Bloody Evaluation

Pick up a trail of clues from Orwell Stronghold, travel to Spirit of Tianjin, and discover the truth behind a dozen gruesome murders.

Level: 16
Start: Stella Koukoubani, Vendors, Orwell Stronghold

Introduction

As you browse the vendor stalls, a familiar face waves you down.

Stella says: <name>, do you have a minute?

• "Not right now."
• "Sure."

Now now:

Me: Not right now.

Stella says: Okay, well, come see me later, then. I've got something I want to ask you.

With that, she heads back to her stall.

You have failed the "Bloody Evaluation" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.

Sure:

Me: Sure.

Stella says: Great! Let's go to my stall to chat.

You follow Stella back to her shop. There are a few customers waiting for her when you arrive, so she asks you to take a seat while she processes their purchases. As you wait, you notice that the memory suppressor shelves - which had few supplies last time - are now completely empty. That doesn't seem to be the case for the rest of the merchandise. Once Stella finishes, she pulls up a chair next to yours and motions at the empty shelves.

Stella says: Remember when you came here and asked about memory suppressors? We were low then, and we're completely out now. The stocks in Orwell keep dwindling, but I can't figure out why. Production hasn't gone down, so demand must have shot up… but who's putting in enough bulk orders to run the whole station out? That's the bit I can't work out.

Stella laughs to herself, then turns her dark eyes to you. Up close, you can see they're slightly different shades of brown.

Stella says: Oh, but don't mind the details. Do you happen to know anything about it, <name>?

You have accepted the "Bloody Evaluation" mission.

• "Not really. Sorry."

Me: Not really. Sorry.

Stella says: Ah, don't worry about it! Shortages are rare, but not unheard of in Orwell. The thing is, an android came to my shop and asked whether I was having trouble acquiring memory suppressors. Maybe it was how formal he sounded, even for an android, but it made me curious…

• "Did you get his name?"
• "What did he look like?"

Name:

Me: Did you get his name?

Stella says: I think he introduced himself, but I was busy with another customer, so I didn't quite catch it. Hm… Let me see if my security system picked it up.

Stella's eyes glow as she checks her CORETECHS. Her lips move along with the unseen recording, until she shares the fruits of her search.

Stella says: It sounds like "curate". Since he's an android, I guess that means Cure - Eight?

You remember the android who sent you here in the first place.

Me: Cur8. Yes, I know him.

Stella says: Really? Well, he left before I could ask why he was looking into memory suppressors. Not that he was impolite, just in a hurry. Everyone seems to be, these days…

Look like:

Me: What did he look like?

Stella says: He was wearing a Benevolent Dynamics uniform, I remember that. He had bright blue eyes - android bright - and I think his skin was grey or silver. His hair was short, maybe black? Mostly I remember he had comforting mannerisms. I could use someone like that, if I decide to expand my shop…

You remember the android who sent you here in the first place.

Me: It might be Cur8.

Stella says: Oh, you know him? He never explained why he was here, and he left before I could ask.

Either choice continues:

• "I'll talk to Cur8."
• "Well, good luck sorting that out."

Good luck:

Me: Well, good luck sorting that out.

Stella says: Oh, but I don't rely on luck, and I'm entirely too busy, <name>… How about this - the next time you see your android friend, ask him what's going on. That's not too much to ask, right?

She winks at you, then busies herself rearranging her wares.

Talk to Cur8:

Me: I'll talk to Cur8.

Stella's eyes light up.

Stella says: Really? Thank you, <name>! It's not just about my stock anymore - I want to know what's happening.

Either choice continues:

Talk to Cur8 in Orwell's Career Advisory about the disrupted supply of memory suppressors.

Next NPC: Cur8, Career Advisory, Orwell Stronghold

• Talk to Cur8.

You find Cur8 in his office. His brow is furrowed as he taps his data pad, seemingly unhappy with the results.

Cur8 says: <name>? I wasn't expecting you. Please, sit down.

His desk is mostly clear, but he tidies it up nonetheless and offers you a glass of water as you take a seat.

• Relay your chat with Stella.

You relay your chat with Stella. Cur8 listens intently, his blue eyes alternating between looking at your own and the trinkets on his desk. When you finish, he takes a few units before he responds.

Cur8 says: That is, as you might say, serendipitous. I have been looking into the three who were unhappy with their Benevolent Dynamics jobs, the ones whose recordings I showed you. While following up, I found that two of them - "Lucrezia" and "Septimus", as we called them - have been working overtime at the limit of what is recommended.

• Let him continue.
• "Are they doing alright in their new jobs?"
• "Is that unusual?"

Doing alright:

Me: Are they doing alright in their new jobs?

Cur8 says: My apologies, but I can't tell you that, <name>. It would infringe on their personal lives, and I have no plausible way to involve you in ascertaining their well-being in an official fashion.

He offers you a sad smile for a unit before carrying on with his normal speech pattern.

Cur8 says: There are times when our employees are requested to work overtime, and as long as that is within regulations, it isn't cause for concern. What caught my eye was the cause. Lucrezia had to take extra shifts because extra clones were ordered for actors in Tianjin. Septimus has been seeing more prospective actors and dummies who want preemptive memory suppressor prescriptions. Once more, everything can be traced back to Tianjin.

Unusual:

Me: Is that unusual?

Cur8 says: Not as such, no. There are times when our employees are requested to work overtime, and as long as that is within regulations, it isn't cause for concern. What caught my eye was the cause. Lucrezia had to take extra shifts because extra clones were ordered for actors in Tianjin. Septimus has been seeing more prospective actors and dummies who want preemptive memory suppressor prescriptions. Once more, everything can be traced back to Tianjin.

Continue:

Cur8 says: That in and of itself wouldn't be an issue, as long as it's not a pattern. There are times when our employees are requested to work overtime, and as long as that is within regulations, it isn't cause for concern. What caught my eye was the cause.

