Difference between revisions of "James Harvan"

Briefing

As you approach, Positron struggles to his feet. You can see numerous tears and holes in his armor, where Arachnos managed to punch through his defenses.

Character... I must say, you have impeccable timing.

What happened here, Positron?

Ever since Pandora's Box was opened, the base has been plagued by those creatures that attacked you underneath Zigursky. Doctor Harvan believes that they are drawn to the Antikythera for some reason.

I can only assume that Arachnos took notice. I was holding them off, but Silver Mantis managed to get behind me while I was occupied by her soldiers. I couldn't keep them at bay and defend against her attacks simultaneously.

Where's the rest of the Phalanx?

They've all been responding to distress calls. Those Pandora creatures have been popping up all over the city, wreaking havoc.

Thankfully, they generally seek out targets capable of defending themselves - I think they may be drawn to strength - but responses to these attacks has taken up most of the Phalanx's resources.

What about the Antikythera?

Positron clenches his fists tight.

Arachnos knew exactly what they were looking for, Character. Given that Mako ambushed you earlier, I'm inclined to believe that Arachnos has been monitoring all of our movements ever since we picked up Doctor Harvan.

It shouldn't surprise me, really... I consistently underestimate the tenacity of my opponents. It's a flaw I intend to correct immediately.

Any chance we can pursue them?

Positron chuckles softly, making a hollow, metallic sound through his helmet.

I suppose that's the one element of this disaster that I haven't managed to bungle.

Positron holds up a small, handheld device. A white light pings repeatedly on the screen.

I planted a tracking device on the Antikythera shortly after it arrived in Fort Trident. Arachnos doesn't appear to have discovered it, so we know where they're taking the artifact.

Excellent. I'll get it back in no time.

I'm coming with you, Character. I've been trying my best to manage the Phalanx remotely, to coordinate everyone's efforts in the most efficient way possible... but that's not leadership. I've sat on the sidelines for too long.

Arachnos attacked me, they attacked the Phalanx, and they stole from us the one hope we have of controlling the chaos of Pandora's Box. I refuse to let that stand. If Arachnos can mobilize a surprise attack when the Phalanx is at its most vulnerable, then I can damn well do the same.

That's what I like to hear.

They took the Antikythera?

Positron clenches his fists tight.

Arachnos knew exactly what they were looking for, Character. Given that Mako ambushed you earlier, I'm inclined to believe that Arachnos has been monitoring all of our movements ever since we picked up Doctor Harvan.

It shouldn't surprise me, really... I consistently underestimate the tenacity of my opponents. It's a flaw I intend to correct immediately.

Any chance we can pursue them?

Positron chuckles softly, making a hollow, metallic sound through his helmet.

I suppose that's the one element of this disaster that I haven't managed to bungle.

Positron holds up a small, handheld device. A white light pings repeatedly on the screen.

I planted a tracking device on the Antikythera shortly after it arrived in Fort Trident. Arachnos doesn't appear to have discovered it, so we know where they're taking the artifact.

Excellent. I'll get it back in no time.

I'm coming with you, Character. I've been trying my best to manage the Phalanx remotely, to coordinate everyone's efforts in the most efficient way possible... but that's not leadership. I've sat on the sidelines for too long.

Arachnos attacked me, they attacked the Phalanx, and they stole from us the one hope we have of controlling the chaos of Pandora's Box. I refuse to let that stand. If Arachnos can mobilize a surprise attack when the Phalanx is at its most vulnerable, then I can damn well do the same.

That's what I like to hear.

Briefing

Character, I believe it's time. The tracking beacon for the Antikythera has stopped moving somewhere inside the Grandville area of the Rogue Isles.

I've arranged with Longbow for immediate transportation to the area, but they won't be able to stay for long. We'll need to get inside, retrieve the Antikythera, and leave as quickly as possible. Any delay would give time for the larger bulk of Arachnos's forces to learn of our presence and reinforce their position, which could prove disastrous.

Are you prepared to depart, Character?

