In the Government Center, a robed man seems keen to share info about the Sect with visitors. Are you interested in what he has to say?
Level: 4
Start: Brother Alpheus, Government Center, Daedalus
Introduction
Brother Alpheus says: Blessings of the One Life unto you, traveler. Know welcome in this place of peace and prosperity. Have you heard the Good One Word? May we be part of your life journey at this humble meeting of souls?
You have accepted the "Waste Not, Want Not" mission.
- Listen to what the man has to say.
- Decline.
Decline:
Me: I'm just passing through. No thank you.
Brother Alpheus says: Bright stars to guide you on the passing. Yet, is that not what we all do with every breath of our One Life? Move while passing through this-or-that…on our way to the final passing?
- Truly decline.
- Stop and listen to what the man has to say.
Truly decline:
Me: Really, thank you. But I'm not interested.
Brother Alpheus says: This interest is your own, traveler. We agree that it is for you to have or not have. Peace know you well, and may you find your way on the path of the One Life.
You have failed the "Waste Not, Want Not" mission. You can retake this mission and try again.
Stop and listen:
Me: Alright, I'm listening.
His expression brightens immediately.
Brother Alpheus says: We are blessed by the sun that you would hear our words!
Listen to what the man has to say
Me: Sure thing, I can chat for a few units.
His expression brightens immediately.
Brother Alpheus says: We are blessed by the sun to speak with you in this moment!
Both paths continue:
- Ask for an elaboration.
Me: So, what is this place?
The robed man beams proudly, evidently delighted to answer such a question.
Brother Alpheus says: This place is our seat of diplomacy, traveler, The Peerage. From our hard fought and hard won history we were granted our home, Daedalus Station. If the home is a body, then The Peerage is the mind. Know you much of us, traveler? Of the Prometheus Sect?
- Ask about the Prometheus Sect.
- Ask about 'Dead Eyes'.
- Express disinterest about the Sect.
Disinterest:
Me: I know enough, thanks. I prefer to steer clear of organizations like yours.
Brother Alpheus says: The unkindness is noted, traveler. Unnecessary and noted. May you be on your way with the knowing that we wish the stars guide you back to us when the One Path is desired. Peace to you in the One, traveler.
- Leave the man. End involvement.
- Apologize.
Apologize:
Me: I didn't mean to sound unkind. Most people are cautioned to stay away from the Promethean Sect. Maybe it would be in my best interest to hear you out.
Brother Alpheus says: Then I take it, we may speak further?
- Ask about 'Dead Eyes'.
- Ask about the Prometheus Sect.
Dead Eyes:
Me: I know that some people call you 'Dead Eyes'.
Brother Alpheus says: Name calling has been a weapon of humanity since we first boiled up from the seas, traveler. One would do well to pay little mind to the things said by those who would wish us ill.
- "Dead Eye" sounds about right. We're done here.
- Ask if 'Dead Eye' is derogatory,
Derogatory:
Me: That may be so. So it is said to harm?
Brother Alpheus says: Often, yes… but troubles us not. May we then speak further on kinder topics?
- Ask about the Prometheus Sect.
- Ask the man what he wishes to speak about. (if you've already asked about the Sect)
- Express disinterest about the Sect.
Ask about the Prometheus Sect
Me: What can you tell me about the Prometheus Sect?
Brother Alpheus says: It is the honored occupation of this one to better acquaint travelers to our ways. The honor would be ours to show you the One Path, in hopes that the feet of the traveler would find some comfort there. Is your question answered?
- Ask about 'Dead Eyes'.
- Ask the man what he wishes to speak about. (if you've already asked about 'Dead Eyes')
- Express disinterest about the Sect.
Ask the man what he wishes to speak about
Me: Do continue. I'm listening.
He smiles gently, evidently grateful for your attention and interest.
Brother Alpheus says: Traveler, the name given to this humble servant is Brother Alpheus. We are honored to have you receive the words of the One. These words pass freely from soul to soul and belong to all of us, together. We wish you to think on the grand statistical improbability that my voice should have ever met your ears. From the vastness of space, think on it: how unlikely it is that we should have come into contact with one-another. Yet, perhaps there is no ‘another’, perhaps there is, and always had been, simply One. You were brought here, to this moment, to this encounter. It had always been destined on your path. The One Path.
