Conversation 237: PLAZA / ANNETTE

Daughter of the book shop clerk is standing outside with a small book stand in order to make the shop more inviting. You chat her up.

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This is a listing of every "entry" in a given game conversation as scraped from the game files. Entries often contain written dialogue, as well as conditional logic governing their appearance to the player. They also link to other entries, sometimes automatically and sometimes through player action. This page is best used to search for a specific word or phrase, as following the links in this format can be difficult. For an experience that better accommodates the branching structure of these conversations, see the corresponding interactive page.

Column definitions:
  • ID: a numerical index for the entry within this conversation.
  • Character: the character speaking or acting.
  • Dialogue: prose containing spoken dialogue and other description.
  • Conditions: logical checks governing this entry appearing or occurring.
  • Links: entries that might follow this one, depending on conditions and player choice. Most links are internal to this conversation, external links to other conversations are marked with the format (conversation ID, entry ID).
ID Character Dialogue Conditions Links
0 None
  • 1
1 None
  • 596
2 You "Hi."
  • 177
3 Annette "Hello, sir! Step right in, the store is open!" A young girl with chubby red cheeks waves at you, smiling. Her nose is also red from the cold.
  • 210
  • 176
  • 2
4 You "What is your name?" Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 7
5 Annette "It's a bookstore, sir! We sell books, postcards, and some board games." She points at the window. "It's called *Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People*."
  • 232
6 None
  • 652
  • 631
  • 617
  • 533
  • 4
  • 44
  • 8
  • 34
  • 77
  • 143
  • 100
  • 59
  • 503
  • 105
7 Annette "My name is Annette, sir. My mum, her name is Plaisance, she owns the store. She's inside, minding the register... or organizing the stock."
  • 211
8 You "What is this crime business?!" Variable["plaza.annette_talked_about_books"] == true and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 9
9 Annette "Crime fiction is about murders or burglaries or things like that. And the work of a policeman or a private detective who's trying to solve a crime and catch the criminals."
  • 266
  • 10
  • 264
10 You "Why would anyone want to *read* about crime?"
  • 11
11 Annette "It's exciting to people, I guess. They get to imagine dangerous things. And it's kinda like a puzzle, where you can guess who the criminal is or how the good guys are going to catch him. "
  • 12
12 You "I'm a policeman myself, by the way."
  • 676
13 You "If I looked like Mr. Mullen, all the criminals would go off running the very moment they saw me. This way I can go undercover, blend in, collect evidence."
  • 348
14 You "Okay, then maybe I'm not a policeman? Or should stop being one."
  • 15
15 Annette "Didn't mean to offend, sir, sorry, sir. It's just that you don't look like Dick Mullen." She points to a book cover, on which you see a strapping Vespertine officer. He stands grimly over the body of a dead woman.
  • 20
16 You "I used to be exactly like that Mullen guy. Then I decided to *live a little*."
  • 117
17 You "If you grow up to be clever, you'll discover there's no such thing as a 'grown-up.'" Variable["plaza.annette_no_grownups"] == true
  • 19
18 Empathy She doesn't know what to make of that. But she'll remember it.
  • 401
19 Annette "Okay... sir."
  • 18
20 None
  • 16
  • 124
  • 277
  • 310
  • 74
21 None
  • 6
22 Annette "And everything's better now, sir?"
  • 25
  • 24
  • 23
23 You "Yes."
  • 119
24 You "No."
  • 116
25 You "I don't know."
  • 116
26 Annette "Maybe you can show me some *real* police work, sir?" The cover image of Dick Mullen seems to stare at you with harsh disapproval. "Like in the books!"
  • 282
27 Annette She looks at Dick Mullen, frowning.
  • 225
28 You "He isn't even drawn right. This is not how human shoulders work, the perspective is all wrong." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_conc"] == true
  • 30
29 You "Anyhow, it's much easier to work undercover if one doesn't look like him." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_conc"] == false and Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_endurance"] == false and Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_savoir"] == false and Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_empathy"] == false
  • 125
30 Annette She examines the picture, trying to find whatever is wrong with it. She then shrugs and puts the book aside, unconvinced.
  • 355
31 Composure You fail to deduce anything substantial.
  • 127
32 Annette "Come on, anyone would notice that!" She rolls her eyes.
  • 33
33 None
  • 6
34 You "What is romance?" Variable["plaza.annette_talked_about_books"] == true and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 35
35 Annette "It's the type of book where there's a rich lady and she has to choose between the good man and the bad man." She smiles at the thought, perhaps imagining herself in that situation.
  • 135
36 You "What about a book where the *man and lady business* doesn't work out at all?"
  • 296
37 Annette "I don't think it's a romance story if the main characters break up, though..." She pauses, trying to figure out the appropriate answer.
  • 294
  • 682
38 You "What about a poor man getting a rich lady?"
  • 39
39 Annette "It happens. But usually the guy gets rich in the process, or should actually be rich himself, but has lost his family property unjustly, like during the Revolution or something."
  • 40
40 You "I see."
  • 166
41 None
  • 38
  • 136
  • 163
  • 36
  • 172
42 None
  • 41
43 You "Maybe I will."
  • 165
44 You "Shouldn't you be at school or something?" Variable["plaza.annette_school_dialogue_trigger"] == true and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 45
45 Annette "I do my studies at home at the moment. I have to help Mum keep this place running."
  • 188
  • 221
  • 240
46 You "How's the business going?"
  • 47
47 Annette "Mum says it's peachy. She was a little afraid at first, there's talk about this house being..." She looks over her shoulder. "Cursed."
  • 246
48 You "Cursed? In what way?"
  • 50
49 You "I don't think curses are real."
  • 58
50 Annette "Cursed in a way that makes them say that no business has ever really thrived here, sir. That they all go..." She's looking for the right word...
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
51 You "Bankrupt."
  • 54
52 You "Ass up."
  • 55
53 You Say nothing.
  • 56
54 Annette "Exactly. But we've been doing fine so far."
  • 57
55 Annette She blushes. "I wouldn't really say it like that... but I guess so."
  • 57
56 Annette "Well... they run out of money and have to stop doing business."
  • 57
57 None
  • 626
  • 623
  • 622
  • 49
  • 220
58 Annette "They shouldn't be, but they seem real. Anyhow, they say that these grounds are doomed for businesses."
  • 493
59 You "Okay, I'm going to *deduce* something now." Variable["plaza.annette_opens_up_whitecheck"] == true and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 128
60 You "You're uptight because of your mother and the pressure she's putting on you."
  • 61
61 Annette Dismay flickers in her eyes. "Maybe so, sir." She sighs. "Okay, I know, it's a bad habit and I shouldn't."
  • 435
  • 434
62 You "Rats have been nibbling on your fingers. Child labour in dismal working conditions..."
  • 63
63 Annette "What rats? I just read books. Haven't seen a rat in this building in forever."
  • 159
64 You "Chewed-on-nails... means you're recycling your body material."
  • 65
65 Annette "That is so gross."
  • 160
66 You "One could say that entire economies are doomed, as they tend to crash every once in a while." Variable["plaza.annette_economy"] == true
  • 67
67 Annette "Yes... sir." You realise she doesn't have the faintest idea what you're talking about.
  • 139
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  • 191
68 Annette "Why are they doing that?"
  • 194
69 Annette "That is a book." She points at the stands. "They have stories inside them -- it's like someone told you a story in a really long letter."
