Difference between revisions of "Dr. Graves"

This looks like the registration console Dr. Graves told you to use when you showed up. Large flashing words indicate that you should use one of the buttons below the screen.

Applicant will provide a biological sample to prove they are not in the employ of organizations as Longbow.

Insert sample of bio-organic composition.

• Insert blood sample
• Insert hair sample

...Analyzing...

...Analyzing...

...Analyzing...

Source material - Hair.

Spectral Analysis Readings - No trace of pollutants known to be found in Paragon City.

Texture Analysis - Sample shows chemicals found in low-quality haircare products.

Cellular Analysis - Abundance of dead epidermis clusters suggests sample source is afflicted by severe dandruff

• Hey! I don't have dandruff!

• Refuse to provide sample

Words begin streaming across the display.

All candidates must submit biological samples or face immediate termination.

A mechanical arm extends from the console. At the end of the arm is what appears to be something that could only be described with one word - 'probe'. Before you can react, the arm goes to work procuring a rather... painful... sample from your body.

Analyzing...

Matter Composition - No traces of known Longbow nutrition supplements detected.

• YOU. WILL. PAY!!!!

Genetic Analysis - Subject missing one strand of DNA within early strand sequence. Anomaly recorded.

• Wait... Did you just say I'm missing DNA???

Genemap Database Query Results - Subject matches no known genetic match from S.A.M. database. INTERPOL records show two known matches. Further inquiries prevented due to Triple Black Secret Clearance information lockdown.

• Two matches? How... How is that even possible.

Psychological Profile - Subject shows signs of narcissism normally associated with sociopathic disorders. Additional negative traits evidenced are the following - Delusion of Grandeur, Persecution Complex, Poor Impulse Control, and Exceptional Gullibility.

• Whan have I ever been gulli - hold on... Uh oh.

Final Analysis - Subject has failed the first test. initiate self-destruct sequence.

• [Quickly step away from the console!]

Upon approach

Dr. Graves: Well, at least you're not as gullible as it would seem.

Dr. Graves: You have passed the initial test. let us talk, shall we?

After interacting with Dr. Graves

Do not congratulate yourself too quickly. That was but the first of many tests you will need to pass if you are to win the right to be our faceless master's protege.

• What would have happened if I failed?

You would have made yourself useful in other ways. For instance, I could likely find a use for any undamaged limbs that still remained. However, there will be time to pursue that line of thinking later. In the meantime, we will need to gather the rest of the candidates so that I may explain the rules to all of you.

• Others? Rules? I want these answers now, Graves.

My, my... rather demanding, aren't we? Allow me to point out that currently you are not in a position to make any demands. Perhaps things may change in the future, but for now, you will be following my instructions if you wish to be part of this trial. Now follow me as we gather the rest. I believe I saw Omnicore nearby.

Upon approach

Omnicore: Doctor! How much longer am I to wait?

Omnicore: And who is this cretin?

After interacting with Omnicore

You are to be one of my rivals? You? If you are an indicator of the type of competition I am to expect, then it would seem this contest has ended before it even has begun.

• And you believe I view you as a threat?

I couldn't care less what simple beliefs you hold, - what was it again - Character. The fact remains that I am by far your superior on an intellectual level, and by the looks of you, on a physical level as well. These indisputable facts are all that are important.

You may wish to spare yourself the humiliation of me besting you by just leaving - now.

• So... You plan to beat me with pathetic, hollow threats?

Dr. Graves: Both of you - cease this bickering at once!

Zephyr: Heyyyy... Sounds like somebody's about to get in a fight.

Zephyr: You guys are totally going to fight, right?

Dr. Graves: I will not warn both of you again.

Dr. Graves: If either of you continue this arguing, I will have both of you disqualified IMMEDIATELY!

Zephyr: That sucks... I was hoping to see her pull off that torso trick.

Omnicore looks at Dr. Graves with what you believe to be glaring hatred from behind her mask. A moment later she screams in frustration, then looks back at you.