I'm ready, Positron.

Briefing

Harvan smiles sheepishly at you.

Welcome to my laboratory, Character. Impressive, is it not?

• What is all this, Harvan?

My father had this lab built as a sort of amplifier for the manipulative effects of the Antikythera. If it can establish a firm connection, it magnifies the capabilities of the Antikythera several hundred times, allowing it to draw in any errant energy from Pandora's Box.

I knew this lab's purpose, but again, I couldn't understand why my father had it built. Everything I knew about Pandora's Box implied that the power would be granted directly to the person that opened it. There would be no need to draw that power from limbo, because I never thought it would manifest in this way.

Harvan frowns apprehensively.

Clearly, I missed something in my research. My father knew that the energy would dissipate somehow, but I never saw what it was.

• Do you have any theories?

The subject appears to cause Harvan some level of discomfort.

I'm... not sure, Character. Perhaps its placement inside Zigursky had altered it in some way, but I find that doubtful. From the evidence you uncovered, no one at Zigursky even knew what Pandora's Box was, much less how it worked.

The only other explanation is... well. It's probably just me kicking myself for nothing, but...

The stories about Pandora's Box, and about the gods... there's a sentient force guiding this power, Character. It blesses mortals with great power, and those mortals go on to live great lives and to do great things. So far, the Box appears to have granted its power to whoever opens it. However...

Harvan bites his lip.

It may have found me wanting, somehow. It's possible that the Box simply decided that I wasn't worthy of its power, for whatever reason.

• It's... possible, I suppose.

Regardless, we're here to correct the mistake I made underneath Zigursky. If this device functions as I expect it should, then we'll have possession of all of the power from Pandora's Box, sealed and contained, ready for whatever use you deem fit.

All you need to do is bring the Antikythera close enough to the device to establish a connection.

Do be ready for a scuffle, though, Character. As the energy from Pandora's Box is drawn here, I expect the creatures that attacked us earlier will be arriving as well.

• I can handle them, Harvan. Let's get started.

Briefing

Harvan meets your gaze with as much dignity as he can muster. A long, dark gash leads from his shoulder down to his chest. From inside, you can hear faint whirring sounds, like that of a small engine.

Character. I... I don't quite know what to say...

• I have no reason to speak with a mindless machine.

Harvan sputters in protestation.

Mindless machine... but I-

A look of profound resignation crosses Harvan's face, and he averts his gaze.

No, no. That... I suppose that is fair. Goodbye, Character.

• Leave

• Well-played, Harvan. You had me fooled.

Harvan takes on an expression of profound resignation.

You and me both, I'm afraid. At my core, I still believe that I am Professor James Harvan, PhD. Memories of my work, of my father...

Harvan's brows furrow.

Funny... until now it never really occurred to me that I cannot picture my father's face. I suppose that realization would have been alarming, an hour ago. Now, though, it simply fits. My life, my every experience... it's all a sham, Character.

• So, what are you planning to do now?

Harvan chuckles softly. As he does, a soft rattle comes from the opening in his chest.

What indeed, Character. My every memory and experience have been exposed as a fraud... hah! Even worse than that.

I know who Nemesis is, Character. I know his reputation. Plans within plans within plans.

So, who's to say that my next action isn't simply another part of his grand scheme? What if this very conversation is part of some grand Nemesis Plot?

Harvan shakes his head, smiling.

I have no idea what I'm going to do, Character. I... I need some time to think, before I can make that decision.

• Alright then. Goodbye, Harvan.

• So, you're one of Nemesis's toys after all.

Harvan barks out a short laugh.

Ha! Quite. A toy! Hahahaha!

Harvan's tone devolves into desperation.

I can't properly express my situation to you, Character. I have no memory of anything related to Nemesis, or his plans, or anything related to him. Until a few minutes ago, I fully believed that I was carrying out my life's work, my legacy. But... none of that really exists, does it? I can't actually have ambitions, can I? It's not possible! It's all just an elaborate hoax, built to deceive! I've got everyone fooled, oh yes I do! Haha!

