Moth Dialogue
Comments
var moth = "pretty sure this envoy guy isn't being remembered right lmao"
if(check('citystreet__envoy-end')) moth = "so akizet's assigned contact was a 'gordon'... i'm gonna see if i can track down who this was"
if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
Questions
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::self
where was this?<+>where
can't progress?<+>elevatorblock
SHOWIF::[['interview1__firstchat-behonest', false], ['citystreet_triedchat', true]]
nevermind<+>CHANGE::++moth
FAKEEND::(back)
start
self
I have a question about this thoughtform
moth
i'm looking at it on the feed now, what's up?
RESPOBJ::mthresp
where
self
Where could this have been?
moth
well i don't think there's a street on earth that has ever looked like this lol
that said, she was one of the traveling diplomats back when they still sent those out
idk what new zealand looked like back then, but i know the bureau had a facility there
SHOWIF::["citystreet__envoy-talkpeople", false]
so this could be an incoherent spatial memory of wherever that was
SHOWIF::["citystreet__envoy-talkpeople", false]
gordon mentioned it's in "the states"... so probably somewhere in the US
SHOWIF::["citystreet__envoy-talkpeople", true]
maybe somewhere on the west coast? that's where the old HQ was
SHOWIF::["citystreet__envoy-talkpeople", true]
RESPOBJ::mthresp
elevatorblock
self
I can't seem to enter the elevator...
moth
that's weird
i want to say that it's incoherence, but the fact that the envoy personality is intact otherwise...
seems like something else is changing it--your spike even reported that resources got removed
we might be out of luck on this one, seems like there's plenty to see elsewhere though
RESPOBJ::mthresp
Gordon Dialogue
start
sourceless
I STOP, AND THE ENVOY FOLLOWS. HE RETURNS MY STARE.
akizet
i appreciate you allowing this, gordon
SHOWONCE::
i understand there is some lingering fear...
SHOWONCE::
especially in these packed areas.
SHOWONCE::
envoy
Hey, it's no problem. And don't worry, most people will treat you just fine here.
SHOWONCE::
If we were in Chicago or New York or something, we'd have you land on the roof, but...
SHOWONCE::
With how busy the bureau has been, we've had so many obesk visitors,
SHOWONCE::
Your people are practically a part of the city at this point.
SHOWONCE::
sourceless
HE PRODUCES A METAL COMMUNICATOR FROM A CAVITY IN HIS SKIN CLOAK, AND PERUSES ITS GLOW
SHOWONCE::
envoy
And frankly, it helps with public image. Seeing you out and about with the people, it...
SHOWONCE::
It helps stomp out that damn viral scare.
SHOWONCE::
akizet
ah, i did not consider that element
SHOWONCE::
i agree!
SHOWONCE::
envoy
You know what, speaking of public image,
SHOWONCE::
sourceless
HE RETURNS THE COMMUNICATOR TO ITS CAVITY
SHOWONCE::
envoy
There's this little place up ahead, a cafe. Why don't we stop there before heading in?
SHOWONCE::
Just keep going straight, it's past the bureau.
SHOWONCE::
RESPOBJ::envoyStreetResponses
talkpeople
akizet
you do not mind if i interact with your streetwalkers?
envoy
Not at all! As long as I'm around, it's fine.
Like I said, this is probably the most obesk-friendly city in the states.
At worst, you'll get a couple glares. There are probably still a few viral theorists out there.
akizet
i see!
RESPOBJ::envoyStreetResponses
cafe
akizet
where is the 'cafe'?
envoy
It's real close by. Just keep walking down the street, look for the ˜/ŒôfªœDŠ/d 0E@bright yellow door.
RESPOBJ::envoyStreetResponses
Oliver Dialogue
(Streetwalker in first room)
start
sourceless
I STOP NEAR THE BUREAU ENTRANCE TO EXAMINE A BRIGHT COUSIN DRESSED LIKE THE ENVOY
HE SPEAKS INTO A LITTLE BOXY COMMUNICATOR HELD AGAINST HIS FACE, OBLIVIOUS
cloaked streetwalker
...didn't go anywhere, so it ended up being like watching paint dry. Just god-awful.