  • 237
70 You "Interesting. Thanks." Variable["plaza.annette_dumbquestions"] >=1
  • 115
71 You "And you're standing out here in the cold because...?"
  • 72
72 Annette "I'm signalling that the store is open." She nods eagerly. "Otherwise people might not know... they'd miss out on the *Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People*."
  • 140
73 None
  • 6
74 You "Hmm... I actually had other questions."
  • 75
75 Annette "More about books, maybe?" Annette nods eagerly.
  • 76
76 None
  • 6
77 You "Who are these... famous people?" Variable["plaza.annette_talked_about_books"] == true and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 78
78 Annette "Oh, kings and queens and generals of old, or artists and writers, or musicians, those kinds of people. There's usually something extraordinary about them."
  • 137
79 Logic Seems like most people who read those books fail to get more famous from reading them.
  • 303
80 You "Reading those doesn't make the readers more famous, does it?"
  • 83
81 You "These famous people sound like a bunch of dorks."
  • 82
82 Annette Annette's expression remains ever so helpful, but she doesn't say anything.
  • 202
  • 85
83 Annette "But it does make the famous people more famous!" She smiles gleefully.
  • 693
84 You "Right, I had a different question in mind."
  • 87
85 You "Never mind... I literally had nothing else to say."
  • 393
86 Annette "Why would they do that, sir?"
  • 88
  • 89
87 None
  • 229
88 You "Because I'll be a superstar cop, in the papers and everything! That'll show 'em."
  • 181
89 You "Hmm... why indeed? I'm just an old, tired cop. What use am I?"
  • 90
90 Annette "You're not that old... maybe you'll do something really important. Something that *wows the world*!"
  • 91
  • 93
91 You "You think so?"
  • 92
92 Annette "Yes! There's hope... a lot of famous people got famous late, or even after they died."
  • 104
93 You "Thanks, girl. You are very kind."
  • 94
94 Annette "Yes, sir!" She smiles and takes a sip from her vacuum bottle.
  • 214
95 You "That sounds like a nice story to tell yourself at night. Maybe fame isn't that important after all."
  • 184
96 None
  • 6
97 You "Some can't get noticed, others can't get properly forgotten. That's life for you."
  • 185
98 You "You're cold. Can I help in some way?" Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_emp_help"] == true
  • 99
99 Annette "Kind of you to offer, sir..." She doesn't know what else to say.
  • 678
100 You "You can stop calling me 'sir.' I am but a working man." Variable["plaza.annette_dont_call_me_sir"] == 4
  • 107
101 You "It's an intense dedication to the Way of Business. There are no riches without personal sacrifice."
  • 102
102 Annette "Thank you, sir! I work hard." She beams a smile.
  • 435
  • 434
103 Conceptualization When she grows up, and if she grows up to be clever, she'll discover there's no such thing as a 'grown-up.'
  • 314
104 Inland Empire Yeah, you're certainly the type who might find fame *posthumously*. Who knows, you might even get famous for the *manner* of your death!
  • 95
  • 97
  • 182
105 You "I gotta go." [Leave]
106 Annette "Hello again, sir!" The girl is sipping on her hot juice. She looks at you with shy amusement.
  • 558
107 Annette "No, sir, I can't. It would be too tiring to refrain from it. It's already tiring enough to remember to say it all the time. It's nice of you to say I could stop, though."
  • 108
  • 109
  • 110
108 You "I get you. I, for example, can't stop making this face." (Point at your face.)
  • 111
109 You "Okay, yeah, when the next person comes, you'd have to 'sir' or 'ma'am' them again."
  • 113
110 You "'Sir' it is, then. Soldier on."
  • 114
111 Annette "That's a friendly enough face, most of the time."
  • 112
112 None
  • 6
113 Annette "Yes... sir." She smiles apologetically.
  • 112
114 Annette "By your command!"
  • 112
115 Annette "My pleasure! Anything else you'd like to know?"
  • 570
116 Annette "Why is that?"
  • 120
  • 121
  • 122
117 Annette "What's that mean?"
  • 118
118 You "Uh, you know -- cut loose, raise hell, blow off steam."
  • 22
119 Annette "That's great, sir!" She smiles enthusiastically.
  • 124
  • 277
  • 310
  • 74
120 You "Look at me! A hideous beast, a failure of a cop. A disgrace."
  • 156
121 You "A man can *never* be truly happy with who he is."
  • 123
122 You "You'll understand when you're older."
  • 123
123 Annette "Oh. Okay." She blinks at you, not knowing how to reply. "I shouldn't have said that thing about Dick Mullen..."
  • 124
  • 277
  • 310
  • 74
124 You "You know, nobody actually looks like the guy in the picture. That's just a stupid fantasy of a man."
  • 27
125 Annette "Why is that?" She looks puzzled.
  • 13
  • 280
126 You "I'm a detective. I deduce that you... are a girl."
  • 32
127 Annette She waits intently.
  • 126
  • 458
  • 487
128 Annette
  • 129
  • 130
129 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"] == true
  • 131
130 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_perc_whitecheck"] == true) == false
  • 31
131 Composure The girl keeps her hands folded, hidden. Why is that?
  • 403
132 Annette "A postcard," she observes you for a moment, "is a small cardboard picture. You can write a few words on the other side and send it to your friend or your *beloved*."
  • 237
133 Annette "Board games are like little games on a table, made to pass the time... There are several different ones." She pauses to ponder. "But sailors here mostly buy cards."
  • 237
134 Empathy She is unfazed by your questions. She would consider it impolite to point out any perceived weirdness.
  • 323
135 Annette "Or there could be a story about a poor lady getting a rich man. It's about man and lady business, sir."
  • 41
136 You "What about when both of the men are bad?"
  • 167
137 Annette She scratches her cold-reddened cheek, then continues: "I think that's why people read them. To find the secrets of their fame."
  • 79
138 None
  • 178
  • 179
  • 81
139 You "You know, the economy, it's like... the network of everyone buying and selling and producing and consuming and stuff."
  • 68
140 Empathy A sudden gush of wind turns the pages of the books on the counters. She covers her face, smiling, but she's cold.
  • 98
  • 141
  • 150
  • 230
141 You "I should have a word with the store-owner, maybe?"
  • 142
142 Annette "Oh, no-no, sir! I'm happy to help Mum by luring in customers!" She stands upright and smiles like a little soldier. "Besides, I have some hot juice in my vacuum bottle to keep warm."
  • 73
143 You "Who is that?" (Point to the woman browsing books.) DayCount() >= 2 and IsHourBetween(8,21) and Variable["boardwalk.corpse_hub_reached"] == false and Variable["plaza.working_greeting_done"] == true and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false and Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"] == false
  • 144
144 Annette "Oh, that's auntie Billie. She's nice, if a bit distressed."
  • 145
  • 148
145 You "She's your aunt?"
  • 146
146 Annette "No-no, sir. She's a working woman who comes to look at the books a lot."
  • 148
147 None
  • 6
148 You "Why is she distressed?"
  • 149
149 Annette "I think she has a bad husband. Not very nice or helpful."
  • 147
150 You "Such a good trooper you are, already learning the value of hard work." (Pat her head.)
  • 151
151 Annette "Thank you, sir! I'm happy to help Mum out with the store." She smiles and stands upright like a little soldier.
  • 73
152 You "What is a book?"
  • 69
153 You "What's a postcard?"
  • 132
154 You "What's a board... game?"
  • 133
155 None
  • 152
  • 153
  • 154
  • 70
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156 Annette "Sir, please, sir, don't say things like that. You look... nice enough."