His usual smile is replaced with a more serious look.

Cur8 says: Lucrezia had to take extra shifts because extra clones were ordered for actors in Tianjin. Septimus has been seeing more prospective actors and dummies who want preemptive memory suppressor prescriptions. Once more, everything can be traced back to Tianjin.

All choices continue:

• "What are you going to do?"
• "Why only actor clones? Why not dummies as well?"

Why only actors:

Me: Why only actor clones? Why not dummies as well?

Cur8 says: Actors are significantly less likely to experience death of their physical bodies in Tianjin's Carnival. Their value is in their acting capabilities, not their ability to appease patrons' violent desires.

He looks at you and stops.

Cur8 says: …Apologies, I am not implying that is their actual value, but rather how their patrons - and the Carnival itself - values them. It would be impractical to lose time flying from Orwell to Tianjin every time a dummy is reincorporated into a clone, but this might only happen to an actor once every ten cycles, if at all. That makes it the more time- and cost-effective option if the clone vats in Tianjin are filling up.

• "What are you going to do?"

Me: What are you going to do?

Cur8 says: Myself? Very little, given my work schedule. However, I have been trading ideas with my confidante, Qui9. I needed to temper my questions with another analytical mind, and she had enough clearance for me to be able to do that, as a Benevolent Dynamics humanoid support worker.

He gestures as he talks, with motions you're increasingly familiar with.

Cur8 says: I explained our new hiring algorithms, including their recent propensity to suggest employees work in areas that would benefit Tianjin. She was able to learn that due to increased compensation and reduced requirements, twice as many citizens have chosen to work in Tianjin in the last cycle than ever before. She was already wary of their intentions and had hypotheses of her own - my findings merely confirmed hers.

• "What does Qui9 think is happening?"
• Let him continue.
• "What's my role in all this?"

Qui9:

Me: What does Qui9 think is happening?

Cur8 says: It would be better for you not to know. Objectivity is useful in a situation like this one, and even androids, gynoids and xynoids have biases.

• "You have biases?"

Me: You have biases?

Cur8 says: Of course. There is not enough computational power to model everything in the universe in real-time, to ask an infinite number of questions and process all their answers and feed those back into our systems. As such, we have to decide what information to look at, which questions to ask, which requires use of our best judgement. A bias, if you would.

He explains kindly, without a trace of condescension.

Cur8 says: In addition, all forms of artificial intelligence, such as myself, make these decisions due to the way we were programmed… by humanoids such as yourself, who are known to have biases of their own.

• "What's my role in all this?"

My role:

Me: What's my role in all this?

Cur8 says: As I said, your presence is serendipitous, <name> - Qui9 has decided to investigate matters herself, and has already landed in Tianjin. Given your assistance in understanding employee motivations, I would request that you meet with Qui9 and help with her investigation. There will be no contract this time - this is a personal matter, off the record.

Continue:

Cur8 says: Qui9's schedule was clearer than mine, so she applied for a few days' leave, and is already on her way to Tianjin. That is why I believe your presence here is serendipitous, <name> - I would like for you to go in my stead. Given your assistance in understanding employee motivations, I would request that you meet with Qui9 and help with her investigation. There will be no contract this time - this is a personal matter, off the record.

Either choice continues:

He smiles at you.

Cur8 says: You would be compensated, of course. The matter is affecting my work, and I am curious on a personal level… such as it is.

• "Alright, I'll help Qui9."
• "What does Qui9 think is happening?" (if not previously selected)
• "I'd rather not go all the way to Tianjin."

Rather not:

Me: I'd rather not go all the way to Tianjin.

Cur8 says: Really? I was under the impression that you travelled frequently, <name>, and you will receive compensation. I will not rush you, but your help would be greatly appreciated. If you make it to Tianjin, please make contact Qui9 - she has dark green skin, black hair, and I believe she's wearing a long cloak. Hopefully she'll be easy enough to spot even if the port is crowded. …Thank you, <name>.

Help:

Me: Alright, I'll help Qui9.

Cur8 says: Excellent! I will let her know immediately. Please contact her when you get to Tianjin - Qui9 has dark green skin, black hair, and I believe she's wearing a long cloak. Hopefully she'll be easy enough to spot even if the port is crowded. Thank you once again, <name>.

Either choice continues:

Meet Qui9 in Spirit of Tianjin's Port.

Next area: Port, Spirit of Tianjin

• Look for Qui9.

You check the port for signs of a gynoid, and think you might see one among the crowds. While you weave your way through, large screens show the same repeating news loop, on full volume, with a sensational title: Bloody Carnival - A Dozen Dead! The newscaster's commentary resonates across the plaza.

The newscaster says: -unexpected. Leading experts say there was no way for perpetrators to know their victims' clones were out of order. Relatives of the victims are seeking justice, but without knowing who destroyed their clones, placing blame is a tricky game. Let us cut again to scenes from the gruesome murders…

Screens on every side bombard you with images. A chintz chair laying on plush carpet, covered in blood and shards of glass. A severed hand with missing nails, nestled in barbed wire. Dull, lifeless eyes protruding from a contorted face…

Qui9 says: <name>?

Next NPC: Qui9, Port, Spirit of Tianjin

• "Yes, I… I'm sorry, I need a few units. Those images were…"
• "Yes, that's me. Are you Qui9?"

Need a few:

Me: Yes, I… I'm sorry, I need a few units. Those images were…

Qui9 says: Of course. Let's get away from the screens and sit down.

She leads you to a bench at the edge of the port's plaza, and you both stare ahead at a beautiful fountain. The sound of the pure, crystalline water flowing is reassuring. Qui9 gives you as long as you need to compose yourself.

• "Thank you. I'm alright now."

Me: Thank you. I'm alright now.

