Difference between revisions of "Socrates"

Briefing

Ah, Character. Just the man / woman I wanted to see. I have a request for you. It is, ah... Harvan looks at his feet, shifting nervously.

After a short breath, he raises his eyes to meet your gaze.

It is of a... somewhat personal nature.

• Alright... what's your request, then?

My father, Sir Isaiah Harvan, dedicated most of his life to the search for Pandora's Box. I have taken up his quest myself, and we've arguably come much closer to finding it than my father ever did.

Harvan's brow furrows, and he pauses a moment before speaking again.

However... it is his untimely disappearance that I would like to speak with you about. My father's research has led me to many things, including the existence of the Antikythera. In his later years, he became convinced that someone within the United States government knew more about Pandora's Box than they let on, and his investigation became significantly more... political.

• Meaning he drew the attention of some dangerous people.

Harvan nods at you.

Exactly. He was pursuing this very avenue of investigation right up until the day he disappeared. Obviously, those of us close to him suspected foul play, but... well, you know how these things go. When an eccentric explorer that believes in the myths of ancient Greece disappears, it doesn't exactly make the front page.

Still, I believe my father was onto something significant, and it is my belief that you are... less susceptible to harm than my father was.

• So you want me to pick up where he left off.

I believe it would serve both our interests, Character. It could provide us with vital information on Pandora's Box... and it could also uncover my father's fate.

I won't hide the fact that I have a personal stake in this... but I also believe it's the best place to look, given our situation.

• Alright, Harvan. I'll look into it.

• Stick to your work, Harvan. You're here to help find Pandora's Box.

Well, that's just the thing, Character. What I'm about to ask of you is, in fact, quite closely related to the search for Pandora's Box.

It... it involves my father, and his work. I'm still using the Antikythera to try to pinpoint the Box's location, but it takes time to interpret the readings. I believe that this task may speed the process somewhat, depending on what you find.

• Alright, Harvan... this better be good.

My father...

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

Briefing

You search through the desk, looking for any documents of interest. The few papers you find are old and soiled, not to mention completely unreadable.

Upon testing the drawers, you find more of the same: extremely old office supplies and refuse. One of the drawers, however, appears to be locked...

• (Break the lock on the drawer)

Using your unique capabilities, you manage to bypass the lock on the drawer, taking care not to damage the contents in the process.

Inside, you find copious amounts of dust... but you also spot a large manila envelope that appears to have been moderately well-preserved.

Inside the envelope are a series of official-looking documents, each of which appears to be quite liberally censored.

• (Inspect the documents)

Most of these are either unintelligible or mundane, but one document in particular catches your eye:

OFFICE OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

MEMORANDUM TO: Administrator, Corrections Facility Research & Development

SUBJECT: Project REDACTED

While your concerns are understandable and noted, the primary funding partners for Project REDACTED will remain classified for the time being. Rest assured that the RIDC has strict security measures in place for the facility, and that site construction is being overseen by both public and private personnel. Continue development for the REDACTED facility as previously planned.

We are currently operating under a strict timetable, and unless REDACTED is completed on schedule, construction will need to be put on hold. As you are aware, the longer construction takes, the more involved local authorities will become. If you require more resources to complete REDACTED on schedule, speak with Comptroller REDACTED.

Enclosure
REDACTED

In the margins of the memo, in scrawled handwriting, is the following message:

Senator - this is the best that I could get. I know it's not much. I may be able to get more if you can put some pressure on the Board.

-Ron

• (Leave)

Briefing

Amongst the discarded remains of the small office, you find a file cabinet that appears to have survived mostly intact. The drawers inside are filled with dividers and documents of varying conditions.

• (Begin sifting through the documents)

While most of these documents appear to be unmarred by government censors, they also appear to be mostly useless. After sifting through some irate letters from the Brickstown Business Association and angry, error-ridden screeds about UFOs, you come to realize that you're looking at a collection of incoming mail.

Just as you're ready to give up and move on, a distinctly official-looking letter catches your eye...

• (Read the letter)

Senator James S. Neill
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
May 10, 1949

Supervisor Tornay:

I am deeply troubled by your department's reluctance to forward pertinent information on 'Project Marduk'. While I fully understand that major components of the facility are proprietary, it is not generally the practice of Congress to fund projects without knowing the recipient of those funds.

I can understand if you wish to maintain Classified status on the technology behind the project, but you must at least divulge the identity of all private partners involved in the project. Using unknown tech in a government facility is one thing, Supervisor, but receiving said tech from an unknown party without disclosing any related information is simply ludicrous.