I will not let someone like you ruin my chance at gaining unimaginable power. We'll finish this at another time, Character.

• I'm looking forward to it, Omnicore.

Omnicore jerks her face towards the direction of the newcomer, Zephyr.

And what exactly are you supposed to be? You look like the lame excuse for being a fog machine.

Zephyr: Whooooaaa... Do you have any idea who you're dealing with, you mechanical freak?

• You should hear what I think *you* look like, Omnicore.

WHAT!? How dare you... Both of you. I will no longer tolerate this from either of you.

Omnicore glares at Dr. Graves.

I may not be allowed to kill these miscreants, but I will not lower myself to speaking with them any longer.

• It's about time you shut up, Omnicore.

You turn around to talk with with Zephyr.

Upon leaving

Omnicore: Ugh... Both of you disgust me. I will no longer subject myself to your idiocy.

Omnicore: Doctor, come find me when this is to begin.

I can't believe you let her talk to you that way and you just let her get away with it... just sayin'.

• Who are you supposed to be?

Me? I'm Zephyr. You know, like the wind.

• You named yourself after the wind?

No. I am the wind. You know, like the whole 'Fwoooooosh! Haha! Crashed your ship into a shoal and now you're all gonna drown! Boohoo... now cry your eyes out, you wuss.'

That kind of wind, you know?

And, man... I gotta say... that kinda thing never gets old, I'm telling you.

• So you're telling me you're THE zephyr wind?

Uh, yeah. I thought I was pretty clear the couple first times I said it, but hey, you know, whatever. Oh yeah, and I'm also the one who's gonna kick your butt in the competition, too.

• Wait - why is the wind - you - competing for the prize?

Meh... I got nothing else better to do, you know? Ever since mankind got all technological-like, like that robo-freak, it's hard to cause all kinds of pain and sorrow and all that junk. Stuff like making widows - or blowing down houses - or flipping up a gal's skirt.

Okay, well, I still do that one.

Anyways. So, to get to the point, one day I turned myself into -

• I am no longer entertaining this conversation with you.

Dr. Graves: Enough of this idle chatter. We still need to gather the other two. Let us go find Dollface next.

Upon approach

Dollface: Um... I think I'm lost. Would someone please help me?

Dollface: This place is scary.

After interacting with Dollface

Oh! You... You're not going to hurt me, are you?

• That depends. Are you Dollface?

Who's Doll-

Dollface stops short as she is interrupted by Dr. Graves.

Dr. Graves: This is indeed another one of your fellow competitors.

*hmpf*

Yeah, I'm Dollface. You're one of the other contestants, I'm guessing?

• Look, kid, this contest is for the grown-ups. Why don't you run along home.

Dollface glares at you.

Hey, pal. I'm older than I look, ok? Probably older than you, from the looks of it.

And who the heck are you anyway, turning your nose up at me, huh?

• I am known as Character.

Hmph. Yeah, I can see you calling yourself that. So what makes you so special that you think you can beat someone like me? Do you shoot frogs from your eyes or something?

• I have no desire to reveal my powers to you.

Okay, okay! Calm down. I was just asking because I wanted to know if I was going to get grossed out if I ever have to fight against you. First of all, it's not nice to hit a girl. But if you're going to start throwing pukes at people or growing spikes from your body... well, I just don't want to see that kind of thing, okay?

• Then how do you expect to win?

Oh, that's easy! I'm going to convince everyone that I'm the best for the job. I'm very talented at what I do. I wouldn't say I'm the best at what I do, but I'm pretty darn good at it. And if that doesn't work, then maybe I'll just stab you in the neck or something.

...tee hee...

I'm just kidding. But you got real scared, didn't you? Didn't they, Mr. Doctor? They got so scared they were going to run away!

Just like how you're scared you're going to run away right now.

Like now.

• I doubt the Doctor is going to listen to -

Dr. Graves: Um... I'm... I have to leave you all... I, um, have to go find Crosscut...

