big update incoming but it's necessary to finally show something other than endless dialoguing back and forth
We have arrived
to Tanya's newsroom UNTO THE FUTURE WHERE THE WHOLE WORLD HAS BECOME...
ELEKTRONIK
SUPERSONIK
It's pretty empty here tonight, I guess the weather even affects the media.
The local news is airing. They are talking about the weather. Again.
There's sum git at the desks
Looks like he's got a bunch of news wire reports open. Oh, and minesweeper.
He looks pretty hard at work.
Sure, sure. Minesweepin' is teh hard
I'm Rosangela Blackwell, do you work here?
Certainly do. Jim Peebles, senior producer. How may I help you?
What do you do here?
I'm the head producer for the Good Morning Show. With Kathy Hardin?
Isn't that Tanya Corsey's old show?
Yes it is.
Did you work here when Tanya was still alive?
Yes, why do you ask?
I'm looking into her death.
Wasn't it an accident?
That's why I'm looking into it. Just to be sure.
Hm. Well, alright.
It's pretty empty here tonight.
Heh, well, look outside. The weather is horrible and almost everyone commutes to work. Nobody can get in, so we're running on a skeleton crew.
A note was found in Tanya's apartment. It was signed "J".
And?
And your name begins with J, did you write it?
excellent logic Rosa! One leading to the other is a perfect logical conclusion
Seriously?
You're in journalism. You know that every lead is worth following.
Well, sorry, I didn't write any note to Tanya. Not that I remember.
What can you tell me about Tanya?
I liked her. Some anchors think they are the be-all, end-all, but not her. She knew we were all in this together, and worked well with all of us. That's how you make a news show. Everyone needs to help each other.
Well, thanks for your time, mr Peebles. I might be back later.
Sure thing, I'm not going anywhere.
Well that was fucking useless.
Doesn't look like there are ANY options available to us atm. Guess we're gonna have to go seek guidance.
I see. Is he still... intact?
Yeah. He tried to get me to join a gym.
I thought as much.
Yeah, she could use some time in the gym too.
You thought so. What do you mean?
You know as well as I do. A spirit cannot be moved from this world until it is spiritually ready. It would appear that it is also the case here.
But what about George and Lia?
From my understanding, they were aware of their death when they were taken?
Yeah, they were.
Then there is your answer. They were spiritually ready to leave the world. And so were vulnerable. This... Fielding, was it? He is a lucky soul indeed. Until he is made aware, he cannot be taken. Not by you, nor by anyone else.
uhm
wait a moment here
If that is true, then why the FUCK would all of them (Lia, Michael) go into all these measures to set up protective wards and shit?? If a soul can't move on till it's ready, odds are it isn't exactly ready when it is still alive, no? And Madeline was... SORT OF aware of this all the time, but decided KILLING PEOPLE FOR THE BESTOWER WAS A BETTER SOLUTION?
FFSWTF
So wait. This is all our fault?
Whatever do you mean?
Lia, George. Just by trying to save them, we destroyed them.
I suppose... yes, it could be seen that way. But please, do NOT blame yourself. How could you have known?
Ignorance doesn't change anything.
Listen to me. Whatever, or whoever is taking these souls, they were marked long before they died. All we can do now is move forward. And save who we can.
So what, we just leave the spook to rot?
Of course not. It has been known for some spirits to become aware on their own. The right face, the right moment, anything can trigger it. And if that happens to Fielding... No, our duty is to save him, and save him we shall.
And run he did.
How? The usual rules have been chucked out the window. We make a move and he gets hammered. And we're not gonna let that happen, not again.
It is a dilemma, for certain.
We need to think about this. Plan our next move.
Of course. In fact... I might have an idea along these lines. I must confer with my host. Please, excuse me.
He is still... deceased, but in all other respects, yes. He is as well as he can be.
This... changes everything. You have no idea.
I never even considered that Peter's soul could be saved. And maybe Heather, too! Yes, Heather. If her soul wasn't taken, then she must still be lost.
And this is a good thing?
Of course. If a soul is merely lost, then it still can be saved. And maybe... so can mine.
So what's your plan?
We are approaching this from ignorance. And possibly from fear. Before I was trapped in the void, I was a spirit guide for a very long time. I can learn much from a spirit by looking at it. And talking to it. If Fielding's soul still exists, then it must be brought here.
And Heather. Heather's soul must still be out there!
And her as well, of course.
Peter Fielding's spook is at the gym, it's not too far away. You can talk to him there.