  • 157
157 You "Nice enough for a small child, sure... maybe."
  • 158
158 Annette "Don't be sad, sir." She seems genuinely concerned. "I'm sorry I said that thing about Dick Mullen."
  • 124
  • 277
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  • 74
159 You "No rats in this dilapidated building? Strange."
  • 161
160 You "Life is gross. So very gross."
  • 162
161 Annette "Maybe they're just afraid... of books!" She laughs, with a slight nervous undertone.
  • 435
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162 Annette "Eww." She shudders.
  • 435
  • 434
163 You "What about when everyone is poor?"
  • 164
164 Annette "That's really not a proper romance story. That's more like everyday life!"
  • 170
  • 680
165 Annette "Mhm. I'm sure she can help out!" She smiles wide. "Anything else you're curious about?"
  • 361
166 Annette "Those are unhappy books, for most of the pages. People sad about what they have lost. But then it all turns out just fine in the end!"
  • 42
167 Annette "These are not very common. You can't have a choice between bad and bad, nobody wants to read a story like that."
  • 168
168 You "What if it's written really well?"
  • 169
169 Annette "Well... maybe then it's fine. Maybe if the lady then decides not to pick either, because she doesn't need a bad man. Yes, that would be interesting!"
  • 42
170 You "Sometimes you have to write about real life things."
  • 171
171 Annette "Not in romance books, sir. These are about nice and pretty people, and everyone is happy in the end."
  • 42
172 You "That's enough romance for me. I had other questions."
  • 173
173 Annette "Maybe some about other books?" She rubs her chilled nose with her fist.
  • 174
174 None
  • 6
175 Annette "I know, sir." She stomps her feet to feel warmer.
  • 555
176 You "I am the law."
  • 175
177 Annette "Are you interested in a new and exciting book?" She stomps her feet to feel warmer.
  • 543
178 You "Fame sounds delicious. Maybe someone will write a book about me one day."
  • 86
179 You "Fame is... for vain people. I have better things to do."
  • 180
180 Annette "Okay, sir!" She stamps her feet, waiting for what comes next.
  • 213
181 Annette "That's so cool! Maybe they'll make you a book cover picture and everything! Standing over a dead body, holding a gun..."
  • 212
182 You "But what if I get famous only through dying? I couldn't enjoy the fame at all." Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_inland_fame"] == true
  • 183
183 Annette "I don't think you should live life with that fear." She stamps on her feet. "Just try to be the best you can!"
  • 96
184 Annette "Maybe not! No one *needs* a book written about them anyway." She grins. "It's always better to read books!"
  • 96
185 Annette "I think you just have to live a happy life!" She rubs her nose. "No need to worry about fame or think bad thoughts!"
  • 96
186 You "You have to spend money to make money, see."
  • 192
187 Annette "Mum says it's necessary to do both, because it builds character. Mum says a proper worker is dutiful -- that's how you get ahead in life, you succeed."
  • 209
188 You "Isn't going to school more important than... this?"
  • 187
189 You "What do you know about the other failed businesses?"
  • 190
190 Annette "Nothing really, sir. Mum doesn't allow me to sneak around in the back rooms or the cellar." She looks a bit disappointed. "I don't really know what's there."
  • 679
191 You "The economy is all about trust, okay." Variable["whirling.money_is_all_about_trust"] == true
  • 193
192 Annette "If you say so, sir!" She smiles, perhaps a bit too eagerly.
  • 197
193 Annette "That makes sense, sir!" She nods, perhaps a bit too eagerly.
  • 197
194 You "Because that keeps the network... working... right."
  • 195
195 Annette "Okay, I understand, sir!" She looks puzzled.
  • 196
196 Empathy She doesn't really understand, but says so to make you feel better about yourself. Your explanation was garbage anyway.
  • 197
197 None
  • 6
198 You "The economy is about the rich exploiting the poor as much as they can." IsTHCPresent("communist")
  • 199
199 Annette "Why would they do that?"
  • 200
  • 492
200 You "Greed, my child. It's always greed."
  • 201
201 Annette "That's not nice at all." She frowns.
  • 197
202 You "Yeah, you heard me. Only losers waste their time with that garbage."
  • 203
203 Annette "Isn't that kind of a childish thing for a grown-up to say?"
  • 103
204 You "What makes you think I'm grown up?"
  • 205
205 Annette "You look all wrinkly and hairy, like an old person!"
  • 207
206 You "Hrm! I'm not that old, I'm doing just fine, thank you very much."
  • 208
207 Endurance You also *feel* old: tired, hardly able to catch your breath, your joints aching constantly.
  • 206
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208 Annette "If you say so, sir!" She beams you a piercing smile.
  • 21
209 Composure There is stress and unease behind these words. She's reciting etiquette.
  • 645
210 You "Hello."
  • 177
211 Annette The girl gazes at the window, then suddenly jolts, her eyes wide, as if recalling something: "Feel free to step in and browse our wares!"
  • 71
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212 None
  • 6
213 None
  • 6
214 None
  • 6
215 You "I look *Harry*? That can't be me, not *Harry* -- what are you talking about?" Variable["tc.harry"] == true
  • 216
216 Annette "Hairy, sir. I said hairy. Covered with hair..." She sways on her feet, puzzled.
  • 21
217 You "Maybe...?"
  • 218
218 Annette She gives you a quizzical look, not understanding the reasoning behind your odd outbursts.
  • 400
219 You "Yeah? You think she has one about an *excruciatingly painful* breakup?"
  • 37
220 You "This sounds rather serious. I should probably... look into this." Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"] == false and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false
  • 249
221 You "School is stupid. You're lucky not to be there."
  • 187
222 Endurance That's not a healthy look. Muscles get bigger, heart grows weaker.
  • 224
223 Conceptualization He isn't even drawn right.
  • 347
224 Savoir Faire Check out the pose -- rigid as a stick. He couldn't even wipe his own ass. You don't want to be like that.
  • 223
225 Empathy Dark, arrogant, violent. Likely overcompensating for something.
  • 222
226 You "Not really." [Leave.]
227 You "Okay, I guess I will."
  • 228
228 None
  • 229
229 Annette "Mhm!" She stamps her feet, waiting for you to say something.
  • 6
230 You "I could help -- by brutally dismantling the free market."
  • 231
231 Annette "Thank you, sir! I'm glad to help Mum out with the store." She doesn't seem to understand what you said.
  • 73
232 Encyclopedia Whoah! WHOAH-WHOAH-WHOAH! Hold your horses little girl!
  • 233
233 Annette
  • 234
  • 235
234 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_stupid"]
  • 155
235 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_stupid"]) == false
  • 565
236 You Don't be ridiculous, I know all these things. Variable["plaza.annette_dumbquestions"] == 0
  • 569
237 Annette
  • 238
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238 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_dumbquestions"] == 2
  • 134
239 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_dumbquestions"] == 2) == false
  • 323
240 You "What is *school* anyway?"
  • 241
241 Annette "School?" She rubs her red, chilled nose. "Well, mine is a big yellow building on Boogie Street. And the people there run it. They say it's a *charity*."
  • 242
242 Shivers The gale wind blows in from the coast, a wind of needles. It wraps itself around a building of brick and mortar. Somewhere, a clamor rings through the honeycomb of classrooms.
  • 243
243 Annette
  • 244
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244 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_shivers_schoolmemory"]
  • 327
245 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_shivers_schoolmemory"]) == false
  • 324
246 Inland Empire Behind her the window has been boarded up. You sense the boards creaking, twisting for a second... and some kind of *doubt* in her tense shoulders.
