Very short synopsis: You win a "Golden Ticket" to visit the Paper Mill (reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). During the guided tour you see something secret. Then, at Security, you sign an NDA. Rewards are 100 credits and 7 tier 3 rations.
Your tour of the Paper Mill starts as a learning experience, but ends up strangely magical.
Level: 13
Start: Clark Gable, Lounge, L 726-8 Jump Gate
Introduction
As you look around the Diner, you make eye contact with the Clark, who smiles.
Clark says: Howdy there! You look like someone with five credits to spare and a hankering for a burger! Which combo would hit the spot - milkshake or soda?
- "Milkshake."
- "Nothing today."
- "Just a burger, no drink."
- "Soda."
Nothing:
Me: Nothing today.
Clark says: Okie-dokie. If you change your mind, I'll be here all day!
You have failed the "Paper Thin Lies" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
No drink:
Me: Just a burger, no drink.
Clark says: Make that four credits, then! I'll have that ready soon, just take a seat, pal!
You have given 4.00 credits.
You find an empty booth, and by the time you sit down, a waitress comes over with your burger. As she puts your tray down, you notice there's a bar of something else - it's smaller than a ration bar, labelled Choco Bite.
Milkshake:
Me: Milkshake.
Clark says: Coming right up! Take a seat and we'll bring it over.
You have given 5.00 credits.
You find an empty booth, and by the time you sit down, a waitress comes over with your burger and shake. Your first sip of the milkshake pleasantly surprises you - it's hard to tell how similar it is to the drink of old, but it's certainly filling and sweet. As you put your glass down, you notice there's something behind the burger - it's smaller than a ration bar, labelled Choco Bite.
Soda:
Me: Soda.
Clark says: Coming right up! Take a seat and we'll bring it over.
You have given 5.00 credits.
You find an empty booth, and by the time you sit down, a waitress comes over with your burger and soda. You take a quick sip from the can and are pleasantly surprised. You don't know how similar it is to the fabled sodas of old, but it's certainly bubbly and sweet, with just a hint of citrus. As you put your drink down, you notice there's something behind the burger - it's smaller than a ration bar, labelled Choco Bite.
All three choices continue:
You have accepted the "Paper Thin Lies" mission.
- "I didn't order this… Choco Bite."
- Say nothing.
Didn't order:
Me: I didn't order this… Choco Bite.
The waitress looks confused for a second, then smiles at you.
She says: Oh, don't worry about paying, dear - it's on the house. Just make sure you have a very productive day, you hear?
She continues smiling until a tired mother waves to get her attention, then runs off to help them.
Say nothing:
You don't mention the choco bite. The waitress smiles at you as she gets hailed by a small family.
She says: Be sure to clean your plate, dear - you need energy to power you through the rest of the day!
She runs off to a help other customers, and you're left with your food.
Either choice continues:
- Start with the burger.
- Start with the Choco Bite.
Burger:
You start with the burger. It's not entirely masked its mushroom origin, but with the ambience of the diner, you can pretend you're eating something made of real Earth meat. When you're done with the burger, you unwrap the small bar. As its name implies, it can be eaten in one bite, and quite a sweet one. You're gathering the remnants of your meal when you notice something sparkling inside the Choco Bite wrapper. It looks like a prize ticket, glossy and gold.
Choco Bite:
You start with the bar which, as its name implies, can be eaten in one bite. The taste is interesting - more mild than you imagined. You move on to the burger, which is still reminiscent of mushroom, but with the ambience of the diner, you can pretend you're eating something made of real Earth meat. As you gather the remnants of your meal, you notice something sparkling inside the Choco Bite wrapper. It looks like a prize ticket, glossy and gold.
Either choice continues:
The ticket says "Big Winner!" on the front, and "Little Earth Paper Products Tour" on the back. As you turn it over in your hand, the waitress comes back and lets out a squeal of surprise.
She says: You found the golden ticket! Lucky you! I sure hope you're ready for an amazing day learning all about how paper is made. Oh, it's just magical!
- "Sure, it sounds like fun!"
- "Paper can't be that interesting."
- "It's magical?"
Magical:
Me: It's magical?
The waitress says: It sure is! Paper making is something we're proud of, and seeing all our workers doing their best to make honest-to-goodness paper is a privilege! Now, you should head to the City Hall, and let them know you found the ticket. The others have all been found, so you're the lucky last! Such a coincidence!
Can't be that interesting:
Me: Paper can't be that interesting.
The waitress says: Oh, but it is! Paper making is something we're proud of, and seeing all our workers doing their best to make honest-to-goodness paper is a privilege! Now, you should head to the City Hall, and let them know you found the ticket. The others have all been found, so you're the lucky last! Such a coincidence!
Fun:
Me: Sure, it sounds like fun!
The waitress says: That's the spirit! Paper making is something we're proud of, and seeing all our workers doing their best to make honest-to-goodness paper is a privilege! Now, you should head to the City Hall, and let them know you found the ticket. The others have all been found, so you're the lucky last! Such a coincidence!
All choices continue:
As the other patrons turn to look at the commotion, she ushers you away from the Diner with a wink.
Go to the Gov't Center, the City Hall, to show them your ticket.