You kidding? I step out of this circle, who knows what might happen! If I die, there's a good chance I'll be an "aware" spirit, like George and Lia, and then...
ffs
Be at peace, my host. I would not ask you to do such a thing.
Well, thank heaven for that.
Besides, it is unnecessary. As you say, only spiritually aware souls are attacked. Since this Fielding is NOT spiritually aware, meeting him in his current state would be pointless. We need to awaken him before I can determine anything from him.
Uhm, won't awakening these ghosts destroy them? Aren't we trying to avoid that?
Don't be absurd. We'll put them behind this circle. They will be safe there.
And how are we supposed to do that? Spooks like me can't enter the thing.
This might surprise you, Mallone, but I did think of that. Come here.
um
What's this thing?
Call it a... totem. It was made with some of my essence. The circle was created in much the same manner, so it will make a perfect focus. When you awaken a spirit, use the totem to send them directly here. They will remain safe behind the circle, until we can determine the next course of action.
Wasn't Madeline superextra surprised when Joey showed her his spectral tie in the void, and suddenly she's managing to part left and right?
@_@
So I'll be trapped in this circle with Peter and Heather's ghosts?
I'm afraid so, my host.
Well, I suppose it can't be helped. And I guess it will be nice to see them again.
Yes.
Is there anything you can tell me about Peter? Anything at all that can help us?
No. Of all the people in our group, Peter was the one I spoke to the least. I think George once belonged to his gym, even took personal training sessions for a while. But George wasn't the personal fitness type.
I need to know everything you can tell me about Heather.
Well, there was one thing. It was a confession of sorts, you see, and she trusted me.
What was it?
You don't understand. It was a confession. It might have been a long time ago, but it was still a sacred trust. I can't betray that trust. It goes against everything I believe in.
Don't you think that, under the circumstances, she'd understand?
I'm not sure God would.
Does it really matter? What's the worst that can happen?
You lose your soul?
My God, when you put it like that...
Heather was a prostitute. She wanted to confess, but didn't feel right entering a church. She might have been jewish, judging by her name, but I think she just wanted to speak to someone who understood.
You're
so going to hell, Padre \^-^/
Understood?
Someone who had been to Grace Group meetings. Someone who had had a life-changing revelation, like me. I don't know what her revelation was, but she wanted to purge herself of her old life. So she asked if I could come to her apartment and listen to her. And so I did.
Do you remember where she lived?
I was a priest entering the house of a prostitute. It's not something you forget. She lived by Thompkin's Square Park. Here's the address.
I guess we should get going.
Then I do believe our task is concluded. I will return outside.
Uhm, hey, Madeline?
Yes, my host?
It's all right.
All right?
Yeah, stay inside. It's cold out there.
@_@
I don't feel the cold, my host.
I know, I know! Just... stay? Please? And thanks.
It is my pleasure, my host.
Here's the thingie we looted from Madeline.
And well, before we leave, we can still chat her up for some OMINOUSNESS
I've always wondered... just who are you?
Pardon?
Where'd you come from? Who were you before... all this?
Tell me one thing. Have you ever asked your spirit guide the same question?
Yeah.
Has he ever given you a satisfactory answer?
Precisely.
You once told me that you knew my auntie Lauren.
After a fashion. While in the void, I would reach out to the mortal world in dreams. The minds of other Bestowers were the most... receptive.
Huh? If that's true, how come she never mentioned it?
Oh, but she did.
You may or may not remember Lauren's dictaphone back in Unbound. She used to record all sorts of wacky dreams on it.
Sadly, the memories of our meetings faded as she woke.
What did you talk about? You and auntie, I mean.
You have to understand, she was dreaming when we conversed. Her mind wasn't entirely lucid.
So you can't tell me anything?
Nothing that would make any cognitive sense.
Do you know what happened to her? To auntie? My grandmother? They both went insane. They spent years sedated in a hospital. You know why?
I do not. I felt their minds when they... went, but that is all I know.
I see. Do you think the same thing will happen to me?
I am sorry, I do not know. But I do believe your chances of safety are high.
That's reassuring.
You think so? Why?
I told you, while I was in the void, I could sense their minds. I could sense yours as well. You are stronger than they were.
@_@
I'm... stronger?
Not physically. Or even mentally. But emotionally? Yes. Your grandmother fled the duty. Your aunt performed it with only the greatest reluctance. But you? You have embraced it. Thrived in it.
Well, that's what I do. Anyway, I guess we should be going.
Of course. Keep us informed of your progress.
Time to proceed to another joint full of dialoguing.