  • 48
  • 247
247 You "Good to hear that it's going well. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about."
  • 248
248 None
  • 229
249 Annette
  • 250
  • 251
250 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 252
251 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 253
252 Kim Kitsuragi "We can go into the bookstore and ask about the case, but I don't see much more to look *into* here." The lieutenant makes a note in his notebook.
  • 253
253 Annette "Yes!" She chirps. "Please do also look at our wares inside -- the postcards and board games are there, sir."
  • 254
254 None
  • 189
  • 255
  • 257
255 You "How does this curse... manifest itself?"
  • 332
256 Annette "Uh... I'm not sure, sir. I don't really know anything about curses..." She looks around, confused.
  • 336
257 You "Hmm-hmm." (Stroke your chin.) "Enough about the curse... for now."
  • 258
258 Annette Annette looks at your shaved, prickly chin. It distinctly contrasts with the oily mutton chops that surround it. "Maybe I can tell you about some of our books instead?"
  • 259
259 None
  • 6
260 You "They're not doomed. But your mother should learn from their mistakes."
  • 262
261 You "It's just regular trading and selling of things, child. It doesn't work out for most people."
  • 262
262 Annette "Of course, sir. Uhm..." She doesn't know what else to say.
  • 331
263 None
  • 254
264 You "Okay, I get it. Crime-murder gets the people going."
  • 265
265 Annette "Mhm-mhm," she replies. "And it's kinda like a puzzle, too. You can guess who the criminal is or how the good guys are going to catch him."
  • 12
266 You "Wait -- not crime *fiction*. I need to know what *crime* is."
  • 674
267 You "It's that bad." (Point to your head.)
  • 268
268 Annette
  • 269
  • 270
269 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 272
270 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 276
271 Kim Kitsuragi "Crime is a deviation from the law punishable by either a civil or criminal sentencing. It's what *The Law* prevents."
  • 10
  • 264
272 Annette
  • 273
  • 274
273 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_said_thelaw"]
  • 271
274 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_said_thelaw"]) == false
  • 275
275 Kim Kitsuragi "Crime is what we were solving before this conversation began."
  • 10
  • 264
276 Annette "Crime is what criminals do. And policemen... solve?"
  • 10
  • 264
277 You "It's not your body that's important in police work, anyway. It's your..." (Point to your head.)
  • 283
278 You "Muscle training is flower arranging for men. I bet he thinks he's real manly like that. He isn't. It's just unhealthy." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_endurance"] == true
  • 350
279 You "Bet he can't even bend over to pick the gun his rigid fingers dropped. Real detectives are sinewy and snake-hipped. Like me." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_savoir"] == true
  • 351
280 You "I don't know. Let's talk about something else. This making me feel sad."
  • 281
281 Annette "Don't feel sad, sir! Mullen isn't even real. You're real!"
  • 616
282 None
  • 6
283 Annette "Head. Yes!"
  • 285
284 You "No, I meant your *mind*." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_authority"] == false and Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_drama"] == false and Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_painthreshold"] == false and Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_reaction"] == false
  • 356
285 Authority No -- It's your soul, your blue soul.
  • 289
286 You "Soul. That Mullen guy looks like a *Hampelmann* -- who could respect that face? It's not even drawn correctly! He lacks *soul*." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_authority"] == true
  • 464
287 Drama Not head, child, *headssss*!
  • 346
288 You "Flexibility. There are millions of different people out there and you have to get into their heads -- sometimes you gotta be the killer to catch the killer." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_drama"] == true
  • 463
289 Pain Threshold No -- your resilience.
  • 290
290 Reaction Speed No -- your *mind*.
  • 287
291 You "Grit. A total disregard for personal safety. You gotta take the pain. This Mullen guy looks like he'd run to his mom. Ain't got no balls." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_painthreshold"] == true
  • 462
292 You "A dick with no balls! Bam! Mullen's no real deal, he's got nothing on me."
  • 357
293 You "A quicksilver mind. This Mullen guy looks like he needs four hours just to come up with a single idea." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_reaction"] == true
  • 461
294 You "No-no, think about it! One where they plunge into a torrid spiral of pain and recrimination. Only it's *really long* and drawn out. Scarred for life. Phantom limb!"
  • 364
295 Annette "I'm sorry, sir, I don't know how to help you..."
  • 371
  • 685
296 Annette "I haven't read many of... those. Maybe you should ask Mum?"
  • 219
  • 43
297 You "Yeah. Yeah! And it drags on for *years* and *years* with no resolution in sight..."
  • 362
298 You "... each of you filling with resentment and bitterness for having *ruined* each other's lives..."
  • 363
299 Pain Threshold You can take this! Blossom like a pain-flower.
  • 365
300 Volition Stop. There's no need for this. It's in your power to change the subject.
  • 301
  • 388
301 You "... each of you tearing at the other's innards, leaving a gaping emptiness, a vacuum heart that still hurts ceaselessly!"
  • 295
302 You "Can I become famous by reading one of those books?"
  • 308
303 Annette
  • 304
  • 305
304 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_anatomy_of_fame"]
  • 307
305 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_anatomy_of_fame"]) == false
  • 306
306 None
  • 302
  • 84
307 None
  • 80
  • 84
308 Annette "I don't know about that... But I imagine life is great when you're famous."
  • 693
309 You "Yeah, I'm old. That's just what happens to people."
  • 394
310 You "Wow, look at the guy. I'll never be as good as Mullen."
  • 311
311 Annette "Don't say that. He's not even real. You're real."
  • 312
  • 313
  • 481
312 You "That's right. A real *failure*."
  • 477
313 You "Overshadowed by a fake man? That's harsh."
  • 478
314 Half Light These people deserve to *die*.
  • 17
  • 204
  • 217
  • 315
315 You "Maybe I should start *killing* these famous people. Hunt them down." Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_halflight_famous"] == true
  • 395
316 Annette
  • 317
  • 318
317 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_exit_mid_intro"]
  • 542
318 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_exit_mid_intro"]) == false
  • 3
319 Annette
  • 320
  • 321
320 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_greeting_done"]
  • 612
321 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_greeting_done"]) == false
  • 316
322 You "What kind of a store is this anyway?"
  • 5
323 None
  • 155
324 None
  • 188
  • 221
325 You What is this feeling?
  • 328
326 You Discard thought.
  • 330
327 None
  • 325
  • 326
328 Shivers Remorse. The parquet of assembly halls, the rows of stall bars are growing cold. The corridors stand empty. A girl's voice somehow finds its way through this strange feeling...
  • 329
329 Shivers You haven't heard a word of what she's been saying these past few moments. You only hear...
  • 187
330 Annette She sways slowly side-to-side, her wide eyes fixed at you standing there, silently, like a weirdo.
  • 324
331 None
  • 6
332 Annette
  • 333
  • 334
333 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 338
334 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 256
335 Kim Kitsuragi "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist. I liked it better when we were talking about whether it's appropriate to stand out in the freezing weather."
  • 341
  • 342
336 Annette Her eye lands on the sign on the window that says *Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People*. She brightens up and points to it: "But I do know books! We can talk about books."