...tee hee...

He is so silly, and a very nice man. And he listens really well, too.

Really well.

Don't worry, though, I don't know you guys well enough yet. I don't know what you like to hear. But maybe I will one day, you know?

And then we can have a real fun time playing together.

• What did you just do to him?

What? Little old me, do something?

...tee hee...

All I did was suggest to him that he had a better place to be. And I guess I was right, huh? It's a coincidence, you know?

• Sure it was. A coincidence...

Dr. Graves said there was another person, too? Maybe we should go find them. What was it, Cross-slice or something like that?

Dollface looks right into your eyes.

I think it would be fun if we all went and looked for that guy, don't you agree?

• Yeah... I think I would be... A lot of fun...

Upon approach

Crosscut: Ding-a-ling-ling! DING-A-LING-LING!

Crosscut: Look at what I've done...

Crosscut: I brought us all some presents...

After defeating the Longbow Intervention team

Crosscut: Well now... Who wants the dark meat?

Crosscut: Now now... Don't all speak up at once...

Dr. Graves: I see you've met our final contestant.

After interacting with Dollface

So... Any preferences to the type of cut? A rump-roast perhaps? Or perhaps some ribs...?

• You're... going to eat them?

That would be a waste of such interesting textures, wouldn't you agree? No no... I have something else in mind.

Crosscut stares at you with a gargoyle-like gaze for a moment

Did you know you have very pretty eyes?

• What? What makes you say that?

I was wondering...

I was wondering if I could have them...

• Over my dead body.

Oh, you are so kind...

Dr. Graves: I shall now explain to you all the rules of the contest.

• Yeah, ok. We're done.

Dr. Graves speaks to all of you.

Now that I have all of you assembled - save for Omnicore - it is time for the proceedings to begin. I am sure each of you have many questions -

• Yes, and it's time we get some answers, Graves.

You're impertinence has been noted, Character.

Now then. Each of you will be given a trial to test the strength of your powers. More important will be how you use them and on whom.

Throughout these trials, your faceless benefactor shall be watching you - and judging you. Once each of you have completed your test, we shall then move onto the true competition.

For now, concern yourself with only how you can show that you are superior to your rivals.

• I can kill them all right now if you'd like. Will that work?

No, Character, that will not work. All of you are prevented from killing each other upon threat of immediate disqualification and proceeding termination. I would suggest that you all abide by this rule.

Another important thing to note... The one hosting this contest - the very same person who will grant you untold powers - does not wish to be identified until the winner has been chosen. Thus, this tournament is unsanctioned by Arachnos.

If any of you speak of this to anyone, you will not only be discredited, but will forever be known as a 'snitch'. This, my friends, can in itself be a fate worse than death here within the Rogue Isles.

You will await further instructions as the trials are being prepared. Now go.

• I'll see you soon, Graves.

What is it that you want, citizen? I am not required to speak with you unless you feel you need training. Out with it already!

• So, umm... You're a trainer, right?

What kind of foolish question is that? Of course I'm a trainer!

Arbiter Richards stares at you with extreme annoyance.

Hold on a moment... You're Character, are you not? You've already been granted the right to increase your powers several times now. As a matter of fact, I believe I may even have granted you that right personally. What is this all about?

• I don't remember... I think I may have been, um, mindwiped.

Mindwiped? I'm unaware of any local individual who has been authorized use of those powers, let alone deign to use them on you. Now speak up! Who was it that mindwiped you?

• I don't remember. I was mindwiped, remember?

How convenient. Alright then. I'll play along... For now.

Arbiter Richards glares at you.

To answer your original question, yes... I'm a trainer. An arbiter, to be exact. You will come to me when you feel you can demonstrate increased powers through undertaking tasks that please Arachnos and Lord Recluse. If you can exhibit enough gained experience I, or another Arbiter, may judge you worthy of the privilege of increasing your powers.