So I ended up having to get even more coffee, otherwise I would have dozed off...
sourceless
IT ALWAYS LOOKS VERY SILLY WHEN THEY COMMUNICATE THROUGH THOSE
HOW DO THEIR WORDS TURN TO LIGHTNING?
THE ENVOY LEANS FORWARD TO SEE WHY I HAVE STOPPED, FOLLOWING MY GAZE
HE SPEAKS LOWLY, AS TO NOT EARN THE ATTENTION OF THE CLOAKED STREETWALKER
envoy
What is it?
You know Oliver?
akizet
hmm...
no, i am just fascinated by your communicators
to speak so loudly, so constantly, would be certain death in my previous occupation
envoy
You worked on the surface, right?
akizet
yes, intermittently! before the rise of--
sourceless
THE CLOAKED STREETWALKER COLLAPSES HIS COMMUNICATOR AND LOOKS AROUND, QUICKLY SPOTTING US
HE SMILES WIDELY AND SIGNALS US TO COME CLOSER.
cloaked streetwalker
Hey! Gordon! Who's this?
EXEC::body.classList.add('zoom')
Let me guess, exchange initiative?
envoy
Actually, Oliver, this is Akizetesche! "Signal" initiative.
cloaked streetwalker
No shit! I didn't know you got assigned into that.
Nice to meet ya, Akizetesche!
sourceless
I DIP MY HEAD, RECEPTORS CURLED BACK RESPECTFULLY.
akizet
i extend the same to you, oliver, my friend
you may call me akizet
cloaked streetwalker
Sure thing, Akizet.
And hey, I'd love to chat, but I'm on booth duty in like 10.
envoy
No worries, Oliver. We've got business too.
See you around.
RESPONSES::akizet
fare well<+>END
Cafe Visit
chatter({actor: 'sourceless', text: 'THE ATTENDANT IS PARALYZED BY MY APPEARANCE. I SENSE THE GLOW OF RECORDING COMMUNICATORS IN MY PERIPHERAL VISION'})
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: 'Uhh...'}), 2000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: 'hello'}), 4000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: 'Hello...?'}), 6000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Good morning!`}), 9000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `I'll get an espresso macchiato.`}), 12000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `What do you want, Akizet?`}), 14000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `Akizet... THAT Akizet?`}), 17000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `Wow... It's so cool to meet you!!`}), 19000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `Do you... do you eat? Food?`}), 22000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Haha! Of course she does!`}), 25000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Why don't you take a look at the menu, Akizet?`}), 27000)
chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: 'where is the menu?'})
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `It's behind me...`}), 2000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: 'Can you read?'}), 4000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `Sorry... I didn't mean for that to sound mean...`}), 7000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: 'i can, do not worry'}), 9000)
start
sourceless
THIS IS THEIR MENU?
INCREDIBLE...
IT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY ILLEGIBLE
I SEE 'ORANGE' - PERHAPS A CITRIC DRINK?
THE BRIGHT COUSINS ARE SO REPLETE WITH CITRIC ACIDS THAT THEY PRODUCE LITTLE DRINKS WITH THEM...
IS THIS NOT PARADISE?
I INSTRUCT MY MOUTH TO CONSTRUCT TASTEBUD EQUIVALENCIES. IT HAS BEEN SO LONG!