Next area: Government Center, L 726-8 Jump Gate
- Look around the Hall.
You look around the hall, but aren't sure where to go. As soon as you pull out the ticket, though, two clerks usher you to the right place. One of them stays with you, and asks to see the golden ticket, so he can verify it's real.
The clerk says: We just need to do some quick checks - you wouldn't believe how many people try to forge one of our winning tickets. We had twelve just yesterday! …But it looks like you really are a winner! Congratulations!
The clerk congratulates you loudly enough that everyone around you notices what's going on. They start clapping and cheering enthusiastically, except for a handful of people who look a little sullen - perhaps they're jealous of your golden ticket. The clerk patiently waits for the clapping to finish before he addresses you again. It takes a few more units than you're comfortable with.
The clerk says: Since yours is the last ticket, the factory tour will start the next shift. We've notified the other winners, so they'll be arriving soon. While you wait, would you like some refreshments? Or perhaps you want to read magazines printed on our very own paper?
- "I would love some refreshments."
- "I'll have a look at the magazines."
- "I'm good."
Refreshments:
Me: I would love some refreshments.
The smiling clerk shows you to a small waiting area, and soon comes back with a tall glass of milkshake and a can of soda. From what you can tell, they're the same as the ones offered at the Diner. You appear to have a good mesh connection, and have plenty to do while you wait. After a segment or so, the clerk ushers other people to the waiting area.
Magazines:
Me: I'll have a look at the magazines.
The smiling clerk shows you to a waiting area. There's a small glass table with more magazines than you could hope to skim through. A fashion magazine claims knee-length polka dot dresses are in this cycle, a business magazine reports the Jump Gate's highest imports and exports, an extra-long issue on cooking shows happy families around a dinner table. There are issues for children as well, some of which have already been colored in. You spend a segment or so waiting, until the clerk ushers other people to the waiting area.
Good:
Me: I'm good.
The clerk nods and shows you to a small waiting area. The magazines he offered are displayed on a glass table, as are a few knick-knacks whose purpose is a unclear - paperweights, decorations or children's toys? You appear to have a good mesh connection, so there's plenty to do while you wait. After a segment or so, the clerk ushers other people to the waiting area.
All choices continue:
- Look at the other ticket winners.
A couple walks in, holding hands while chatting. They choose to sit on the sofa across from you. A quiet young man follows after them, his eyes wide with excitement as he leans on the wall, taking the room in. A little girl, maybe fifteen cycles old, runs in, chased by a guardian who reminds her running isn't allowed in the City Hall. Lastly, someone dressed in a bright green shirt emblazoned with the words "Tour Guide" bids you all welcome.
The tour guide says: Hello, you lucky people! Now, I know you're excited to get going, but I need to check a couple of things first. When I call your name, please raise your hand! On the first ticket, we have Mr. José Boraita from the Consortium!
José looks confused at first, but eventually waves at the guide.
The tour guide says: Oh, my apologies! For those of you who aren't locals, the term Ser is not one we use here by default - Miss, Mr and Mx are the preferred options, just like they used to be! However, it is still your choice, so please let me know if you prefer Ser instead. …Next up are Miss Melodie Fernat and her plus one, Miss Jenn Maillot, both Gaule citizens.
From the sofa, Melodie raises her hand first, then Jenn. The two look at each other, then laugh, as though they still can't believe they're lucky enough to be here.
The tour guide says: Lovely! We couldn't refuse your better half, not when the two of you are such a perfect match! On the third ticket we have little Miss Lilah Zhang-Brentley and her parent Mx. River Brentley - both from our very own Jump Gate!
Lilah stands up to wave at the tour guide, while River nods kindly.
The tour guide says: And our last ticket was found by <name>! I'm sorry, I don't have your details yet, but we're verifying your identity as we speak. Completely routine, I assure you - just ensuring the safety of our paper-making process! In the meantime, why don't you all get to know each other?
- Talk to Melodie and Jenn.
- Talk to José.
- Talk to Lilah and River.
José:
Me: So you won a ticket too, huh?
José says: Yes, I did! I've been trying to get one for cycles - an especially hard feat when you have to import Choco Bites - but I finally managed it! Every step of the process is fascinating - refining plastic into something so close to paper is a marvel of engineering, and even more so when you consider the technology they limit themselves to in the Jump Gate! I can't wait to see every detail of its manufacture…
Melodie and Jenn:
Me: So you won a ticket too, huh?
Jenn says: Yes, she did! Mellie is great at everything, even getting lucky! Isn't that right, Mellie?
Melodie shakes her head, though she's still smiling.
Melodie says: If I were so great at everything, maybe we wouldn't be in dire financial straits - as you constantly like to remind me. And don't call me Mellie in public, you know I don't like it.
Jenn pouts, but Melodie seems used to this.
Melodie says: Besides, you're the one who loves 'the smell of paper', whatever that means. So really, you should be thanking me for coming with you.
Jenn says: Hah! I know you love drawing with sort-of-real ink on sort-of-real paper. That's the first thing you did when we got here. Artists, they're all the same-
Melodie says: The point is, we both love paper, and we got lucky during our holiday. What are the odds, et cetera.
Jenn rolls her eyes and they busy themselves with the magazines on display.