  • 259
337 Kim Kitsuragi "It does not *manifest* itself in any way. It does not exist."
  • 341
  • 342
338 Annette
  • 339
  • 340
339 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_cold"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_famous"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_romance"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_mullen"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_books"] < 3
  • 335
340 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_cold"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_famous"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_romance"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_mullen"] or Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_books"] < 3) == false
  • 337
341 You "But Kim... the plasmic manifestations..."
  • 344
342 You "Fine. I'll show you!"
  • 343
343 Annette "Uh..." The girl looks back and forth between you two. "Anything else you wanted to talk about, sir?"
  • 345
344 Kim Kitsuragi "No such thing." The lieutenant stands at your side, stern and serious.
  • 343
345 None
  • 254
346 None
  • 286
  • 288
  • 291
  • 293
  • 284
347 None
  • 28
  • 278
  • 279
  • 349
  • 29
348 Annette She studies the picture on the cover. "That sounds smart, I guess."
  • 353
349 You "Probably got a violent streak because he's emotionally stunted." Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_empathy"] == true
  • 352
350 Annette She examines the picture closely. The Vespertine detective exhibits few signs of health or unhealth.
  • 358
351 Annette She's trying to examine the shadow-obscured hips of Dick Mullen. "They don't look rigid to me..."
  • 359
352 Annette She examines the cover, trying to gauge the inner workings of the detective.
  • 360
353 You "Being smart is the only way to *cop*, little girl. I can do this way better than him."
  • 354
354 Annette "If you say so, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
355 You "That's just no way to *cop*." I can do it way better than Dick Mullen."
  • 465
356 Annette "But that's like... the same thing." She squints her eyes, trying to solve this puzzle.
  • 469
  • 483
357 Annette "Obviously, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
358 You "Poor vitality is no way to *cop*, little girl. I could take him down easy."
  • 466
359 You "Mobility is the proper way to *cop*, girl. Dick Mullen can't compete with my hip-grind."
  • 467
360 You "Emotional ineptitude is no way to *cop*. He can't compare to my sensitive soul."
  • 468
361 None
  • 41
362 Annette The girl is at a loss for words.
  • 298
363 Annette She shifts and sways on her feet, looking confused and uncomfortable.
  • 300
364 Annette "Ummm... no? I don't know..." She looks at you with puzzlement.
  • 299
365 Annette
  • 366
  • 367
366 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_paint_romance"]
  • 297
367 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_paint_romance"]) == false
  • 368
368 You "Doesn't ring a bell? Alright, I'll ask your mom."
  • 369
369 Annette "Yes!" She nods, relieved. "She knows books, definitely."
  • 690
370 None
  • 41
371 You "I don't need *help*, I need a real book that tells it how it *is*, not this drivel."
  • 374
372 Annette "Mhm!" She nods enthusiastically, obviously relieved.
  • 373
373 None
  • 41
374 Annette "Sir, sorry, sir. I'm still little?" She stumbles on her words. "I don't... I can't..."
  • 377
375 You Damn right I am! Proud as the Lion of Serber. Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_volition_finale"] == true
  • 376
376 Volition Excuse me, I'm not sure I heard that properly...
  • 379
377 Volition It's time to leave it be. You're about to make a child cry. Are you proud of yourself?
  • 384
  • 389
  • 375
  • 378
378 You "I... uh... don't worry, little girl. Got a bit carried away there. Let's back up out of this."
  • 372
379 You "I said I'm proud like a goddamn lion!"
  • 686
380 Annette Her eyes grow wide as she tries to comprehend the outburst. "I'm sorry, sir?"
  • 381
381 You "You heard me! I'm full of pride and I ready to talk about books. Let's do this."
  • 382
382 Annette "Yes... yes, sir!" She blinks her eyes rapidly, in confusion and relief.
  • 383
383 None
  • 6
384 You Not a single shred of pride remains in me. Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_volition_finale"] == true
  • 385
385 Volition This is your *tiny* chance for redemption. Apologize.
  • 386
386 You "Little girl, I'm sorry I got agitated. I just can't handle things sometimes. Let's get back to books."
  • 387
387 Annette "Yes... yes, sir!" She blinks her eyes rapidly, in confusion and relief.
  • 383
388 You "On second thought, this seems like an inappropriate topic to discuss with children." Variable["plaza.annette_volition_romance"] == true
  • 372
389 You Right. Activate Denial Mode. Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_volition_finale"] == true
  • 390
390 Volition You're not really an automaton, you do know that?
  • 391
391 You "Little girl, pardon the deviation. I wish to discuss books and other such matters."
  • 387
392 None
  • 6
393 Annette "Okay!" She looks at you with her wide eyes.
  • 392
394 Annette "I wonder how I'll be when I get old..." She mumbles. "Maybe I'll also get all wrinkly..." She giggles to herself.
  • 21
395 Annette "Sir?!" She looks at you, eyes wide in shock.
  • 396
  • 490
  • 397
396 You "They *deserve* punishment for all the things they had to do get so famous."
  • 398
397 You "Haha, never mind, girl. I'm quite the joker. I would never do something like that."
  • 399
398 Annette "Okay..." She coughs. "Maybe buy some books then?"
  • 402
399 Annette "That's not a funny joke. At all."
  • 402
400 None
  • 6
401 None
  • 6
402 None
  • 6
403 You "Hey... Why do you keep your hands folded?"
  • 404
404 Annette "What do you mean, sir?" She looks wary.
  • 405
405 Empathy She knows where this is going.
  • 719
  • 406
  • 528
406 You "You can show them to me."
  • 407
407 Annette She looks around anxiously. Her hands remain folded in front of her. She doesn't want to show them.
  • 504
408 You "It's okay."
  • 410
409 You "You heard me. Hands up."
  • 410
410 Annette She brings out her reddened hands -- her nails are frayed, nearly chewed down to the flesh.
  • 411
411 You "You bite your nails."
  • 412
412 Annette "And you knew this from me keeping my hands folded?" She shoots you a suspicious glance.
  • 413
  • 414
  • 433
413 You "Yes."
  • 415
414 You "There were a few other hints..."
  • 415
415 Annette "Well... that proves nothing! Anyone could do an easy deduction like that!" Her eyes flash with defiance. She's not impressed.
  • 416
416 Suggestion She actually is impressed, this is more like a defensive reflex.
  • 430
  • 417
417 You "You think so? Fine, do better -- deduce something about me."
  • 421
418 You "That was a master class move. Whatever, kid, I don't need to prove myself to you."
  • 419
419 Annette "If you say so, sir." She grins victoriously.
  • 420
420 None
  • 6
421 Annette "You're quite sober." She snaps back quickly.
  • 515
422 You "Wait... How do you know I'm usually not?"
  • 423
423 Annette "Because you usually aren't."
  • 439
  • 436
  • 512
424 Logic There's something you're missing...
  • 453
425 You "Hang on. So you... know me? We've met before?"
  • 706
426 Annette "You've been running around for several days, talking about small churches and how everyone betrayed you, sir."
  • 442
427 You "What do you mean better? I look like shit."
  • 428
428 Annette "Yeah, but you don't have party eyes anymore."
  • 520
429 You "*Party eyes*?"
  • 444
430 You "Want more? Bet I can figure out *why* you bite your nails. I got a few reasons in mind."
  • 432
431 Annette "It was okay, sir." She's still got a rebellious streak.
  • 694
432 Annette She nods -- half provocative, half enthusiastic.
  • 60
  • 62
  • 64
  • 101
433 You "It's super simple for a detective such as myself."
  • 415
434 You "I hope this entertained you."
  • 431
435 You "Either way, another *ace* deduction by the #1 detective in town."
  • 431
436 You "And I'm having a grand time!"
  • 437
437 Annette "I sure hope you are, sir!" She rubs her red nose.
  • 519
438 You "On second thought, maybe I shouldn't remember. Maybe there's a reason I forgot."
  • 441
439 You "Yeah, about that... maybe you could point me toward some booze?" Variable["TASK.get_a_drink"] == true
  • 440
440 Annette "Uhm... Frittte, maybe?" She shrugs, a compassionate look in her eyes. "Alcohol is not good for you, sir."
  • 519
441 Annette "Yes, sir." The girl looks at you quizzically. "Maybe you are interested in books?"
  • 454
442 You "Did I ever talk to you?"
  • 443
443 Annette "Of course. You stopped by a few times." She looks at you intently. "You certainly look better than the last time I saw you!"