I shall await your prompt reply. I hope that a subpoena will not be necessary in this instance.

Sincerely,

James S. Neill
United States Senator, MO

• (Leave)

Briefing

This safe stands out as one of the only highly-secured objects you've seen here. If there's anything left in this building that might be of interest to you, it's probably in here.

• (Attempt to pry open the safe)

The lock looks to be in a state of significant disrepair, and with some careful manipulation, you manage to pry the rusted door open.

Inside, you find a set of blueprints for a high-security prison. As you flip through the blueprints, you note that they appear to be incomplete - many of the connections to the lower levels of the prison seem to link elsewhere, but are simply labeled 'subcontract'.

At the back of the pile, you find a one-page summary of interaction with an organization called Milestone Labs, SPC.

• (Read through the summary)

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES METAHUMAN INTELLIGENCE PROTOCOL

MEMORANDUM TO: Supervisor, Corrections Facility Administration & Construction

SUBJECT: Project Marduk

The contract with Milestone Labs, SPC has been written up. We're still working on the fine details, but your department can begin construction plans immediately.

Unfortunately, negotiations regarding patent rights and proprietary transparency have not been successful. The boys at Milestone are insistent that they maintain total control over their tech, even as it's applied to Project Marduk. I don't like it, but frankly, this project doesn't get off the ground unless we use them.

Research into alternative methods of containing powered entities is still underway, but this project has stalled long enough. Run up some new plans, under the assumption that inmates will be able to generate no more than 100kN. That should bring the project well within budget.

Enclosure
Roger S. Vrabel
Senior Director, Metahuman Intelligence Protocol

• (Leave)

Briefing

After the beating you gave him, Mako appears to be having some trouble breathing. His gills are opening and closing violently, and his every breath comes out as a loud rasp.

In his current state, he seems to be unable to communicate... it looks like you'll need to do the talking, here.

• Mako. Can you hear me?

Mako continues to focus almost entirely on continuing to breathe, but he takes the effort to look up at you. Your eyes lock with his, and you can see defiance and anger in the stare he gives you.

• Don't give me that look, Mako. I haven't killed you... yet.

or

• Arachnos sent you to follow me, right? How's that going?

Mako flinches at your words. With some effort, he manages to get out a ragged attempt at communication.

What... *hrrrrkkkk*...

What do you... want... *hrrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkk*...

• I'm recruiting, Mako. I'm sure word has gotten out.

Mako manages a grin at you, filled with rows of jagged teeth. He closes his eyes, and shakes his head.

Not... *hrrrkkkk*... switching sides...

• Why play just one? I need someone on the inside.

Mako's breathing has steadied now. He looks thoughtful... for a shark.

What do you have to offer... *hrrkk*... that Recluse can't? Arachnos rules the Isles, Character... and when we get Pandora's Box, it's all over. No one will be able to stop us.

• Arachnos is in decline, and you know it. What's your exit strategy?

or

• But I'm always a step ahead, Mako. What happens when I get the Box?

Mako ponders this for a moment.

I'll... consider it, Character. I don't take Recluse lightly, but...

Mako looks up at you again. This time, the anger and defiance appear to be mingled with... at least some level of respect.

But I don't think I can take you lightly, either.

• Think it over, then. I have places to be.

Briefing

Character! I think I've made a breakthrough. By comparing readings from the Antikythera at different locations, I was able to triangulate a pattern in the energy flows in this area. Based on the trajectories I've witnessed, I'd surmise that-

• Harvan...

Harvan seems not to hear you.

...but the patterns were all wrong, you see. If they moved elliptically, their origin point would have been somewhere in Michigan, which I knew to be false. But then, it hit me. The streams don't act like particles of light, but like jets of air. They're limited by geographical constraints! Factoring this data, I managed to-

• Harvan!

...almost like magnets! They're drawn to large populations, specifically of humans! After applying this modification to my equations, I was able to calculate their trajectories with significantly greater precision! I'm now confident that-

• DOCTOR HARVAN!

Raising your voice seems to have gotten his attention. Harvan trails off, staring at you vacantly for a moment. He shakes his head roughly, as if waking from a trance.

I'm... sorry, Character. I suppose I got a little too excited there. Did you... find something of interest?

• As a matter of fact, I did.

You relate the events of your investigation to Harvan, and hand him the documents you found. As he pores over them, he grows increasingly confused.

What...

What is this? I recognize this design. I've seen it before...

Harvan's brows furrow.

This is... this is the design for Zigursky Penitentiary.

• It appears so.