Qui9 says: I'm glad to hear it, <name>. As well as being disturbing, openly broadcasting these images makes me suspicious. The carnival doubles its dummy intake just before a series of murders? Cameras mysteriously go offline just before the clones are attacked? This must all be part of Etheel Hayes' plan.

• "You said cameras went offline?"
• "Etheel Hayes?"

Cameras:

Me: You said cameras went offline?

Qui9 says: Yes. The first news reports announced that all cameras in Tianjin Carnival Clone Support were offline for the segment it took for the clones to be sabotaged. Furthermore, the clones were rendered inviable without the system alerting clone technicians or reporting a fault.

• "Etheel Hayes?"

Me: Etheel Hayes?

Qui9 says: Tianjin's Carnival was concepted and financed by Etheel Hayes, who remains its sole owner. Hayes used to fulfill patrons' taboo desires using Virtual Reality, but after the Catastrophe, people's anti-technology sentiments kept them away from virtual spaces and escapes. Hayes instead turned to real-life bodies as a way to give patrons the experiences they wanted, and the Carnival was born.

She explains all of this with a matter-of-fact tone, but soon her voice regains its edge.

Qui9 says: All of that information is available through your CORETECHS, meaning it's not something Hayes is trying to hide - in fact, I would say his persona and business model enhance the appeal of the Carnival for some patrons. I have to conclude that he's a very intelligent and shrewd businessman, and that a dozen murders in his Carnival would not have been possible without his assistance.

Qui9 points at the screens.

Qui9 says: Besides, the news reports are underplaying how unlikely it is for so many clones to be rendered inviable at the same time. Clones are extremely well-regulated, given how humanoid lives rely on them. I expected more outcry, but the discussion are cleverly framing it as an unavoidable accident.

• "So, what are we investigating?"

Me: So, what are we investigating?

Qui9 says: My original investigation would have focused on various aspects of dummy and actor experiences with the Carnival. However, I believe these murders are a more fruitful avenue of inquiry. I have already investigated the cloning facilities, in fact.

• "What did you find?"

Me: What did you find?

She shakes her head and utters an uncannily long sigh.

Qui9 says: I was not allowed to enter the cloning facilities - neither me, nor anyone from the large congregation seeking answers. Whether they're hiding proof of their incompetence or misconduct, I could not tell from reports made public. As such, I believe our next step should be talking to people who may know something of this incident. The Tianjin Taproom serves patrons and Tianjin workers alike - my calculations suggest this will be an ideal starting point for our investigation.

Go to Tianjin's Bar, the Taproom.

Next area: Bar, Spirit of Tianjin

• Find someone to talk to.

You have a look around as you and Qui9 walk into the bar. Most people look exhausted, scared, detached, or a combination of the above. While a few conversations are happening, they are subdued, and many people are drinking alone. The same looping news report plays on one screen, without sound, but many people are averting their eyes.

Qui9 whispers: There are three patrons, which you can identify by their golden bracelets. Two patrons are sharing a table with an actor, the other is in a private booth. I count seven additional actors, twelve dummies and five individuals unaffiliated with the Carnival. I will walk the perimeter and look for emotional cues indicating a good candidate for questioning. Please follow at a short distance.

Qui9's face is very serious as she sets off, though most people seem to be too busy with their own thoughts or conversations to notice. As she walks past one of the private booths, a man wearing a gold bracelet motions for her to come over. Your CORETECHS informs you his name is Darius Fernsby.

Next NPC: Darius Fernsby, Bar, Spirit of Tianjin

• Approach Darius.

You and Qui9 approach the patron. His hands are shaking, his hair and clothing look unkempt, and he's drinking something sweet-smelling from a large jug. He hurries to clear some space for you at the booth, almost spilling his drink in the process.

Darius says: Please, sit… You're my lawyer, aren't you? Something or other nine?

Qui9 clasps her hands together and looks in your direction before answering him.

Qui9 says: I am Qui9, but unfortunately I'm not your lawyer.

Darius says: You're not? You're kidding, right? …No, you all can't lie. I could swear her name sounded like yours… Cue nine? Gua nine? Anyway, if you're not her, please leave me alone.

As he busies himself with his drink, Qui9 gives you a pleading look.

• Use your acting skills to pretend you're Qui9's interpreter.
• Explain the logical loopholes which mean Qui9 is actually his lawyer.

Logic:
(Intelligence check)

Me: Pardon me, Ser Fernsby, but Qui9 is in fact your lawyer. As you know, she cannot lie, even for technicalities. In this case, there are additional documents you must sign for her services to officially begin. We delayed formalities to expedite her arrival, but-

Darius says: Right, I see, I see. Sorry, I'm not used to dealing with androids… I mean, gynoids. Though I hear you're one of the best.

Qui9 says: I am the best suited to my position, yes. Now, Ser Fernsby, could you please tell us what happened?

Darius says: Of course. I just need to…

He reaches for his glass, but it's empty.

• Refill his glass.
• Wait for him to speak.

Wait:

You watch Darius move his glass aside, then take a deep breath.

Darius says: Right. Yes. The incident. …I killed two people. Two actors. Last night.

He almost reaches for the glass again, but stops himself.

Darius says: Well, I'm sure you've seen the news. Clones not working when they should have. Everyone in the Carnival can normally let loose, but yesterday…

• "What happened yesterday, Ser Fernsby?"

Me: What happened yesterday, Ser Fernsby?

He looks around to make sure no one is nearby, then continues quietly.

Darius says: I often purchase the Therapeutic Roleplay package, which involves playing through different scenarios with actors, including one who acts as a therapist. We start by discussing a scenario, then she'll watch me play it out. Afterwards, we discuss my feelings, why things went the way they did… and why all of my problems keep coming back to my parents.

As he mentions his parents, a breath catches in his chest. He slowly lets it out with a sigh, and slouches again.