Anyway, I really didn't like the whole previous scene. It would have been much cooler to find out on your own that the spirits don't get shredded unless awakened, and find a way to deliver them to safety without Madeline's sudden dismemberment. It removes a lot of agency and importance from Rosa, Joey, and the player himself in my view.
big whoop
But her, there's obviously also a geist behind that fence.
Some nasty spikes out there. I'm not climbing over it, that's for sure.
Sigh. You know what that means.
this is really starting to get formulaic
Hello m'lady *tips menorah*
Ah. Hello miss.
Answer my question. How'd you get in?
Oh. Uhm. The gate was open. Is that all right?
Sure. I guess. Just be sure to close it when you leave. I don't want to get in trouble.
:logic:
Joey, tacticool analysis on the double!
Nice looking girl. I suppose that's an asset in her line of work.
ASSet indeed.
a door!
Just a dark hallway. I can't see a thing in there.
Oh well.
Dialoguing!
Oh, hi. What's up?
You sure you should be out here?
Why shouldn't I be? It's perfect. It's so nice to finally have a night clear enough to enjoy this place.
Clear night. Right.
You live here?
I do. Why?
No reason, just making conversation. Is your name Heather Goffstein?
Oh, I see. You came from Ray.
Ray?
Of course. You DID come from Ray, right?
Ray is probably a fat nigga pimp in a pink suit and with massive bling. Ain't gonna lie about knowin' any o' dem niggaz.
And there's no doubt some sort of a passcode or something so playing a smartass prob won't accomplish shit.
No, sorry. I don't know who Ray is.
Ah, well, then I'm sorry. If you want a date, you'll need Ray's permission.
A date?
Isn't that why you are here?
No, not at all. I just wanna talk
b-baka~! Can I brush your teeth, Heatheru-chan...?
Really.
Really.
Well, I suppose that's alright. But we should stay out here. If we don't go into the bedroom, it's not a date.
^The bedroom is probably the hook for the spook.
You don't seem terribly surprised that I'm here in your garden.
Hm. It IS a bit strange that you appeared out of nowhere. But hey, I'm used to men appearing on my doorstep. And for some reason you seem... safe.
Safe.
Yeah, just a vibe.
Huh. Thanks, I guess.
What can you tell me about the Grace Group?
Grace Group...?
Yeah, you were a member, right?
Sorry, I don't know what that is.
Come on, think. You met in the basement of Grace Church.
What, like AA? I'm not an alcoholic, thank you.
Tell me about father Michael Cooper.
Father Michael? Is he a priest or something?
Yeah, or something. He was part of the Grace Group.
I don't know him, sorry.
Are you sure? He seems to know you.
You don't meet many priests in my line of work. Or at least, if you do, they usually don't tell you.
So tell me about this Ray character.
I... really shouldn't. Ray is really exclusive with the clients we are given. I shouldn't have told you the name.
She p. much denies knowing anything no matter what you ask her aboot. Still, we have at least a bit of a new lead.
Well, Heather, I have to get going.
Sure. I'd leave the gate open, but for some reason I don't think it'll be a problem for you.
There is one place where asking about fat nigga pimps should yield the best answers.
Do you know anything about someone named Ray? I don't know who he is, but I think he's involved with prostitution.
Prostitution? Is this related to Lia's case?
Nah, just looking for some hot lesbian action.
I don't know, it could be.
This just gets better and better. Anyway, Ray, let's take a look. Okay, the name "Ray" definitely comes up in the Vice Department database. There was a raid on a bar called Vantini a few years ago, and someone named Ray was taken for questioning. No charges were made.
Just Ray? No last name?
No. Whoever Ray is, that's his full legal name.
wat
Anyway, here's the address of the bar if you need it.
Thanks.
Sure.
Off to Manchini's!
How auspicious. There's also a sidedoor to the right, but it's locked.
Well, brave or stupid, anyway.
Hue.
Er, right.
There's a bunch of pictures here. The big one with the smug feller is a cameo of Abe Goldfarb.
Whoever this was, he signed it "Thanks for the tie. With love, AG".
Also a womyn
It's a painting of a woman dancing. It's dedicated to someone named "Mistress B".
And some mumbojumbo
Looks like some kind of promotional poster for a burlesque act.
Also the bar!
They've got a pretty varied selection, although I wouldn't really know. My criteria for picking wine is "has a pretty lable" and "under twenty bucks".
Taste and price doesn't matter as long as it bangs your brain!
Anyway, let's annoy people with talkings.
What can you tell me about this place?
It's old. Quiet. I like it that way.