• I forgot what experience means.

WHAT?! How could you forget something as simple as that? Experience is gained by combating those that Arachnos deems an enemy. Or by undertaking special missions, as well. Only a simpleton would ask such a ridiculous question!

...oh yes... I forget...

You've been mindwiped.

• Oh no! Maybe you've been mindwiped, too?

I HAVE NOT --

Arbiter Richards viciously snarls as if he is seriously considering striking you. After a deep breath, he regains his composure.

I have an idea... let me help you, Character. I want you to go to speak with Arbiter Unger in Port Oakes. I'm quite certain that he will be more than happy to answer any and every question you have for him. Please be sure to ask him, oh I don't know, any little thing you're even the slightest bit curious about. Perhaps you would like to know why the sky is blue? Well then, you be sure to ask, alright? That'll be fun, won't it?

Travel south beyond the wall until you arrive at the Ferry at which point you can take it to Port Oakes West. Now... leave my presence...

Immediately.

• Thank you so much for your help, Arbiter. Have a nice day!

Citizen. If you are standing before me, that must only mean you are claiming your right to increase your powers? You in no way would be here to waste my time, am I right? I mean...

That would be quite dangerous, wouldn't you agree?

• Actually, Arbiter Richards directed me to you.

Oh he did now, did he? What is it that you need from me that he could not deal with himself?

• I wanted to know how the Ferries worked.

You wanted to know how the ferries work...

And he sent you to me. To ask me 'how the ferries' work.

Let me make sure I understand this correctly. Arbiter Richards, rather than answering this pathetic question himself, sent you to ME. And he very specifically said, to you, that you were to speak to Arbiter Unger... am I understanding this right?

• No sir... He said 'speak to that brown-nosing Unger'.

...Brown.... nosing?...

Arbiter Unger clenches his teeth.

I see. Very well. I'll answer your question, citizen.

The ferries are but one means of transportation throughout the islands that make up the Rogue Isles. By the grace of Lord Recluse, these ferries are free to use and will take you to a number of different ports. You can use them any time you wish, reducing the time it would take to travel there through conventional means.

Know this. Although Arachnos has provided you the means of transportation, we do not provide you protection in your journeys. If you wander into a neighborhood with individuals far more powerful than you, your body will be unceremoniously dumped into the ocean.

Similar to what I have in mind for Richard when I next see him?

• You're going to kill him? Are Arbiters allowed to do that?

What? Oh no, you mistake me. I would never lay a hand upon one of my fellow Arbiters, even a buffoon the likes of Richard.

However, I understand he is still dealing with the problem of a corrupt police force within his purview. Were the Rogue Island Police force to start winding up in the hospital after a spate of mysterious attacks... well, I'm quite certain their Police Chief will want answers from Richard personally...

And when that's all done, I'd be curious to see whose nose is browner.

Now then... I've answered your question. Unless you have real business with me, I would suggest that you go about your day - somewhere - else.

• I understand. I'll be on my way now.

Upon entering the mission

Skull Opportunist: So alls I gotta do is beat up one of these supers and I'll get the cash?

Skull Opportunist: Oh yeah... here's another one now!

Skulls fighting Crosscut

Crosscut: You know, I could help you make that skull-look happen for real.

Skull Opportunist: Is this guy for real? Okay, you are starting to freak me out...

Crosscut: Oh, the scaredy-gust and Character.

Skull Opportunist: Oh yeeeeeahh! More capes means more money!

Crosscut: Oh, where are my manners? Skulls, Character. Character, Skulls.

Crosscut: Please, don't let me interrupt while you guys are getting to know each other...

Skulls blocking the way

Skull Opportunist: These guys ain't gonna get past us.

Skull Opportunist: Heads up, boys! Once these capes are down, we'll split the moeny fair and square!

After interacting with the final terminal

Skull Opportunist Leader: We have been doublecrossed!

Skull Opportunist Leader: We want our money, you zombie freak!