Darius says: I've spoken to actors in many guises - my sister, my uncle, my friends - but never my parents. I always refuse. But this time, my therapist brought two actors in their likeness for a scenario. I didn't want to take part, at first… The likeness was uncanny, and my parents are dead, you know? But she said it would give me closure.

His words slow, then stop. Qui9 gives him a few units, but when he doesn't continue, she urges him on.

Qui9 says: What happened during your session, Ser Fernsby?

Darius says: …I don't know. At first we just talked. They were as condescending and disgusted with me as I remembered. I had a drink, maybe two, just to calm my nerves. We talked some more, but things escalated. I remember shouting at them, and then…

He bites his lip and looks away from Qui9. This time she waits, with a sombre but kind expression on her face, until he resumes.

Darius says: I woke up and they were both dead. Both actors. My therapist tried calling the emergency medical team, but they were too late. Security questioned me for segments. …So I called you, and came here to wait.

• "So you don't remember hurting them?"

Me: So you don't remember hurting them?

Darius shouts: No! I wouldn't have!

Darius picks up the glass again, takes a slow sip.

Darius says: This is a nightmare. I pay for a scenario I don't want, I get in a fight with my dead parents, then I kill them again?! …No, before you ask, I didn't kill my real parents. I just… I felt responsible for their deaths. What if I had told them to stay for another few days? If we hadn't had that fight, then maybe…

His eyes start brimming with tears. He tries to hide his face in his hands, but you can see tears falling onto the table.

• Keep questioning Darius.
• Give Darius space.

Question:

Me: Thank you for explaining, Ser Fernsby. We do have a few more questions-

However, before you can finish, you're interrupted by a short woman sidling into the booth with a cup of tea. She sits next to him and looks you both over.

She says: I'm sorry… Qui9 and <name>, is it? Ser Fernsby is in no state to keep talking. Here, Darius, have a cup of peppermint tea…

Darius looks back at her and smiles, but no words seem to come out. He holds the cup between his hands, letting his tears flow freely.

Qui9 says: Of course, we'll give you some space. If you'll excuse us…

Next area: Bar, Spirit of Tianjin

• Find a secluded table to talk to Qui9.

You find an empty table near the Taproom's entrance and sit with Qui9.

Qui9 says: <name>, a new video report has surfaced with more information about the murders. Would you like me to send it to you, or should I summarize? I must warn you, the video contents are not pleasant.

• "Summarize. I don't want to watch this."
• "Send it. We can't afford to miss a detail."
• "Summarize. It'll be faster."
• "Send it. I want to see what happened."

Detail:

Me: Send it. We can't afford to miss a detail.

Qui9 says: Of course, <name>.

You receive a notification in your CORETECHS and download the video. It starts out with three corpses laid out like a staged scene in a shopping center. There is no sound, no narration, just a roving camera.

The first body looks like it's someone mid-speech, with an open mouth and gesturing arms. They have a hole in the middle of their chest, out of which dark tendrils extend. The tendrils are writhing somehow. The second body is listening raptly with hands to their heart, their feet encased in large, square blocks of regocrete. The third body is holding a large sign with an image of crossed out tentacles. They look like they might attack the orator. Their eyes and ears have been removed, and in their place are large red flowers.

After a short pause, the video shifts to a different location. A camera slowly zooms in on a statue of three spirals slowly twisting upwards. The closer the camera gets, the more evident it is that the gray statue is composed of limbs and body parts from different people, painted the same shade of gray. At the top of each of the three spirals is a head, its expression locked in abject terror, with grey butterflies coming out of its mouth.

Qui9 jumps in as you finish watching.

Qui9 says: This is known as "corpse art". Such pieces are sometimes shown at the Theater, where they draw in patrons interested in such displays. The fact that these appeared in the mini mall is strange, as is the fact that all of the dummies involved had their clones rendered inviable. This is statistically unlikely to be coincidence, so I propose we investigate there next.

Investigate Tianjin Mini Mall, the Market, for clues.

Next area: Market, Spirit of Tianjin

• Look around the mall.

You and Qui9 have a look around the mini mall. The facility has a relatively open plan, and yet you don't see anything like the "corpse art" you're looking for.

Qui9 says: They must have cleared the scene already. However, there may be residents or visitors who were here before the scenes were cleaned up. I will ask around this area, could you check elsewhere in the mall?

Find more information within the sub-areas of Tianjin's Market.

Next area: Vendors, Spirit of Tianjin

OR

Next area: Public Market, Spirit of Tianjin

OR

Next area: Storage, Spirit of Tianjin

• Check for people willing to talk.

Storage:

You look for anyone who may be willing to talk about what happened. If anyone saw the corpse art, they aren't willing to talk. You should try your luck elsewhere.

Public Market:

You look for anyone who may be willing to talk about what happened. If anyone saw the corpse art, they aren't willing to talk. You should try your luck elsewhere.

Vendors:

You look for anyone who may be willing to talk about what happened. As you walk past a shop selling particularly gruesome gadgets, you overhear three patrons touting the fleeting beauty of decaying bodies as works of art. They praise the medium's ability to capture humanity's visceral desires, and their never-ending quest for immortality.

• Use clever-sounding jargon to insinuate yourself into their conversation.
• Listen in and read their social cues to learn more.

Social cues:
(Social check)

You pretend to be interested in something nearby while you watch their discussion. The three are focused on their conversation and don't seem to notice you.

A slender gentleman says: It represents a conflict as old as mankind - yearning for what you cannot have, and knowing that if you achieve it, you will immediately be dissatisfied. But I daresay the piece captured it in a way I haven't seen in cycles. And not just because it was born from the actual death of dummies!