- Ponder the scale of the universe.
- Suggest that all life is dictated by random chance.
Ponder the scale
Me: Those statistical odds are pretty overwhelming. Wow…
Brother Alpheus says: Every encounter a life comes across or falls into is a singular piece of a grand puzzle of meaning, traveler. Our One Life is rich with such adventures planned for the nourishment of the One Soul.
Random chance:
Me: That sounds great, but you aren't considering the possibility that this is all random chance?
Brother Alpheus says: We know no random chance, traveler. The stars have known and set our paths long before we came into existence. Where we’ve been, where we are, and that which we go into, these have been given to us as our One Life.
Either choice continues:
- Ask how the Sect views the Catastrophe.
Me: In light of all that, how does the Sect explain the Catastrophe?
Brother Alpheus smiles again. There's an air of reflective patience in his softly-spoken manner.
Brother Alpheus says: The Catastrophe is a lofty event to ponder, traveler. Truly, to find that you consider such things worthy of interest brings hope to our heart. This soul which stands before us to hear our One Word is an open one.
- Ask him to elaborate.
Me: With so many theories, I'd be interested in what the Prometheus Sect has to say about the event.
Brother Alpheus says: Would one of those theories you mention involve the idea the that Sect caused the Catastrophe?
- Blame the Catastrophe on Sect involvement.
- Claim to not know.
- Deny.
Claim to not know
Me: With so many conflicting theories, I don’t really know what to think.
Deny:
Me: I was just wondering what the Sect view of the Catastrophe is. I wasn’t meaning to insult or accuse.
Blame:
Me: The Sect has been known to purposely blow things up. It isn't a huge leap to assume involvement in ending most of humanity.
All choices continue:
Brother Alpheus says: All walks of life acknowledge the Catastrophe as a defining moment in our humanity. Defining, because of what it did and what it gave unto us. It took many lives, this is so. But gave us a stronger understanding of what life is. The Prometheus Sect is fearful of the event, but know well to learn from it.
Alpheus pauses, choosing his words carefully.
He adds: The Catastrophe was midwife to suffering on a scale beyond us to comprehend. Desperation touched many who'd known it not before. For some, it sends them looking for answers… Comforts, of which the Sect can provide some…
- "Using the Catastrophe as a recruitment opportunity is wrong."
- "Makes sense. You're offering something people need."
Benefiting from the Catastrophe makes good sense
Me: I could see where an event like the near extinction of humanity would benefit a movement like the Prometheus Sect. Makes sense. People are confused. You're offering something they need…
Brother Alpheus says: Those lost may find their way with us … with their One Life. Here, our brothers and sisters do not go hungry. The children are well loved and fed as part of us. You see? We all know our use, traveler, and we, as a part of the whole, work in harmony to our goal of unity on the One Path. It is as the stars intended.
Wrong:
Me: The Catastrophe was a horrific massacre, yet the Prometheus Sect benefits from it? On some stations, the people are starving, Brother Alpheus. In some places, people are forced to sell their children for ration creds. The Catastrophe is not some near-forgotten moment in our long history. Some feel the harshness of the effects even now.
Brother Alpheus says: Those lost may find their way with us … with their One Life. Here, our brothers and sisters do not go hungry. The children are well loved and fed as part of us. You see? We all know our use, traveler, and we, as a part of the whole, work in harmony to our goal of unity on the One Path. It is as the stars intended.
Either choice continues:
- Ask if everyone on Daedalus is part of the Prometheus Sect.
- Ask how you can learn more about the Sect.
- Tell him you've heard enough about the Sect for today. Make your excuses and leave.
Ask if everyone on Daedalus is part of the Prometheus Sect
Me: But not everyone on Daedalus Station is part of the Prometheus Sect, right?
Brother Alpheus says: All who are born are born into their One Life, whether they care to acknowledge that path or not. We are One, all of us. Some may resist that unity, but with time, usually find their way back.