  • 710
  • 427
  • 499
444 Annette "You know... like a cat in the dark! All big-and-wide-eyed." She giggles at the thought. "It certainly looks odd on a man."
  • 697
445 You The girl doesn't know what she's talking about! Forget about this. Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"] == true
  • 450
446 Electrochemistry Fuck yeah! You should get some party eyes right now! Snap those sequins on you, boy.
  • 715
447 You Does that mean... I've been partaking in *narcotics*? Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"] == true
  • 451
448 You "So... why didn't you tell me you knew me to begin with?"
  • 452
449 You "Thanks -- I've learned something about myself today." (Conclude.)
  • 698
450 Electrochemistry Don't leave us hanging like that, man. Open yourself to the experiences of the world, expand your consciousness. With amphetamines.
  • 448
  • 449
451 Electrochemistry Oh baby, that's not what you have to worry about. Worry about the important thing!
  • 448
  • 449
452 Annette "I didn't know I had to do that." She looks puzzled.
  • 456
  • 449
453 None
  • 6
454 None
  • 6
455 Annette "Yes! I stand in this spot all the time." She sways back and forth on her feet.
  • 426
456 You "I don't really like this detective-deduction game anymore..." (Conclude.) Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"] == true
  • 457
457 Annette She gives you a rather concerned look. "I guess we can change the subject, sir. I didn't mean to bring you down."
  • 460
458 You "I'm a detective. I deduce that... You are very small."
  • 459
459 Annette "Come on, don't be silly. That's not a proper deduction." She rolls her eyes.
  • 33
460 None
  • 6
461 Annette She gazes at the image of Dick Mullen, frowning. "Nooo, he's wicked smart in the stories."
  • 470
462 Annette She looks at the cover illustration and frowns. "That's a bit childish..."
  • 292
  • 494
463 Annette "Isn't that very dangerous?" She examines the picture of Dick Mullen.
  • 471
464 Annette She examines the illustration of Dick Mullen, attempting to find his soul. "I'm not sure I understand..."
  • 472
465 Annette "Sure you can, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he'll be no match for you."
  • 26
466 Annette "Sure you could, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for your strength."
  • 26
467 Annette "Sure he can't, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
468 Annette "Of course not, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he'll be no match for you."
  • 26
469 You "In the eyes of a kid, maybe. The difference between me and Mullen is vast. He's nothing!"
  • 476
470 You "Sure, when the author does all the thinking for him. Real policemen have to think and act on their own."
  • 475
471 You "Policemen live and breathe danger, little girl. Mullen obviously lacks the *chameleonic* skill."
  • 473
472 You "A policeman's gotta have *the right stuff*. An ingrained sense of The Law. No one would follow a weakling like Mullen."
  • 474
473 Annette "Unlike you, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
474 Annette "If you say so, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for your... *soul*."
  • 26
475 Annette "Like you, sir, of course." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
476 Annette "If you say so, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
477 Annette Her eyes shine with sympathy. "Cheer up, sir. No need to compare yourself to a fictional character."
  • 479
478 Annette She looks at you with sympathy. "Cheer up, sir. It's much easier being a fictional character, he doesn't have to deal with... real things."
  • 479
479 Annette "Maybe you can show me some *real* deductive police work, sir?" Her smile is warm and consoling, unlike the imperial image of Dick Mullen. "Like in the books!"
  • 480
480 None
  • 6
481 You "I don't really want to DEAL with this. It's too much."
  • 482
482 Annette She looks at you with sympathy. "We can talk about something else if you want. Something nicer."
  • 76
483 You "There's the mind... and there's *the mind*, if you catch my drift."
  • 484
484 Annette "Uh, not really, sir."
  • 485
485 You "See, that's what reading those fakey-fake Mullen books gets you. Now you're dealing with a real cop."
  • 486
486 Annette "Yes, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, I understand. He's no match for you."
  • 26
487 You "Actually, I... I... I'm sorry... I can't deduce anything.
  • 488
488 Annette A small disappointment rolls over her, but she promptly gets over it and says: "It's okay, sir."
  • 489
489 Empathy You disappointed a small child. Well done, champ.
  • 33
490 You "So I can absorb their *essence*. All their fame will flow into me."
  • 491
491 Annette "I don't think that's how fame works, sir..."
  • 402
492 You "Because it's the nature of the powerful to exploit the weak."
  • 201
493 Rhetoric There must be an economic reason for this.
  • 66
  • 261
  • 260
494 You "No, it's too much. I don't want to say that to a little girl."
  • 529
495 Drama Psst! You forgot the subterfuge. You're saying this out loud.
  • 496
496 Annette She raises her eyebrows. "Say what, sir?"
  • 523
  • 525
497 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant stands by -- looking at the two of you with little interest.
  • 498
498 Empathy A façade of true professionalism. He is far more intrigued by the situation than his poise reveals.
  • 408
  • 409
499 You "Thanks. I'm trying."
  • 500
500 Annette "Yeah, I can see. You don't have party eyes anymore."
  • 520
501 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant slowly -- ever so slowly -- realizes something. "Party eyes. Yes, of course. That makes sense."
  • 502
502 Esprit de Corps I'm not surprised children have seen you running around with *party eyes* on, he thinks. Not at all.
  • 429
503 You What are you missing here? Why does this feel familiar? Variable["plaza.annette_second_whitecheck_trigger"] == true
  • 508
504 Annette
  • 505
  • 506
505 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 497
506 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 507
507 None
  • 408
  • 409
508 Annette
  • 509
  • 510
509 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"]
  • 511
510 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_whitecheck_logic_you"]) == false
  • 695
511 Suggestion Because you know each other. She's been talking to you so openly because you've talked before.
  • 425
  • 438
512 You "I am also sad and my head hurts."
  • 513
513 Annette "I'm sorry, sir." She looks you in the eye, sympathy gleaming in her face. "I hope things get better soon."
  • 519
514 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant does not flinch at the comment. He does not flinch even a single bit. He is intensely not flinching. It takes effort.
  • 518
515 Annette
  • 516
  • 517
516 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 514
517 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 518
518 None
  • 422
  • 439
  • 436
  • 512
519 Annette There she stands, swaying on her feet, assaulted by the early spring breeze. She smiles at you. The whole situation suddenly feels familiar, somehow.