But this doesn't make any sense. Why would my father be interested in this? He never took any interest in modern structures, and he certainly wasn't interested in the political machinations of the United States...

Besides, these designs are deeply flawed. This structure might be suitable for common criminals, or perhaps minor villains, but... there's no way these designs could contain metahumans of any significant scale.

Harvan's eyes widen, and he looks up at you.

Unless...

• Unless something was limiting their powers.

Harvan's hands begin to tremble with excitement.

Something... something that could limit the powers of any metahuman. Something that unified the concepts of science and magic, of technological progress and natural prowess.

Something that commanded the very essence of power itself.

• You mean, something like Pandora's Box.

This fits with all of my findings, Character. If our theory is correct, then... someone has been utilizing Pandora's Box as a sort of safeguard against metahuman criminals. It's a crude use of such a powerful artifact, but...

Harvan trails off.

We need to inform the others of your findings. If we're correct, we'll need to set up an expedition right away.

• Agreed. I'll set up a meeting.

Briefing

Harvan's eyes are wide, as he repeatedly attempts to suppress a grin.

We are on the verge of an amazing breakthrough, Character. I have to say, I never imagined I would come this close to finding Pandora's Box... especially not this early in my career! Hah-ha!

Oh, I'm so excited. I can't wait to rub this in Dr. Bell's face. Can you believe that she had the temerity to claim that Pandora's Box was actually a jar? It boggles the mind what kinds of intellectual gymnastics were required to reach that sort of conclusion. Why, just a few years ago I was working on a site in Macedonia...

Harvan seems to be lost in his own ramblings.

• Leave

Briefing

Character. Fantastic work on the Box's location. Harvan's proved to be quite the asset, hasn't he?

• So far, yes. Thanks for the referral.

Well, that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about.

Odysseus leans in close, and begins to speak under his breath.

There's something about his story that doesn't quite add up, Character. Harvan's well-known in his field, but his father is a mystery to me.

I did some digging, but what I've found has been sparse at best. I uncovered some official stuff - birth certificate, records of his time at Oxford, things like that. But beyond those, there's nothing. No mentions of an Isaiah Harvan in any trade publications or published works, no photos, no wedding announcements... Character, I couldn't even find an obituary for the guy.

• So, what's your theory?

I don't know, Character. All I know is that something about Harvan doesn't add up. If his father's work was as groundbreaking as he claims, you'd think there would be some written evidence of that.

Look, he sent you into that office to find out what happened to his father, right? He said it was related to his disappearance? So, did you find anything related to Isaiah Harvan while you were there?

• Well... no.

Yeah. I didn't think so.

Harvan's useful, and he's gotten us this far. I'm just saying... we need to keep an eye on him. There's more to him than he's letting on, and I don't like it.

• Noted. Thanks for the warning.

Briefing

Lieutenant Harriman nods to you respectfully, then turns his attention back to his duties.

• Leave

Briefing

Character! I am most pleased that you and I will once again be side by side on the field of battle! Our combined capabilities will become truly magnificent, yes?

• Looking forward to it, Castillo.

Briefing

Good to see you again, sir. Doctor Harvan has given me the gist of your findings.

I believe that we currently have an information advantage over Arachnos, and any other parties interested in Pandora's Box. If we're going to press that advantage, immediate action must be taken.

• What did you have in mind?

Our primary goal is to enter Zigursky prison, and to acquire Pandora's Box. However, there are secondary considerations that must be taken into account. Zigursky is well-fortified, and any overt actions in Brickstown would immediately tip off our rivals that there is something of interest in that area.

Furthermore, there are organizations, such as Longbow or the Freedom Phalanx, that have significantly easier access to the facility than we do. If an armed intrusion into Zigursky became prolonged, local authorities would have the chance to bypass Zigursky's security and beat us to the Box.

For these reasons, I recommend against a frontal assault. However...

Lastri smiles, tapping her notebook with her pen.

There are other ways of gaining access to a prison.

• What, exactly, are you suggesting?

A diversionary attack. We focus our efforts on a location we know is unrelated to Pandora's Box. If that location is also within Paragon City limits, we achieve two aims at once: we divert the attention of our rivals, while also establishing you as a high-profile threat in Paragon.

If you were then to... 'turn yourself in...'

• I like it. How do we proceed?

Preparations have already been made, sir. My employer has offered his assistance in bypassing the War Walls around Talos Island, and I've made sure the local PPD branch has been tipped off. They're prepared for an incursion.

We'll need to hit them hard, and cause as much destruction as we can. If you can break their strongest lines of defense, it should prompt a more serious response.