As usual, Alpheus's words are somewhat cryptic, with details proving slippery and vague once again. You wonder if he always talks like this.
- Ask how you can learn more about the Sect.
Me: It seems you have many answers to offer. How can I learn more?
Brother Alpheus says: Let us offer your One Mind more than simple words, traveler. We see great promise in the strength of your character. Come with us on the Walk of P-15. It is our pilgrimage to that place which offers much life and prosperity.
- Decline the Walk of P-15.
- Agree to the Walk of P-15.
- Ask for more information.
More information:
Me: I'm not sure I know what you're offering. What is the Walk of P-15?
Agree to the Walk of P-15
Me: Sure. That sounds interesting.
Either choice continues:
Perhaps sensing a potential recruit, Brother Alpheus seems warmed by your interest in the Sect.
Brother Alpheus says: The Walk of P-15 is the first step on the pilgrimage of understanding the meaning of our words. All of the Prometheus Sect not born into this faith take these steps before accepting the One Life, while others who have been in the Sect for decades stroll the path to regain clarity and peace. The fee for the tour is 50 credit paid to us but once paid, we can continue this fascinating examination of words and ideas, together.
- Ask if this means you would be joining the Sect.
- Decline the Walk of P-15. (if you haven't already agreed to it)
Me: Will I have to join the Prometheus Sect if I agree to go with you?
Brother Alpheus says:…’have to’ is such an abstract concept to us, traveler. You will not feel force in any form, we assure this. Yet, do not be alarmed if your One Soul begs a direction on this forked path. It has been known to happen – you may never wish to leave us. We are you, after all. You are already us.
You sense that Alpheus's way of speaking creates a sort of shroud of mystique around its topic, such that clear answers are hard to come by. Perhaps this somehow reflects a Promethean mindset and view of the universe.
- Ask about where this takes place.
Me: Where does this Walk of P-15 lead? Where would we be going?
Brother Alpheus says: P-15 is our sacred core of Daedalus; the One Heart of the body; the Phosphorus Plant, from which much life is granted. Our honored and cherished symbol of life as a functional, fruitful giver of plenty. But you'll need to pay the fee first.
- Decline the invitation.
- Ask him to waive the fee entirely.
Waive:
(Social check)
Failure
Brother Alpheus says nothing but simply shakes his head. Your plea for him to waive the fee is unsuccessful.
Success
Me: This seems like an educational use of time. I really want to do it but… I can't pay.
Brother Alpheus smooths a hand down his long beard in contemplation. Eventually he nods sympathetically.
Brother Alpheus says: OK. This one time, the fee will be waived. To P-15 we go for a deeper understanding of the value of One. We shall see you at P-15.
Travel to the Daedalus Station Phosphorous Plant, P-15 to meet up with Brother Alpheus.
Next NPC: Brother Alpheus at P-15, Plant P-15, Daedalus
- Seek out Brother Alpheus
The once great phosphorus processing plant seems to have known better days. Under the management of The Prometheus Sect, the plant is functional and productive, yet seems to have been patched with whatever scrap was convenient for the job at the time. It is a hulking structure, with massive ductwork and pipes running into it from most all directions. The security force is plentiful and clearly part of the Sect, themselves. Brother Alpheus offers a smile while purposely ignoring the bad timing of screams from a young woman who is being violently detained by security.
Me: Brother Alpheus, what is going on, here?
Brother Alpheus says: This is P-15, traveler. The heart of all Daedalus. The source of life.
- Ask about the woman.
Me: Surely you see that woman, there?
Brother Alpheus says: If not seen, then certainly heard!
Brother Alpheus’ words are offered disgustedly. He shakes his head to regain his warm composure while guiding the tour along.
Brother Alpheus says: …When the cease-fire treaty was signed, and Consortium agreed to allowing us our home of Daedalus…
- Ask if she is being harmed and why.
- Express that it is difficult to hear over the woman's cries.
- Ask Alpheus to continue with the tour.
Being harmed:
Me: I think they're hurting her! Why are they yanking her around?
Difficult to hear:
Me: I'm sorry, it's just that … all this noise … it's hard to hear.