You can't understand, Character. To realize that every facet of your being, not just your actions but your very thoughts, all of it simply a tool for another man to use...

It is a mountainous revelation, Character. It crushes me to think on it. And yet, I can do nothing else.

• This is where we part ways, Harvan.

Briefing

Lastri is gritting her teeth in frustration. After a moment, she takes a short breath, stands tall, and meets your gaze.

Sir / ???, I must apologize. I assured you that I would take care of the Mitscher, and that my men could staff and defend it if necessary. As you can see, we failed to defend the Mitscher from attack. I claim full responsibility.

• Where is the Antikythera, Lastri?

Lastri flinches at the mention of the Antikythera. She averts her eyes in shame.

The Antikythera was their target, Character. Once they had taken the Mitscher, Arachnos tore through every cargo hold in the ship. I... I believe they have taken it, sir / ???.

• How did they manage to find the Mitscher?

Ever since Pandora's Box was opened, the Mitscher has been harried by the same creatures that attacked you underneath Zigursky Penitentiary. Doctor Harvan believes it is because of the presence of the Antikythera

It is... possible that Arachnos managed to discover a way of tracking either them or whatever force is drawing them to the Antikythera. However...

The Antikythera itself is the only tool we know of capable of tracking and measuring energy signatures related to Pandora's Box. And even if we were to assume that Arachnos was in possession of such a device...

• Then why would they need the Antikythera in the first place?

Yes, exactly. However... there is another explanation.

Lastri's cheeks begin to burn with shame again.

It is possible... that my once-over of the Arachnos Flier that Captain Mako donated to us was... not quite thorough enough. If that is the case, and the Flier was indeed bugged, it would have been a simple matter to set up an ambush like this.

Unfortunately, the Flier was Arachnos's first target when they appeared. Any attempt to verify my suspicions would involve a deep-sea salvage operation, I'm afraid.

• Mako. I should have known.

I'll begin monitoring all internal Arachnos communications for mentions of the Antikythera or Pandora's Box. Within a few days, I should be able to-

• No, Lastri. I'll handle this personally.

• Hmph. I knew you couldn't be trusted.

Character! Sir / ???, I...

Lastri cuts herself off momentarily, lips tight. She puts her hand to her forehead for a moment. After calming herself, she continues.

Sir / ???. I realize that I have not been forthcoming about my employer, or his motives. I apologize for this, but it remains a necessity. Anonymity is of paramount importance to him, and it is not something I can be flexible with.

However, I entered into a contract with you to establish a power base, to allow you to rival Arachnos for control over the Rogue Isles. And I intend to honor that contract. I can assure you, that despite this setback, we can and will recover. Allow me this chance to prove to you my intentions. You will not regret it.

• If you're not with Arachnos, how did they locate the ship?

Ever since Pandora's Box was opened, the Mitscher has been harried by the same creatures that attacked you underneath Zigursky Penitentiary. Doctor Harvan believes it is because of the presence of the Antikythera

It is... possible that Arachnos managed to discover a way of tracking either them or whatever force is drawing them to the Antikythera. However...

The Antikythera itself is the only tool we know of capable of tracking and measuring energy signatures related to Pandora's Box. And even if we were to assume that Arachnos was in possession of such a device...

• Then why would they need the Antikythera in the first place?

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

Briefing

Captain Mako stiffens as you approach. He jerks his head to the side, indicating a corner for the two of you to talk. When he speaks, it is in a low, hushed tone.

Have you gone insane? What are you doing here? You're a wanted man / woman, Character. This is the last place you should be, and you certainly shouldn't be talking to me like this.

Kinda hard for me to play double agent if you're just going to walk up and have a chat. You're going to get yourself killed.

• Can it, Mako. The Mitscher was attacked, and I want answers.

That sucks, Character, and I feel for you. I just don't know why you're bothering me about it.

• Attacked by ARACHNOS. You bugged the flier, didn't you?