Lilah and River:
Me: So you won a ticket too, huh?
Lilah says: Yes, I did! Zaza said I could only have one Choco Bite every two days but I still got the ticket! And because I'm under thirty-five cycles old, Zaza can come as well! See, the ticket says so!
Lilah pulls out her ticket to show you, but River stops her and pockets it instead.
River says: Now, Lilah, remember what I said about flaunting your success. Besides, <name> has a ticket too, and I'm sure they're very excited! Save your energy for the tour, sweetie. The Paper Mill is going to be great!
Lilah says: Yes! I can't wait! Zaza is really happy I got the ticket too, aren't you? You were more excited than me!
River smiles, then points Lilah at a stack of magazines, reminding her she's supposed to practice reading for two segments a day. Lilah begrudgingly picks up a magazine and starts reading out loud.
All choices continue:
- "Sounds like you're looking forward to the tour."
Me: Sounds like-
The tour guide interrupts: Okay everyone! The final checks are complete, you're all in the clear! Now, follow me as I lead the way to the wonderful paper mill of Little Earth Paper Products!
Everyone around you gets up and follows the guide to the Paper Mill.
Follow the tour group to the Paper Mill.
Next area: The Paper Mill, L 726-8 Jump Gate
- Meet the tour guide at the mill entrance.
The tour guide is busy handing out visitor passes - made of local paper, of course - which you're supposed to keep with you at all times. Once you're all set, she leads you into the building through a small entrance.
The paper mill is understated, at best. The outside was plain and gray, and apparently the same is true on the inside. According to a large schedule taped to the wall, it's been a segment since the current shift started, so all workers are busy handling their tasks. The entrance area is quiet as you enter the first large, open area, 'Raw Material Processing'. It's much louder here - a host of machines whirr, rotate, and beep, their products shuttled around by conveyor belts with the assistance of humans wearing grey overalls.
The tour guide says: This is where the magic begins! The hawk-eyed among you might have noticed that we start with compressed cubes made of all sorts of household plastic waste! Plastic is notoriously difficult to break down, and many locals still use plastics dating from hundreds of cycles ago, so it's in everyone's interest to continue making use of it!
The guide points at a receptacle of plastic cubes, each the size of your head. A man is pulling them from their receptacle onto a conveyor belt, and when he hears the tour guide's line, he smiles and brings a cube for you to inspect. It's exactly as it sounds - used plastics in all sorts of different colors, compressed into a cube. Lilah, the young girl, snatches the cube to inspect it, but soon pulls a face and hands it back. The rest of you pass it around, making idle comments about its shape and colors, before it returns to the guide.
The tour guide says: Now, can anyone tell me what you need to do to turn this cube into these?
She pulls out a handful of small plastic pellets from her pocket. The pellets are all grey, as small as a fingernail, and identical in shape. While Lilah picks up a pellet to examine it, José excitedly chimes in.
José says: It's mostly physical modifications. The cube needs to be shredded into a smaller size, and washed to remove product remnants. Assuming they're all the same kind of plastic - which they should be, judging by the uniform glossiness of the cube - then you would melt them and turn them into pellets.
The tour guide says: That is exactly right… You seem to know the recycling process quite well, José! Now, if we follow the conveyor belt, we can see each step that our learned friend described. First up, cutting the cubes down to size…
She puts the cube back onto the conveyor belt, and starts following it along, pointing at every piece of machinery, and explaining what every worker's role is. However, you're soon distracted by someone tugging on your arm.
Lilah says: This is boring! Zaza says it's important to know how we make paper, but everything is grey and you can't even eat any of it, or play with it!
- "It's not exciting, but learning new things is important."
- "I think the tour is boring, too."
- "Who is Zaza?"
- "I think the tour is interesting."
Zaza:
Me: Who is Zaza?
Lilah says: Zaza! It's like… Papa and Mama. But I have a Zaza!
- "It's not exciting, but learning new things is important."
- "I think the tour is boring, too."
- "I think the tour is interesting."
Interesting:
Me: I think the tour is interesting.
Lilah puffs her cheeks and looks away from you, but River nods in agreement.
River says: Besides, paper is very important to us. Don't you like drawing?
Lilah says: Yes, but this is not drawing!
River says: …I can't argue that. Well, as long as you're listening, you can have a look around, but slowly, okay? No running.
Learning new things:
Me: It's not exciting, but learning new things is important.
Lilah puffs her cheeks and looks away from you, but River nods in agreement.
River says: Paper is very important to us - don't you like drawing?
Lilah says: Yes, but this is not drawing!
River says: …I can't argue that. Well, as long as you're listening, you can have a look around, but slowly, okay? No running.
Boring:
Me: I think the tour is boring, too.
Lilah's eyes light up, and she starts giggling. River, on the other hand, lets out a sigh.
River says: I suppose it's hard for some kids to care about this sort of thing. …Well, as long as you're listening, you can have a look around, but slowly, okay? No running.
All three choices continue:
Lilah says: Okay! I'm going to talk to that person there!
She points at a woman controlling a machine full of levers and buttons, then promptly runs over to her. River shakes their head, but they're smiling.