A tall lady says: Perhaps, but I think the true value of the piece is in its specific shade of gray. Why pewter? As an alloy, it suits a statue made from multiple different bodies, but there are many others to choose from. Perhaps pewter, as a tin alloy, was chosen for its association with Jupiter's deities…

A long-haired figure says: The planet orbiting Sol? I must admit I don't remember its specific gods, but that's because I prefer other levels of symbolism. Triple helices are rather uncommon in this medium, after all, and to use the flesh and bones of dummies without clones…

The conversation continues, with all three patrons contributing to an in-depth analysis of the spiral statue. It is clear from your observations that they are all excited, in large part due to the deaths involved in the process of creation. While they never claim to want another accident like this to happen, they do seem intrigued by the idea.

Report your findings to Qui9 in the Market.

Next NPC: Qui9, Market, Spirit of Tianjin

• Tell Qui9 what you found.

You explain to Qui9 that, in some patrons' eyes, the death of dummies has contributed to the artistic value of the piece.

Qui9 says: That is… not unexpected, but still galling. Please imagine that I am wringing my hands, clenching my fists, or otherwise showing heightened displeasure. I have not been programmed with mannerisms appropriate for this situation.

You watch Qui9 cross her arms and scowl slightly. She's right, her expression doesn't convey more than mild irritation.

Qui9 says: I was not able to gather more information myself. Analysis of the videos revealed the exact areas where the statue and scene were laid out, but the area had been thoroughly cleaned, and no one was willing to talk. However, I still believe in my hypothesis - Etheel Hayes is livening up the Carnival by adding an element of life-or-death risk to the experience.

• "Do we have any other leads?"
• "Are you… angry?"

Angry:

Me: Are you… angry?

Qui9 says: No, I am not able to feel anger, <name>. However, I am built to protect human lives, and I work as a humanoid support worker. It seemed appropriate to share my displeasure in a way you would understand and/or relate to.

• "Do we have any other leads?"

Me: Do we have any other leads?

Qui9 says: I found one more incident which wasn't publicised as heavily as the rest. There were reports of an altercation between two dummies and an actor in the residential area which resulted in loss of life. The situation doesn't involve a patron, but if the incidents are connected, it may yield interesting information.

Qui9 changes her expression - her scowl is replaced with a bright smile as she uncrosses her arms.

Qui9 says: Thank you for your cooperation so far, <name>. Without your help, I would have missed at least thirty-five percent of the information we've gathered so far. I see why Cur8 asked you to assist me.

• "I've done more than that."
• "Are you and Cur8…?"
• "…Thanks?"

Cur8:

Me: Are you and Cur8…?

Qui9 says: Ah, the inevitable question. I think of him as my confidant - someone I can share sensitive information with, and who will give me an interesting perspective in return. As android and gynoid, our relationship is different to that of biological life forms. We relate in ways you might associate with close friends, business associates, siblings or even life partners, depending on the context. Hence using different terminology.

After giving you a few units to process that information, Qui9 starts walking.

Qui9 says: Let's head to the residential area now, <name>, while there is still a chance of finding useful information.

Explore the Residences in Tianjin for signs of a struggle.

Next area: Residences, Spirit of Tianjin

• Help Qui9 find where the altercation took place.

You help Qui9 find the site of the altercation between an actor and two dummies. While patrons aren't allowed in the residences, they don't seem to mind visitors to Tianjin. After two segments, Qui9 finally has enough data of the Residences to correctly pinpoint the right location.

She leads you to a small walkway between buildings, the kind you might have passed by if you weren't paying attention. You follow it around to the back of the residences, and find a pile of regocrete rubble, broken slats, torn cloth and discarded bottles. A few ration wrappers litter the ground.

Qui9 says: Judging from the shadows and the position of the fusion tube, this matches the lone image that has been leaked to the Mesh. What do you think happened here, <name>?

• "I'm not sure."
• "Someone was hiding out here…"
• "People were drinking, things got heated…"

Hiding:

Me: Someone was hiding out here, using discarded materials for a makeshift home. Perhaps they got in an argument with the locals and things got heated.

Qui9 says: Yes, the slats and cloth could have been used as a makeshift tent. We're lucky no one has come to clean this walkway yet.

• Work slow and steady, moving rubble a bit at a time.
• Use your strength to move the rubble aside and search.

Slow and steady:
(Stamina check)

After shifting a few planks, you find something that looks deliberately hidden - a checkered cloth wrapped around something small but heavy. You show it to Qui9, who immediately reveals its contents. Wrapped in the cloth are red, black and green fragments, as well as a wristwatch.

Qui9 says: This wristwatch is quite unusual. It's a relatively simple old-Earth-style watch, but the materials are expensive. Its case is made of white gold - 18 carat gold with palladium, to be precise - and there are diamonds marking each hour. It is not the kind of watch anyone but a patron could likely afford, despite its appearance.

She holds up the fragments, turning them around in her hands. After a few units of analysis, she puts them back down in a specific configuration.

Qui9 says: I believe these are fragments of dummy and actor collars. What could have caused them to break like this is unknown, but likely a large object or strong collision. …Ideally, after the collar had been removed.

She looks pensive, then holds out a bottle for you to look at. The label is mostly gone, but it smells of synthehol.

• "I guess they were drinking."

Me: I guess they were drinking.

Qui9 says: It would appear so. I asked a resident about it while you were searching through the rubble. They said there was a big party, with lots of free drinks, likely donated by a satisfied patron. They didn't remember much of what happened, citing an excess of synthehol consumption, so I was unable to ascertain what led to the altercation.

She puts the bottle down, then looks you in the eyes.

Qui9 says: My hypothesis might be able to account for this, if we knew the details. Did an actor show off a stolen watch when they had too much to drink, and others sought to steal it? Did a patron whose watch was stolen thank the perpetrator with poisoned synthehol? Or was a wristwatch-wearing patron part of the fight and somehow managed to escape?

She continues, without giving you an opening to speak.