I suggest that a small force, consisting of you, Captain Castillo, and Mr. Hill would be appropriate. It's already well-known that you're working together to find Pandora's Box, and all three of you are individually powerful enough to warrant incarceration in Zigursky.

• What about Mako? Have we gotten a response from him?

Captain Mako is maintaining his post, for now. He has neither confirmed nor denied his interest in becoming a part of your organization. However...

Lastri tries, and fails, to suppress a grin.

He did send us a token of his... 'goodwill'.

• And what would that be?

I'm sure you'll want to see for yourself, sir / ma'am. We picked it up on our way here... you'll find it on the outer deck.

• Okay... I guess I'll go check it out, then.

Briefing

All preparations are in place, sir / ma'am.

I have transportation ready to bring you to the Talos Island PPD station. Once you've turned yourself in, the local authorities should transport you to Zigursky Penitentiary almost immediately.

• What should I expect once I'm inside?

If Doctor Harvan's theories are correct, then you should expect to be depowered the moment you enter Zigursky. The key, here, is the Antikythera.

Bring the Antikythera with you when you turn yourself in. The guards at Zigursky will confiscate it, but it's highly unlikely they will understand the significance of the artifact.

Once you're inside, you'll need to reacquire the Antikythera, from wherever they're storing it. Possessing it should grant you temporary immunity to the draining effects of Pandora's Box, thus restoring your powers.

Lastri frowns slightly, and one of her eyebrows twitches angrily.

At least, that's what Doctor Harvan informs me.

• Something wrong?

Nothing of significance. Doctor Harvan appears to be... quite upset that he will not be personally involved in the discovery of Pandora's Box. I had to... remind him that the logistical nuances of this operation require that only high-powered entities would be appropriate.

Lastri's frown deepens.

He remains unconvinced. I have begun to wonder if his expertise has outlived its usefulness. However, until we have acquired Pandora's Box for ourselves, I deemed it prudent to retain his services.

• We can deal with him later. Let's begin. (Start Mission)

• I'm ready. (Start Mission)

• I'm ready. (Start Mission)

Briefing

The eyes of the PPD captain widen in horror as you approach.

Character... y-you've got a lot of guts waltzing in here! Every hero in Paragon is gunning for your head! You'll leave if you know what's good for you!

Seeing that you have no intent on fleeing, he begins to sweat profusely.

You don't need... to hurt anyone, alright? Just... tell me why you're here. We can work this out.

• (Pretend to be mind controlled.) Mistress Yin has commanded it.

or

• I've had a sudden attack of conscience. I'm turning myself in.

or

• I'm building my street cred. A few years in prison should do it.

The captain eyes you suspiciously. After a moment's hesitation, he beckons one of his officers over, to place you in cuffs.

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney...

• (Allow yourself to be arrested)

Briefing

Let's do this, Character. I have a serious aversion to this place.

• Very well. Let's see what we can stir up.

Briefing

We have arrived, Character. Our capabilities are reduced, it is true, but this will not be stopping us! Our glory shines through, regardless of what forces try to sap our strength!

• True enough. With me, Castillo.

Briefing

The guard sneers at you as you approach.

That's far enough, Character. You and your lackeys got some hard time ahead of ya, so I suggest you get accustomed to the accommodations here.

• I want access to my belongings. Where are they?

The guard lets out a sharp laugh. He jerks his thumb at the cabinet behind him.

You're not getting any of this till your trial, and even then it's gonna be as evidence.

The guard leans in close to you.

But really, go ahead and try and go for it. Grab whatever technical gizmo or magical doohickey you're looking for. Cause in here? That crap ain't working.

I can't tell you how many times some goon from the Circle has waved a stick at me, only to get tackled by three guards. I love that stuff. So try me, Character. Go ahead. I want you to.

• Yes, I'm sure you do.

Briefing

The thick-jawed man looks at each of you contemptuously.

How've I been? How have I been?

No offense, cuckoo magic boy, but the slammer ain't exactly the best place to spend your recreational time. This ain't some... some pleasure cruise, eh? It's freakin' prison. How do you think I've been?

And where do you get off talkin' to me like we're pals or somethin'? I don't recall hanging around with a bunch of sword-swingin' freaks. I think I'd remember.

• (Allow the drama to unfold)

Odysseus

If this guy was angry before, he's downright livid now. His face is turning an increasingly deep shade of red.

First of all, you don't get to call me 'Nikkie'. My friends call me 'Nikkie', and you would not be my friend if you were the last frikkin' person on the face of this Earth.