- Continue the tour
As you turn your attention back to the tour, you notice the group has been fragmented. José is talking animatedly to the tour guide, who seems to have trouble with his questions. Melodie and Jenn are in front of a pellet container, arguing in hushed tones while running the pellets through their hands. River is half listening to the tour guide, half keeping an eye on Lilah.
José says: I just have so many questions about how you dissolve plastics and remove impurities! Do you use calcium carbonate, or have you found another process? How closely do you have to monitor the temperature? I think that's the core of the tour, so I'd really like to move on to plastic dissolution.
The tour guide says: I understand, but I want to make sure everyone is keeping up. We like to give our lucky winners some time to explore the room, to get excited by all our machinery and hard-working staff!
José says: I understand, but-
Jenn says: No, because you couldn't possibly care what I think!
Everyone's heads turn towards the couple, thanks to Jenn's sudden shout.
Melodie says: I care about you and what you think, Jenn. But you have to admit that ink permeability is really the reason we're here on the tour.
Jenn says: We'll put that to the test, then! Hey, hey you!
Jenn storms toward the tour guide, then drags her back to Melodie.
Jenn says: When it comes to paper value, which is more important, ink permeability or the smell and feel of the paper?
The tour guide says: Well, both are important, but in different ways. Perhaps it's time to go to the next room-
Melodie says: No, no, I'm sure there's an objective answer. If you had to choose only one property, which would be worth more? Paper that smelled and felt like plastic but could absorb ink well enough to print and write with, or paper which smelled and felt as it should, but was hard to write on?
Jenn scoffs, but suddenly José chimes in.
José says: Those are very different properties. Even if we were comparing, we would end up with very fluctuating values. Certain collectors care a lot about texture, and only require a certain amount of permeability, so they might buy specific pieces for a lot of credits. On the other hand, paper that's easy to write with might be mass-produced and consumed…
As their argument continues, River drifts away - presumably going after Lilah, who is nowhere to be found.
- De-escalate the argument.
- Find Lilah and River.
- Step away from the group.
De-escalate:
(Social check)
You try to calm everyone down, reminding them that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they're clearly all very passionate about paper… But that only seems to make it worse.
Melodie says: When you're passionate about something, you want to get it right!
José says: I agree, but without knowing what you're trying to do, it's hard to find an answer to the question. They're both important.
Jenn says: How do you know so much, anyway? It's not like you work here, otherwise why would you come on the tour? It's a little suspicious…
José starts getting flustered, then shakes his head and walks off to the next room.
Melodie says: I guess we won't get our answer, then.
The tour guide says: Listen., you're all very knowledgeable, and that's admirable. Your enthusiasm is contagious as well! So why don't we continue the tour? Maybe one of my colleagues can answer your questions…
She's still smiling, but you get the feeling that this situation is making her uncomfortable. Eventually Jenn and Melodie shrug and start walking, and the guide breathes a sigh of relief as she leads them onwards.
Continue the tour of the Paper Mill.
- Go to the Plastic Refinery area.
You follow the guide to the next area, Plastic Refinery, and are greeted by lots of vats. Most are close off and opaque, so you have a hard time seeing what's inside. Each of them has a label - you see Impurity Removal Steps 1 through 8, Sedimentation, Dissolution.
The tour guide says: As you can see, turning plastic pellets into paper is a very complicated process! Each step is carefully regulated according to our previous experiments and data, and carried out by our fine staff!
As she speaks, she waves to various people going about their work, who stop to smile at you. then resume their work with even more enthusiasm.
The tour guide says: So, looking around you, what do you think the first step is? What happens to the pellets first?
While her question could have been aimed at anyone, it's clear she's looking at you to answer. José looks like he's struggling to hold back his answer, but is polite enough not to jump in given the previous argument. Melodie and Jenn are busy walking around the Sedimentation tank, talking quietly among themselves.
- "I think José wants to answer."
- Stay silent.
- Make an educated guess.
Silent:
You stay quiet… But the guide's attention stays on you.
- "I think José wants to answer."
- Make an educated guess.
Guess:
(Intelligence check)
Me: I suppose first you would dissolve the pellets. Although I'm not sure why you would make pellets in the first place, if you were going to dissolve them right away.
The tour guide says: That's actually a very good question, <name>! You see, these pellets can be stored easily, and they can be sent between different factories. If we are short on plastic, for example, we might import these pellets from somewhere else, and start the process here. After these pellets are dissolved… Hm, we seem to have lost half the group. José, could you ask Melodie and Jenn to come back? And <name>, could you find River and Lilah? Little Lilah seems to have taken a liking to you, after all.
José:
(Intelligence check)
Failure:
Me: I think José wants to answer.
The tour guide says: Oh, um, well, I know the answer, but you should probably answer anyway…
The guide smiles at you, still waiting.
Me: I don't know…. Remove impurities?
The tour guide says: Close, but not quite! It's hard to work with the pellets in this form, so you need to dissolve them first. But wait, why would you make pellets, then dissolve them again, you ask? Well, the pellets can easily be stored and sent between different factories. If we are short on plastic, for example, we might import these pellets from somewhere else, and start the process here.
José nods along with the explanation. You don't get the feeling he's trying to annoy you… but it's also not very considerate.