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

• Perhaps the beating didn't make it clear. You don't scare me.

Mako makes a face at you. It's hard to tell with sharks, but you think it's exasperation.

No one's going to attack you here, Character. Cardinal rule. No infighting in the boss's house. Still, you've got some serious brass coming here, Character. I'll give you that.

Now, I know you well enough to realize that you're smarter than this. You wouldn't risk exposing our little deal if you didn't have a reason, so you may as well have out with it.

• The Mitscher was attacked, and the Antikythera is missing.

That sucks, Character, and I feel for you. I just don't know why you're bothering me about it.

• Attacked by ARACHNOS. You bugged the flier, didn't you?

Mako flails and makes a series of hushing noises at the mention of the word 'flier'. He spares a glance at Ghost Widow, who returns his look with an icy stare.

Hey, man, keep it down. I really don't need it getting out that I sent you a flier, okay?

Look, I didn't bug the thing. I didn't need to. If I'd wanted to find the Mitscher I would have just called your ladyfriend and set up an appointment.

But I'm not the one in charge of production of those things, ok? Scorpion is. I saw an opportunity to disrupt his operations and cement my deal with you at the same time, so I took it. He may be more cautious than I gave him credit for.

• You expect me to believe that? You work together.

Mako manages to roll his eyes, which looks especially odd given his facial structure.

Oh, for the love of- do you even know how Arachnos works, Character? We're all in one big game of King of the Mountain, here. Just because Recluse won doesn't mean the rest of us stopped playing.

Scorpion does his own thing, and I do mine. Sometimes we work together, sometimes we stab each other in the back. That's life in Arachnos. Heck, that's life in the Isles, but whatever. I can fix this.

You want the Antikythera, and I want the... ah, exit strategy you're offering if things go sour with Recluse. Can't predict that guy ever since his girlfriend came back from the dead.

• What are you planning?

Mako grins, baring multiple rows of jagged teeth.

I can help you, Character. Ever since you and Harvan popped open Pandora's Box, Recluse has pretty much given up on that chase. He figures it's ok if he doesn't have Statesman's power, just as long as no one else does, either.

Meaning, you dropped pretty low on our hit list. No offense.

Anyway, it shouldn't be too big a deal for me to run a raid on Scorpion's stash. That sort of thing happens all the time, and to the other patrons, it'll just look like I'm trying to get it for myself. Meet me at these coordinates, and we'll open that tin can right up. Bet there's plenty of meat buried underneath all that metal...

Mako stares off in the general direction of Black Scorpion, hungrily. After a moment, his attention snaps back to the present.

Oh. And we'll get your Anty-ka-whatsit back too.

• See you there.

• Regardless, I need the Antikythera back.

Mako grins, baring multiple rows of jagged teeth.

I can help you, Character. Ever since you and Harvan popped open Pandora's Box, Recluse has pretty much given up on that chase. He figures it's ok if he doesn't have Statesman's power, just as long as no one else does, either.

Meaning, you dropped pretty low on our hit list. No offense.

Anyway, it shouldn't be too big a deal for me to run a raid on Scorpion's stash. That sort of thing happens all the time, and to the other patrons, it'll just look like I'm trying to get it for myself. Meet me at these coordinates, and we'll open that tin can right up. Bet there's plenty of meat buried underneath all that metal...

Mako stares off in the general direction of Black Scorpion, hungrily. After a moment, his attention snaps back to the present.

Oh. And we'll get your Anty-ka-whatsit back too

• See you there.

Briefing

There is a distinct predatory gleam in Mako's eye as he greets you.

Let's do this. I'm getting... hungry.

• No way. I still don't trust you. I'm doing this alone.

• Alright, come on, then.

Briefing

Harvan smiles sheepishly at you.

Welcome to my laboratory, Character. Impressive, is it not?

• What is all this, Harvan?

My father had this lab built as a sort of amplifier for the manipulative effects of the Antikythera. If it can establish a firm connection, it magnifies the capabilities of the Antikythera several hundred times, allowing it to draw in any errant energy from Pandora's Box.