Qui9 says: There is not enough information. These deaths seem almost accidental, but there is one great coincidence. Every actor and dummy who was killed last night had their clone sabotaged - and given that only a dozen clones were disabled, it is statistically unlikely to be due to chance.

• "You're right, we need more information. Let's find it."
• "It's okay, Qui9. We'll figure it out."

More information:

Me: You're right, we need more information. Let's find it.

Qui9 stops for a few units, then smiles.

Qui9 says: Thank you for the sentiment. While I've acquired less information than I was hoping, there may be a line of inquiry I could follow. Could you please wait for me at the Tianjin Taproom, <name>? It won't take me very long, and it would be better for me to do it on my own.

Wait for Qui9 at Tianjin's Bar, the Taproom.

Next area: Bar, Spirit of Tianjin

• Wait for Qui9.

You take a seat at an empty table and wait for Qui9. The Taproom's screens are finally showing something else - a talk show of some kind.

• Keep waiting.

You keep waiting, but hear nothing from Qui9. The talk show is replaced by some sort of art gallery visit. The screens are still silent, but the subtitles describe the works of art in detail, much like the three patrons describing the gray spiral statue.

• Check the Mesh to pass the time.
• Wait some more.

Mesh:

You check the Mesh. Unlike the Taproom's screens, there are countless videos, articles and reports about the Tianjin murders. After skimming through a few, you get the feeling that it's being written off as a clone accident - the murders were accidental, in a sense, and so the people responsible shouldn't face retribution.

A representative for the Carnival went on record explaining that they have compensated the families of people involved, that it was all a tragic accident, and they'll make sure this doesn't happen in the future. While most people seem satisfied with these actions, some people claim that accidental murder is still murder, and warn against letting the Carnival go on as it is. However, those articles barely get any traction.

As you read, you notice someone at the bar trying to get your attention. Your CORETECHS identifies her as Luz Meridiana.

Next NPC: Luz Meridiana, Bar, Spirit of Tianjin

• "Yes?"

Me: Yes?

The woman sitting next to you is the same one who brought Darius his cup of soothing tea.

Luz says: Sorry to bother you <name>, I just wanted to let you know Darius is doing much better now. Peppermint really helps him calm down after a tough session… Oh, but something curious happened right after you two left - his lawyer came to talk to him.

• Stay silent.
• "That's odd."
• "Oh, really?"

Really:

Me: Oh, really?

Luz says: Yes, really. You know, I spend a lot of time in the Taproom. I see lots of people coming in and out. But you, <name>…

She pauses to look you over, tapping her right temple with a finger.

Luz says: We get a lot of visitors like you, but it takes a special kind of person to interrogate a poor man who's just murdered his parents. …What made you do it, <name>? Are you a Tianjin voyeur, here to enjoy other people's suffering? The kind who can't admit you want to be the one inflicting pain, so you content yourself with watching?

• Pretend she's right.
• Come up with a clever alternative explanation.

Alternative:
(Intelligence check)

Failure:

You try to explain why you're actually here, but she's not convinced.

Luz says: Come on, <name>. You can do better than that.

Success:

You explain that it's not a desire to cause harm, but rather a desire to study the way people act in extreme situations. You do your best to sound detached but inquisitive, the kind of performance that would be at home with the various art critic patrons you've seen.

Luz says: Huh… I guess I had you wrong all along. That's a good thing! I like it when people keep me on my toes. …Anyway, as much as I'd love chatting, I should get back to work. Take care, <name>.

She smiles and heads off. As you watch her walk away, your CORETECHS informs you Qui9 is calling.

Talk to Qui9 on your CORETECHS.

Next area: Bar, Spirit of Tianjin

• Accept the call.

Qui9 says: Apologies for the wait, <name>, but I uncovered some new information. The watch we found was custom-made, so I was able to use image processing, and a bit of Cur8's help, to find its owner… Darius Fernsby.

• "We still don't know enough to guess what happened."
• "What if Darius was tricked?"
• "Darius could be responsible!"

Tricked:

Me: What if Darius was tricked?

Qui9 says: It is possible. He doesn't seem to remember what happened, so it's possible someone took advantage of him… But he's high-up in the Consortium.

There's a short pause. Without video, you're not sure what Qui9 is doing, but soon you hear footsteps.

Qui9 says: Theory one - Darius carried out some of the murders on his own, assisting or otherwise enabling other people to do the same. Theory two - the clones being destroyed coincided with an unrelated instance of clone sabotage, perhaps by Prometheans. Theory three - the clones were destroyed following Etheel Hayes' orders, possibly with the knowledge of who was likely to die. I still believe in my third theory, but multiple intepretations are possible.

The footsteps stop and you hear a few taps.

Qui9 says: I have one last idea. <name>. I'm suspicious of the use of synthehol, both in Darius' case and in the Residence fight. I agree with you that Darius could have been tricked - perhaps the drinks were laced with memory suppressants? To find out, I purchased a patron bracelet for you. Please pick it up from the Government Center.

• "Wait, what? I never said I would do that."
• "Okay, then what?"

Wait:

Me: Wait, what? I never said I would do that.

Qui9 says: I apologize, but I believe you're better suited to this task. Now, once you get-

The call ends suddenly.

You try calling Qui9 again, but you get no response. You can't find a way to reach her, and the bracelet is still waiting for you.

Pick up a patron bracelet from Tianjin's Government Center.

Next area: Government Center, Spirit of Tianjin

• Pick up your patron bracelet.

There are clearly marked queues to pick up bracelets. Your wait is very short, as staff rush around ensuring everyone can start their Carnival experiences as quickly as possible.

A member of staff says: Thank you for waiting, <name>. This bracelet will enable you to experience the Therapeutic Roleplay package. The first step will be to find your assigned therapist in the Introspective Room, right next to the Tianjin Hospitality Hub. Your session begins in a segment, and while our staff is patient, I would advise you to go at your earliest convenience.