The tour guide says: After these pellets are dissolved… Hm, I'd love to continue, but we seem to have lost half the group. José, could you ask Melodie and Jenn to come back? And <name>, could you find River and Lilah? Little Lilah seems to have taken a liking to you, after all.
- "I think José wants to answer."
- Stay silent.
- Make an educated guess.
Success:
Me: I think José wants to answer.
José says: If you insist… The first step is dissolve the pellets into a form that can be altered. Modern-day recycling and repurposing doesn't often use pellets, but I suppose in Little Earth, you would use more anachronistic technology…
The tour guide says: That's right! Here in Little Earth Paper Products, we pride ourselves in doing our work with good, honest labor - mixing by hand, using technologies that were available to us long ago. Because of this… Hm, perhaps I should wait for the rest of the group to be done wandering. José, could you ask Melodie and Jenn to come back? <name>, could you find River and Lilah? Little Lilah seems to have taken a liking to you, after all.
Both paths continue:
- Find River.
It doesn't take long for you to find River. They look busy, checking behind every pipe and box. They jump as you approach.
River says: <name>, what is it? I'm just… looking for something.
Me: We need to get back to the tour.
River says: Yes, right. I would, but I can't find Lilah. I checked the room three times - she's not here. Should I… no, I'll let them know, so they can help find her. I don't want to stop the game of hide and find, but she could be somewhere dangerous…
You eventually convince River to come back with you to the central vat. Melodie and Jenn seem to have joined the group, though they're looking a little irritated.
The tour guide says: Oh dear. Where's Lilah? We really need to continue the tour if we want to finish this shift…
Find Lilah and River:
You leave them to their arguments and look for Lilah and River. A sudden bout of giggling directs you towards the two of them, playing catch with a large plastic cube. When Lilah sees you, she puts the cube back and runs towards you.
Step away:
You leave people to their arguments and have a look around on your own. The machine's rhythmic churning becomes less bothersome the longer you're here, and it can almost feel peaceful… Until someone tugs at your arm again.
Both choices continue:
Lilah says: Let's play hide and find! We hide and Zaza will find us both!
River says: We can play ourselves, Lilah. You don't need to drag <name> into your games…
Lilah says: But Zaza, you said it was okay if I run around and get lost here because it's safe and you want to have a look around too-
River looks mortified, and kneels down to talk to Lilah.
River says: No, no, that's not what I said.
Lilah says: But it is! You said I could run around and that would be fine!
- "Let's play hide and find."
- "It could be dangerous to hide here."
Dangerous:
Me: It could be dangerous to hide here.
Let's play:
Me: It could be dangerous to hide here.
Either choice continues:
Lilah says: No, Zaza said it was fine! Okay, <name> can be the finder then. We'll go hide!
Before you can say anything, she takes River by the hand and pulls them towards the next area of the mill, labelled Plastic Refinery. The rest of the group is already there, so hopefully it's safe enough. You close your eyes and start counting.
Play hide and find inside the Paper Mill.
- "…99, and 100. Here I come!"
(Intelligence check)
Failure:
Me: …99, and 100. Here I come!
There's no one around to hear you over the rumble of the machinery, but your declaration marks the start of your search. The room is mostly filled with obscured vats, metal pipes, consoles and boxes. Finding River should be easy - there are only a few places large enough for an adult to hide - but they seem to be quite experienced at this. Eventually, you open a locker and find them cramped inside, reading some kind of documentation booklet.
River says: There you are! I, er, I got bored and started reading something to pass the time. …Anyway, why don't you go ahead and find Lilah? I'm sure she'd be thrilled to be found by someone else, for a change.
River sits down to read, then ushers you away with a smile.
Success:
Me: …99, and 100. Here I come!
There's no one around to hear you over the rumble of the machinery, but your declaration marks the start of your search. The room is mostly filled with obscured vats, metal pipes, consoles and boxes. Finding River should be easy - there are only a few places large enough for an adult to hide - but it turns out to be too easy. They're barely trying to hide, transfixed by the documentation attached to some sort of machinery.
River says: Oh, <name>. Sorry, I was looking for a hiding spot and got distracted… Why don't you go ahead and find Lilah? I'm sure she'd be thrilled to be found by someone else, for a change.
River ushers you away with a smile.
- Look for Lilah.
(Stamina check)
Failure:
You try looking for Lilah, but you're not making much headway. You're tired, and every vat starts to blur with the others. Have you checked here already or not? Maybe she's moving when you're not paying attention? You have to stop and take a short break.
Success:
You're tired, but you keep looking for Lilah while the guide explains the intricacies of plastic melting points to the three people still listening to the tour. You get to know the room quite well, check every nook and cranny, but can't find Lilah anywhere. Soon River arrives, reaching much the same conclusion as you have.
All branches continue:
- "Lilah's missing. She's not in this room."
Me: Lilah's missing. She's not in this room.
The tour guide says: …What? I'm not sure how that could be - everywhere else requires an access pass or a key to enter. Did you check back in the Raw Material Processing room?
River says: She's not there. Please, could you give us access, or some way to find her? I hope she's not scared…
The tour guide bites her lip, and looks at her own access pass. She pockets it and holds up one finger, asking you to wait while she thinks. All around you, it's as though time has stopped. Melodie and Jenn look worried as they hold hands, and José crosses his arms in front of his chest protectively. Even the workers are paying attention - an older man stops swirling plastic slurry with his long pole, a technician looks over at your group with concern. Eventually, the guide sighs and addresses River.