EXEC::change('citystreet_orangecoffee', true)
RESPONSES::akizet
fantastic<+>END
chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: 'what do you recommend?'})
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `You like citrus, right?`}), 2000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `They have this orange coffee thing.`}), 4000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `You might like it!`}), 6000)
chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: 'you do know that i--'})
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Go on, order something! Just give it a try.`}), 1000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `I know you don't exactly have the same needs we do...`}), 3000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `But you can simulate taste, right?`}), 6000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Getting out here, with the people, acting like we do?`}), 8000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `It makes a difference. Helps lessen the tension.`}), 11000)
chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: 'i will have the orange'})
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `The...`}), 2000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: 'Oh, yeah! OK!'}), 3000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `Espresso macchiato and an orange coffee... That'll bõXÖf±ÔVã5Öf±Ô`}), 5000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `I got you covered, Akizet.`}), 7000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'sourceless', text: `THEY EXCHANGE PAYMENT. THE ATTENDANT LEAVES TO BEGIN PRODUCTION OF THE BEVERAGES.`}), 9000)
setTimeout(()=>{
chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `Just wait a minute and we'll have those ready.`})
document.querySelector('.grid-plane').classList.add('cafeworking')
}, 11000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'sourceless', text: `I WISH I COULD PRY THESE MACHINES OPEN AND WATCH THEM WORK...`}), 14000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'sourceless', text: `THEIR MANIPULATION OF LIGHTNING IS TRULY REMARKABLE`}), 16000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'sourceless', text: `SOME MOMENTS PASS, AND THE ATTENDANT RETURNS WITH TWO FLIMSY ORGANIC CUPS`}), 18000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Hey, thanks. You have a good day.`}), 20000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'cashier', text: `Thanks!! You too!!`}), 22000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'sourceless', text: `I SIP AT THE OPENING IN THE CUP. THE TASTE IS... EXOTIC. UNEXPECTED. TRULY, TERRIBLE. I SMILE AT THE ATTENDANT.`}), 25000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'sourceless', text: `THE CITRUS SAVES IT. BUT I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED A SIMPLE CUP OF THEIR ORANGED JUICE`}), 28000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Pretty good, right?`}), 32000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: `it will do`}), 35000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `Great! Let's head down to the office.`}), 37000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `I heard you have some news about the call?`}), 39000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'akizet', text: `oh yes, but... let us talk of it in private.`}), 42000)
change('citystreet_gotdrinks', true)
Cafe TV
start
sourceless
OVER THE CASHIER'S HEAD IS ONE OF THE COUSINS' ELECTRIC BOXES
EXEC::changeBgm(env.citystreet.tvtheme)
IT IS FIXED TO THE WALL, SPEAKING ON CULTURAL MATTERS - 'THE NEWS'
THE FIGURES ON THE SCREEN ARE LOOKING AT ME... SHOULD I SAY HELLO?
SHOWONCE::
NO NO - THIS IS ONE OF THE ONE-WAY BOXES
SHOWONCE::
I COULD LISTEN TO IT FOR A LITTLE BIT - WE HAVE SOME TIME
RESPOBJ::tvresp
tv1
sourceless
A BRIGHT COUSIN HANDLES A BULBOUS FLESHY MASS
IT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN SEARED, EVIDENCED BY THE TEXTURE OF ITS SKIN
HE IS PRESENTING IT TO ANOTHER COUSIN, WHO HAS VERY WIDE EYES
television
...just look at that chicken!
Look at the skin. Look how gorgeous that is.
But what makes the speedfry different? Let's take this over here...
This is a plain rotisserie - you can see...
sourceless
MY ATTENTION TO HIS EXPLANATION WAVERS AS HE COMPARES IT TO ANOTHER MASS OF FLESH
IT IS PALE WHITE, LEGLESS, HEADLESS...
THERE IS SOMETHING UNNERVING ABOUT ITS LACK OF FEATURES
IS THIS THE 'GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM'?
I SENSE THE ENVOY LEANING FORWARD TO GAUGE MY REACTION TO THE ELECTRIC BOX
envoy
Considering getting an air fryer?
sourceless
HE LAUGHS, BUT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND
I MAKE AN EFFORT TO SMILE BACK AT HIM SO HE DOES NOT FEEL INSULTED
RESPOBJ::tvresp
tv2
sourceless
AFTER A DIZZYING TRANSITION, A BRIGHT COUSIN SITS AT A TABLE BEFORE A WINDOW OVERLOOKING A SURFACE CITY
THOUGH THE TEXT SCROLLING ACROSS THE PROJECTION IS RUNNING TOO QUICKLY FOR MY INTERNAL TRANSLATOR,
I SEE "NEWS" DISPLAYED PROMINENTLY...