  • 424
520 Annette
  • 521
  • 522
521 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 501
522 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 429
523 You "Nothing, forget it. Dick Mullen sucks, is what I meant."
  • 526
524 Annette "You don't have to be, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
525 You "Never you mind. Either way, I'm not impressed with this Mullen guy."
  • 524
526 Annette "Of course, sir." She smiles mischievously. "He's just a fictional character, he's no match for you."
  • 26
527 None
  • 229
528 You "Actually, I'd rather not deduce anything. Every time I deduce people get hurt."
  • 720
529 Annette
  • 530
  • 531
530 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_drama"]
  • 495
531 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_mullen_drama"]) == false
  • 496
532 You "I can't get into the Doomed Commercial Area. Your mother won't let me through the back door." Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == false and Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_failure"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"] == false
  • 534
533 You "Hey, guess what. I found a way into the Doomed Commercial Area." Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == true and Variable["plaza.annette_told_you_cant_get_into_doomed"] == true
  • 536
534 Annette "Mhm. Mum can get really agitated about that." She sways on her feet. "I guess you can try making her less afraid somehow... then she might trust you."
  • 602
535 None
  • 6
536 Annette "Oh, that's great!" Her smile is warm. "I hope exciting adventures lie ahead! And maybe you can help mother become... less afraid."
  • 535
537 Annette "I'm sorry, sir, I can't talk right now. I'm very busy with my homework... I have so much homework now."
  • 700
538 Annette "Hi, ace detective." She smiles warmly. "Are you here for more books?"
  • 603
539 Annette "Hello, sir. How is the investigation going? Found any *cuuurses* yet?"
  • 609
  • 532
  • 605
  • 607
540 You "Is it okay if I ask you some questions?"
  • 541
541 Annette "Okay, sir. I'll try to answer any questions you have. I hope they're about books."
  • 6
542 Annette "Hello again, sir! Are you interested in a new and exciting book this time?" She sways slowly on her feet.
  • 543
543 None
  • 322
  • 540
  • 226
544 Annette
  • 545
  • 546
545 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 547
546 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 177
547 Kim Kitsuragi "Yes, people get that you are *the law*. You really don't have to keep saying it."
  • 177
548 Annette
  • 549
  • 550
549 Annette Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=6
  • 552
550 Annette (Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=6) == false
  • 544
551 Kim Kitsuragi "Everyone understands you're *the law*. That's why you have that insignia on your arm. So you don't have to keep saying it."
  • 177
552 Annette
  • 553
  • 554
553 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 551
554 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 177
555 Annette
  • 556
  • 557
556 Annette Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=3
  • 548
557 Annette (Variable["reputation.the_law"] >=3) == false
  • 177
558 None
  • 6
559 Annette
  • 560
  • 561
560 Annette Variable["auto.is_snowing"]
  • 592
561 Annette (Variable["auto.is_snowing"]) == false
  • 106
562 Annette
  • 563
  • 564
563 Annette Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"]
  • 649
564 Annette (Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"]) == false
  • 319
565 Encyclopedia Pfft... books? Postcards? Easy! Even a kid would know all of this.
  • 574
566 You "Little girl, I know what a book is. Books are like very long letters, with stories inside them."
  • 568
567 You Nah, it feels inappropriate to lecture this girl.
  • 580
568 Annette "Yes!" She nods, smiling. "That's exactly it."
  • 583
  • 588
569 Encyclopedia You're fooling nobody.
  • 572
  • 573
570 None
  • 543
571 Annette "Sir? Are you okay?" Her voice suddenly reaches your mind. "You've been standing here silently for a while now..."
  • 570
572 You Don't you sass me.
  • 571
573 You I said I know all of these things and I do, god dammit.
  • 571
574 Annette
  • 575
  • 576
575 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_not_stupid"]
  • 566
  • 567
576 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_cyclo_not_stupid"]) == false
  • 581
577 Annette "Sir? Are you okay?" Her voice suddenly reaches your mind. "You've been standing here silently for a while now..."
  • 582
578 You Don't tell me what to do.
  • 577
579 You Hey now, I already made up my mind.
  • 577
580 Encyclopedia Don't be a fool -- as an expert, it's your duty to tell what you know to everyone.
  • 578
  • 579
581 None
  • 543
582 None
  • 543
583 You "I also know what a postcard is... it's a small cardboard picture that you can send to a friend or a loved one."
  • 584
584 Annette "Mhm mhm. You've got it, sir. What about board games?"
  • 585
  • 586
  • 591
585 You "Who cares about board games? No one."
  • 587
586 You "The police don't have time for games."
  • 587
587 Annette "Okay, sir. This was all very... *enlightening*. Can I help you with anything else?"
  • 590
588 You "Alright, I think that was enough. I have proven myself."
  • 589
589 Annette "If you say so, sir. Can I help you with anything else?"
  • 582
590 None
  • 543
591 You "I like playing games... with peoples' minds."
  • 587
592 Annette "Every snowflake is like a little gift from the sky." She shivers as one falls on her nose.
  • 558
593 Annette
  • 594
  • 595
594 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_white_success_nervous"]
  • 538
595 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_white_success_nervous"]) == false
  • 562
596 Annette
  • 597
  • 598
597 Annette Variable["XP.help_annette"]
  • 703
598 Annette (Variable["XP.help_annette"]) == false
  • 593
599 Annette
  • 600
  • 601
600 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_altgreet_doominvestigation"]
  • 319
601 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_altgreet_doominvestigation"]) == false
  • 539
602 None
  • 6
603 None
  • 6
604 None
  • 6
605 You "It's going fine, I think."
  • 606
606 Annette "That's very good to hear." She flicks you a thumbs up. "You'll get to the bottom of this in no time! Just like a detective in the stories."
  • 602
607 You "It's going bad, *really* bad."
  • 608
608 Annette "Oh, that's very sad to hear." She frowns. "But it'll pick up soon, don't worry. There's always a... bad spot in the stories, right before the detective figures things out."
  • 602
609 You "Yeah, I found a way into the Doomed Commercial Area." Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"] == true or Variable["doomed.doorbell_door_open"] == true or Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == true
  • 610
610 Annette "Oh, that's great!" Her smile is warm. "I hope exciting adventures lie ahead! And maybe you can help mother become... less afraid."
  • 611
611 None
  • 6
612 Annette
  • 613
  • 614
613 Annette IsEvening()
  • 615
614 Annette (IsEvening()) == false
  • 559
615 Annette "The lights are so pretty when it gets dark." She scans the surrounding buildings, a happy look on her face.
  • 558
616 Inland Empire Then why does all of this feel like some sad, strange dream?
  • 26
617 You "Little girl, help. My Dick Mullen book ripped before I could get to the end. Do you know what happens?" Variable["inventory.mullen_ripped"] and Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_mullen"] and Variable["inventory.mullen_orb_afterthought_no_avail_done"] == false
  • 618
618 Annette "Which book was it, sir?"
  • 619
619 You "Dick Mullen and the Mistaken Identity."
  • 620
620 Annette "Oh..." She frowns. "I'm very sorry, sir. I haven't read that one yet. I wish I could help you."
  • 621
621 None
  • 6
622 You "Your mother told me about the curse, but she wouldn't let me investigate." Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"] == true and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false
  • 624
623 You "I'm currently investigating the curse on your mother's behalf." Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == true and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] == false
  • 627
624 Annette "Yes, she can be quite strict about it." Annette nods. "My mum doesn't let anyone sneak around in the back rooms or the cellar."
  • 625
625 None
  • 6
626 You "I've been in this house and you're right, there's an awful lot of failed businesses there." Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] == true
  • 629
627 Annette Annette's eyes go wide: "She let you in there? Usually she doesn't let anyone sneak around in the back rooms or the cellar."
  • 628
628 Annette "I hope you can help her. Help her become less afraid or something..." She looks at her freezing hands, before hiding them in her coat sleeves.