The assistant smiles and ushers you on, as another patron is waiting for their bracelet.

Start your Therapeutic Roleplaying session in Tianjin's Inn, the Hospitality Hub.

Next area: Inn, Spirit of Tianjin

• Find the Introspective Room.

There are plenty of signs leading you to the Therapeutic Roleplaying rooms, including the Introspective Room. As you enter, the first thing you notice is that the decorations match the murder videos you saw when you first stepped into Tianjin - the plush carpet, the chintz chairs, though thankfully without blood or broken glass.

The second thing you notice is Luz, standing on the other side of the room.

Luz says: <name>! I'm so glad you could make it.

Next NPC: Luz Meridiana, Inn, Spirit of Tianjin

• Look at Luz.

Luz looks different - with small glasses, a white suit and her hair in a bun, she looks the part of a psychologist. She takes a seat and motions for you to do the same.

Luz says: I was so excited when I saw your name on the patient list - I had to snap it up right away. Rushed them to finish cleaning this room, too! But please, let's do things properly. Why don't you sit down and tell me what drives you to investigate? I'm still torn about your motivations. Is it academic curiosity, sadistic tendencies, a hero complex?

Your thoughts start racing. If Luz is here, then that means…

• Deduce.

(Intelligence check)

All the information you gathered during your investigation with Qui9 runs through your head. There were three separate incidents, which together resulted in a dozen deaths, due to unavailable clones. While each incident was different, two of them had something in common…

• Memory suppressors.
• Synthehol.
• Tianjin actors.

Synthehol:

Synthehol. Darius can't remember what happened during his session, not after he started drinking. The people drinking in their residences don't remember what happened that night, they just know many of them died.

It's possible the drinks were spiked with memory suppressors, but synthehol on its own may have made these people forget. The end result is the same - no one can remember anything that may be useful for the investigation. If that's the case…

• Then who is responsible?

If that's the case, someone had to be able to slip people synthehol. You know little about what happened in the residences, only that some kind of altercation took place. But here, potentially in this very room, was where Darius killed two actors.

Four people entered this room. Two of them, the actors, died. Two other people lived. Either could likely have gifted synthehol to the people who partied in the residences. But which one of them is responsible?

• Darius.
• Luz.

Luz:

Luz. Even if Darius pretended to be drunk, wouldn't he have framed someone else for their murder? And why would he leave his watch, a watch that can be used to identify him, in the rubble? If there's a plan here, you're not seeing it.

But Luz… She could have slipped Darius the drink. She could have taken his watch while he was passed out, left it near the actors she gave the synthehol to. Even if you're not sure what she was trying to do, it seemed more plausible.

• But what's your plan?

But what's your plan? What do you do now? You feel like time has gone back to its normal speed, and you need to act. Luz is sitting in front of you, looking at the empty chair in front of her. Next to the chair you see a small glass and a flask full of yellow liquid, sitting on a delicate glass table.

Figure out what to do about Luz. Somehow.

• Fight Luz.
• Get out of here.
• Stall Luz.

Stall:

You could try stalling her. She looks like she wants to sit and talk, and while you're meeting her on her terms, you might still be able to get information out of her. Perhaps if you distract her for long enough, the session will end and someone else will come in? Either way, talking seems like a better option than fighting here.

• Get her to talk about her sessions.

(Social check)

Me: I suspected Darius, at first. Forgetting who he had killed seemed like an excuse, and we found his watch in the residential area.

Luz says: Oh, you found the wristwatch? The beauty of his father's heirloom is wasted on him. Can you imagine Darius appreciating something so subtle? I thought he would mention losing his watch, but apparently he was too distraught to even notice.

She tuts, and motions for you to sit down. You slowly acquiesce.

Luz says: I recorded the session, just for him. I wanted him to see what he did… Unfortunately, it backfired. Even with all the hatred and contempt he has for his parents, he couldn't bring himself to hurt them. I had to do it myself. …Oh, it's already been deleted. Thoroughly. It was just a shame he couldn't express himself, even when I set everything up for him.

You nod noncommittally.

• Trick her by pretending to drink synthehol.

(Stamina check)

Whether the drink is spiked or just synthehol, you can use that to give her a false sense of security. Since she doesn't take her eyes off you, the first step is taking a tiny sip and not letting it get to your head… which you manage.

• "I was hoping you would tell me what I feel."

Me: I was hoping you would tell me what I feel.

Luz says: Turning this back on me, are you? Let's assume you love to study how people react to unexpected situations, as you claim. You could simply watch these murders being broadcast over the Mesh… or instead, you could learn the truth behind them. It might lead to new, interesting information, and perhaps finding someone with similar interests. Although I was hoping you would be smarter than this…

Luz laughs quietly to herself, losing eye contact for a few units - a perfect opening. You tip some synthehol out of your cup discreetly and make a gulping noise. As she turns back to you, she smiles and continues.

Luz says: Indeed, you could have been smarter, but why should I complain? It was foolish to hope you would be my equal, <name>. You or that robotic friend of yours. I made plenty of mistakes you could have taken advantage of. Giving synthehol to my neighbors because they partied too often, too loudly? It was a bit careless, but clearly not enough.

Her smile only gets bigger the longer she talks to you. You're getting better at this, and manage to tip out more of your drink. Your glass is almost empty by now.

• "What are you planning to do now?"

Me: What are you planning to do now?

You slur your words slightly, pretending to be tired. She takes her time to respond.

Luz says: That's a good question. First, I'll sit with you and make sure I've made the most out of this little chat. Then… Well, we'll see if you remember. I imagine-

A voice says: Security! Open up!

• "In here!"

Me: In here!

Luz realises what's happening and tries to leave by the back door while the guards try to break down the door. You stand up, but soon drop back down - there must have been something else in the drink, even the small sip you had is making your vision blur. As you slowly get back up, four security guards burst in, and you point at the back door. Three of them follow your lead, the other sits next to you and asks what happened. You point at the drink.