BUT WHERE COULD SHE POSSIBLY BE? THAT LOOKS TO BE SO HIGH UP
IS SHE FLYING?
television
Live from New York City for our audiences worldwide,
Good morning, good morning to you all, we're back with...
sourceless
THE PROJECTION SPLITS, AND NOW TWO COUSINS SIT BESIDE ONE ANOTHER IN FUNNY LITTLE BOXES
I TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF THE TEXT AND LINES THAT APPEAR BESIDE THEM...
THE CURRENCY SYMBOL OF THE ENVOY'S NATION IS DISPLAYED PROMINENTLY
OH, WHAT ARE THEY SAYING NOW?
television
...initial wave has passed, but trust in the market hasn't returned. Why is that?
Well, it's a complicated situation. Between the nearly 30% loss and last week's market halt...
It's likely that this volatile episode isn't over yet. Recovery is going to be slow, if it comes anytime soon.
You know, in my opinion, it's going to hinge on the outcome of the O.V. legislation.
Limiting exposure to visitation is going to be key, and look, I don't have anything against them,
But the fact is we just don't know whether the virus is really...
sourceless
VISITATION?
WHY DOES SHE NOT JUST SAY IT?
I LOOK AT THE ENVOY, WHO HAS BEEN DISTRACTED BY HIS MEMORY BOX
THE LIGHT FROM MY EYES GRABS HIS ATTENTION, AND HE GLANCES AT THE PROJECTION
HE MAKES A FUNNY NOISE WITH HIS NOSE, THEN SHAKES HIS HEAD
envoy
It's total nonsense. Don't worry about it.
sourceless
HIS QUICK DISMISSAL SETS MY RECEPTORS AT EASE
YET THE STARES FROM OTHER BRIGHT COUSINS WITHIN THE CAFE FEEL MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER
RESPOBJ::tvresp
tv3
sourceless
THE PROJECTION FLICKERS
THE PROJECTION FLICKERS
SHOWONCE::
WAIT::2000
EXEC::content.classList.add('incoherent');ratween(env.bgm, 0.2)
THE PROJECTION FLICKERS
SHOWONCE::
THE PROJECTION FLICKERS
SHOWONCE::
something
ev er skpt ic al
SHOWONCE::
they ign ore d request
SHOWONCE::
now n o eyes to see
SHOWONCE::
list en li sten
SHOWONCE::
l i s t e n to me
SHOWONCE::
stay a wa y
SHOWONCE::
sourceless
THE ATTENDANT NOTICES THE LACK OF AUDIO, AND JOSTLES THE BOX'S CONNECTIVE VEIN
EXEC::content.classList.remove('incoherent');ratween(env.bgm, 0.9)
IT RETURNS TO ITS NORMAL PROJECTION
RESPOBJ::tvresp
tv4
sourceless
THE INANE AND CONFUSING COUSINLY SALES VISIONS FADE AWAY
HOW DEMANDING OF THE SENSES THEY ARE...
BUT NOW A PAIR OF BRIGHT COUSINS SIT AT A TABLE, ONE OF THEM SPEAKING TO ME
HE RUNS THROUGH SOME FAST-TALKING WELCOME I LOSE TRACK OF, BUT...
A CAPTION NEAR HIS HEAD READS 'PACIFIC PANIC',
WITH A PHOTO OF THE DULL VESSEL PURSUED BY COUSINLY FLIGHT VESSELS RECENTLY
television
...still on edge after an <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'cousinly name for dull vessel'">OFO</span> entered its no-fly zone.
The OFO allegedly hovered in place over the base for nearly twenty minutes, not responding to radio warnings. When jets were deployed,
It circled the base twice <em>while being pursued</em>, in what today's press release is calling a 'clear rejection of boundaries'.
Obesk representatives have clarified that the pilot of the OFO is being located and investigated internally,
And that all OFOs will be outfitted with radio devices. But the question remains:
How much can be forgiven before a stand has to be made?
This incident follows last month's...
sourceless
THIS VIEW...