Either choice continues:
The barely restrained woman says: You!! You have to stop them!! Stop what they’re doing! The phosphorus is …
Brother Alpheus smiles, somewhat nervously. He seems keen to project an air of normality, but is clearly a little concerned about the unsettling confrontation across the room.
- Demand an explanation about what's happening.
Me: That was….what happened? Why was she screaming and being detained?
For the first time, Brother Alpheus betrays some impatience and frustration, evidently displeased with the guards inefficient handling of the woman.
Brother Alpheus says: The Resistance. Rabble from the Ruins. You ask if all here are followers of the One Life? Some would prefer the life be given to them rather than earned through experience.
- Ask Brother Alpheus to clarify what he means.
Me: You're saying she's some kind of freeloader?
Brother Alpheus says: Most in the Ruins fail to contribute to the One Life in any meaningful way. We work to better us all as a whole. That’s part of why we cherish this plant and commit to the Walk of P-15 —- Those below resent that which we strive to achieve.
- Ask about the phosphorus.
Me: She said …the phosphorus is…something. That it needs to be stopped?
You glance at the grubby ore surrounding you on its various conveyors. Perhaps it's not surprising that this key fertilizer ingredient should provoke such strong passions, given its economic significance for the system. Most hydroponic plant growth relies on it, as do various fungus-based foodstuffs. Alpheus seems keen to dismiss your curiosity.
Brother Alpheus says: Perhaps she is not from the ruins and is instead a spy for Gaule? Who says such things? We are guilty of nothing but productivity. We give to the plant, the plant gives to us…this is a functional cycle of prosperity. May we carry on, or would you like to end our tour?
- Continue with the pilgrimage.
- Abandon the tour. Turn your attention to the woman's plight instead.
- Abandon the tour and end involvement in this.
Continue with the pilgrimage
Me: I’d like to see more and learn about the Sect.
Brother Alpheus says: Many places are adrift among the countless stars. Many stations filled with many people. People, those who have not doomed their path with cloning, are already on the One Path…In their One Life… The thing that makes this place, our home Daedalus different from all those other places… is that this place gives life to those other places.
- Inquire about the phrase 'gives life.'
- Ask if there is something wrong with clones and cloning.
Inquire about the phrase 'gives life.’
Me: The phosphorus you mean? Gives life? Creates life?
Brother Alpheus says: It does yes. The One Life… Fertilizer for food, for existence. The One calls me away, traveler. Do return to the Peerage after some time so that we may properly conclude what has been a wonderful talk.
Clones:
Me: Is there something wrong with clones?
As you chat, you note that Brother Alpheus is now bringing you back to where the tour started. You can't help but notice that much of the facility seems to be off-limits to visitors, with most doors equipped with security systems and prominent hazard labels.
Brother Alpheus says: Nothing necessarily wrong, nothing necessarily right… nothing necessarily …at all. They simply are not of the One Life; they have forsaken that. The One calls me away, traveler. Do return to The Peerage after some time so that we may properly conclude what has been a wonderful talk.
Either choice continues:
- Offer gratitude.
- Complain about the credits. (if you paid for the tour)
Offer gratitude
Me: Thank you for the education, Brother Alpheus.
Brother Alpheus says: If ever you see your way into our One Life, we will welcome you with open arms, traveler. And please, do come to see me later, there is something I would share with you. It concerns some of what you've seen here today.
Alpheus lets a somewhat conspiratorial silence hang for a unit, before turning and departing. Reflecting on everything you've seen, you consider your next move.
Return to The Peerage for a follow-up with Brother Alpheus, or travel to the Ruins to investigate the young woman whose arrest you witnessed.
Next NPC: Brother Alpheus, Government Center, Daedalus
- Seek out Brother Alpheus
OR
- Ask around in the Ruins for info about the arrested woman.
Alphaeus:
Brother Alpheus appears to be in the middle of a hushed conference with a number of officials. Once he notices you, he excuses himself and crosses to your position with an outstretched hand.
Me: Brother Alpheus?
Brother Alpheus says: Ah, traveler. You’ve returned. Please keep your One Life as sacred and know the path is a path we all share. Our time is occupied, yet the Prometheus Sect will always be willing to welcome you in to us, so long as the One Life is intact.