The tour guide says: You have to understand, the tour we offer is very limited - we have to protect the secrets of paper making, even as we want everyone to learn about its benefits. I can't exactly let you look for her, so I'll ask a few of our staff to-
River says: But your security wasn't good enough to keep her out! Please, let me look for her. You can come with me, if you're worried - or would it be better if we all went and kept an eye on each other? Please, just let me find her.
The tour guide says: …Alright. If she followed one of our staff and ran behind them before the automatic door closed, she could be in one of the adjacent storage rooms. River, <name>, come with me. Melodie, Jenn and José, keep looking in this room. If she comes back, let someone know, and they'll contact me.
Jenn says: We want to help - maybe José can stay while we check the storage rooms? We'll just be in and out…
José says: No, I really think you should both stay. I love hide and find, I'm sure I could find her quickly-
The tour guide says: No, you three stay. And don't touch anything while I'm gone.
She starts walking towards a storage room, marked SR-002.
Find Lilah in the Paper Mill.
- Search room SR-002.
The guide opens the door to room SR-002, which houses many large, transparent bags filled with plastic pellets. There are boxes full of spare plastic bags and number tags, and a dozen metallic tubes propped against the wall. There are very few places to hide, and soon you're sure she's not here.
The tour guide says: Let's look in the next room.
- Search room SR-004.
The guide lets you into room SR-004. It's large enough to house a few empty metallic containers and half a dozen barrels, empty at the moment. The three of you search, but Lilah isn't here either.
The tour guide says: The next room… Well, it could be dangerous. Please, look for her as fast as possible. You don't want to spend more time there than strictly necessary.
River says: Of course, we'll be quick.
- Search room DR-006.
You're ushered into DR-006, where you see Lilah standing triumphantly. Her hands hold the end of a large, gray sheet, which was likely covering the huge transparent vat in the middle of the room. As the automatic door closes behind you, you realize this is definitely not a storage room.
Lilah says: Zaza, look what I found! It's a stormy sea from Earth, like you taught me about!
Her description is apt. The bottom half of the vat is covered in murky liquid, churning as though in the middle of a storm. A thin metallic pole rises from the center of the vat, the small flag at its tip fluttering every which way. Above the liquid are storm clouds - first yellow, then purple, lit in intermittent flashes. There are occasional booming noises, their timing matched with the flashes of light.
All of a sudden, the noise and movement stops. The room is silent, the liquid stops swirling, and small flakes of all colors slowly fall to the bottom of the tank, delicate glitter falling like motes of dust. As they settle at the bottom of the tank, they're sucked out, and soon the churning and rumbling resumes.
Lilah says: It's like magic! Zaza, why do they have a storm? Do you need storms to make paper?
Lilah's words snap all of you out of a trance. River picks up Lilah, both of them smiling. The tour guide escorts you out of the room, her lips pursed… But as you exit, Jenn holds the door open and peers inside. Melodie and José aren't far behind.
Jenn says: Wow… How does this work?
José says: I'm not sure, but whatever that is, it's beyond Old Earth technology.
The tour guide says: That's enough! The tour is over. All of you, follow me to Security, now.
You can tell that the events pushed the tour guide past her limit. She's still smiling, but it's the kind of smile that tells you repercussions will follow swiftly and without mercy. She leads you back out the way you entered the paper mill, and all the way to Security.
Follow the tour guide to Security.
Next area: Security, L 726-8 Jump Gate
- Follow the tour guide.
The tour guide leads you to a small room, furnished only with a few chairs and a desk. She doesn't lock the door as she leaves, but judging by the Sheriff's Officers outside, there's no need for locks.
- Look at José.
- Look at River and Lilah.
- Look at Jenn and Melodie.
River and Lilah:
Lilah seems to understand that they're in trouble, and stays unusually quiet. River is helping her retie her hair and rearrange her dress after so much running around, but they seem distracted. When River notices you watching, they give you a tired smile.
- Look at José.
- Look at Jenn and Melodie.
Jenn and Melodie:
Jenn and Melodie are holding hands, but not whispering to each other this time. Their attention keeps shifting, but there's little in this room to keep them occupied. They look the least worried out of everyone here.
- Look at José.
José looks like he's never been to Security before - like a child caught cheating on a test for the first time. He's fidgeting, though when you make eye contact, he gives you a small, nervous laugh.
- Look at the guide.
The tour guide finally returns, followed by a tall man wearing a long brown coat. They bring two chairs with them, and sit down in a corner of the room.
The tour guide says: I have some ideas about why you're here. I would like to run them by you, one by one. There's no need to say anything until I directly ask you - in fact, it would be safer for you that way. In case you're wondering, this is Mr. Redstock, who works with local Security. He's here to make sure everything happens above board… even if there is a spy among you. Now, let's start with José Boraita.
Her eyes are cold and calculating - and perhaps a little hurt. He shrinks under her gaze, sinking into his chair.