I SIMPLY CLOSE MY EYES AND CURL MY RECEPTORS INTO TIGHTER SPIRALS
THIS STUPID, RECKLESS BEHAVIOR HAS DAMAGED US ALL
IT WAS NO DOUBT SOME FRESHLY-ASCENDED VEL, OR AN OVERZEALOUS MATERIALS JUT
RESPOBJ::tvresp
tv5
sourceless
THE PROJECTION IS SPLIT BETWEEN THE FACE OF A BRIGHT COUSIN,
AND... INTERESTING, ONE OF THE TIR FROM THE EXCHANGE INITIATIVE
THE CURL OF MY RECEPTORS LOOSENS, AND I NEARLY AUDIBLY LAUGH
HIS RECEPTORS MOST CERTAINLY ARE NOT USUALLY THAT LARGE
DID HE SHIFT THEM FOR HIS APPEARANCE ON THEIR NEWS?
television
... 'spires' built on coasts around the Pacific Ocean. Before we move on, can you explain a little bit about what they do?
obesk
of course! in your language, we call the process 'polygonation'
the spires connect to one another through our <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'used in place of dullvoice';'simplified term for bright cousins'">network</span>, and establish the corners of a two-dimensional shape within the dull plane
then, on the ocean floor, we have some directional spires that they reference to change the orientation of the shape within the dull...
sourceless
IT IS STRANGE THAT THEY DID NOT GET KAZKI FOR THIS, SHE SO ADORES APPEARING ON THEIR ELECTRIC BOXES
HOWEVER, THERE IS SOMETHING IN THIS TIR'S VOICE, AND THE WAY HE IS NOT SIMPLIFYING IT FOR THEM
HE IS SPEAKING ON MATTERS HE DOES NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND
THOUGH, I SUSPECT THIS QUESTION IS ONLY INTERMEDIARY TO THE TOPIC HE IS ACTUALLY APPEARING FOR
REGARDLESS, I AM NOT INTERESTED IN HEARING HIM RECITE THE DEFINITION FROM THE COLLECTIVE
RESPOBJ::tvresp
Corrupt streetwalker (Cafe inside)
(After "Depths")
start
sourceless
I MEET THE GAZE OF A BRIGHT COUSIN AIMING A MEMORY BOX AT ME
HE CLEARLY DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO RESPOND, AND SO I LAUGH AND WAVE A RECEPTOR AT ITS EYE
akizet
hello!
stre wal k
hurts
EXEC::page.bgm.rate(0.8)
hurts
EXEC::page.bgm.rate(0.5);content.classList.add('incoherent')
akizet
ah, no, it is only my first time here
stre wal k
hurts
EXEC::page.bgm.rate(0.3);body.classList.add('zoom')
hurts
EXEC::page.bgm.rate(0.1)
is anyone there
akizet
really? i may just try that!
and i am akizetesche, my friend
it is a pleasure to meet you
stre wal k
i cant feel anything
i cant feel anything
you did this
moth
hold on, is this one lucid?
can you try talking to it?
RESPONSES::self
help?<+>help
help
self
can i help you somehow?
stre wal k
is anyone there
hurts
hurts
moth
damn, i don't think so
these are the exact same signals as before...