Skull Opportunist Leader: AND the cars!

Skull Opportunist Leader: We ain't goin' anywhere until we get it!

The console screen reads as follows:

All candidates will register. Upon registration, the rules of the contest shall be provided.

The candidates will remains till for retinal scan.

• Await retinal scan.

From the top of the terminal, a device emeres that appears to be a robotic hand with a cylindrical end point. A small hole is in the end of the cylinder which emits a small laser-dot. The robotic hand scans the dot up your face, reaching the bridge of your eyes... and keeps moving upwards past your eyes until resting directly in the center of your forehead.

• Quickly move away from the laser!

You deftly move out of the way of the dot.

A split second later, they cylinder erupts forward a deadly laser blast where a moment earlier your head was. Upon the screen lists the words:

Analyzing Reaction Patterns

Dodge Rating: 0.32

Complacency Rating: 1.25

Submissiveness Rating: 5

Identity Confirmed: Character.

• Submissiveness Rating of 5? Is that good or bad?!

Candidate Registration Accepted

Message from Dr. Tedd Graves directed to Character:

Character, once again you have managed to survive this test. However, as before, do not laud yourself in victory laurels just yet. From this moment forward your task will be to reach the corresponding terminal found hidden within this compound. Once you have done so, you will enter the following code - Omega Zero Terminus.

• Memorize the code.

The trial will be judges by our benefactor through hidden eyes. You will be judged not only ny what place you reach the end, but also by what means you take to reach the end.

One final note: You are still under restrictions that prevent you from killing your fellow contestants. 'Accidents' will be fully investigated, and the perpetrator of those actions will be disqualified immediately with extreme prejudice.

• Look for the other terminal before anyone else does!

Upon arrival

Zephyr: Whoahhh!!! That zombie dude has thrown skeletons at us!

Zephyr: Like, walking skeletons that are wearing, like, skin!

Upon interaction

Why did it have to be skeletons? I haaaaaate skeletons!!!

Ummm... can I stick around near you?

• You can't be serious, Zephyr. They're not even really skeletons, you know.

I don't care, man! When I, uh, made my, um, first body - yeah, that's it - I, uh, forgot to make a skeleton for it, right? So then I -- don't laugh at me!

Crosscut laughed at me and, man, I tell you... that was even creepier than these skeleton guys!

• You're seriously afraid of skeletons? That is the most ridiculous thi --

Look, man. If you keep making fun of me for that, I'll go back and hang out next to Crosscut. But since he's further ahead of you, it looks like you'll have to beat BOTH of us, okay?

On the other hand, you can shut up with the mocking and I'll chill out with you... giving you a better chance of winning this round... see where I'm going with this?

• Hmmm... very well. You say Crosscut was up ahead?

Yeah, he was just around the corner fighting some of those skeleton dudes. He didn't really seem like he was in a rush, though. To be honest, I think he was more interested in playing with them than actually winning this round.

• Then I'll encourage him to keep up the good work...

After defeating the Skulls

Crosscut: How disappointing...

Crosscut: I was hoping these ones would have lasted longer...

Upon interaction

I have been trying to get them to say trick or treat for the past hour, and not one of these little spookies will play along.

Now what ever I am to do with my little trick I had planned for them?

• I'm afraid to ask, but what was this trick?

I have this earpiece that lets me talk over the unused intercom system. It's like the little bird that sits on your windowsill that you tell all of your secrets to.

But this little bird tells your secrets to everyone here. My trick was to tell everyone my secrets... some of my dirty, dirty secrets...

Can I tell you my secrets, Character? Oh please... let me breathe my secrets into your ear...

• If you give me the earpiece and tell me how to use it, I'll think about it.

Ohhh... I will like telling them to you. Just me and you... alone... sharing my secrets with you...

Here is the earpiece. All you do is say your secrets into the mic. Then, when you think it's the perfect time to drip your secrets inside everyone, you just say - 'Open Wide'. You will first need to override the system, but that should be easy enough.