  • 625
629 Annette "You've been there?" Her eyes go wide. "My mum never lets me sneak around in the back room or the cellar!"
  • 630
630 Annette "This must have been really scary..." She looks at her freezing hands, before hiding them in her coat sleeves.
  • 625
631 You "What are you doing now?" Variable["XP.help_annette"] == true and Variable["plaza.annette_kimjanus_mullen"] == true and CheckItem("hat_mullen") == false
  • 632
632 Annette "Math..." She looks into her notebook with trepidation. "It's really difficult. Like -- really. They say you need it to get rich. Better than standing outside in the cold, I guess."
  • 633
633 Annette Suddenly, she smiles and perks up, remembering something. "Oh, oh...! I found something while you were away."
  • 639
634 You "It's a... fedora?"
  • 636
635 You "A detective hat?"
  • 637
636 Annette "Maybe? It's the hat Dick Mullen wears all the time..." She grins with joy. "You'll look way more serious with that."
  • 644
637 Annette "Yes! Just like the one Dick Mullen wears all the time..." She grins. "You'll look way more serious with that."
  • 644
638 None
  • 6
639 You "What is it?"
  • 640
640 Annette "I thought this would fit you..." She gives you a hat -- almost exactly like the one Dick Mullen wears on the covers. "Like thanks for helping out! Not me -- the city I mean. Like a detective does."
  • 641
641 None
  • 701
  • 634
  • 635
  • 642
642 You "Okay, I get it. I can look just like Dick Mullen -- except I'm an actual police officer."
  • 643
643 Annette "Yes!" She grins. "I bet it looks good on you. Really serious."
  • 644
644 Annette Suddenly, she looks back at the infernal scribblings under her nose. "Right. I have to get back to my homework now, before Mum notices. Man, this is *hard*..."
  • 638
645 Annette
  • 646
  • 647
646 Annette Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"]
  • 648
647 Annette (Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"]) == false
  • 46
648 None
  • 6
649 Annette
  • 650
  • 651
650 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"]
  • 599
651 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"]) == false
  • 319
652 You "Say, child... *you* wouldn't happen to know a good fridge, would you?" IsTaskActive("TASK.locate_a_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 653
653 Annette "A fridge?"
  • 654
654 You "Yes. Like a big, big fridge a cop could put a dead body into."
  • 655
655 Annette "Hah!" She smiles. "You mean like the ice bear fridge? Man, that's scary."
  • 656
656 Annette
  • 657
  • 658
657 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 659
658 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 660
659 Kim Kitsuragi "Ice bear fridge?"
  • 661
660 You "Ice bear fridge?"
  • 661
661 Annette "Yes. Like a bear, but white. There's a fridge below the building, in the basement." She points underground. "With red glowing eyes. I went back there once. Behind the bookstore..."
  • 662
662 Annette She lowers her voice. "Mum doesn't want me to go there anymore. Not that I want to. It was pretty scary.
  • 663
663 You "And there's a big fridge there?"
  • 664
664 Annette "Yes." She smiles.
  • 666
  • 667
  • 668
665 None
  • 6
666 You "I can't understand how I didn't notice a giant ice bear fridge myself..." Variable["auto.visited_doomed"]
  • 669
667 You "One more thing. How do I get inside the building?" Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_smash_failure"] == false and Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_once"] == false and Variable["doomed.plais_mentioned_fridge_in_main"] == false and Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == false
  • 670
668 You "One more thing. How do I get inside the building? I already talked to your mom, but she's not letting anyone in." (Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_smash_failure"] or Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_once"] or Variable["doomed.plais_mentioned_fridge_in_main"]) and Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == false
  • 672
669 Annette The girl shrugs cheerfully: "Well, it is pretty dark in there..."
  • 675
670 Annette "Um... that's a problem. The only way in is through the bookstore, but my mum is pretty strict about not letting anyone in."
  • 671
671 Annette "But, I don't know, you're a *police man*..." She says it with admiration, eyeing you up and down. "Maybe you can convince her somehow?"
  • 675
672 Annette "Um... she can be pretty strict, you're right about that. I don't really know what to say. You could try sneaking in?" She smiles shyly, like she's not sure it's the right answer.
  • 673
673 Annette "I'm sorry, sir, I really don't know."
  • 675
674 Annette "Uh..." She doesn't know what to say.
  • 267
675 Annette "Anyway..." She looks around again, her nose red from the cold.
  • 665
676 Annette "You don't look much like a policeman." She examines you, as if to find something policeman-like.
  • 677
  • 14
677 You "Huh, well what does a cop look like then?"
  • 15
678 Empathy What could you do to help her anyway?
  • 141
  • 150
  • 230
679 Savoir Faire Did someone say *sneak around in the cellar*? We should do that.
  • 263
680 You "Yeah, poor people are boring."
  • 681
681 Annette "I guess, yes. People in books are always very interesting. Especially the romance-people."
  • 42
682 You "Okay."
  • 683
683 Annette "Sometimes they break up for a little while, but then they always get back together."
  • 684
684 None
  • 41
685 You "Why can't you help me? I'm beyond help, right?"
  • 374
686 Annette
  • 687
  • 688
687 Annette IsKimHere()
  • 689
688 Annette (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 380
689 Kim Kitsuragi "Wonderful."
  • 380
690 Conceptualization What *was* that? An idea for an unfinished novel stuck somewhere in your fore-brain?
  • 691
691 Volition You clearly have issues you need to address.
  • 692
692 Electrochemistry Later when you get the chance, you should address these issues -- by getting *drunk*. That'll show them!
  • 370
693 Half Light They're all dorks.
  • 138
694 Composure There's more that can be achieved here. Ask her to do the same.
  • 417
  • 418
695 Suggestion You have absolutely no idea. Familiar how? You must have forgotten something you heard again.
  • 696
696 None
  • 6
697 Composure The swivelling eyes of a loony drug addict. That is what she meant. You were probably gurning too.
  • 712
698 Annette "I'm glad I could help you, sir." She smiles a wide, helpful smile.
  • 460
699 Logic Out of the rain and into the gutter.
  • 604
700 Empathy You just can't win.
  • 699
701 You "Wait, where did you get it?"
  • 702
702 Annette "Just what Dick Mullen would ask!" She lowers her voice. "I got it from behind the curtains. I'm not really supposed to go there..."
  • 634
  • 635
  • 642
703 Annette
  • 704
  • 705
704 Annette Variable["doomed.annette_altgreet_passives_shown"]
  • 538
705 Annette (Variable["doomed.annette_altgreet_passives_shown"]) == false
  • 537
706 Annette
  • 707
  • 708
707 Annette Variable["XP.help_annette"]
  • 709
708 Annette (Variable["XP.help_annette"]) == false
  • 455
709 Annette "Yes! I used to stand out there all the time, before mother told me to focus on my homework."
  • 426
710 You "I doubt that."
  • 711
711 Annette "No, you don't have party eyes anymore."
  • 520
712 Annette
  • 713
  • 714
713 Annette Variable["XP.help_annette"]
  • 718
714 Annette (Variable["XP.help_annette"]) == false
  • 446
715 Annette
  • 716
  • 717
716 Annette Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"]
  • 447
  • 445
717 Annette (Variable["plaza.annette_blackcheck_electrochem_narco"]) == false
  • 448
  • 449
718 Savoir Faire Good thing she's didn't say PARTY EYES loud, her mother's nearby...
  • 446
719 You "You don't need to be worried. I'm here to help."
  • 407
720 Annette She sighs -- not relieved, but resigned. "No," she says. "You're right..."
  • 410