A strange silence hangs as Alpheus pauses, clearly intent on saying something further. Eventually, after a few units hesitation, he spits it out.
Alpheus adds: You saw some… troubled scenes earlier. In the plant. Some of the officials here, they wanted to show appreciation for your discretion on the matter. We do not wish to be seen in a negative light… They wish to compensate you for your understanding.
Brother Alpheus passes you a credit chit, then bows slightly in a gesture of solemn gratitude, before returning to the discussion with his fellow Sect members. You're left to reflect on a strange initiation into the world of the Promethean Sect as you turn for the exit.
You have received 15.00 credits.
You have completed the "Waste Not, Want Not" mission.
Turn attention to the woman's plight:
Me: Truly, I think I've seen more than enough for today. Thank you for your time, Brother Alpheus.
Brother Alpheus says: If ever you see your way into our One Life, I will be found at government center with open arms, traveler.
You leave Alpheus and head towards the exit, still thinking about the troubled woman you saw. If she's from the Ruins as Brother Alpheus suspected, perhaps someone is worrying about her there. You resolve to find out.
Head to the Ruins on Daedalus. Search for anyone who knew the arrested woman.
- Ask around in the Ruins for info about the arrested woman.
A network of dilapidated shacks, the Ruins are host to many people, filthy and underfed. They watch your approach with interest, trepidation, and a measure of fear. They appear to be surviving by hiding, making themselves inconspicuous, in the hope it'll be enough to avert unwanted attentions of whatever it is they fear.
Their bedraggled, malnourished and neglected air is a saddening sight. You try to approach a few figures but they retreat furtively into their homes, unwilling to engage. Those that do stay long enough to exchange a few words seem to know nothing of what you describe from the Plant earlier.
You begin to question your purpose in coming here, but are interrupted by a solitary whistle, calling your attention, from the toothless, rot-ravaged mouth of an aged Ruins dweller on the other side of the scrap shanty walkway. You look over to see him point a finger to a makeshift dwelling, further along, from which a young man stares nervously at you. You take a step towards him.
Inform the Ruins residents what happened to their neighbor at the Plant today.
Next NPC: Linus, Ruins, Daedalus
- Approach the man
A man of similar age to the young woman apprehended from P15 is brave in his worry. From out of the shadows he steps out to meet you. He is thin, worn and clearly distressed.
Linus says: Where have you come from… why are you here?
After spending so much time at the Plant P-15, it feels momentarily odd to be confronted with someone not wearing robes and speaking in vague, cryptic phrases. The young man, identified by your CORETECHS as Linus, seems edgy and nervous, and yet strangely eager, as if waiting anxiously for news of something.
- Explain that you're a traveler.
Me: I come from all over.
Linus says: You say ‘I’? You are not them?
- Express no interest in joining the Prometheus Sect.
- Admit a wish to be part of the Promethean Sect.
Express no interest in joining the Prometheus Sect
Me: The Sect? No, I’m not one of them.
Linus says: What do you want with the Ruins, traveler? There’s no more here for you than there is for any of us.
- Describe the woman and the scene.
- Back out of speaking to the man about the woman of P-15.
Describe the woman and the scene
Me: I took The Walk of P15. There was a woman… Brother Alpheus from The Peerage mentioned that she might be from down here…I wanted to tell whoever would be looking for her…she’s been arrested, I think.
Linus says: Philomena. She said she would do something today. Every day she says today, something must be done… Today was that day.
- It was quite violent.
Me: They hit her very hard. She shouted to me that they had to be stopped, …something about the Phosphorus …then they struck her in the head.
Linus says: …We were in love. She is gone now.
- Gone?
Me: Maybe she's just in the Brig? What do you mean by 'gone'?
Linus says: People like us don’t just go to the brig on Daedalus. No. For the Resistance, it is death if caught out-of-line.
- Death?!
Death
Me: That's a bit extreme. The Peerage sends Resistance Fighters to their death?