Now... let me think... what secrets should I tell you? Maybe I'll tell you about the bad things I've done with seta belts? or with the doggy door? Ah... the retirement party... I've never told anyone where all of the went... yesssss... that one...

• I said MAYBE I'll let you! Remember that, Crosscut!

After hacking the Intercom Override controls

Omnicore, after hearing the message

Omnicore: I do not know what you did to make this happen, Character...

Omnicore: But when I find out, I will have you disqualified, then...

Omnicore: I will kill you.

Upon approach

Dr. Graves: I am perplexed as to where that message came from.

Dollface: Do you think Omnicore will listen to that message?

Dr. Graves: Well, it seems all of the other contestants have finally made it to the end.

Dr. Graves: However, you're all too late...

Dollface: Ooooh! That's everyone else, and I got here first!

Upon interaction

I am here to confirm the winner of this first round, and as you are able to see, Dollface has beaten each of you to the finish line. All that is left is for the winner to register their name in the Endpoint Marker--

• Stop right there!

I do not know what you mean accomplish by delaying the inevitable, Character, but Dollface is clearly the winner. If you attempt to stop her by force, I will respond ind kind and disqualify you from the contest.

• I know the rules, Graves. I just wanted to congratulate her by saying 'open wide'.

Open wide? What foolish nonsense is--

Dr. Graves looks into the direction of the speakers

• Sorry, but it's a secret.

Dollface, after hearing the message

Dollface: How interesting...

Dollface: Winner? That's ME!!!

Dollface: I'm going to go get ALL of my new cars!

Dr. Graves quickly looks at Dollface.

• Wow... looks like you get a lot of cars, Dollface! You'd better hurry and get them!

I had no involvement with that message in any way or form!

Dr. Graves turns his eyes upon you.

However, I have a good mind as to who might be responsible for that highly coincidental announcement.

• I'd love to hear your thoughts. But first, I'm going to win.

The terminal has only one line blinking on the screen.

Enter Victory Code.

• TYPE: Omega Zero Terminus

The screen pauses for a moment then displays the following:

Round One Victor:

Character

• Looks like the round is over, Graves.

Ahhh... my pleasently plump friend.

Do you know how happy I am to see you here?

You being so very alone.

And with that beautiful, lost look in your eyes.

• Don't even think of it, Crosscut.

Oh, I hate to disappoint you, but I already did. I've been thinking about it all day. I do so think about it all the time, to be precise.

Crosscut gazes at you from behind his mask.

Can you see the smile it gives me? It's so, so big...

Why, it would take up your whole neck to make you smile that big, now wouldnÄt it?

• Try it and I'll --

You'll scream? You were going to say scream, right? Oh please please please tell me you said you would scream.

My last plaything here in the Hospital wouldn't scream for me and that made me so, so very sad. If you would be so kind to put a smile on my face, Character, and I'll be very happy to do the same for you...

• Wait, you're attacking people here? Here in the Hospital?

Of course! Where else can you find a palce where your broken toys are fixed over and over? You can make a cut, and another, and another and another and another and another... until all of those little tendons finally snap.

And then -- 'tada'! All back together, right as rain as my dear old mother would say.

Maybe if I take enough pictures for my photo album, our patron will smile, too!

• You're planning on brutalizing hospital patients to win this round?

Oh... there is that, too, now that you mention it...

• ...Alright then. I'll leave you to your... games.

Oh! It's the bad person who LIED and stole my win!!! You know, just for that I should tell these nice Arachnos people that you kick puppies.

And old ladies crossing the street.

How would you feel if I lied like that, huh?

• You shouldn't be so gullible, Dollface.

OH YEAH!? Well... Well, maybe YOU'RE the one who's gullible. Ever think about that?!

Yeah, I didn't think so!

• Dollface, you're just being juvenile now. Accept your defeat already.