A guard says: Alright, stay there, I'll get someone to analyse this. In the meantime, is there anything else you can tell me? Any thing that might help us catch her?

You take a few units to compose yourself, then tell her that she spiked the drinks of her neighbours - so she might live near where the fight broke out. The officer thanks you, and asks you to wait.

• Fight to stay conscious.

Time passes - a segment, maybe more, maybe less. Eventually someone rushes into the room and starts analysing the bottle's contents with an eyedropper and a few strange devices.

The doctor says: It's a type of brandy, laced with memory suppressors, as well as a large dose of sleeping drugs. Since you're still awake, I'm guessing you only had a small amount?

You bring yourself to nod.

The doctor says: You'll be fine, then, you just need to wait it out.

The guard says: Thank you. Right, <name>, take your time and rest. When you're ready, I suggest you go to the bar - your gynoid friend is waiting there. Er, and perhaps skip the drinks, for now.

Meet with Qui9 at the Bar.

Next NPC: Qui9, Bar, Spirit of Tianjin

• "Qui9, are you alright? Did they catch Luz?"

Me: Qui9, are you alright? Did they catch Luz?

Qui9 says: I'm safe, <name>, and I am glad you are as well! Unfortunately I haven't been told what happened to Luz, though Security knows we're waiting here. Perhaps they will find her. But first, I must apologise for leaving you insuspense.

Qui9 bows her head at you in apology.

Qui9 says: I cut off the call because I saw Darius. Since there was a possibility he was the culprit, I didn't want him to overhear. However, when he saw me he apologised for mistaking me for another gynoid and we started talking. He mentioned that his therapist, Luz, always helps him calm down with a cup of tea, just as she did today. It was only then I realised she was a more likely suspect.

Qui9 crosses her arms - her flawed expression of anger.

Qui9 says: I called Security, but they ordered me not to reach out to you, and I had to comply. …My apologies for putting you in danger. I assumed a gynoid patron would attract too much attention, but I miscalculated.

As you talk, the security guard who spoke to you comes up to your table.

• "Did you catch her?"

Me: Did you catch her?

The guard says: Yes, we did. She had a head start, but we managed to find her residence, and interrupt her while she gathered supplies. We wouldn't have found her without your tip - the residence was in the name of one of her late patients. She's in custody now, though we can't tell you any more than that, I'm afraid.

Qui9 says: Thank you for letting us know. <name>, we've had quite a trip… I think I need to head back to Orwell and talk to Cur8. Come find us when you're ready.

Qui9 and the guard take their leave. You're still feeling tired, but only slightly - the worst of the drugs' effects must have worn off.

Return to Orwell's Career Advisory and talk to Cur8.

Next NPC: Cur8, Career Advisory, Orwell Stronghold

• Catch up with Cur8 and Qui9.

You enter Cur8's office to find him and Qui9 already there. They wave you in, offer you a seat and a glass of water.

Qui9 says: Thank you for coming, <name>. I shared what we found with Cur8, and he had some new information to share as well.

Cur8 says: Straight to the point as always, Qui9… Yes, I learned that Luz used to work as a Consortium-sanctioned therapist, until she was removed for malpractise. The details of her infractions are classified, but any potential employers would be able to access that information. Therefore, either the Carnival is grossly negligent-

Qui9 interrupts: Or Etheel Hayes approved, even orchestrated the incidents! I understand that I am pushing for one hypothesis over the rest, but I believe it is possible.

Cur8 says: I do not disagree, Qui9. Proving it, however… Ah, pardon me, but an interesting live feed has just been brought to my attention - it appears news of Luz's arrest has been made public. Allow me to share it with you…

Next area: Career Advisory, Orwell Stronghold

• Watch the video.

You turn on your CORETECHS and watch. By the time you tune in, Luz herself has the floor. She looks… happy.

Luz says: -have answered my questions. If you kill without meaning to, are you still guilty? When you push someone’s desires and they do something unspeakable, do you both share the blame? Which emotions can only be expressed under the threat of death?

She pauses, perhaps for dramatic effect, and opens her arms as she speaks. She almost looks like one of the posed corpses, the one with tendrils growing out of her chest. The orator.

Luz says: Our laws hold some answers, but not all, and each one of us has a different opinion. All I want is for people to think about these questions, to really look into themselves and answer honestly. I don't regret what I did. I don't regret being caught. Not by you.

She looks directly at the camera as she says this. An involuntary shiver rises up your spine.

• "She doesn't regret it."

Me: She doesn't regret it.

Qui9 says: No, she does not. Many patrons are excited by this turn of events, and we still don't know who helped her achieve her goal.

Cur8 says: No, but you apprehended someone responsible for murder, someone who would likely have gone on to inflict more harm.

Qui9 crosses her arms, and Cur8 puts a hand on her shoulder. It's a strange scene - you feel like you might be intruding, but equally, the demonstration might be for your benefit. Soon they sit back down.

Cur8 says: I will contact Stella and let her know who was ordering memory suppressors. She may see reduced business, if fewer people choose to become dummies and actors the next few cycles… But I cannot be sure. People may still choose to work in Tianjin.

• "Some people still need the credits."
• "Yeah, they'll go back. That's how people are."
• "I think fewer people will sign up."

Need credits:

Me: Some people still need the credits.

Cur8 says: That is true. I hope they will be safe. …Thank you again, <name>. From both of us. I am glad you stopped by my office again - we may not have learned what we did without you. And, on a more practical note, you will receive your payment soon.

Qui9 says: I wish I could remunerate you better, but the Roleplay Therapy session cost most of my disposable credits. I hope you derived at least some satisfaction from stopping Luz. Thank you.

The two nod synchronously as you leave.

You have received 1100.00 credits.

You have completed the "Bloody Evaluation" mission.

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