probably not gonna get anything out of this one
RESPONSES::self
sorry<+>END
(further interactions:)
start
stre wal k
hurts
EXEC::page.bgm.rate(0.5);content.classList.add('incoherent')
RESPONSES::self
i cant help you<+>END
EXEC::page.bgm.rate(0.9);content.classList.remove('incoherent')
Corrupted streetwalker (Cafe street)
(After depths)
"hhel o",
"akizet",
"nice , weather",
"safe "
Tower Elevator (Blocked by "velzie")
readoutAdd({message: `<p>ATTENTION::'thoughtform activity detected'::'resources removed'</p>`, name:"sys"})
change('citystreet_triedchat', true)
document.querySelector('.vator .target').setAttribute('entity', 'the roothe room hithe room gh u the roomp')
setTimeout(()=>{cutscene(true);document.querySelector('.envoy').classList.add('manipulated')}, 500)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `wwEL LL isn' t t that peculiar ? ?`}), 2000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `elerv ator isn torking`}), 4000)
setTimeout(()=>chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `gu ess w e can t t al k never talk`}), 6000)
setTimeout(()=>{
chatter({actor: 'envoy', text: `no talking so rry sorry sorry leave ovfice`})
env.citystreet.velamb.fade(1, 0, 1000)
env.bgm = page.bgm
env.bgm.fade(0, 1, 1000)
setTimeout(()=>env.citystreet.velamb.stop(), 1000)
}, 8000)
setTimeout(()=>{cutscene(false);document.querySelector('.envoy').classList.remove('manipulated')}, 9000)
Tower meeting
syscheck
RESPONSES::self
continue<+>start
EXEC::change("PAGE!!skipcheck", true)
skip<+>ep1extension
EXEC::env.citystreet.envoyChat(false, true)
start
sys
ATTENTION::"previously viewed stream";"connects to additional stream";"skip ahead?"
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!skipcheck", false], ["embassy_d2_complete", true], ["citystreet__envoychat-start", true]]
WAIT::500
EXEC::cutscene(true);setTimeout(()=>{sendDialogue(env.currentDialogue.chain['syscheck']);cutscene(false);}, 1000)
sourceless
THE ENVOY AND I STEP INSIDE A DIM MEETING ROOM, THE BLINDS DRAWN AS A KIND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF OUR PREFERENCES
EXEC::change("PAGE!!skipcheck", false)
WE SIT. HE SETS A METAL BOX ON THE TABLE. MY RECEPTORS ARE CURLED INTO SPIRALS. THIS WILL BE DIFFICULT.
envoy
So Akizet, what've you found? It's been a while since you've come to talk in-person.
akizet
yes, it has been a while! i have been consumed with our work, you see
and while it has gone well in terms of progress, i cannot say that i am happy with our findings
sourceless
THERE IS A MARKED CONCERN IN HIS EYES. HE DOES NOT WANT TO INTERRUPT.
I UNDERSTAND WHY. LAST WE MET, I FELT AN OPTIMISM THAT HAS NOT GRACED THE <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'religious implication'">EYES</span> IN SOME TIME
akizet
you see, for all of the time the call has been screamed into our communications,
we have never been able to identify what exactly is being said
and we still cannot... but we know <em>how</em> it is being said.
sourceless
I PAUSE. FOR TOO LONG. I MUST CHOOSE MY WORDS CAREFULLY.
HE SIPS HIS LITTLE DRINK
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
envoy
The running theory was that it was just noise being broadcast to draw attention, right?
You're saying that's no longer the case?
akizet
yes, exactly...
in truth, it is a deliberate transmission, and it is trying to convey something exact.
the method is not one that is used in our modern communications, it predates many optimizations we made
you could describe it as raw thought
sourceless
HIS FACE CONTORTS IN CONFUSION. DOES HE NOT BELIEVE ME?
envoy
So, what's it saying?
...And how'd your team reach that conclusion?
Haven't you been listening to this thing for... what, thirty-two years?
akizet
your answer comes simply, gordon:
the message is not complete. but it has finally matched enough patterns for us to confirm its methods
it has taken this time to reach what we believe to be...
hmm...
maybe past half its full length,
and we cannot process the message until we have nearly all of it.
sourceless
HE STARES AT ME, WAITING, FROZEN, BAFFLED
I FIND MYSELF POKING HOLES IN THE LID OF MY ORANGE BEVERAGE WITH THE SHARP POINTS OF MY FINGERS TO DELAY MY NEXT WORDS
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
I SHOULD NOT SPEAK OF THE FINER DETAILS YET
akizet
...for your reference, it would take a full day for a <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'veilk parasite';'food'">celki</span> to be portrayed in this medium
whoever is sending this message is not only using archaic means, but is transmitting something...
something so large, that, ah,
we have all wondered if it is even possible to comprehend
or, if it... ah... sh-
funfriend
RECOMMENDATION: DO NOT SAY THAT
sourceless
NO, YOU ARE RIGHT
envoy
What?
akizet
nothing--apologies, it is just the scale of this that has been weighing upon me.
the mystery of the source has been compounding with each discovery
and this recent development has many of my team working in more solemn silence
sourceless
HE TAKES A SIP, I SEE UNEASE IN THE GENTLE SHAKE OF HIS HAND
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
BEFORE HE SPEAKS, HE LEANS FORWARDS IN HIS CHAIR. HIS EYES ARE DISTANT.
envoy
Jesus...