Juvenile? I don't even know what that word MEANS! You think you can outsmart me with your big, fancy vocabulary, huh? That's it! I'm changing my plan now.

I WAS going to walk up to these administrators and tell them it would be a good idea to give me my very own Arachnos Flyer. But you know what? Now I'm going to... um...

I'm going to... uh...

Oh, I know... I'm going to tell them you tried to... to STEAL my purse! Yeah! And then you're in biiiiiig trouble!

• Is that so? You know what they'll say if you tell them that, right?

Yes, I know EXACTLY what they'll say. They'll say, 'Miss Dollface, we'll send a whole army of cops and find that Character!'.

Uh... Then they'll give me a reward for bringing a mugger to justice. And they will be a... uh... parade, right? For me?

• No. They'll throw you in the ocean for not defending yourself. Only the strong survive here.

Dollface looks at you in horror.

Oh no... Really? Oh, that's terrible! I don't like swimming, what with all those slimy fishies taking baths in the ocean...

Fine... Then I'll let you win. But I'm still going to fly a helicopter AND win this time around. And - you - can't - stop - me!

• You go knock yourself out with that.

Oh hey. What's up, Character. Nice moves back there in the trial. You so stole that win! Even though you totally punked me, it's all good. I can appreciate a cool move.

• Well, good to know you're not planning revenge.

Naw, not really. I'm still gonna win, but I got no beef with you. Plus it's getting really boring standing around here waiting for these guys to set sail. I'm talking the big one. All those tiny communter ferries ain't gonna do it for me.

• Do what for you?

Sinking them. If you've only got a couple dudes on board, what's the point, you know? A good sinking needs to have, like, a TON of dudes for it to be fun and all.

Now that I think about it, I'm thinking I'll blow these dudes all the way to the north pole and get 'em all stuck in the ice! I think I'll do it by sucking in alot of --

• I don't want to hear what you're next going to say.

Whoahhh... Chill. I don't know where you think I was going with that, but it was probably a lot more exciting than what I was going to say. So look, are you gonna work on your master plan for the contest or something?

I mean, it's all super cool hanging out with you, you know, getting to know you and all --

wait--

Sorry, what I meant to say was that you're, like, super boring and are totally harshing on my grooves.

Plus you're scaring away the ladies.

• I'll be happy to leave you alone.

Why are you bothering me, Character? Are you here to interfere with my plan the way you stole the first round away from Dollface?

• No, I'm not worried about you winning.

Well then you are an overconfident fool! I should be the highest on your list of concerns. When I'm done with my master plan, it will be quite obvious to everyone that only I deserve to rule by the side of our hidden patron!

• You think your silly plan will work?

Only the fool laughs in the face of defeat, Character. You don't even know my plan, yet you already feel you have won. You may have won the first round through deceit, but I will win the next round through superior intellect and careful planning!

• And skulking around in an alleyway like common trash, right?

I will not SUFFER YOUR INSULTS, Character. I am neither skulking nor am I associating with the vermin that crawls within these walls. I am waiting for the perfect moment to strike at these smugglers of contraband. Contraband that will fetch a very high value once I seize it from their grubby hands!

And when I have won the contest, I will allow you to come begging on hand and knee for the scraps taht are beneath my notice.

And I will deny you even that!

• You're seriously planning on attacking the entire Black Market?

No, Character. I have already begun doing so even before you swaggered up to me. What I'm doing now is waiting for my homing devices to show me the whereabouts of their wealthiest distributors and hold them at ransom. Once done... I shall BUY the Black Market's inventory and then sell it for a price that pleases me.

You do not possess the technological superiority to pull off a plan such as I have, Character. You should spend time within Aeon's foolish video game he calls Architect Entertainment. Maybe in a hundred years, you might come up with something one-tenth as cunning as I have.

Who am I kidding? You'll be in one of Longbow's holding cells within days of me defeating you in this contest.

Believe me... I'll see that it happens.

• Sound and fury, Omnicore. We'll see if you can back it up.