Really?
Yeah, I work on my thesis most nights. Honestly, I'm surprised a big place like this can stay open. It's always empty.
Do you know Ray?
Ray?
Yeah, is he here?
No. No, he is not. How about a coffee or something?
No thanks, I already have one.
Hm, I see.
Well, thanks, I'd better get going.
that was useless
But there is MOAR CHATTIN TO DO
Hm? Yes?
I'm looking for Ray. Do you know where I can find him?
Ray, huh? And why would you be looking for Ray?
I just need to talk to him. I can't go into specifics, but it involves a woman who worked for him.
Worked for him, hm? In what capacity?
She was a... working girl. Heather Goffstein. She worked for Ray, and now she's dead.
Hm. I see. "Worked" is the appropriate word, I suppose. Heather left my employ a long time ago
!!
Your employ?
Yes. You want to speak to Ray, she's right in front of you.
The former Rachel Mendez, at your service.
They don't make fat nigga pimps like they used to.
So you work here?
Not directly, but I suppose I'm as much a fixture here as anything else.
So Heather worked for you? Can you tell me about her?
It's been... gosh, several years. I'm afraid I can't tell you much. She was very young, very pretty. Slightly lost, perhaps, like many of the girls.
She's really dead? How did that happen?
I don't know. That's what I'm trying to find out.
Is this a police matter?
Not... directly. I'm working with them, but I'm pretty much on my own.
Well, in that case, ask me whatever you like.
You said Heather "left your employ"? Could you explain?
Just that. She packed up and left.
And you were okay with that?
You think I would drag her against her will? Absolutely not. And what would be the point? I replaced her next week. It's the nature of this business. Some girls try the life, discover it's not for them, and then leave. Some stay for years and it grinds them alive. But occasionally, with luck and persistence, one can flourish.
Like I did!
Did Heather have any enemies? An obsessive client, or anything?
I suppose anything is possible, but not likely. I screen our clients carefully, and I keep very careful records.
How does this business... work, exactly?
Rosa getting interested.
There's no bedroom upstairs, if that's what you are asking. I own several apartments in the city. I give the girls room and board in exchange for the money they receive. Some of them skim. Hell, all of them skim, but I make sure to treat them well. They treat me well in return.
If you kept careful records, does that mean you have a list of Heather's clients somewhere?
No. I'm sorry, but no.
Don't you want to know what happened to Heather? The client list could help.
You have no reason to suspect one of her clients had anything to do with it. You can't even tell me how she died. I won't betray my clients' trust based on some flimsy guess.
I really need that client list.
Absolutely not. I give a premium product, and my clients expect premium service. Privacy is part of that service. That client list stays in my office where it belongs.
orly
I could bring in the police.
I'd like to see you try. Every few years they try and raid this place. Make a show of getting tough.
But nothing sticks. I make sure of that.
Well. I guess that's everything.
Sorry I can't help you. For what it's worth... I liked Heather. I'm sad she's dead. I suppose a drink to her memory is in order. Care to join me?
Thanks, but no.
Hm, more for me then. Denisse! One gimlet, please. You know how I like it.
Enjoying your drink, huh?
OOPSIE DAISY
... how odd.
Denisse, could you get that for me?
The bartender comes over to wipe the stuff from the floor.
After going upstairs, there doesn't seem to be anything of worth there... yet. But this emergency exit looks promising!!
You can't go that way, sorry.
Oh yeah?
CRASH! goes another glass
dont mind me citizens
The magnificent Rosangela Blackwell does it again!
Damn it. It's locked from the inside
...oops. And the door to the left is obviously locked.
Open up, dumpster! It's the FBI!
It opens only a bit, but it appears to be empty.
Rags are always needed!
Preferably bloodstained ones.
Off with you, freezing snow!
Why? Beats me. But I guess FROZEN = COFFEE! is the valid logical course of action to take anywhere it's possible in this game
D:
Follow your womynly instincts, Rosa.
I think I got it all. But I'm NOT carrying around this wet rag. Good thing there's a dumpster here.
It is now safe to climb said dumpster. And try to make a leap of faith for this ladder!
Sigh. Okay, you can do this... let's see...
Running start seems p. stupid with that half a frozen dumpster. Height should work for this daunting task.
SUPER ROSA BROS!
First try!
It is however possible to open the window.
Why, hello there.
Score one for cat burglarly.
But sneaking into the secret office of a known flesh-peddler? This tops the list.
Stay tuned. For next time, there shall be DIRT TO UNCOVER from said office!