Akizet, so if all this is right--and you said this theory is <em>confirmed</em>, right?
akizet
without any doubt, my friend.
the consistent patterns of raw thought appear at regular percentages of message length
envoy
So this thing that's been in our ocean,
before your people ever even showed up,
and is using <em>obesk</em> communication methods,
is intelligent?
akizet
well no, that may not entirely be the case
it could be something--corrucystic, as it must be--that has been taught to relay this message
but otherwise, that is correct
sourceless
THE ENVOY RUNS HIS FINGERTIPS ACROSS HIS HAIRLINE
envoy
All right. Yeah, that's news. I see why you wanted to talk in private this time.
How many people have you told about this?
akizet
no one beyond my team. we are all keeping this information to ourselves for now.
it is selfish... but our initiatives for trade and research are going so well with your people
we do not want to disrupt them with this news.
but we, my team, we are lost--we must wait,
we must wait a long time with this on our shoulders.
sourceless
THE ENVOY EXHALES LOUDLY, AND CLASPS HIS HANDS TOGETHER.
envoy
All right, here's what I suggest we do.
I need to talk to a few people. We'll keep this info confidential. Internal, with the bureau.
Do you think this thing could be a threat?
sourceless
I LAUGH A LITTLE
akizet
it has been screaming for thirty-two of your years,
and must continue for many more before we can begin to understand it.
i do not think it has plans to engage in any other activities in this time
envoy
Well, at least there's that, huh?
sourceless
HE TAKES A MOMENT TO FINISH HIS DRINK BEFORE CONTINUING.
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
envoy
Did you have any other findings to share?
akizet
nothing concrete
we have a potential radius it could be in, but must do more polygonation
it is about where i estimated last time we met
envoy
Got it. Let's wrap this up then.
Akizet, keep this quiet for now. It's not just your side that could get riled up.
We'll be in touch, all right?
sourceless
WE BOTH RISE. I SENSE THE WEIGHT OF MY DREAD BEING SHARED UPON HIS SHOULDERS
akizet
of course, gordon.
envoy
Here, I'll walk you out.
sys
ATTENTION::'memory stream end';'render terminated'
SHOWIF::["embassy_d2_complete", false]
moth
ok...
SHOWONCE::
i'm pretty sure we both just got exposed to top secret info lmao cause i've never heard this part about the call
SHOWONCE::
probably gonna have to sign some NDAs after this
SHOWONCE::
and akizet went to us for help before her own people?? i wonder if they even know about this
SHOWONCE::
i want to say this memory is probably just incoherent, but it's too well structured
SHOWONCE::
i don't really know how to take this.
SHOWONCE::
but don't mind me, keep doing your thing
SHOWONCE::
sys
ATTENTION::'memory stream extends';'continue render?'
SHOWIF::["embassy_d2_complete", true]
RESPONSES::self
continue recollection<+>ep1extension
SHOWIF::["embassy_d2_complete", true]
EXEC::env.citystreet.envoyChat(false, true)
end recollection<+>END
EXEC::env.citystreet.envoyChat(false, true)
ep1extension
sourceless
WE RIDE THE MOVING PLATFORM TO THE BOTTOM FLOOR
EXEC::content.classList.add('elevator')
THE ENVOY STANDS SILENTLY, CONCERN STILL CLEAR IN HIS EYES
NOW IS A GOOD TIME - YES, AS IF IT WERE SIMPLY AN AFTERTHOUGHT
JUST AS I PREPARE TO SPEAK, HE TURNS DOWN TOWARDS ME, PUZZLED
envoy
Hey, Akizet,
Why didn't you want to just talk on your ship?