Linus says: Yes, death. I am Linus, traveler. Philomena was my love… she went to P-15 to warn anyone there who was not a Dead Eye… Something is happening. We think the Dead Eyes are abducting clones for the phosphorus production. We don’t have evidence, but something is very wrong with the way The Peerage makes the creds that they do.
- A siren sounds.
A siren sounds
Me: What's that noise?!
Linus says: Leave, traveler. Quickly. Go the way you came in and if fast, you’ll get out before they arrive!
- Ask who is coming.
Ask who is coming
Me: Who?!
Linus says: The Dead Eye Peers are coming! Leave this place! Take this.
You have received 1 'Antique Tantō'.
You have completed the "Waste Not, Want Not" mission.
Wish to be part:
Me: Them? The Prometheus Sect? I’m thinking I’d like to join up. It all sounds pretty great.
Linus says: Be One in solitude, then.
Signaling for everyone to lock away in their homes, the man frowns at you, before leaving you alone on the avenue.
- Call him back. Tell him of the woman you saw at Plant P-15.
Me: WAIT! I have some information…
Linus halts his step, half turns his head, so his ear points towards you. He seems keen to hear what you have to say.
Me: I took The Walk of P15. There was a woman… Brother Alpheus from The Peerage mentioned that she might be from down here…I wanted to tell whoever would be looking for her…she’s been arrested, I think.
Linus remains motionless. It's hard to tell whether the news has no impact on him, or if he's keeping his emotions hidden.
Linus says: Philomena. Philly… She said she would do something today. Every day she says today, something must be done… It had become her way of letting off steam, just talking about it. But it sounds like today was that day it became more than that.
- Describe the scene you witnessed.
Me: They hit her very hard. She shouted to me that they had to be stopped, …something about the Phosphorus …then they struck her in the head.
Linus's eyes fill with a mix of grief and rage, as he exhales slowly and deeply, trying to steady himself.
Linus says: That sounds like Philly. She… always struggled to accept it. That the Phosphorous plant served only the Sect, and not all those on Daedalus. And then there were her theories…
- Ask if Philly is his sister.
- Ask about Philly's 'theories.'
Sister:
Me: Are you related? Is she your sister?
Linus says nothing, but his eyes noticeably well up. He wipes them with his ragged sleeve.
- Ask about Philly's 'theories.'
Me: Theories? What did Philly believe?
Linus says: I could get into trouble just repeating it… Philly hates the sect for all sorts of reasons. There isn't public proof for much of what she believes.
Linus pauses suggestively, but soon realizes you have no idea what he's talking about. He spells it out.
Linus adds: Yesterday she was ranting about the Sect using secret clone slave labor in the Plant… I- I despise them myself but… it's because they dominate the station, leaving those whose one life is no longer intact to starve… Anyone that was cloned, even for medical reasons might as well not exist to them…
As he talks, Linus uses a grubby panel nearby as a mirror to straighten out his hair and scrub some of the dirt from his face. It's not immediately clear what he's suddenly scrubbing up for.
- Ask what will happen to her.
Me: What will they do with her?
Linus says: Same as last time. Worse maybe. They do what they like. We're not human to them… Cloned as a child, Philly was. Me too. Two sick twins, only a few cycles old. Our parents gave everything to make it happen… It ruined them.
Linus balls his fists, as if trying to steel himself. He seems keen to make a move, towards the station's central zones, where much of the official administrative facilities are housed.
He says: No time for memories now. I have to go see the officials in the administration. Beg them to go easy on her… Thank you for your help. I've been worried sick. Here, take this. A token of my gratitude.
You have received 1 'Antique Tantō'.
Linus thrusts something into your hands, mumbles another teary thank you, and darts off down the dusty walkway, charging off to negotiate on his sister's behalf with her captors. You head out too, unable to shake the unease about Daedalus's divided population and the Sect's dismissive, perhaps even cruel indifference to those who've experienced cloning and, in the Sect's eyes, forfeited any reasonable right to human dignity and respect.
A few segments later, you get a relieved and grateful message from Linus on your CORETECHS, informing you that he's located Philly and even been allowed to visit her in custody. The short message is laden with gratitude for your taking an interest in these destitute second-class citizens' plight.
You have completed the "Waste Not, Want Not" mission.
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