I knew this lab's purpose, but again, I couldn't understand why my father had it built. Everything I knew about Pandora's Box implied that the power would be granted directly to the person that opened it. There would be no need to draw that power from limbo, because I never thought it would manifest in this way.

Harvan frowns apprehensively.

Clearly, I missed something in my research. My father knew that the energy would dissipate somehow, but I never saw what it was.

• Do you have any theories?

The subject appears to cause Harvan some level of discomfort.

I'm... not sure, Character. Perhaps its placement inside Zigursky had altered it in some way, but I find that doubtful. From the evidence you uncovered, no one at Zigursky even knew what Pandora's Box was, much less how it worked.

The only other explanation is... well. It's probably just me kicking myself for nothing, but...

The stories about Pandora's Box, and about the gods... there's a sentient force guiding this power, Character. It blesses mortals with great power, and those mortals go on to live great lives and to do great things. So far, the Box appears to have granted its power to whoever opens it. However...

Harvan bites his lip.

It may have found me wanting, somehow. It's possible that the Box simply decided that I wasn't worthy of its power, for whatever reason.

• It's... possible, I suppose.

Regardless, we're here to correct the mistake I made underneath Zigursky. If this device functions as I expect it should, then we'll have possession of all of the power from Pandora's Box, sealed and contained, ready for whatever use you deem fit.

All you need to do is bring the Antikythera close enough to the device to establish a connection.

Do be ready for a scuffle, though, Character. As the energy from Pandora's Box is drawn here, I expect the creatures that attacked us earlier will be arriving as well.

• I can handle them, Harvan. Let's get started.

Briefing

Harvan meets your gaze with as much dignity as he can muster. A long, dark gash leads from his shoulder down to his chest. From inside, you can hear faint whirring sounds, like that of a small engine.

Character. I... I don't quite know what to say...

• I have no reason to speak with a mindless machine.

Harvan sputters in protestation.

Mindless machine... but I-

A look of profound resignation crosses Harvan's face, and he averts his gaze.

No, no. That... I suppose that is fair. Goodbye, Character.

• Leave

• Well-played, Harvan. You had me fooled.

Harvan takes on an expression of profound resignation.

You and me both, I'm afraid. At my core, I still believe that I am Professor James Harvan, PhD. Memories of my work, of my father...

Harvan's brows furrow.

Funny... until now it never really occurred to me that I cannot picture my father's face. I suppose that realization would have been alarming, an hour ago. Now, though, it simply fits. My life, my every experience... it's all a sham, Character.

• So, what are you planning to do now?

Harvan chuckles softly. As he does, a soft rattle comes from the opening in his chest.

What indeed, Character. My every memory and experience have been exposed as a fraud... hah! Even worse than that.

I know who Nemesis is, Character. I know his reputation. Plans within plans within plans.

So, who's to say that my next action isn't simply another part of his grand scheme? What if this very conversation is part of some grand Nemesis Plot?

Harvan shakes his head, smiling.

I have no idea what I'm going to do, Character. I... I need some time to think, before I can make that decision.

• Alright then. Goodbye, Harvan.

• So, you're one of Nemesis's toys after all.

Harvan barks out a short laugh.

Ha! Quite. A toy! Hahahaha!

Harvan's tone devolves into desperation.

I can't properly express my situation to you, Character. I have no memory of anything related to Nemesis, or his plans, or anything related to him. Until a few minutes ago, I fully believed that I was carrying out my life's work, my legacy. But... none of that really exists, does it? I can't actually have ambitions, can I? It's not possible! It's all just an elaborate hoax, built to deceive! I've got everyone fooled, oh yes I do! Haha!

You can't understand, Character. To realize that every facet of your being, not just your actions but your very thoughts, all of it simply a tool for another man to use...

It is a mountainous revelation, Character. It crushes me to think on it. And yet, I can do nothing else.

• This is where we part ways, Harvan.