Second of all, you do not, I repeat, you do NOT talk about my mother! You don't know her, and you don't need to know her, so back off right now, or you're gonna get a beating.

You may have been Mr. Big Shot outside, but in here? It's all guts, pal. And judging by your fancy attire, I'm gonna say you ain't got what it takes to go a round with me.

• (Continue)

Odysseus

THAT'S it, you asked for it, pal!

The man cracks his knuckles and advances toward Odysseus.

• (Capitalize on the distraction)

Briefing

Harvan cowers away from you.

Character! I... ah... oh dear. I seem to be in quite a bind, hm?

• Quite. Explain yourself Harvan.

Well, I...

Harvan takes a moment to compose himself, then looks at you defiantly.

This is my life's work, Character. I know that probably doesn't mean anything to you, but it does to me. I mean to see Pandora's Box with my own two eyes, if it's the very last thing I do.

You can't deny me this, Character. I've earned it!

Harvan realizes he may have gone too far, and his courage begins to falter.

What... what I mean to say is...

• Why should I take you? You're helping the Phalanx!

Harvan throws up his hands in frustration.

Well how else, exactly, was I supposed to get inside a maximum-security prison? You're part of this facility's target audience, for pete's sake! Of course you can get in!

I will be completely frank with you, Character. I have no loyalty to you, nor to the Freedom Phalanx, nor to anyone, really. The politics of all this, the grabs for power? They don't interest me.

What does interest me is the artifact underneath this facility. I want to be there, Character. I need to be there.

• Tread carefully, Harvan. You're on thin ice.

• Give me one good reason not to kill you where you stand.

N-now... now hang on. I know this looks bad, a-a-and really it is bad, but... ah...

Harvan swallows hard.

But... but you need me, Character. You may know where Pandora's Box is, but you can't know what to expect. I know for a fact that your secretary kept me around for this long as a safeguard. I can help you! My knowledge can help you!

• Me... or the Freedom Phalanx.

Harvan throws up his hands in frustration.

Well how else, exactly, was I supposed to get inside a maximum-security prison? You're part of this facility's target audience, for pete's sake! Of course you can get in!

I will be completely frank with you, Character. I have no loyalty to you, nor to the Freedom Phalanx, nor to anyone, really. The politics of all this, the grabs for power? They don't interest me.

What does interest me is the artifact underneath this facility. I want to be there, Character. I need to be there.

• Tread carefully, Harvan. You're on thin ice.

Briefing

Lastri's demeanor remains calm and professional, but her face is paler than you've ever seen it, and her usually-prim hair is in disarray.

Character... sir / ma'am... This is not one of the... potential outcomes that I prepared for. If you'll just give me a moment...

Lastri flips through pages of her notepad, looking increasingly distressed. Eventually, she pauses, takes a deep breath, and looks at you directly.

Well, honestly, our position is not significantly worse than it was prior to the operation. We don't have possession of Pandora's Box or its contents, but neither does anyone else. Our rivals are in the same position that we are.

Furthermore, we still have access to one asset that our rivals do not: Doctor Harvan. He has become... somewhat of a liability, lately, it's true. However, it is my belief that he knows more than he has been telling us about the nature of Pandora's Box. With the right... supervision, I believe he may remain a valuable asset.

• Do you have any idea what attacked me back there?

I don't know, sir / ma'am. All I can say is that when Pandora's Box was opened, every detected case of metahuman 'empowerment' ended, and shortly thereafter you were attacked. If I were to venture a guess, I would say that the energy from Pandora's Box has manifested itself directly.

Lastri's brow furrows.

What doesn't follow is why that's happened. All of the data we've collected about Pandora's Box implies that it should be granting power, not manifesting directly. We don't have enough information on hand to explain this problem... which is why I believe we need to retain Doctor Harvan's services, for the time being.

• Very well. We'll keep him with us... for now.

• Lastri, Harvan's the cause of this problem. Get rid of him.

Lastri purses her lips.

With all due respect, sir / ma'am, I do not believe that would be our best course of action.

Pandora's Box is open, and the power inside is loose in the world. That means that any group still interested in harnessing that power is now on equal footing. Page 1, so to speak.

The only advantage I can see in this scenario is superior knowledge of the core element of this crisis - Pandora's Box itself. Right now, we control the most reliable source of that information. I do not believe it is in our best interest to give that up.

• At the very least, you need to keep him on a tight leash.

Understood, sir. Doctor Harvan's movements will be closely monitored, from here on out. I've made it quite clear to him that any further rogue behavior will be dealt with swiftly and without remorse. He seemed to understand my meaning.

• As long as he's kept in line, Lastri.