The tour guide says: You have been exceedingly clear that you know paper production inside-out, every step of the process. You asked all manner of questions, many of which are clearly secrets of the trade. Whether you thought I would answer without thinking, or that you could find out some other way, I'm not sure, but it's hard not to find you suspicious.
Jenn suppresses a small laugh, but the guide's eyes turn to hers.
The tour guide says: Melodie Fernat and Jenn Maillot. First you insist that we allow your girlfriend to come on the tour - which we graciously allowed, as good hosts - only to bicker the whole time. Whether a couple should or shouldn't act like that is irrelevant, but at every turn, you found a way to turn your disagreements into a reason to sulk off near restricted areas. Don't think I wasn't paying attention.
Melodie blushes, while Jenn crosses her arms, daring her to keep talking. The guide eyes the next accused.
The tour guide says: Lilah and River Brentley… At first I thought Lilah was acting as any child would - curious, excited, and with a desire to explore. However, I'm skeptical of River's inability to keep an eye on her. Could she really have gotten lost in a restricted room like that without help? Did you use your daughter as an excuse to sneak around, looking for trade secrets?
Before River can object, the turns to you… And for the first time since arriving here, her words lose conviction.
The tour guide says: As for you, <name>… Well, I'm not sure. Your ticket was the most suspect - according to our sources, the 'waitress' who gave it to you was an agent of a rival plastic recycling company. But as for your actions, I'm not sure they are those of an undercover operative…
Figure out who the spy is.
- Convince them you have no idea what's going on.
- Logically explain why you're not a spy.
- "…Maybe I am the spy, then."
I am the spy:
Me: …Maybe I am the spy, then.
The guide raises an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything. You can feel Lilah's eyes on you, but you're not sure if she's excited to meet a spy, or heartbroken that you might be one.
- Convince them you have no idea what's going on.
- Logically explain why you're not a spy.
Logically explain:
(Intelligence check)
Failure:
You try to make your case, but her cold gaze makes it hard to concentrate.
Success:
Me: I know very little about the details of paper making, and barely asked any questions - I spent most of my time interacting with other people. Besides, I don't know the waitress. Perhaps she was looking to give that ticket to a spy, but mistakenly gave it to me?
The tour guide says: Hm… We would have to check our surveillance tapes to make sure, but it is true that you didn't show much interest in the minutiae of our operation. I can probably tick you off the list of suspects.
Convince:
(Social check)
Failure:
You try to find a way to explain yourself, but her cold gaze makes it hard to concentrate.
Success:
Me: I have no idea what's going on. I went to the Diner, bought a meal, and found a winning ticket in my Choco Bite. I didn't recognize the waitress, I just decided to come to the free tour.
The tour guide says: I see. …Well, our surveillance would agree with you. At least I can tick off one possible suspect from the list.
Both choices continue:
- "Is it possible no one is a spy?"
- "I think River is the spy."
- "Could they all be spies?"
- "I think José is the spy."
- "I think Jenn and Melodie are the spies."
No one:
Me: Is it possible no one is a spy?
The tour guide says: I suppose, if your ticket was the one intended for a spy, that no one here is responsible. However, everyone's actions are suspicious-
All:
Me: Could they all be spies?
The tour guide says: All of them? From different organizations, perhaps? Their actions are suspicious-
Both choices continue:
River says: Please, I'm not a spy. My daughter found the ticket, and she was excited to come here. She's never excited by anything educational, so I thought this would be perfect. I admit, I should have kept a closer eye on her, but she was having fun running around, and I thought she would at least have good memories of a learning experience…
Jenn says: That reminds me of my nephew. Different kids learn in different ways.
The guide takes a deep breath, but almost regains her smile.
José says: I'm not a spy either! …I admit, I did want to find out the exact process of paper making, but that's because I'm a chemist. My work is on metal alloys, so I'm not looking to do anything with what I learn, I just find the process fascinating. The sublimation step, especially…
He stops himself, then tries to sit up straighter.
José says: Please, believe me, I was just curious. I promise never to tell anyone what I learn in the Paper Mill - I'm happy to sign anything you want me to.
The tour guide nods - perhaps she already knew he was a chemist. Her eyes turn to Melodie, and while Jenn looks ready to fight whoever might accuse her, Melodie puts a hand on her shoulder.
Melodie says: I'm an artist, and I love all sorts of works from Before. When I learned about papier-mâché - sculptures made of sheets of paper glued together - I really wanted to try it. The problem is, the sheets aren't cheap, not in the quantities I'd need. We wanted to go somewhere for our anniversary, so we decided we could come here - have a break from modern troubles, and learn a bit about paper while we're here.
Jenn says: It was coincidence that we found the golden ticket, but it also felt like a sign. We decided to come to the tour and see what we could learn about paper, but I suppose we got a bit carried away. …Sorry.
Melodie and Jenn look at each other, then sit a little closer together. The tour guide looks inquiringly at the man from Security, who shuffles a stack of papers and hands her one. After a few units of scrutiny, she nods.
The tour guide says: I apologize. Your background check agrees with what you're saying - perhaps you could have sold what you learned in the Paper Mill, but I believe that you came here hoping to learn for your own reasons. Perhaps you were all hoping to enjoy the tour, after all…
Lilah says: I did! I did! Everything was grey, but I liked the magical storm you hid under the blanket!
