Box, either the energy container or the power siphon could fail, with potentially catastrophic results.

• Manipulate the device's energy flow.

The energy flow readout enlarges on the screen, displaying in detail the distribution of energy through the device's conduits. It appears that all of the power processed by this device is funneled through a single channel.

It also marks a display for the device's energy intake, which is merely labeled EXTERNAL. You can only assume that this refers to the Antikythera itself.

• Force the machine to re-absorb Pandora Energy.

The screen lights up with numerous bright red warnings and alerts:

WARNING: STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY BELOW MINIMUM REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE COMPLETION. ABSORPTION PROCEDURE IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

CONFIRM?

• Press CANCEL.

(Go back to beginning)

• Press CONFIRM.

Briefing

Lastri seems to notice your new air of confidence, and smiles at you.

I... take it your trip was successful, sir / ma'am?

• Mostly. I've found a way to fight Nemesis on even terms.

I'm glad to hear it, sir / ma'am. I've arranged for our forces to engage with the Nemesis army as soon as you give the word.

Captain Mako has also been gracious enough to gift us with another Flier, to replace our earlier model.

Lastri cracks a modest smirk.

This one was acquired through... more official channels than last time.

• Excellent. We leave immediately. (Start Mission)

Briefing

Captain Castillo salutes you crisply.

You are an inspiration to my soul, Character! Your fight with the Monstrosity - so grand! So fierce! And with a truly spectacular finale!

I shall say this, Character. When I began to shine with the light of victory, I believed it was inspiration. I believed that your boldness, your fearlessness had given me newfound strength. And while I may have been mistaken in this matter, I was not mistaken in choosing to work with you.

In the future, you may find need of the Sky Raiders once more, yes? In this case, I trust you will not forget the name of Captain Ernesto Castillo!

• What are you plans, Captain?

The pursuit of Pandora's Box was indeed a worthy quest, Character. However, the Sky Raiders remain in need of central leadership. I shall continue to rally our divisions, in both Paragon and the Isles.

Our alliance remains deeply forged, Character, but you are not a Sky Raider. I intend to free the one man capable of restoring the Sky Raiders to their former glory. When the great Colonel Duray tastes freedom once again, and asks me how his organization has fared, I will tell him this:

'We have become a part of something greater, and gained allies no one thought possible. For this, we have Character to thank.'

• I'll see you around, Castillo.

Briefing

Odysseus nods to you respectfully.

Grand showing there, Character. When they said you were at ground zero of that blast, I thought for sure you were toast. Thought wrong, apparently.

I gotta say, you do good work. We may be parting ways for now - Pandora's Box doesn't do much good to me opened - but don't hesitate to call on me in the future. They call the Warriors a gang, but at its heart, it's a business enterprise... and working with you, my friend, is good for business.

• I'll keep that in mind.

Briefing

Mako appears to be at ease on the Mitscher. He grins at you, displaying row upon row of jagged teeth.

Hey, +++ Missing Information +++ / girl. Gotta say, I'm starting to dig your style. Being on a ship like this...

Mako inhales deeply.

...it takes me back. Reminds me what life was like before Recluse.

• What happens now, Mako? The alliance with Arachnos is over.

I know. I'm not even supposed to be here, but I managed to make the time to slip away for a bit.

Recluse wanted me to take you out the moment Nemesis broke, but I figure I already tried that, right? Didn't work out so well the first time. So, maybe Recluse doesn't get what he wants.

Mako stares at you intently.

Look, the way I see it? The status quo isn't so bad. You want an inside man near Recluse, and I want to have an... alternative to Arachnos, if I ever need one. To me, that smells like win-win.

• Recluse doesn't suspect you?

Of course he suspects me. Guy's a lot of things, but dumb ain't one of them. Thing is, Recluse suspects everybody. He's got good reason to. As long as we keep this mostly on the down-low, he won't bother me about it.

Sure, sometimes we'll run up against each other. We gotta keep up appearances. But when one of your enemies gets roughed up by Arachnos troops, just remember where that inside leverage is coming from.

As long as we're discreet, I think this can be the start of a long and rewarding friendship. You catch me?

• Absolutely, Mako. Glad we see eye to eye.

Briefing

Sir / Ma'am... Character. Good to see that you've come to.

I've prepared a full debriefing, whenever you're ready. If you wish to have a bit more time to recover, I fully understand. You've been through quite a lot.

• Yes, please, give me a moment.

(The dialogue box closes.)

• Don't patronize me, Lastri. Does Nemesis still control the power from Pandora's Box?

Lastri flinches slightly at your rebuke, but manages to keep her cool.

No, sir / ma'am. The large construct you destroyed contained the bulk of Pandora energy, which was then absorbed via the Antikythera. The rest of Nemesis's empowered automatons lost power shortly thereafter.

From their behavior, I would surmise that Nemesis established a sort of network between his constructs; by destroying the main hub, so to speak, you disabled the majority of the Nemesis army's war machines.