I could have met you in a field or something.
sourceless
I SUPPRESS A DELIGHTED CURL FROM FORMING IN MY RECEPTORS
YES--THIS IS THE PERFECT SETUP! WELL DONE, ENVOY
I ACT SOMEWHAT PUZZLED... YES, IT WILL SIMPLY OCCUR TO ME!
akizet
hmm...
oh! yes!
i had been so caught up in delivering the news...
i forgot to mention it!
you know how your people are unable to track the signal?
envoy
Yeah?
Your teams haven't been very forthcoming on that topic.
akizet
in light of this news... i wanted to share something with you!
a glow between the veilk-stalks for us both
sourceless
HE SCOFFS AT MY IDIOM, WHICH SURELY MEANS NOTHING TO HIM
A SMILE USURPS HIS WORRY
akizet
i have in my possession,
a corrucystic device that can exude the lightning your technology listens to
it was a shelved project from the technology division, so...
i am not sure how well it will work.
envoy
You're kidding.
They've just had that laying around?
Hold on.
sourceless
THE ENVOY REACHES TOWARDS THE GLOWING PANEL OF THE PLATFORM,
AND WITH A PRESS OF A BUTTON, SENDS IT TO A SLOW HALT
I SEE HIS EYES FLICK AT THE CORNERS OF THE LITTLE ROOM SUDDENLY
BUT THEN HE BEGINS TO SPEAK--VERY QUIETLY
envoy
To be frank with you--ah, that means "totally honest"--
Word is that the tech side here has been pretty dry.
Your technology division doesn't cooperate a whole lot.
...Is this going to get you in trouble?
funfriend
MORE THAN HE CAN KNOW! AHAHA
akizet
well,
that is the stipulation
if i give it to you, it must be kept secret from my side
and!
you must help me with my own investigation into the call's origin
sourceless
THE LOOK UPON HIS FACE
IT IS AS IF I HAVE PUNCTURED HIS VITAL ORGANS
THERE IS A MOMENT OF SILENCE
I TILT MY SUSPENDED HEAD, MAINTAINING BOTH FLAT RECEPTORS AND EXPRESSION
akizet
what do you think?
envoy
This is a hell of a thing to drop on the way out, Akizet.
sourceless
THE PLATFORM BEGINS TO MOVE AGAIN BY ITS OWN VOLITION
BUT HE HITS THE 'STOP' BUTTON, AGAIN
envoy
Look,
I can't guarantee--I mean--
sourceless
IT, AGAIN, STARTS TO MOVE
HE SILENTLY CURSES, EXAMINING A PANEL OF NUMBERS
envoy
Someone in the basement is calling the elevator. It'll be a minute.
Akizet, I can't take what you're offering.
Not until I can confirm some things on my side.
Just hang onto it, all right?
We both have jobs to do, and that device would be an enormous development...
But I don't want you to get in trouble if I can't guarantee it'll be kept quiet.
So I'll be in touch about it, all right?
sourceless
I AM GIDDY--HOW EXCITING!!
I HAVE NOT FELT THIS, SINCE... OH
YES, HE IS STARING STRANGELY AT ME
ACCIDENTALLY, I SEEM TO HAVE CURLED MY RECEPTORS AND FORMED A GRIN UPON MY FACE
akizet
ok!!!
yes, i will carry it carefully
sourceless
AGAIN HE SCOFFS,
THEN LAUGHS EXASPERATEDLY, HIS FINGERS COMING UP TO HIS EYES
EVENTUALLY, THE PLATFORM STOPS, AND THE DOORS OPEN TO THE LOBBY
EXEC::content.classList.remove('elevator')
envoy
Well, if those are all the bombshells you had for me today,
I'll see you around, Akizet.
akizet
yes--that was all!
fare well, gordon
sys
ATTENTION::'memory stream end';'render terminated'
SHOWIF::["embassy_d2_complete", false]
RESPONSES::self
end recollection<+>END