José:
Me: I think José is the spy.
The tour guide says: It's entirely possible. His actions were the most suspicious-
José says: Wait, I'm not a spy! I, er, I admit that I wanted to find out the exact process of paper making, but that's because I'm a chemist. My work is on metal alloys, so I'm not looking to do anything with what I learn, I just find the process fascinating. The sublimation step, especially…
He stops himself, then tries to sit up straighter.
José says: Please, believe me, I was just curious. I promise never to tell anyone what I learn in the Paper Mill - I'm happy to sign anything you want me to.
The tour guide nods - perhaps she already knew he was a chemist. Her eyes turn to Melodie, and while Jenn looks ready to fight whoever might accuse her, Melodie puts a hand on her shoulder.
Melodie says: I'm an artist, and I love all sorts of works from Before. When I learned about papier-mâché - sculptures made of sheets of paper glued together - I really wanted to try it. The problem is, the sheets aren't cheap, not in the quantities I'd need. We wanted to go somewhere for our anniversary, so we decided we could come here and learn about paper…
Jenn says: It was coincidence that we found the golden ticket, but it also felt like a sign. We decided to come to the tour and see what we could learn about paper, but I suppose we got a bit carried away.
Melodie and Jenn look at each other, then sit a little closer together. The tour guide looks inquiringly at the man from Security, who shuffles a stack of papers and hands her one. After a few units of scrutiny, she nods.
The tour guide says: I apologize. Your background check agrees with what you're saying - perhaps you could have sold what you learned in the Paper Mill, but I believe that you came here hoping to learn for your own reasons. That leaves River…
River says: I'm not - of course I'm not a spy. My daughter found the ticket, and she was excited to come here. She's never excited by anything educational, so I thought this would be perfect. I admit, I should have kept a closer eye on her, but she was having fun running around, and I thought she would at least have good memories of a learning experience…
Lilah says: It was fun! Everything was grey, but that's because they were hiding the magical storm!
All branches continue:
As Lilah giggles, an awkward moment passes between the adults.
- "So, about this vat…"
Me: So, about this vat…
The tour guide says: Right. I would have you sign this declaration. It states that you will not tell anyone what you saw in the Paper Mill. While none of you are likely to be spies, you have still seen sensitive information by going into areas not covered in the tour. I know it might seem… strange, to work so hard to keep our secrets, but paper is our station's greatest source of income, and plenty of corporations would like to learn our process.
The man beside her pulls out paper copies of a declaration, and explains that a thumbprint will be enough if you don't have an analogue signature. José and Melodie sign right away, but River hesitates. Jenn is busy reading through the declaration multiple times, despite how short and simple it seems.
River says: What about Lilah?
The tour guide says: You can sign on behalf of the both of you. We will ask Lilah to sign her own declaration, once she comes of age… Although likely by then, she will have forgotten what she saw.
Jenn says: Or it'll become a formative experience - who knows! …Anyway, I've looked through the declaration, and it's quite standard. As long as no one's actively trying to profit from what we saw, or defame Little Earth Paper Products, it shouldn't be a problem. It's understandable for companies to keep their secrets, especially if the Jump Gate relies so heavily on paper as its main export…
Jenn signs as well. You're the last one left.
- Sign the declaration.
- "I won't sign this."
Won't sign:
Me: I won't sign this.
The tour guide says: Then you're not leaving this room.
Jenn says: It should be fine, <name>. There's nothing outrageous here, and worst case, you can contest it in court. In fact, if it's a problem later, let me know - I'm used to dealing with contracts.
- Sign the declaration.
You sign the declaration. The security guard piles all the signed declarations together and takes them somewhere else. The tour guide breathes a sigh of relief, and it feels like a weight has lifted off of everyone present.
The tour guide says: Thank you. I know this was not how anyone would have wanted things to go…
Jenn says: It's alright, we gave you a hard time, too. Actually, what's your name? I just realized we never asked.
River says: You're right. We were so busy, I just kept thinking of you as 'the tour guide'…
The tour guide says: Funnily enough, I'm not the usual tour guide - I'm part of Security. When Little Earth Paper Products found out there was going to be a spy, they asked me to learn enough to be a tour guide, and keep an eye out for suspicious people. I don't think I was ready for this many suspicious candidates at once…
José laughs, and Lilah follows suit.
Lilah says: What is your name? Is it… Brenda? Anna? Lucy?
The tour guide says: Good guesses - I have a lot of friends with those names! It's Carol.
Lilah says: Hello Carol!
Lilah walks up to Carol and shakes her hand vigorously. Melodie asks if she can shake hands as well, so Lilah takes turns shaking everyone's hands.
Carol says: Before I forget, take the usual tour gift - a 'week' worth of rations. I also added a few credits, for your trouble. I know coming to the Sheriff's station is stressful, and I was not the best guide…
Melodie says: Thank you. Rations are easy for us to take back on our trip, and they'll never go to waste. Besides, we still learned a lot during the tour. Maybe we'll be back, if my new works of art take off…
Carol says: I hope they will. Safe travels, everyone.
You have received 100.00 credits.
You have received 7 'Tier 3 Ration'.
You have completed the "Paper Thin Lies" mission.
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