Of course, even without Pandora's Box, Nemesis remains a formidable opponent. However, his forces are currently under siege as Paragon's defenses rally against him. Given the situation, I see no reason for us to intervene.

• The power is gone, Lastri. If Nemesis doesn't have it...

Yes, about that...

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• What happened? I don't remember an explosion...

Yes, about that... I believe that we may have used the Antikythera in a manner that was... unintended. It proved effective in absorbing Pandora energy, and was likely the key to our victory today. At a certain point, however, I believe the Antikythera reached its 'limit', so to speak.

After you defeated the main Nemesis construct, the artifact became unstable, and shattered. You were obviously caught in the center of the blast, which would explain how you became incapacitated.

When Mr. Hill and I found you, it had become clear that Paragon authorities were beginning to retake footholds in Steel Canyon. We thought it best to evacuate immediately, given the situation.

• Is there any way to reacquire it?

Lastri shakes her head, scowling silghtly.

The Antikythera was our only tool of significance in tracking and manipulating the Box's power. Without it, we have no feasible method of controlling that power.

The only consolation I can provide is the knowledge that no one - not Recluse, Nemesis, nor any of your rivals - will have an advantage here. The playing field has simply been levelled - and given the Illuminati's current strength, it seems that we've come out ahead.

• Where do we go from here?

Well, sir / ma'am... I believe that my time with you has reached an end. My employer has recalled me for work on other projects.

You may not have gained full control of Pandora's Box, but you did manage to establish strong organizational ties, including with a prominent figure inside Arachnos. This organization is still in its infancy, but I believe we have built a solid foundation for future growth. The Illuminati has challenged the authority of Arachnos in the Rogue Isles, and I am sure it will again.

But, it will need to do so without me. I must take my leave, Character. Please believe me when I say that it has been a pleasure working with you.

• Goodbye, Lastri.

• (Place a monitoring device on Lastri as she leaves)

Briefing

Mender Silos looks apprehensive, yet relieved. He favors you with a faint smile as you approach, which seems exceedingly odd on the generally stoic Silos.

Greetings, Character. I feel that I must commend you. The power housed within Pandora's Box represented a significant portion of humanity's latent power.

Handling such power is often treacherous, but you have managed to prevent any... significant catastrophes from occurring. That implies, to me, a remarkable strength of character.

Now, you have come to me with questions? I believe I may be able to answer some of them, at least in part.

• If you knew all this would happen, why did you hide it from me?

Mender Silos looks away from you for a moment. His face remains impassive... but you can sense some degree of shame in him, as well.

It was necessary, Character. I'm not proud of this moment in history... but I do see how crucial it is. Believe me, I have tried to find ways to avoid just this scenario... but every attempt has ultimately led to disaster.

Power has a tendency to accumulate, Character. It's not direct, but it has a sort of... gravity all its own. Those with power become addicted to it, and they have the strength to claim more. The weak eventually wither - either crushed underfoot by their superiors, or coddled and protected by them.

Consolidation. This is the problem we face. When a single entity gains the power to dominate all others - that is what you would call a 'Champion', to give the concept a name. But a Champion is not enough. The Coming Storm fast approaches, and all of Earth's forces must be brought to bear if it is to survive.

• So you purposely prevented me from finding the Box?

Quite the opposite. I've tried to change this point in history, many times... but every time I have meddled here, disaster has followed.

I've seen timelines in which some hero of Paragon acquires the power from Pandora's Box, yes. I've also seen Nemesis slowly spreading his madness across the globe, declaring himself its emperor. In most instances, it has been you, Character, that has inherited the Box's legacy.

But... it did not matter. Each instance was the same. The power would tip the scales irrevocably to one side, forever skewing the world's progress. And when the Storm finally arrived...

Mender Silos trails off, shaking his head sadly.

No. This is how it had to be. I'm sorry, Character. I could find no other way.

• What happened to the energy contained in Pandora's Box?

It has dissipated, Character. The power still exists, yes - in one form or another. But it has spent too long disconnected from a host, and has lost all form. In time, it will manifest in other ways, but never again to the same degree.

Mender Silos is staring directly at you as he tells you this. You get the feeling that he's trying to gauge whether or not you believe him - or, perhaps, he is daring you to challenge his statement. It is difficult to tell.

• Do you know where Nemesis is now?

Mender Silos's eyes harden.

Where is he? I fear that is not something I can help you with, Character.

I do know, however, that you have hurt him. You injured the one part of him still capable of feeling pain: his pride. He skulks in the shadows, plotting a thousand intricate revenges - on you, on Paragon City, on the world.

He continues to believe, stubbornly, that he is a man apart from the world he lives in. And I fear that it will be a long, long time before he begins to realize his error in this belief.

But for now, rest easy, Character. You have earned it... and, I fear, you will need it for the trials to come.

• Actually, no. I don't need your answers.

Very well, Character.

You may not realize it, but today has been a good day for the future of Earth. Your efforts are the primary cause of this, and for that, I feel I must congratulate you.

Mender Silos inclines his head slightly.

Well done, Character. Well done.

• Leave